Explore Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave 1 Day Excursion from Hanoi

Hello guys, Welcome to my blog!
Today, I'm going to introduce you to a fantastic destination located about 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh – a beautiful city. You know blockbuster movie "King Kong film" has amazing scenes in here because of its beauty. 
Ninh Binh, located to south of the Northern Delta amid the Red and Ma Rivers, offers an enchanting blend of natural splendor and historical intrigue. Boasting a population of 898,500 and covering 1,329.4 km², this region also features a brief coastline along the Gulf of Tonkin.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh? 

The ideal time to visit Ninh Binh varies, with spring (January to March) offering pleasant weather and vibrant festivals, while summer (May to August) showcases golden rice fields and fragrant lotus ponds
Before the Lunar New Year, I had 1 day trip to Ninh Binh on Feb 3. It's an unforgettable trip I never forget. I booked a group tour departing from Ha Noi.

The tour guide picked me up at 8 am at my place in the city center, then it took 2 hours to Ninh Binh, the tour had a short break halfway at a souvenir shop that sells embroidered paintings and traditional Vietnamese souvenirs like Nón Lá, Áo Dài,...

Arriving in Ninh Binh 

We arrived at the first spot - Hoa Lu ancient capital at around 10h30 am. The first impression was of ancient temples surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, evoking a sensation of stepping back in time. 
We immersed ourselves in stories dating back thousands of years, from the time of King Dinh, with our English-speaking guide making it easy to understand and injecting humor, helping us grasp the entirety of Vietnam's history.

Hoa Lu ancient capital- 20k VND

Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Exploring Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, was unforgettable. Gliding along the river, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, I felt a sense of peace. Tam Coc's timeless charm felt like stepping into a painting. This experience left me in awe of Vietnam's countryside and filled me with lasting tranquility. Unlucky me, I had no chance to see the rice fields and fragrant lotus. At the time I arrived, there was light rain and fog, but it didn't obscure the beauty of Tam Coc. The boat driver assured me that each season has its charm. If you want to see them, you should visit Ninh Binh in the summer (May to August). During the summer season when the weather is dry and more pleasant. 

huhu what a rainy day! 250K VND 

Mua Cave: Climb 500 steps for panoramic vistas of Ninh Bình's picturesque landscape.

As I ascend the 500 steps of Mua Cave, I embark on a breathtaking adventure. With each step, anticipation builds within me. Upon reaching the summit, I am rewarded with sweeping vistas of Ninh Binh's stunning landscape. Lush greenery, winding rivers, and majestic limestone karsts spread out before me, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. It's a moment for me to pause, take it all in, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds me.

It was not sunny also 100k VND
 

As I ascend the 500 steps of Mua Cave, I embark on a breathtaking adventure. With each step, anticipation builds within me. Upon reaching the summit, I am rewarded with sweeping vistas of Ninh Binh's stunning landscape. Lush greenery, winding rivers, and majestic limestone karsts spread out before me, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. It's a moment for me to pause, take it all in, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds me.

The tour finished after 3 spots: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave. But I wanted to stay here one more night, so I booked a room at the homestay which was very nice with a peaceful and clean atmosphere. I liked this homestay, the people here are friendly and sociable... every scene looked like a movie. 

Lucky me, the next day was sunny (For you homstay)

Culinary Delights

Local specialties like burnt rice and grilled goat meat beckon culinary enthusiasts. Burnt rice, known locally as "com chay," is a dish made from the crispy, golden crust that forms at the bottom of the rice cooker when cooking rice. This seemingly humble creation is transformed into a savory delight through careful cooking techniques, resulting in a crispy texture and nutty flavor that is simply irresistible.

Grilled goat meat, or "thit de nuong," is another culinary gem of Ninh Binh. The goats raised in the Rocky Mountains of the region develop a unique flavor profile, characterized by tender meat with a slightly gamey taste. Marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection over an open flame, the succulent goat meat is a true delight for meat lovers.

Grilled Goat meat 

I rented a motobike (150K VND/ 1 day) 

The total cost for the group tour on the first day is $40 and on the second day is around $35, making the total for my two-day trip $75.

Ninh Bình beckons travelers with its natural wonders and historical treasures, promising an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's captivating landscapes and cultural heritage. Plan your trip, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the allure of Ninh Bình.

Guide transpotation for you

If you’re starting your journey from Hanoi, you can take a bus from Nước Ngầm Bus Station or Giáp Bát Bus Station or book a limousine to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND, and the travel time is approximately 2 hours. You also book online for Limousin Bus through the website such as vexere.com, they can pick you up at your place.
If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly to Hanoi and then take a bus to Ninh Binh with similar options. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar operate flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Currently, flight ticket prices range from 900,000 to 1.6 million VND per one-way ticket.
Additionally, travelers from other provinces can reach Ninh Binh by train. The website of the Vietnam Railways Corporation allows you to book tickets in advance, or you can purchase them at the train station. Ninh Binh’s train station is conveniently located in the city center.
If you’re traveling by private vehicle from Hanoi, you can take the Giap Bat route, then turn onto the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, and head towards Phu Ly to reach Ninh Binh.
For transportation within the city, it’s advisable to rent a motorbike for around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day to have the flexibility to explore the distant attractions in Ninh Binh. If you’re traveling in a larger group, you can also consider using a taxi to save costs. Besides, there are some Vihicle Apps like Grabbike, Grab taxi, XanhSM… if you can not drive.