How to Plan Your Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip in Hanoi

If you’re looking for a breathtaking day trip from Hanoi, exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the Ninh Binh province is highly recommended. One excellent way to explore this area is with a guided tour that includes visits to the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, Trang An, and Mua Caves. Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour begins with pickup from your Hanoi hotel where you’ll be transported to Ninh Binh by air-conditioned coach. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda complex considered one of the most extensive Buddhist temples in Vietnam. Later board a traditional wooden boat for a leisurely ride along the serene rivers of Trang An. Finally, hike up to the top of Mua Cave and marvel at striking panoramic views of rocky hills.

Details of the Tour

Here are some essential details of the tour to help you plan your day.

Itinerary

The tour starts from your Hanoi hotel at 07:30 or 08:30 am, depending on the pickup location. You’ll return to Hanoi around 6:00 pm.

Highlights

The tour has several highlights that include:

• Visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex— the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam
• Sailing upstream to the grottoes of Trang An aboard a wooden boat
• Climbing to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic city and countryside views
• Vietnamese buffet lunch with vegetarian options at a local restaurant
• Golden fields and majestic mountain scenery from Mua Cave viewpoint

Inclusions

The tour package includes the following services:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation during the activity
• WiFi on board
• Tour guide
• Electric car ride to Bai Dinh entrance
• Buffet lunch
• Trang An boat tour
• Drinking water

Things Not Included

The following things are not included in the tour:

• Extra drinks
• Tips

Things to Note

Make sure to note the following things while booking the tour:

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible
• Tour takes place rain or shine
• Children under five years of age can participate for free, but they will not have their seat and have to share with parents
• You should not wear shorts and sleeveless shirts when visiting temples and pagodas

Booking Information

You can book this tour on GetYourGuide. The website ensures that you don’t need to pay any hidden fees, and you can also cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance. You will need to provide your hotel information while booking the tour.

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In conclusion, the Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip is an excellent way to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural and natural heritage outside the hustle-bustle of Hanoi city. With this guide, you can plan your day seamlessly and ensure you have an unforgettable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi

If you’re planning to visit Hanoi or learn more about this fascinating city, you may have many questions. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have about Hanoi, including its history, culture, attractions, food, and more.

1. What is the history of Hanoi?

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and has a history that dates back more than a thousand years. It has been through many changes throughout its history, from the Chinese occupation to the French colonial period, and eventually becoming the capital of a unified Vietnam. Today, visitors can explore Hanoi’s rich history through its many museums and historical landmarks.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Hanoi?

The best time to visit Hanoi is between September and November or from March to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and you can experience many outdoor activities without the extreme heat or rain. However, Hanoi is beautiful all year round, so you can visit any time you like.

3. What are the top attractions in Hanoi?

Hanoi is full of historic temples, museums, and beautiful landscapes to visit. Some of the top attractions in Hanoi include:

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• The Temple of Literature
• The Old Quarter
• The National Museum of Vietnamese History
• The Hanoi Opera House
• The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• The Hoan Kiem Lake
• The West Lake

4. What is the food culture in Hanoi like?

Hanoi has a vibrant food culture that’s centered around street food and markets. Some of the must-try dishes in Hanoi include:

• Pho – a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup
• Bun Cha – grilled pork and noodles
• Banh Mi – a Vietnamese sandwich
• Xoi – sticky rice dishes
• Banh Cuon – steamed rice rolls

Hanoi also has many local markets and street vendors where you can try all manner of savory and sweet dishes, including fresh spring rolls, egg coffee, and Vietnamese crepes.

5. What is the transportation like in Hanoi?

Hanoi has several forms of transportation, including buses, taxis, and motorbikes. However, the most popular way to get around Hanoi is by motorbike, which can be rented from one of the many rental shops around the city. While it may seem daunting at first, riding a motorbike is an excellent way to experience the vibrancy and energy of Hanoi.

6. What are the best places to shop in Hanoi?

Hanoi has many shopping options, from traditional markets to modern shopping centers. Some of the best places to shop in Hanoi include:

• The Old Quarter
• The Dong Xuan Market
• The Night Market
• The Trang Tien Plaza
• The Vincom Center

7. What should I know about Hanoi’s culture and customs?

Hanoi has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions. Some important customs to keep in mind include:

• Removing shoes before entering homes, temples or pagodas
• Greeting with a bow or a nod
• Not pointing with your feet
• Keeping a respectful distance from monks and religious sites

8. What is the nightlife like in Hanoi?

Hanoi has a burgeoning nightlife scene with a mix of traditional bars and modern clubs. Some of the most popular nightlife spots in Hanoi include:

• The Bia Hoi Junction
• The Ta Hien Street
• The Old Quarter
• The Rooftop bar at the Lotte Center
• The Savage Club

9. What should I pack when visiting Hanoi?

It depends on the time of year you plan to visit. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, make sure to pack rain gear such as an umbrella or rain jacket. If you plan to visit during the hot summer months, pack light, breathable clothes. Hanoi is a conservative city, so be sure to pack clothing that covers knees and shoulders for temple visits. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.

10. What is the currency in Hanoi?

The currency in Hanoi is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Visitors can change their currency into dong at banks or exchange offices throughout the city. Credit cards are also widely accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and shops.

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Hanoi is a beautiful and vibrant city, with a rich cultural heritage and many exciting things to see and do. By knowing a little bit more about the city’s history, attractions, culture, and customs, you’ll be better prepared to experience all that Hanoi has to offer!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a city rich in history and culture. As a tourist in Hanoi, there are many interesting places to visit, delicious food to eat, and exciting things to do. In this post, we will provide a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your time in Hanoi.

1. Take a Walk Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hanoi. It’s a beautiful lake located in the center of the city, surrounded by trees and gardens. The lake is also known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword” and has a legend associated with it. Start your morning by taking a leisurely walk around the lake. The lake is about one mile in circumference, and the walk takes about 30 minutes. The walk is refreshing and will give you a glimpse of the local life in Hanoi. You can also visit the Ngoc Son Temple, which is located on an island in the lake and is accessible by a beautiful red bridge.

2. Explore the Old Quarter

After your walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, head over to the Old Quarter. The Old Quarter is a bustling area with narrow streets and alleys, filled with shops, street vendors, and restaurants. This is the perfect place to experience the local culture and food. We recommend starting at Dong Xuan Market, the biggest market in Hanoi. Here you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. After that, take a walk down Hang Gai, also known as Silk Street, and explore the many shops that sell silk products. You should also visit Ta Hien Street, which is popularly known as the “Beer Street,” where you can try some of the local beers and street food.

3. Visit the Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a must-visit place when in Hanoi. The temple was built in 1070 and is a symbol of Vietnam’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. The temple was originally a university and is dedicated to Confucius, the Chinese philosopher. The temple has five courtyards, and each courtyard has different things to see. The first courtyard has a beautiful gate and a garden. The second courtyard has the main hall and the Altar of Literature. The third and fourth courtyards have pavilions, and the fifth courtyard has a lake and a small temple.

4. Enjoy the Street Food

One of the best things about Hanoi is the street food. Hanoi is known for its delicious food, and the best way to experience it is by trying the street food. Walking around the Old Quarter, you will find many street vendors selling a variety of food. Some of the must-try street food include pho, which is a noodle soup, banh mi, which is a Vietnamese sandwich, and bun cha, which is grilled pork with noodles. You can find these dishes and more in the Old Quarter.

5. Watch a Water Puppet Show

Water puppetry is a traditional art form in Vietnam, and watching a water puppet show is a unique experience. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is one of the most popular places to watch a water puppet show in Hanoi. The show tells different stories from Vietnamese folklore and history, and the puppets dance on the water. We recommend booking your tickets in advance, as the shows can get crowded.

6. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a popular tourist attraction in Hanoi. The mausoleum is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. The mausoleum is located in Ba Dinh Square, which is also the site where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945. The mausoleum is open every day, except for Monday and Friday. Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the strict code of conduct when visiting the site.

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Hanoi is a city full of history, culture, and delicious food. By following this step-by-step guide, you can make the most of your time in Hanoi and experience the best that the city has to offer. Don’t forget to take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, try the street food, watch a water puppet show, and visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.