Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day

The Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc 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, Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010, cycle through a village, enjoy a buffet lunch and spend about 1.5 hours on a Tam Coc rowing boat. Prices start at US$63 per person.

Status (checked October 2026): this group tour runs daily with hotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Tam Coc’s rice turns golden only from late May to early June; after the harvest the fields are green or bare, and boat trips can pause briefly after very heavy rain.

Tour at a Glance

Is the Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour Worth It?

Yes, if you want the easiest and best-value way to see Ninh Binh in one day. A group tour costs well under half the per-person price of a private trip for two, yet still covers the two sights most first-time visitors come for: the royal temples of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and the river caves and rice fields of Tam Coc. Tickets, boat, guide, lunch and transfers are all included, so there is nothing to arrange on the day.

The trade-off is a fixed timetable. You travel with up to 17–19 other guests, follow the group’s pace and cannot add stops such as Mua Cave or Bich Dong Pagoda. If that matters, choose our private Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc tour instead.

Tour Highlights

1. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu was the seat of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties from 968 to 1010, before the capital moved to Thang Long (Hanoi). 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 and framed by limestone peaks. Read more on Tripadvisor or Wikipedia.

2. Village Cycling (Optional)

Before lunch you can join a 30-minute bike ride on flat lanes past rice fields, ponds and village homes. The ride is easy and bicycles are included; if you would rather rest, stay at the restaurant and enjoy the lake and mountain views.

3. Buffet Lunch with Local Specialties

Lunch is a buffet of Vietnamese and Ninh Binh dishes, with a vegetarian option. Drinks are paid locally. Tell us about allergies when you book so the guide can point out suitable dishes.

4. Tam Coc Rowing-Boat Ride

The highlight is about 1.5 hours on a small rowing boat along the Ngo Dong River. Local rowers – many paddling with their feet – take you between karst cliffs and through three river caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. The boat ticket is included and boats carry 2–3 guests. See Tam Coc – Bich Dong on Tripadvisor.

Who This Group Tour Is For – and Who Should Choose Another

• Great for: solo travellers, couples, students and families who want a fixed, all-inclusive price and like meeting other travellers.
• Good for children: the day involves little walking; children ride the boat with an adult (child prices on request).
• Choose a private tour if: you want your own schedule, extra stops, a later start or a quieter day – see the private Hoa Lu – Tam Coc tour.
• Prefer Trang An? Trang An’s longer boat route through more caves and island temples runs as its own group tour: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An Group Tour 1 Day.
• Want a viewpoint? Add the 500-step climb to Mua Cave on the Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Group Tour 1 Day (from US$69).

Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour Price

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.

Group Tour or Private Tour?

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

Want to stay overnight? See where to stay in Ninh Binh, what to eat in Ninh Binh and our Ninh Binh travel guide. Other sights nearby include Trang An, Mua Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda and Bai Dinh Pagoda. All our shared day trips are listed under Ninh Binh Group Tours.

Local Expert Notes by Jimmy

• Bring sunscreen and a hat – there is no shade on the Tam Coc boats. Conical hats and raincoats are lent free on the trip.
• Carry small Vietnamese dong notes: rowers often offer drinks or ask for a tip at the end; tipping is optional.
• For golden rice, travel from late May to early June; for fewer crowds, avoid weekends and Vietnamese holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes and modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for the temples at Hoa Lu.
• Choose the limousine van if you value extra legroom on the 2–2.5-hour drive each way.

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

About This Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour 1 Day

This joined group tour leaves Hanoi’s Old Quarter every morning for Ninh Binh. You visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first imperial capital, ride a bicycle through a nearby village, have a buffet lunch and finish with a rowing-boat trip through the rice fields and caves of Tam Coc. Times below are approximate and depend on traffic.

Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Group Tour Price 2026 (per person)

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.