Northern Vietnam · NINH BINH TOURS

Ninh Binh Tours: 15 Ways Through the Karsts

89 tours  ·  from $22 a head

Trang An or Tam Coc, Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh, bike or bus: Ninh Binh day trips are built from the same handful of stops in different orders. These 15 sort them by price, route and how long you spend in the rowing boat.

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi - Hoa Lu’s royal temples
Full-Day, Hanoi City Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

1.Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7,761 reviews · from $79Our pick

Spend about 11 hours exploring Ninh Binh with a guide, round-trip Old Quarter transport in a limousine minivan, lunch, a Tam Coc sampan ride, and time for hiking and cycling. Guides such as Nien, May, Phong, and Leo have earned warm praise for their local insight and easygoing style. Expect an active day, including steep steps at Mua Cave.

“Great experience! We enjoyed the tour very much! Leo was a wonderful tour guide and great with kids. It was not crowded and everything was well planned! A must do from Hanoi!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike - A village ride, with no pressure to pedal
Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Hanoi, Full-Day, Hanoi Bike Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike

2.Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,384 reviews · from $33

This 12 to 13 hour group tour pairs Hoa Lu’s royal temples with a Tam Coc river trip, an optional village bike ride and a climb of nearly 500 steps at Mua Cave. Expect an air-conditioned bus, buffet lunch and an English-speaking guide. Guides named Sunny, Linh and Viet have led tours, though your guide is not guaranteed.

“I liked it better then ha long bay! Cycling was great. Go hiking as high as possible. I'd even recommend to stay there for a night!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour - Choose between Bai Dinh and Hoa Lu
Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

3.Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,279 reviews · from $46

Spend a full day in Ninh Binh, choosing either Bai Dinh Pagoda or a Hoa Lu visit with a countryside cycle. Then take a traditional sampan through Trang An’s caves and climb to Mua Cave’s viewpoint. English-speaking guides, buffet lunch, transport and entrance fees are included. Guide names vary, with Ryan, James, Quy, Peter, Jack and Henry among those who have led tours.

“It was such a perfect day! Saw so many beautiful sceneries. The temple was impressive and our guide Henry was so knowledgeable about it all and also patient when we went up the Mua cave which I recommend to do such a rewarding view. Trang an river was out of a movie. I would go again and do a different path option for sure!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh HIGHTLIGHT & HIDDEN GEM Tour From Hanoi: Skip-The-Line - A sampan ride through Tam Coc or Trang An
Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ninh Binh HIGHTLIGHT & HIDDEN GEM Tour From Hanoi: Skip-The-Line

4.Ninh Binh HIGHTLIGHT & HIDDEN GEM Tour From Hanoi: Skip-The-Line

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,212 reviews · from $89

Leave Hanoi early for a small-group Ninh Binh day tour capped at eight people. Ride a sampan through Tam Coc or Trang An, climb 500 steps at Mua Cave, visit pagodas and Hoa Lu, and cross the countryside by bicycle or as a scooter passenger. Guides such as Q, Louis and Tim have led the trip, but your guide will vary.

“Dustin was great. The driver handled the chaotic traffic phenomenally. My highlight was the boat ride. As I was solo I rode with our guide who kept the conversation going the whole time and shared plenty of knowledge.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hanoi/Ninh Binh: 1-Day Tam Coc/Trang An, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves - Hoa Lu’s Temples and Early Vietnamese History
Day Trips from Hanoi, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Hanoi/Ninh Binh: 1-Day Tam Coc/Trang An, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves

5.1-Day Tam Coc/Trang An, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,706 reviews · from $45

Spend a full day outside Hanoi visiting Hoa Lu’s 10th-century temples, then choose a sampan route at Tam Coc or Trang An. The tour includes lunch, optional village cycling, and a climb at Mua Cave for wide views over the countryside and Ngo Dong River. English-speaking guides have included Gary, Thang, and Hai, though guide assignments vary.

“Chong, our guide was amazing. He was super confident on all the curiosities and all the topics we came through. The tour was on time and well scheduled”

Check availability →Read our full review

Buffet Experiences, Day Trips from Hanoi, Full-Day, Hanoi Tours, Hanoi Transfers, Historical Tours, Lunch Experiences, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ninh Binh Heritage Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch and Limousine

6.Ninh Binh Heritage Full Day Tour with Buffet Lunch and Limousine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,692 reviews · from $49

Leave Hanoi Old Quarter around 7:30 am for a full day in Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu’s temples, cycle through the countryside, eat a buffet of local specialties, row along Tam Coc’s Ngo Dong River and climb 500 steps at Mua Cave. The group is capped at 22, and guides such as Jun, Trang and Hai Dang have led the tour.

“Our Ninh Binh Heritage Full Day Tour was exceptional from start to finish — seamless, scenic, and elevated by our amazing guide, Jun. Her warmth, storytelling, and passion for the region turned the entire journey into something truly meRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu-Trang An/Tam Coc-Mua Cave-Cycling-Boat - Lunch is included, but drinks cost extra
Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Hanoi, Hanoi Bike Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu-Trang An/Tam Coc-Mua Cave-Cycling-Boat

7.Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu-Trang An/Tam Coc-Mua Cave-Cycling-Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,886 reviews · from $43

Leave Hanoi around 7 am for a full day in Ninh Binh. Cycle around Hoa Lu’s Dinh and Le temples, eat a Vietnamese buffet lunch, take a bamboo-boat trip through Trang An’s caves, then climb about 500 steps at Mua Cave for wide views. An English-speaking guide leads the group, which can have up to 32 people.

“This itinerary is well organized but it could be improved a little since the main course is the hike to see the dragon. This tour gives you about 45 min to go up and down and this feels a bit rushed, given the difficulty of the hike. The positives: Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hanoi: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave - Best Seller - Hoa Lu’s royal temples and early history
Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Hanoi: Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave – Best Seller

8.Ninh Binh- Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave – Best Seller

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,655 reviews · from $46

Leave Hanoi’s Old Quarter by limousine for Hoa Lu’s royal temples, an optional village bike ride, a Vietnamese buffet, a sampan trip through Trang An’s caves, and the steep climb to Mua Cave’s viewpoint. An English-speaking guide leads the day; guides have included Mike, Lang, Quy, Henry, Jason, and Hero. The boat ride and mountain views are highlights, but expect a full schedule and nearly 500 steps.

“It was a really great day in Ninh Binh, we had Henry who was a lovely guide who made us laugh and explained the Vietnamese history to us. He spoke great English. Everything felt very smooth and effortless. It was a small group- full bus but very easy to navigate and have our own time as well as time together. Everything from cycling, boating and climbing the mountain. The food was also excellent! Great choices and very fresh! We had the best day. Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh: Full-Day Small Group of 9 Guided Tour from Hanoi - Cycling between Tam Coc’s limestone peaks
Full-Day, Guided, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ninh Binh Full-Day Small Group of 9 Guided Tour from Hanoi

9.Ninh Binh Full-Day Small Group of 9 Guided Tour from Hanoi

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,422 reviews · from $85

Leave Hanoi in an air-conditioned vehicle capped at nine people for a full day in Ninh Binh. Climb Mua Cave for wide views, cycle beside rice fields and limestone peaks, take a sampan ride through Tam Coc, then visit Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Lunch, entry fees, water, and an English-speaking guide are included.

“it was a great day with Tam! we were a small group (just me & one more person) which made the whole experience even better.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Hanoi: 3-Day Ninh Binh, Ha Long, & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise - Day two: Ninh Binh to the bay
3-Day Experiences, Cat Ba Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Hanoi: 3-Day Ninh Binh, Ha Long, & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise

10.3-Day Ninh Binh, Ha Long, & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,401 reviews · from $313

Travel from Hanoi to Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave, then spend a night in Ninh Binh and a night aboard a five-star Lan Ha Bay cruise. Expect a river boat ride, a steep viewpoint climb, kayaking or cave visits, and meals along the way. Guides may include Peter, James, Dat, or Leo, but assignments can vary.

“Loved the cruise. Activities, food everything was great. The staff was very attentive and the rooms were beautiful”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh Day Trip: Bai Dinh-Trang An-Mua Cave, Buffet, Boat, Bus - A buffet lunch before the river
Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Day Trips from Hanoi, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Ninh Binh Day Trip: Bai Dinh-Trang An-Mua Cave, Buffet, Boat, Bus

11.Ninh Binh Day Trip: Bai Dinh-Trang An-Mua Cave, Buffet, Boat, Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,183 reviews · from $55

Leave Hanoi Old Quarter by shuttle for Bai Dinh Pagoda, a Vietnamese buffet, a two-hour bamboo boat ride through Trang An, and Mua Cave’s nearly 500-step climb. An English-speaking guide leads the day. Son is one guide praised for his help and local knowledge, but guides may vary.

“A great day. The temple was impressive. The view from the river stunning. I would strongly recommend these place to visit”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh Day Tour To Visit Hoa Lu - Trang An/Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Choose Trang An or Tam Coc carefully
Day Trips from Hanoi, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ninh Binh Day Tour To Visit Hoa Lu – Trang An/Tam Coc – Mua Cave

12.Ninh Binh Day Tour To Visit Hoa Lu – Trang An/Tam Coc – Mua Cave

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,081 reviews · from $50

Leave Hanoi by limousine bus for Hoa Lu’s royal temples, a village bike ride, a Vietnamese buffet and your choice of a Trang An or Tam Coc boat trip. Finish with nearly 500 steps to Mua Cave’s high viewpoint. The group is capped at 20; guides have included Ryan, Quy and Giang.

“So fun and absolutely worth the price.tour guide knowledgeable and friendly. The activities are absolutely so worth it. The boat ride is incredible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Day: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay Luxury Cruise - Hoa Lu gives Ninh Binh a human story
2-Day Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ha Long Bay Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

2-Day: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

13.2-Day: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 842 reviews · from $110

This two-day tour runs as two separate day trips from Hanoi, with no overnight stay. Explore Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave on day one; cruise Ha Long Bay on day two, with kayaking or a bamboo boat, caves, Titop Island, and a sunset snack. English-speaking guides have included Sunny, Ken, and Alex, though your guide may differ.

“Perfect! The guide Ken was very kind and helpful! Thank you Vietnam!! 🇻🇳🇨🇱”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Hanoi: Tam Coc Boat Trip and Hoa Lu & Mua Cave Tour - Hoa Lu’s temples and royal past
Cruises & Boat Tours, Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Hanoi: Tam Coc Boat Trip and Hoa Lu & Mua Cave Tour

14.Tam Coc Boat Trip and Hoa Lu & Mua Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 733 reviews · 1 day · from $43

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with an English-speaking guide for Hoa Lu’s royal temples, Mua Cave’s steep 500-step climb and a two-hour Tam Coc boat ride through caves and limestone peaks. Lunch, entrance fees and Old Quarter transfers are included. Guides vary; past tours have been led by Thomas, Loi, Brian and Tony.

“Tom was one of the sweetest guides I ever met. He was under so much pressure that day and insisted that nobody leave him a tip. At first I didn’t want to be on the tour as I felt that the bus was too full but he kindly talked me into staying and was so gentle with his manner. I’m so glad that I did stay. Although the tour itself was disorganised, it wasn’t Tom’s fault, I could tell. He was just such a lovely guy and I did really enjoy all of the independent mini trips, temple, bike ride, boats down the river and the climb. Absolutely brilliant. I’ll…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ninh Binh Day Trips- from Hanoi - Mua Cave: a steep climb with a wide payoff
Hanoi Tours, Ninh Binh Tours, Tour Reviews

Ninh Binh Day Trips- from Hanoi

15.Ninh Binh Day Trips- from Hanoi

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 669 reviews · from $35

Spend about 10.5 hours traveling from Hanoi’s Old Quarter into Ninh Binh, choosing a route that pairs a river boat trip with sites such as Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Bich Dong, or Bai Dinh. Expect an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and a Vietnamese buffet lunch. Guides including Max, Lee, Tony, Dat, and Thoai have led trips, but the guide is not guaranteed.

“Such a peaceful place The illuminated temples were exquisite and our guide was receptive and friendly”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Ninh Binh Tours

★ 5.03-Day – Ninh Binh – Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise & BalconyFrom $2844 reviews
★ 4.73-Day Ninh Binh Bungalow & Ha Long Bay 5 Star CruiseFrom $2847 reviews
★ 4.33-Day Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay Cruise with HomestayFrom $2933 reviews
★ 4.73 Day Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay 5 Star Cruise & BalconyFrom $29583 reviews
★ 5.03-Day: Ha Long–Lan Ha Bay & Ninh Binh 5 Stars CruiseFrom $2668 reviews
★ 4.83 Day 2 Night Bai Tu Long Bay Luxury JunkFrom $35514 reviews
★ 4.32-Day Ninh Binh Tour with Accommodation & Meals, Small GroupFrom $1094 reviews
★ 4.82 Day Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh- Trang An/Tam Coc- Mua CaveFrom $18918 reviews
★ 4.82-Day Ninh Binh Tour with Ha Long Bay Cruise57 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Sightseeing TourFrom $1616 reviews
★ 5.02-Day Tour to Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With TransferFrom $1815 reviews
★ 4.82-Day Ha Long Bay Tour with Ninh Binh and CruiseFrom $11048 reviews
★ 4.72-Day Ninh Binh Tour with Accommodation & MealsFrom $21064 reviews
★ 4.92-Day Ha Noi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay Highlights TourFrom $16131 reviews
★ 4.8Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Caves & Buffet LunchFrom $505 reviews

Keep browsing

Day Trips from Hanoi96Hanoi Craft Village Tours15
Scroll to Top

Explore northern Vietnam

Pick a bay, a back lane or a mountain road.

In Hanoi

Old Quarter WalksTrain StreetWater PuppetsStreet FoodCoffee Workshops

On the water

Overnight CruisesKayakingCat Ba & Lan HaHa Long Bay Tours

Inland

Ninh BinhPerfume PagodaCraft VillagesDay Trips

Up north

Sapa TreksHa Giang LoopBan Gioc FallsPu LuongMai Chau