Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu, Trang An or Tam Coc and Mua Cave

A day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, a land of limestone peaks reflected in rivers often called "Ha Long Bay on land". You visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with its temples to the Dinh and Le kings, then board a sampan rowed by locals through caves and rice fields at Trang An or Tam Coc, depending on your option. In the afternoon, climb almost five hundred stone steps to the top of Mua Cave for a sweeping view of the Ngo Dong River winding through the paddies. Some options swap Hoa Lu for Bai Dinh Pagoda or extend to two days and one night; the pickup point, lunch and itinerary for each option appear when you choose a date. Bring grippy shoes, water and a hat, especially for the midday climb at Mua Cave.