BAI DINH PAGODA - TRANG AN - MUA CAVE DAY TRIP

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logo-email Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave
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Tour Highlights :

Explore the towering Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Take a raft cruise through Trang An, the Ha Long Bay of the land.

Climb the 500 steps to Mua Cave for panaromic views of the Tam Coc rice paddies.

Overview

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Ninh Binh — Vietnam’s “Ha Long Bay on land.” Begin at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest spiritual complex in Southeast Asia, home to towering bronze Buddhas, ancient courtyards, and over 500 stone Arhat statues. Glide through the mystical caves of Trang An on a sampan boat rowed by locals, then climb to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tam Coc rice fields and limestone peaks.

From : $288

Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi for the 120 km journey to Ninh Binh, passing through peaceful countryside scenery along the way.

Arrive at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest and most impressive pagoda complex in Southeast Asia. Explore its vast courtyards, admire the 500 stone Arhat statues, and see the enormous bronze Buddha and 36-ton bell.

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Enjoy lunch at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Visit Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend 1.5–2 hours gliding along the tranquil Sao Khe River in a sampan boat rowed by a local, passing through mysterious tunnel caves and film locations from Kong: Skull Island (2016).

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Head to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) and climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. From here, enjoy sweeping views of the Tam Coc rice fields and karst valleys — one of the most iconic photo spots in Vietnam.

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Depart Ninh Binh and relax on the drive back to Hanoi.

Arrive back at your accommodation in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

All You Need To Know

Inclusions

English speaking tour guide.

Round trip limousine bus transportation from and to your accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District).

Water bottle on the bus.

Traditional Vietnamese buffet lunch.

All entrance fees and activities listed in the itinerary.

Hat or rain coat if necessary.

Exclusions

Drinks.

Travel insurance/visa.

Tips/souvenirs.

8% VAT.

What the FAQ?

The Ha Giang Loop is a motorcycle loop around Ha Giang, one of the northernmost provinces of Vietnam and 310 km from Hanoi. The loop begins and ends in Ha Giang city, about 5 hours North of Hanoi. The loop takes about 3-4 days to complete and offers breathtaking mountain and cliff views. You will find here many of the foremost stunning stretches of road in Southeast Asia, all of which are surrounded by towering mountains, lush rice fields, and flowing rivers. Visitors are also fascinated by the ethnic group tribe culture that’s authentically visible as they travel by motorbikes.
The Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and stunning landscapes. Ha Giang Loop ranks 25th in New York Times’s list of 52 best places to travel in 2023. It is also considered as The Forgotten Wonder of the world. Ha Giang Loop still keeps its nature and wilderness because of lack of tourist development and has to offer remarkable natural beauty, epic mountain passes and unique tribe culture from various ethnic minority groups. So take your time, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey now before it is too late!
Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, but the weather and natural scenery changes according to the season. Since Ha Giang is strongly divided in various types of topography and located in northern Vietnam, it has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. However, the weather can vary depending on the month as well as altitude, since much of the Ha Giang Loop is along mountainous terrain. + From January to March (average temperature of 17°C and 18°C), spring comes with blooming flowers. + From April and May (average temperature of 24°C): Warmer weather, yet pleasant. + May: Hot with some rain and at the irrigation period. + From June to August: Peak heat and rain - good time for swimming at the waterfall. + From September to October: Harvest time with gorgeous golden rice fields. + November: Pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall with the typical buckwheat flowers. + December: Pleasantly dry and cool, painted in a yellow tone with rapeseeds.
Ha Giang is beautiful all year round, but the weather and natural scenery changes according to the season. Since Ha Giang is strongly divided in various types of topography and located in northern Vietnam, it has two distinct seasons – rainy and dry. However, the weather can vary depending on the month as well as altitude, since much of the Ha Giang Loop is along mountainous terrain. + From January to March (average temperature of 17°C and 18°C), spring comes with blooming flowers. + From April and May (average temperature of 24°C): Warmer weather, yet pleasant. + May: Hot with some rain and at the irrigation period. + From June to August: Peak heat and rain - good time for swimming at the waterfall. + From September to October: Harvest time with gorgeous golden rice fields. + November: Pleasant temperatures, lower rainfall with the typical buckwheat flowers. + December: Pleasantly dry and cool, painted in a yellow tone with rapeseeds.
To get to Ha Giang from other countries apart from Vietnam, you would need to first arrive in a major city like Hanoi. We have our head office at Vietnam Cheers Hostel in Hanoi and you can take a bus to Ha Giang from here, which is the most popular way to reach Ha Giang. We also provide transportation directly from Hanoi to Ha Giang. If you are in Sapa, it is recommended to go directly to Ha Giang instead of going back to Hanoi. Please contact us for a better transportation arrangement in advance.
The loop itself says most of the parts are mountain passes, especially with hundreds of twists and sharp turns in steep. Though the road now broadens to lessen the risk of accidents, there’s some quite bumpy and unpaved. The most extremely rugged is from Mau Due – Du Gia – Quan Ba where you should put the same gear level (level 1 or 2) up and down slopes. Drive slowly and watch out for vehicles from opposite directions through curved mirrors on the next blind turns. So make sure to visit a number of stops on route to relax and cherish the beauty of the scenery. It’s a really long way so there’s no need to rush. If you’re not sure about the road condition or not confident in your driving skills, consult your local guide before heading off the loop.
There are a few essential items you should bring along. Make sure you have a small backpack for 3 or 4 days. Since there will be waterfalls along the way, don't forget to bring a swimming suit to take a dip. Hiking shoes are also recommended for those who want to explore the mountains. As you will be in a rural area, it's important to bring some medicine, a first aid kit, and mosquito repellent. You may need a sim card for communication purposes. Bring your camera or GoPro to capture the beauty of nature, and don't forget to have some cash on hand, as ATMs may not be readily available.
If you're planning to ride the Ha Giang Loop, you'll need to consider whether to drive on your own or hire an Easy Rider. While some experienced riders have successfully completed the loop, it is generally not recommended for inexperienced riders. The loop is known for its challenging road conditions and difficult terrain, making it potentially dangerous for beginners. Much of the Ha Giang Loop route may be a pass with jaw-dropping twists and turns and steep heights. Many of the roads are still extremely rugged – some even unpaved – with many obstacles to avoid due to an influx of tourism.Big lorries, buses, and other motorbikes zip along the roads – often with little or no regard for who they’re sharing the road with – forcing drivers to be extremely attentive. Wandering eyes to the gorgeous scenery may make more fatal mistakes if one isn’t careful. In fact, it may even be illegal to drive yourself if you don’t have an international driving license. If you can hire an experienced local motorbike driver, you’ll have your own personal local tour guide. A guide can take you to hidden spots and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience. It’s time just to sit at the back, giving no care about directions and soak up the atmosphere. Plus, since they’re locals, they can give you loads of insight on daily life and culture in Ha Giang. If you’re driving yourself, who will be there to answer all your burning questions?

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