Bai Dinh Pagoda illuminated at night, featuring glowing temple halls, traditional Vietnamese architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere under the evening sky.
A traveler wearing a traditional Vietnamese conical hat sits on a rocky viewpoint at Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, overlooking dramatic limestone karsts, lush green rice fields, and the picturesque Tam Coc valley under a bright sky.
Ninh Binh Excursion 2D1N - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Travelers kayaking through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush green islands.
Two visitors watch the sun setting over the calm waters of Ha Long Bay, with limestone islands silhouetted against a warm orange sky.
View of Ha Long Bay from the entrance of Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave, featuring emerald waters, limestone karsts, and cruise boats.
Interior of Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave in Ha Long Bay, featuring massive limestone chambers, stalactites, stalagmites, and illuminated rock formations.
From $ US

Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay 2D1N

Code

VNI 14

Duration

2D1N

Overview

A Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay 2D1N tour is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience two of Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO destinations in just two days. From the peaceful rivers, ancient temples, and limestone mountains of Ninh Binh to the spectacular emerald waters and dramatic islands of Ha Long Bay, this journey combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam for the first time or looking for a memorable short getaway from Hanoi, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and local experiences.

Highlight

  • Begin your journey by exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu or the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda.
  • Next, enjoy a scenic boat trip through Trang An or Tam Coc.
  • After that, climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic countryside views.
  • Later, relax overnight at a peaceful bungalow or homestay in Ninh Binh.
  • The following day, cruise through the spectacular limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
  • Along the way, visit the impressive Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave).
  • For a more adventurous experience, enjoy kayaking or take a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave.
  • Before heading back, visit Titov Island, known for its sandy beach and panoramic viewpoint.
  • Finally, savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine throughout the journey.

Detail

Itinerary

DAY 1: HANOI – NINH BINH – MUA CAVE

(Lunch, Dinner)

Depart from Hanoi and travel through the beautiful countryside landscapes of the Red River Delta toward Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s most famous natural and cultural destinations.

Morning Options

Option 1: Bai Dinh Pagoda

To begin the day, visit the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, surrounded by magnificent limestone mountains and peaceful valleys.

Highlights include:

  • Among the highlights are 500 stone statues of Arhats.
  • You’ll also see giant bronze bells.
  • In addition, the thousand-hand Quan Yin statue.
  • Most impressively, the massive Gautama Buddha statue.

Option 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Alternatively, discover Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Here, visit the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le while learning about the early history of Dai Viet.

Lunch

After your morning excursion, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties at a traditional restaurant.

Afternoon Options

Option 1: Trang An Boat Trip

In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex on a traditional sampan boat journey through rivers, caves, temples, and limestone valleys surrounded by untouched natural beauty.

Option 2: Tam Coc Boat Trip

Or, relax on a peaceful boat ride through Tam Coc, famous for its limestone mountains, rice fields, caves, and beautiful countryside scenery often called “Ha Long Bay on Land.”

Mua Cave Viewpoint

Later in the day, continue to Mua Cave and climb to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Northern Vietnam, overlooking rivers, rice paddies, and limestone peaks.

Evening & Overnight

After an active day, check in at your bungalow or homestay and enjoy free time to relax by the pool, unwind in the peaceful countryside atmosphere, or spend the evening at the poolside bar.

Finally, dinner is served at the accommodation.


DAY 2: NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY – HANOI

(Breakfast, Lunch)

Following breakfast and check-out, depart for the world-famous Ha Long Bay.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, board the cruise for an unforgettable journey through thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

During the cruise, guests will:

  • First, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board.
  • Next, visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave).
  • For a more active experience, enjoy kayaking or take a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave.
  • Afterwards, visit Titov Island, known for its sandy beach and panoramic viewpoint.
  • Throughout the journey, admire the iconic limestone formations scattered across the bay.

Before returning to Hanoi, relax on the sundeck while cruising back toward the harbor and soak in the final views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tour price

From $ US

Trip note

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for Mua Cave (approximately 500 stone steps).
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially during summer.
  • Swimming and kayaking activities depend on the weather
  • Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
  • Children and elderly travelers should take extra care when climbing Mua Cave.
  • Passport copy may be required for cruise registration.

Inclusion

  • English-speaking guide during sightseeing activities
  • 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
  • Entrance tickets mentioned in the itinerary
  • Boat trips in Trang An/Tam Coc and Ha Long Bay
  • Overnight accommodation at bungalow or homestay
  • Complimentary bottled water on bus
  • Swimming pool access at bungalow
  • Ha Long Bay cruise with lunch and afternoon tea

Exclusion

  • Beverages and travel insurance
  • Kayaking or bamboo boat in Ha Long Bay
  • (approximately 100,000 VND/person)
  • Electric car at Bai Dinh Pagoda
  • (150,000 VND/person)
  • Personal expenses and tips
  • Single room supplement
  • Tour guide overnight service at bungalow and following morning

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