1-Day Tour: Bái Đính Pagoda, Tràng An, and Hoa Lư
Departure from Hanoi
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM: Pick-up from Hanoi
Pick-up at hotels in the Old Quarter: Guests will be collected in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus or limousine van. The journey to Ninh Bình takes about 2–2.5 hours, allowing travelers to enjoy scenic countryside views.
10:00 AM: Arrival at Bái Đính Pagoda
Explore the Largest Pagoda in Southeast Asia:
Begin the day with a visit to Bái Đính Pagoda, a sprawling complex known for its stunning Buddhist architecture. Here, visitors can:
Admire the 500 Arhat statues lining the walkways.
Visit the 500-ton bronze Buddha – the largest in Vietnam.
Climb to the top of the pagoda to take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Learn about the rich spiritual history and significance of this revered Buddhist site.
Time spent: Around 1.5 hours exploring the pagoda.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant nearby. Dishes typically include local Ninh Bình specialties like goat meat and crispy rice. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
1:00 PM: Boat Tour of Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex
Boat Ride Through a Natural Wonder:
After lunch, head to Tràng An, often referred to as “the inland Ha Long Bay.” This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a 2-3 hour boat tour through a maze of rivers, caves, and towering limestone mountains. Guests will:
Glide through emerald waters on a traditional sampan (small wooden boat) rowed by local guides.
Pass through mysterious caves like Sang Cave (Bright Cave) and Toi Cave (Dark Cave).
Drift past ancient temples hidden among the karsts.
Absorb the serene atmosphere and stunning natural beauty of this protected landscape.
3:30 PM: Visit to Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
Step Back in Time to Vietnam's First Capital:
After the boat tour, continue to Hoa Lư, the site of the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties (10th and 11th centuries). Here, guests will:
Explore the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
Hear the history of the kings and their contributions to uniting the country.
Stroll around the remains of the ancient citadel, taking in the tranquil countryside and historical relics.
Time spent: Approximately 1 hour.
4:30 PM: Return Journey to Hanoi
After a day of adventure and exploration, board the bus back to Hanoi.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Arrive in Hanoi, with drop-off at the original pick-up points.
What's Included:
Round-trip transportation from Hanoi in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus or limousine.
Experienced guide who will provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and natural beauty of Ninh Bình.
Boat tour of Tràng An with local rowers.
Entrance fees to Bái Đính Pagoda, Tràng An, and Hoa Lư.
Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Optional Extras:
Electric buggy service at Bái Đính Pagoda (for those who prefer not to walk up the hill to the pagoda complex).
Beverages at lunch and any personal expenses are not included in the tour price.