NINH BINH’S ANCIENT DYNASTIES, CAVES, AND KARSTS

8.00-8.30 am: Tour guide  will pick you up from your 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 were under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, named the country 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 that 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 learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

12:00 pm: Today you will enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc, named Duc Tuan restaurant. The food is served in an Asian style of local dishes with organic vegetables. The Duc Tuan has a birdseye view  over the Tam Coc river, so you can marvel at the amazing aerial views, while you enjoy lunch.

1:30 pm: After finishing your lunch, you will be taking a row boat from Tam Coc Harbour. Arranged by the local people, the boat is rowed by both hand and legs. The boat will take you thru 3 specular caves with hundreds of limestone karsts along the way. If you travel during harvest season, you will see many terraced rice fields in golden bloom.

The row boat will navigate along up the river for approximately 2 hours. Not only you can see the peaceful scenery of mountain, rice paddy fields, and temples, you also have chances to learn about local peoples cultures, and their daily life.

Optional activities: Enjoy a bicycle ride through the countryside after the boat trip.

4:00 pm: Leave Tam Coc and drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi in around 6:30pm. Finish the unforgettable full day trip at your hotel in Hanoi!