Hoa Lu: the remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city ( from 968 to 1009)
Tam Coc: means three caves - considered as Halong Bay on land, sitting on a boat rowed by local lady in Hoang Long river.
Hightlights
- Visit Hoa Lu Old Citadel with Dinh Temple and Le Temple
- Rowing boat trip in Tam Coc (Three caves)
- Enjoy special Vietnamese buffet lunch in local restaurant with local food
- Riding bicycles or buffalo rides
Full Itinerary
8.00-8.30 am: Tour guide will pick you up from Maro hotel in Old Quarter to depart to Ninh Binh city.
10.30-11.00 am: You will reach Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for the next 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, the country named Dai Co Viet, and 29 years later was under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.
12:00pm: Today you will enjoy buffet lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc named Duc Tuan restaurant. The food is served with Asian stype, local dishes, organic vegetable. The Duc Tuan is located on the river overview Tam Coc, you can enjoy the view of overal riverside until you finish your lunch
13:30pm: After finishing your lunch, you will be taking the rowing boat at Tam Coc Harbour. Arranged by local people here, the boat is rowed by both hand and legs. The boat will take you to 3 specular caves with hundreds of limestones on the way. If you travel during harvest season, you will see many terrace rice fields in golden colours.
The boat rowing will be in around 2 hours. Not only you could see the peaceful scenery of mountain, rice paddy fields, temples, you also have chances to learn about local people cultures on their daily life.
Optional activities: Riding bicycles or buffalow rides
16:00pm: Leave Tam Coc and drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at around 6:30pm. Finish unforgettable full day trip at your hotel in Hanoi!
Price: $48 per person
Tour Cost included:
Meals as mentioned in the itineraries: Vietnamese food, Asian Food basic.
Private transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
Boat trip on Ngo Dong River rowing by local people.
English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
All entrance and sightseeing fees
All taxes & services charge.