Hoa Lu and Tam Coc

Highlights:

Private day trip from Hanoi with guide, car and driver
Stunning rural scenery, mountains, villages and rivers
Sampan trip on the river

Overview:

Delve deeper into Vietnam’s past with this private day trip from Hanoi to the picturesque Ninh Binh area 2 and half hours south from Hanoi. Discover Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, before taking a sampan trip down the Tam Coc River, famous for charming grottoes and limestone karst mountains.

Description:

Admire the stunning landscapes of rural Vietnam on a day tour from Hanoi

Pick up from your Hanoi hotel by private car and local guide and drive around 70 miles, about 2 hours, out of the city to the region known as ‘Halong on land’ as the scenery is so reminiscent of Halong Bay’s limestone karst mountains. At Hoa Lu admire the temples of the Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) which are the only remnants of the 10th century capital of Vietnam. If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu (for the fit and healthy), take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views of rice paddies, streams, mountains and traditional houses. At Tam Coc you can rest and enjoy lunch before taking a sampan (a small wooden boat usually rowed by a local woman) along the river. Should you feel adventurous climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating to 1428 and comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. Following its back by sampan to Tam Coc town before returning to Hanoi where you arrive in the late afternoon. Return to your hotel in Hanoi by car at the end of an enchanting day!

Price includes: