
Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour worth booking?
Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour is a 10-hour experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, from $48 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (6)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $48 per person
Enjoy a 10-hour tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu and World Heritage–listed Tam Coc for a day of exploring natural wonders and historic landmarks. You'll visit a temple from the 10th century, meet locals, and admire the scenery of rice paddies as you experience the area by both sampan (a wooden boat) and bicycle for a multi-perspective adventure. Lunch is included.
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy a 10-hour tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu and World Heritage–listed Tam Coc for a day of exploring natural wonders and historic landmarks. You'll visit a temple from the 10th century, meet locals, and admire the scenery of rice paddies as you experience the area by both sampan (a wooden boat) and bicycle for a multi-perspective adventure. Lunch is included.
What's included
Included
- Lunch of local cuisine
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- All entrance sightseeing fees and tickets
- Small activity: Cycling for 30 minutes after lunch
- Do not tip if local people request it (It is beyond our control, but we want to inform our tourists)
- Professional English speaking guide
- Complimentary water bottles on the bus
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
Not included
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Drinks and other meals
What you'll see and do
Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
It’s hard not to be won over by the mystical, watery beauty of the Tam Coc "three caves" region, which is effectively a miniature landlocked version of Ha Long Bay. The film Indochine helped to put it on the tourist map, and both good and bad have come of its burgeoning popularity – access roads have been improved, though some of the canal banks themselves have been lined with concrete. In addition, Tam Coc has become relentlessly commercial, with many travellers having a wonderful day spoiled by hard-sell antics at the end of their trip
120 minutes here · Admission included
Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh & le Dynasties
Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. It lies in Ninh Binh Province. The area is one of ricefields broken by limestone mountains, and is approximately 90 km south of Hanoi. Together with Phat Diệm Cathedral, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Bai Đinh Temple, Trang An, and Cuc Phương, Hoa Lu is a tourist destinations in Ninh Binh Province.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Mua Caves
It’s a fair climb up hundreds of steps (500) lead you to a temple on top of a hill, the spectacular views from Hang Mua over Tam Coc and Ninh Binh’s stunning countryside are well worth the effort
60 minutes here · Admission included
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong pagoda is one of the most attractive landmark in Ninh Binh. It is also known as the second beautiful cave of the Southern, after Huong Tich cave in Ha Tay.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hanoi
Free pick up Hotels in Old Quarter of Hanoi. Airbnb/Apartment/Homestay please come to our office for tour departure: 31 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Free pick up Hotels in Old Quarter of Hanoi. Airbnb/Apartment/Homestay please come to our office for tour departure: 31 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Options you can book
Join In Hoa Lu, Mua, Tam Coc
Duration: 9 hours Lunch: Local food of Ninh Binh. Especially Goat Meat Depend on group size: We would arrange the best fit of the group with the comfort of transport Join In Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Tour: Join in Group of Hoa Lu - Tam Coc to learn more about the northern Vietnamese countryside, history, and culture on a full-day tour
Private Hoa Lu-Mua-Tam Coc
Duration: 9 hours: Start pick up 07:30. Finish 18:30 Lunch with Local food Air-conditional bus Private Hoa Lu - Tam Coc Tour: Enjoy Hoa Lu and Tam Coc tour with your private car and guide to make the best comfort for your trip. Take the lunch at the Traditional Restaurant with the traditional meal of the Locals
Limousine Transfer Small Group
Luxury Group Limo Transfer: Take Luxury Group Limousine Transfer pick up Hotels in Hanoi. Group maximum 7-8 Person with Professional Tour Guide Duration: 9 hours: Start pick up 07:30. Finish 18:30 Local Special Food Limousine Transfer: With comfortable Limousine Transfer for small group maximum 8 people make the best comfort with pace and care from tour guide Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Charming Vietnam Travel
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
great
Milano was a great tour guide. He always made sure that everyone was safe and well taken care for, and he always made sure to talk about the history of places before we go to them. Really accommodating and overall would recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Great
Well planned trips. Tour guide gave some good explanations and enough time to enjoy everything. Best part was the hike and the boat
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour Highly Recommended!! It’s a must!!
This is a great tour that takes you to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in a day. In the morning we went to the different temples in Hoa Lu and took in the beautiful scenery. Don’t worry if you are wearing shorts as it can be warm. The temple provide you with a skirt to cover up. At lunch it was buffet style and the food was very nice. If you wanted an extra drink it costs 25,000 dong upwards which isn’t too pricey considering. In the afternoon we were taken out on the boat along Tam Coc River. The lady on the boat was very nice and talkative, at the end we gave her a tip. At no point did she ask for a tip or push us to give her one before the end of the boat trip. After this we went on the bikes which is optional, as it takes you around Tam Coc on a small path, be careful of traffic and bumpy paths. I would recommend this as the scenery is beautiful. Our tour guide kept us entertained throughout the day and was very informative. It was a very enjoyable tour and we would recommend this to everyone as if is a must when visiting Hanoi. Thank you to the tour guide and team for a great day!!
via Tripadvisor
Worth a visit if you have time
Tamcoc as a place is very beautiful and it's great to see some of the countryside. However, I feel there must be better tours to go on. The guide was very friendly but lacked the local knowledge we were looking for. Got the feeling that some of what was being said was made up on the fly. The boat ride was good. You spend 2 hours on the water being rowed around. This was followed by a very short trip on bikes following our guide. The bikes were falling apart but were fine for 30 mins (tourist got the rickety old ones, the guide got a much better bike). Overall it was good but not great
via Tripadvisor
fascinating landscape
Very nice excursion to these natural beauties with a well informed guide (sound). Only the long drive and lunch in a typical tourist restaurant give few minus points.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $48 to $193
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Charming Vietnam Travel, who run 32 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.2.
See everything Charming Vietnam Travel runsWhy this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hanoi.
How much does Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour cost?
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Prices start at $48 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hanoi usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hanoi is not rushed.
Is Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hanoi, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hanoi can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hanoi and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hanoi within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hanoi?
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On Outty we rank every Hanoi experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ha Giang Loop 3-Day Small Group - from Hanoi, (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR, Incense Village Quang Phu Cau, Hat Village and Hanoi City Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hanoi?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hanoi?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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Included: Lunch of local cuisine; Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle; All entrance sightseeing fees and tickets; Small activity: Cycling for 30 minutes after lunch; and Do not tip if local people request it (It is beyond our control, but we want to inform our. Not included: Tips and gratuities; Travel insurance; and Drinks and other meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 48 listed pickup locations in and around Hanoi. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hanoi. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Ninh Binh: The best of Hoa Lu, Hang Mua Hiking, Tam Coc Boat Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Join In Hoa Lu, Mua, Tam Coc, Private Hoa Lu-Mua-Tam Coc, Limousine Transfer Small Group. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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