Located in Ninh Binh province 100 km Southeast of Hanoi, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are two of the most picturesque spots in all of the North. For 41 years, from 968 to 1009 CE, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam. Nearby Tam Coc is often referred to as “Ha Long among the rice paddies.” Visitors are conveyed by rowboat along the peaceful Tam Coc stream past green fields and the feet of mountains into the mouths of caves, where they encounter new surprises, like stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer like gemstones just inches from the water.
Itinerary
07.30 – 08.30 am: Get picked up by our tour guide then depart for Ninh Binh province (90 km South of Hanoi). Have a break 20 minutes halfway to relax and experience Vietnamese handicraft products such as lacquer wares, paintings, embroideries…
10.30 am: Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital which is once depicted the ancient capital of Vietnam, settled up in the 10th century.
11.00 am: Visit temples of two dynasties of Dinh and Le with unique architecture in the old time.
11.30 am: Visit the excavation area beside the Le Dai Hanh temple. You experience the vestiges of Royal Palaces ground dated back the 10th century. Go back to the bus and drive to Tam Coc.
CYCLING RIDE (optional): Those who love to explore real countryside images of Vietnam can proceed with a 40-minutes cycling ride along the country lane (from Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda, estimated time 40 minutes for 5km cycling 2 ways), experiencing the beautiful scenery of lush paddy fields. Finish the cycling ride at Tam Coc docks in time for a buffet lunch in the restaurant.
14.00 pm: Board the sampan boats (2 people share a boat) in Tam Coc dock to drift down the river among the villages, mountains, and lush rice fields. Passing through 3 caves “Hang Ca – First cave, Hang Hai – Second cave, Hang Ba – Third cave” to get a strange feeling. The boat returns to the dock for the car drive back to Hanoi.
18.00 pm: Arrive in Hanoi. Tour ends.
Inclusion
– Pick up and drop off at your hotel by modern air-conditioned car
– Experienced and enthusiastic driver
– Professional English speaking tour guide
– Lunch
– Entrance fee and boat fee
Exclusion
– Drinks
– Travel insurance
– Personal expenses
Notes:
– Special request (diet or vegetarian,…) should be sent before your departure date
– The itinerary can be changed due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions