NINH BINH 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS TOUR

MORNING:

07:00: Vietnam Tourist’s tour guide willl pick you up at the designated point in Ha noi depart for your 3-day, 2-night Ninh Binh tour.

10:00: Arrive in Ninh Binh and visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Vietnam. The pagoda is renowned for holding several national and Asian records, including the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and one of the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statues in Southeast Asia. It is a remarkable spiritual and cultural landmark known for its impressive architecture and sacred atmosphere.

Our Vietnam Tourist guide will accompany you to explore Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam and home to several national records. From the parking area, guests will take an electric shuttle to the main temple entrance, approximately 3 km away.

10:30: Return by electric shuttle to the main entrance area and transfer to a local restaurant.

LUCNH:

11:30: Enjoy lunch featuring local Ninh Binh specialties. Check in hotel and relax.

AFTERNOON:

15:30: Visit Mua Cave, located at the foot of the majestic Ngoa Long Mountain, approximately 10 km from Ninh Binh City and within the core area of the Trang An World Heritage Complex. The cave itself resembles a giant upside-down bell with an area of around 800 square meters.

From the base of the mountain, you will see a spectacular stone staircase leading to the summit. The 486 stone steps, often compared to a miniature Great Wall, are beautifully adorned with intricate dragon and phoenix carvings inspired by the artistic style of the Tran Dynasty.

The highlight of the visit is reaching the mountaintop, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc’s stunning landscape, including winding rivers, dramatic limestone mountains, and vast rice fields stretching into the distance. Mua Cave is also one of Ninh Binh’s most popular photography spots and a favorite location for wedding photoshoots.

17:30: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

EVENING: Enjoy your free time exploring Ninh Binh at night.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

MORNING:

07:00: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out.
08:30: Arrive at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and enjoy a scenic sampan boat ride through its spectacular waterways. Discover magnificent limestone mountains, tranquil rivers, fascinating caves, and ancient temples while immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this UNESCO-listed destination.

Vietnam Tourist selects Route 2 for your Trang An experience. Cruise along the peaceful Sao Khe River on a traditional sampan boat and admire the stunning natural scenery of Trang An. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, lush landscapes, and tranquil waterways, visitors can fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On misty days, the mountain peaks are often covered by clouds, creating a truly picturesque and unforgettable atmosphere.
Route 2 Detailed Itinerary & Highlights:
 - Lam Cave: A 60-meter-long natural cave opening up to the breathtaking Lam Valley, offering untouched natural beauty and limestone formations.
 - Cao Son Temple: A historic temple restored in 2017, dedicated to General Cao Son (from the 18th Hung King era), honored for defending the nation and controlling floods.
 - Vang Cave (Echo Cave): A spectacular 250-meter-long cave known for its unique acoustics and rich aquatic life (also locally called the "Fish Cave").
 - Thuy Dinh Pavilion: An iconic traditional waterside pavilion used for folk music performances. Located near the historic Vu Lam Royal Steps, this architectural masterpiece is the most popular photo and check-in spot in Trang An.

- Thanh Truot Cave & Dia Linh Mountain: Pass through Thanh Truot Cave, a mysterious site associated with a fascinating local legend dating back to the Ly Dynasty. Right after the cave, admire the impressive Dia Linh Mountain as it rises dramatically and majestically from the emerald water.
- Suoi Tien Temple: Arrive at this sacred spiritual and cultural landmark nestled in beautiful natural scenery. The temple is dedicated to Quynh Minh Dai Vuong and his consort, holding deep cultural significance within the heritage complex.
- Dai Cave (Great Cave): One of the largest caves in the Trang An Ecotourism Complex. Stretching approximately 200 meters in length, it welcomes visitors with a spacious interior filled with magnificent, thousands-of-years-old limestone formations.
- Vu Lam Royal Steps (Vu Lam Palace): The spectacular final stop of your boat journey. This historic site served as a crucial military base during the Tran Dynasty, playing an important role in the successful resistance against the Mongol invasions. It is also closely associated with the Tran Kings, who later embraced Buddhism and significantly contributed to its development in Vietnam.

10:30: The boat returns to the main pier. Disembark and proceed to the restaurant.

LUNCH:

11:30:  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. 
AFTERNOON:

14:30: Transfer to the Tam Coc boat pier, the starting point of a scenic journey along the Ngo Dong River, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land” for its spectacular limestone landscapes.

15:00: Board a traditional rowing boat and begin your exploration of Tam Coc. Each small boat, skillfully operated by local rowers using either their hands or feet, accommodates 2–4 passengers and takes you through breathtaking scenery of limestone karsts, peaceful waterways, and unspoiled countryside.

As the journey unfolds, you will be treated to a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a traditional ink painting:

- The peaceful Ngo Dong River, with its crystal-clear waters winding gracefully through towering limestone mountains.

- Vast rice fields  stretching along both riverbanks, especially stunning during the golden harvest season from May to June.

- Majestic limestone cliffs, covered with ancient moss and reflected on the calm water, creating a scene that is both dramatic and poetic.

*Explore the Three Remarkable Caves

The name Tam Coc literally means "Three Caves," referring to a series of natural caves formed along the Ngo Dong River:

- Hang Ca (First Cave) – The largest of the three, stretching approximately 127 meters through a limestone mountain. Its cool and tranquil atmosphere offers a unique experience.

- Hang Hai (Second Cave) – About 70 meters long, featuring a lower ceiling and fascinating stalactites in various natural formations.

- Hang Ba (Third Cave) – The shortest cave at around 40 meters, yet equally captivating with its peaceful and mysterious ambiance.

During the approximately 1.5-hour boat journey, you can relax amid the fresh air and stunning scenery while capturing memorable photos of one of Ninh Binh’s most picturesque landscapes.

17:00: Return to the hotel by coach and enjoy some time at leisure.

19:00: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

EVENING: Free at leisure to explore Ninh Binh City and experience its vibrant nighttime atmosphere at your own pace.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

MORNING

07:00: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Free time to relax or enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool facilities.

09:30: Check out of the hotel.

10:00: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Highlights include:

• Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang – Dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, who unified the country after the period of the Twelve Warlords and founded the Dinh Dynasty.
• Temple of King Le Dai Hanh – Honoring King Le Dai Hanh, celebrated for defending the nation against Song invasions and strengthening the country during its early years of independence.
• Learn about the history of Hoa Lu as Vietnam’s ancient capital, admire its traditional architecture, and discover the historical relics that have been preserved for centuries.

LUNCH

11:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

AFTERNOON

13:00: Depart for Hanoi by coach.

16:00: Arrive in Hanoi. Your guide and driver will transfer you to the designated drop-off point, marking the end of your 3-day, 2-night Ninh Binh tour. Thank you for traveling with Vietnam Tourist, and we look forward to welcoming you on another journey in the future.

Please note: The itinerary may be adjusted by the tour guide due to operational conditions while ensuring all scheduled attractions are included. During the tour, guests will also have the opportunity to visit a silk shop and a local specialty store.

We wish you a pleasant and memorable trip!