Ninh Binh HIGHTLIGHT & HIDDEN GEM Tour From Hanoi: Skip-The-Line
Overview
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Discover the authentic charm of northern Vietnam with our luxury & Small Group Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi. This immersive day trip blends food, adventure, culture, and breathtaking nature, allowing you to explore the highlights & hidden gems of the UNESCO-listed Ninh Binh region, often called “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
What sets our tour apart?
✅ Early departure – avoid crowds & traffic
✅ Small group for a personalized experience
✅ Combination of boat, bike/scooter & hike in one day
✅ Local insights from friendly, English-speaking guides
✅ Luxury comfort with authentic local touches
✅ Experience the best Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi — where every moment combines natural beauty, culture, and unforgettable adventure.
● 18:00 – 18:30, you are back in Hanoi, You got time for a night planned in Hanoi.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Old Quarter
6:30 - 6:45 AM, you get picked up from your hotel or meeting point. Waking up early for this tour will ensure that you have the best day ever for three reasons. ● We can avoid the heavy traffic in Hanoi. Navigating through the busy city center can be time-consuming during rush hour. However, if we depart at 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM, we can bypass this congestion and reach Ninh Binh in just 20 minutes, saving us precious time. ● Being early birds allows us to beat the crowds at the tourist sites. We can enjoy the attractions without encountering many people or waiting in long queues. This way, we can maximize our time and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. ● Starting our morning hike up to Mua cave early helps us beat the heat of the day. We can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the area while feeling refreshed and energized. "Early to bed, early to rise," let us assist you in having a fantastic day by waking up early and experiencing the best that this tour has to offer.
Mua Caves
After a 2-hour car journey from Hanoi, it's time for us to engage in some physical activity by ascending the magnificent natural Great Wall of Mua mountain, as well as exploring the Mua cave. This location offers the most optimal spot to admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Additionally, embarking on an early hike would allow us to avoid the oppressive heat and the large crowds that gather later in the day. As the day progresses, the heat intensifies and the site becomes heavily thronged by hundreds of thousands of tourists, all due to its viral fame. If you don’t like the touristy hike, alternatively, we have a 300-step, rugged hidden gem hike at the holy and secret mountain where you could feel the serenity of nature and breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, forest, and surrounding villages.
What‘s Included
Visiting Bich Dong Pagoda , a beautiful old temple nestled of the mountains
Authentic Countryside Vietnamese home food experiences at the riverside restaurant
Visiting Coi Khe Village and experiencing local daily lives and cultural exchanges
1.5 Hour Boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An depending on the season of the year.
2 Hour Countryside Cycling or Scooter riding ( we provide Scooter driver, you are pillion passenger)
30 minutes - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital visit
Round trip stransfer Hanoi - Ninh Binh ( Pick-up & drop-off from your hotels in the Old Quarter
Vistiting Thai Vi & Ben Thanh rice fields and valleys
Climbing 500 steps up to Mua Cave for spectacular panoramic review of mountain, river & villages
Professional English speaking tour guide through out the trip
Tip & gratuity
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Scooter Ride around Tam Coc
Vespa/ Scooter/ Motorbike
Small Group with Scooter
Duration: 12 hours
Lunch at local family
Vespa, Motorbike or Scooter
Pickup included
Cycling around Tam coc
Cycling
Comfortable
Duration: 2 hours
bicycle, Bike, moutain bike
Pickup included
Reviews
4,016 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Experience
robertt263,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed this tour. It went without a hitch, the sights were great. Food good, and the guide and bus driver were excellent
All-inclusive unique tour
Amy T,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Spent a full day in Ninh Binh with transport from our hotel in Hanoi. Package includes many fun activities including a short hike, Jeep ride and a boating experience. The day was full but well-paced so we never felt too tired. Hiu was a highly knowledgeable, charismatic and organised guide. He is well read in Vietnamese history, enthusiastic, and knows all the good photo spots ;)) Highly recommend.
Memorable
Brian K,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. As advertised and even exceeded my already high expectations. Very memorable experience.
Ninh Binh highlights
NKimP,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day, fitting in lots of different experiences to suit the whole family. Good value to see highlights in one day and well organised. Tasty lunch.
An Unforgettable Day Out
Nandiinii,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience and very highly recommended. Ninh Binh is truly mystic and magical. The landscapes feel straight out of a painting and the whole place has a calm, timeless vibe. Q, our tour guide, was excellent: super knowledgeable, lively, and fun to be around. He shared great insights about the history and local culture and kept the group engaged throughout. The tour was very well coordinated, smooth, and relaxed, which made the experience even better. Overall, a fantastic tour and a must-do if you’re visiting Ninh Binh.
As advertised. Great tour.
briankK3404XR,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great time, so beautiful. As advertised. Tour guide was passionate. Q was my tour guide. Whole group really enjoyed everything. Lunch wasn’t typical tour lunch. Very good.
Great Tour
781lukaz,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was amazing, very nice scenery and the guide Hugh (Jackman) was extremely kind. The boat ride, hike and food were especially a highlight. Would definitely recommend.
Ninh Binh
brettz777,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hiu was an amazing guide and highly recommended this tour! The scenery was incredible and a very caring and personal guide.
Perfect Honeymoon Day Trip
340amatac,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was well-organized. There was plenty of free time and time for rest. Our guide, Lewis, was very knowledgeable and also very funny – which helped make the trip go smoothly. The driver was confident in his driving skills and we didn't feel anxious at all while navigating Vietnamese traffic.
Scenic getaway from Hanoi
811mandar,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic and worthwhile day trip! Starting early in the morning, we met our friendly tour guide Lewis and our HA bus driver, who took us to Ninh Binh. After introducing us to the history of the King's Temple and meeting the schoolchildren, Lewis took us to Dragon Mountain, where the scenery was breathtaking! Next, we relaxed on boats on the river, being rowed by locals through the landscape and even the caves! Upon docking, we were greeted with a delicious lunch, filling us up for the upcoming motorbike ride. Motorbike riding through Ninh Binh town was wonderful as we explored the temples and admired the villages. Ending the journey with a stop to enjoy local tea was the perfect ending to such a fun day!
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