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Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day
USD
$69
/pax
Why you’ll love this trip?
- See Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave – Ninh Binh’s three highlights – on one all-inclusive group day trip from Hanoi.
- Walk through the 10th-century royal temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh at Hoa Lu.
- Cycle 30 minutes along flat village lanes and enjoy a buffet lunch of local dishes.
- Spend about 1.5 hours on a Tam Coc rowing boat through river caves.
- Climb about 500 steps to the Lying Dragon viewpoint at Mua Cave for the best panorama in Ninh Binh.
- Fixed price from US$69 per person, with hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Tour Information & Itinerary
The Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour 1 day is a shared, guided day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, about 95–100 km south. You visit the temples of Hoa Lu, cycle through a village, enjoy a buffet lunch, take about 1.5 hours by rowing boat at Tam Coc, then climb about 500 steps at Mua Cave for the best view in Ninh Binh. Prices start at US$69 per person.
Status (checked October 2026): this group tour runs daily with hotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Mua Cave’s 500-step climb is steep and best done in comfortable shoes; boat trips can pause briefly after very heavy rain. Tam Coc’s rice is golden only from late May to early June.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | 1 day, about 11.5–12 hours (no overnight stay) |
|---|---|
| Route | Hanoi – Hoa Lu – village cycling – Tam Coc – Mua Cave – Hanoi |
| Tour style | Joined (shared) group tour with an English-speaking guide |
| Group size | Up to 17–19 guests (limousine) or 26–30 guests (shuttle bus) |
| Departure | Daily |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter, 7:30–8:00; back about 19:00–19:30 |
| Driving time | About 2–2.5 hours each way, with a 15–20-minute rest stop |
| Transport | Shared limousine van or shuttle bus; rowing boat (2–3 guests per boat); bicycle |
| Meals | Buffet lunch with local dishes (vegetarian option) |
| Fitness | Moderate: about 500 steep stone steps at Mua Cave; the rest of the day is easy |
| Price | From US$69 per person (shuttle bus) or US$79 (limousine) – see the price table |
| UNESCO | Hoa Lu and Tam Coc lie in the Trang An Landscape Complex (2014) |
Is the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour Worth It?
Yes, if you want to see as much of Ninh Binh as possible in one day at a fixed group price. This tour adds Mua Cave to the classic Hoa Lu – Tam Coc group tour: after the boat trip you climb to the Lying Dragon viewpoint, the most photographed panorama in the province. Tickets, boat, guide, lunch and transfers are included.
The trade-offs: it is a long day, back in Hanoi around 19:00–19:30, and the Mua Cave stairs are steep and uneven. If you would rather skip the climb, book the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day; for your own timing and pace, choose the private Mua Cave – Tam Coc tour.
Tour Highlights
1. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu was the seat of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties from 968 to 1010. Your guide leads you through the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, rebuilt in the 17th century on the old palace grounds. See our Hoa Lu guide or Hoa Lu on Tripadvisor.
2. Village Cycling and Buffet Lunch
Join an optional 30-minute bike ride on flat lanes past rice fields and village homes, then sit down to a buffet of Vietnamese and Ninh Binh dishes with a vegetarian option.
3. Tam Coc Boat Trip
About 1.5 hours on a small rowing boat (2–3 guests per boat) along the Ngo Dong River, past rice fields and karst cliffs and through three river caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Many rowers paddle with their feet. Read more in our Tam Coc guide or on Tripadvisor.
4. Mua Cave and the Lying Dragon Viewpoint
Mua Cave sits at the foot of Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon) Mountain. About 500 stone steps lead to a small pagoda and a stone dragon on the ridge, where the views over the karst peaks and rice fields are the finest in Ninh Binh. The view from the top looks straight down on the Ngo Dong River you boated along earlier. Most guests take 20–30 minutes to climb. See Mua Caves on Tripadvisor.
Who This Group Tour Is For – and Who Should Choose Another
- Great for: active travellers, couples and solo travellers who want Ninh Binh’s boat ride and best viewpoint in one day.
- Think twice if: you have knee or heart problems – the steps are steep with no handrails in places. Choose the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day instead.
- Prefer Trang An? Trang An’s longer boat route through more caves and island temples is on the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day.
- Want flexibility? Choose the private Mua Cave – Tam Coc tour for your own start time and pace.
Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour Price
| Shared vehicle | Max guests | Price per person | Lunch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limousine van | 17–19 | US$79 | Buffet |
| Shuttle bus | 26–30 | US$69 | Buffet |
Prices are per adult in US dollars for 2026 and include all items listed under Inclusion. Child prices, Vietnamese public-holiday surcharges and card payments (3.3% fee) are confirmed when you book. Send your date to check availability.
With or Without Mua Cave?
| With Mua Cave (this tour) | Without Mua Cave | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From US$69 | From US$63 |
| Back in Hanoi | About 19:00–19:30 | About 18:30–19:00 |
| Fitness | Moderate – about 500 steps | Easy |
| Highlight | Panoramic viewpoint over Ninh Binh | More relaxed pace |
| Book | This page | Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day |
Why Book Direct with Vietnam Tour Expert
We are a local team in Hanoi, so you book the same group tour without an online travel agency’s commission on top. You usually get a reply within 24 hours, a named contact on WhatsApp before and during your trip, and our best price guarantee: if you find this exact tour, with the same inclusions, cheaper elsewhere, send us the link and we will review and match it where we can.
Plan More of Ninh Binh
Staying longer? See where to stay in Ninh Binh, what to eat in Ninh Binh and our Ninh Binh travel guide. Nearby sights include Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Thung Nham Bird Park. All our shared day trips are listed under Ninh Binh Group Tours.
Local Expert Notes by Jimmy
- Wear trainers or walking shoes with grip – the Mua Cave steps are uneven and can be slippery after rain.
- Bring water and a hat: there is little shade on the boat or on the climb. Conical hats and raincoats are lent free.
- Late afternoon light at Mua Cave is beautiful, but the top gets busy – take photos on the way up too.
- Carry small dong notes for drinks and an optional tip for your rower.
- Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for the temples at Hoa Lu.
Ready to join? Send us your travel date and the number of guests – we usually reply within 24 hours.
Updated 12 October 2026 · By Jimmy, Vietnam Tour Expert
Day by day itinerary
About This Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day
This joined group tour leaves Hanoi’s Old Quarter every morning for Ninh Binh. You visit Hoa Lu, cycle through a village, have a buffet lunch, take a rowing-boat trip at Tam Coc and finish with the climb to Mua Cave. Times below are approximate and depend on traffic.
Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Village Cycling – Tam Coc – Mua Cave – Hanoi (Lunch)
07:30–08:00 – Hotel pick-up. Your guide and driver meet you at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, and the shared limousine van or shuttle bus heads south to Ninh Binh.
09:15 – Rest stop. A 15–20-minute break to stretch your legs, use the facilities or buy a snack.
10:30 – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. About Hoa Lu
11:15–11:45 – Village cycling (optional). A flat 30-minute bike ride through rice fields and village lanes, or relax at the restaurant.
12:00 – Buffet lunch. Local specialties served buffet-style, with a vegetarian option.
13:15–13:30 – Tam Coc boat trip. About 1.5 hours on a small rowing boat (2–3 guests per boat) along the Ngo Dong River, past rice fields and karst cliffs and through three river caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Many rowers paddle with their feet.
15:30 – Mua Cave. Climb about 500 stone steps up Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon) Mountain for panoramic views over the karst peaks and rice fields. About Mua Cave
16:30–17:00 – Return to Hanoi. Board the vehicle for the drive back north.
19:00–19:30 – Drop-off. Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Meals: Lunch. Overnight: none (day trip).
Inclusions
Meals
1 buffet lunch
Transport
Shared limousine van or shuttle bus, rowing boat, bicycle
Accommodation
No overnight stay
Tour Inclusions
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
- Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi by shared limousine van or shuttle bus
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Mua Cave
- Tam Coc boat ticket and shared rowing boat (2–3 guests per boat)
- Bicycle for the village ride
- Buffet lunch with local specialties (vegetarian option)
- Free Wi-Fi and one bottle of water each way on the vehicle
- Free use of a conical hat and raincoat during the trip
Tour Exclusions
- VAT
- Drinks
- Tips for the guide, driver and boat rower
- Personal expenses
- Surcharges on Vietnamese public holidays
- Anything not listed under Inclusion
Tour Price
Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour Price 2026 (per person)
| Shared vehicle | Max guests | Price per person | Lunch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limousine van | 17–19 | US$79 | Buffet |
| Shuttle bus | 26–30 | US$69 | Buffet |
Prices are per adult and include everything listed under Inclusion. Child prices, Vietnamese public-holiday surcharges and card payments (3.3% fee) are confirmed when you book. Send us your travel date to reserve your seats.
Tour Inquiry
FAQs about the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day
1. What is included in the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour?
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, a shared limousine van or shuttle bus, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees for Hoa Lu and Mua Cave, the Tam Coc boat ticket and rowing boat, a 30-minute bike ride, a buffet lunch, bottled water and free use of a conical hat and raincoat.
2. How much does the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour cost?
From US$69 per person by shuttle bus or US$79 per person by limousine van in 2026. Compare other shared trips on our Ninh Binh group tours page.
3. How many steps are there at Mua Cave?
About 500 stone steps lead to the Lying Dragon viewpoint on Ngoa Long Mountain. Most guests take 20–30 minutes to climb; read our Mua Cave guide.
4. Is the Mua Cave climb difficult on this group tour?
It is steep and uneven but short. Anyone with knee, back or heart problems can wait at the bottom, or choose the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day without the climb.
5. How long is the Tam Coc boat ride on the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
About 1.5 hours, with 2–3 guests per boat and a local rower.
6. What time does the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour start and finish?
Pick-up is between 7:30 and 8:00 at your Old Quarter hotel, and you are back at about 19:00–19:30, depending on traffic.
7. How long is the drive from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave?
About 95–100 km, roughly 2–2.5 hours each way including a 15–20-minute rest stop.
8. How big is the group on the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
Up to 17–19 guests in the limousine van or 26–30 guests on the shuttle bus.
9. Tam Coc or Trang An – which is better with Mua Cave?
Tam Coc is shorter and runs past rice fields right below the Mua viewpoint; Trang An is longer, with more caves and island temples. Compare them on the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day.
10. When is the best time for the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
October to April is cooler and drier for the climb. Golden rice around Tam Coc appears from late May to early June; summer is hot and humid.
11. What should I wear for the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
Comfortable shoes with grip for the Mua Cave steps, light clothes, a hat and sunscreen, plus clothing covering shoulders and knees for the Hoa Lu temples.
12. Can children join the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour?
Yes, children who can manage the steps are welcome; younger ones may need help on the climb. Ask us for child prices when you book.
13. Is vegetarian food available on the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
Yes. The buffet lunch includes a vegetarian option; tell us about allergies or special diets when you book.
14. What is not included in the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave group tour?
Drinks, tips for the guide, driver and boat rower, personal expenses, VAT and surcharges on Vietnamese public holidays.
15. What happens if it rains on the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour?
The tour runs in light rain and raincoats are provided. After heavy rain the Mua Cave steps can be slippery, and the guide may adjust the programme for safety.
16. How do I book the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day?
Send your date and number of guests through the inquiry form on this page or on WhatsApp. We usually reply within 24 hours and confirm your seats.
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