Hanoi: Thai Vi Temple or Trang An & Mua Caves & Old Hoa Lu

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Thai Vi Temple in Ninh Binh
• Explore the ancient Hoa Lu palace and the Xa Tac Altar
• Hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s landscape
• Enjoy a boat ride through caves and rivers in Trang An
• Visit relics in the core area of the Trang An World Heritage Complex

Description

Private Tour: Thai Vi Temple & Tam Coc Discover the beauty and spirituality of Vietnam by exploring Thai Vi Temple, an ancient hidden gem located just outside the city of Ninh Binh. Thai Vi Temple is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of Vietnam. Built in the 13th century, Thai Vi Temple is a famous historical tourist destination in Vietnam. Unlike other grand temples, Thai Vi Temple has a simpler and gentler appearance. It is known as the place where King Tran Thai Tong retired and began his spiritual practice after years of ruling the country. Thai Vi Temple marks one of the prosperous periods of Buddhism in Vietnam under the Tran Dynasty, especially during the reign of King Tran Thai Tong. In addition to this king, many other kings of the Tran Dynasty also practiced spirituality at this temple. Take a boat ride along Tam Coc - Bich Dong, a popular way to reach Thai Vi Temple, and enjoy a scenic and peaceful journey. The boat ride takes visitors along Ngo Dong River, passing through breathtaking caves, stunning limestone cliffs, and lush green fields. The route is often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land”. The view from the boat is simply mesmerizing, and it allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Admire the unique architecture of the temple, which features an architectural style that blends Eastern and Western elements. All the pillars inside and outside the temple are made of solid green stones, intricately carved with elegant and graceful floral patterns. Upon entering the temple, visitors are immediately greeted by a large courtyard, measuring approximately 40 square meters. The main walkway and courtyard are both paved with green stones, adding to the temple's distinctiveness. One of the most notable features of the temple is the Five Great Gates, which are intricately carved with traditional Chinese letters. These letters are displayed prominently on the stone columns outside the gates and on the wooden beams of the gate's roof. Explore the surroundings of Thai Vi Temple by bike and experience the peaceful and beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh. The area surrounding the temple is filled with limestone mountains, green fields, and peaceful rivers, making it a perfect destination for a bike ride. Cycling around the nearby villages will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, where you can observe how they live, work & interact with each other. The serene beauty of the countryside and the hospitality of the people will make your trip even more memorable. Every year, Thai Vi Temple holds a festival for three days on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the third lunar month. The festival is organized to celebrate the king's victory and to express gratitude to the brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the nation during the Mongol invasions. In the afternoon of the 14th day of the third lunar month, the villagers open the temple gate & bring incense to the shrine. Option: Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave ''GROUP SHARED TOUR'' 07h15 – 8h00: Pick up from your hotel in the Old Quarter area and departure for Ninh Binh. Due to the ban on buses picking up passengers on some streets between 6:30 and 8:30 from 1 March 2025, we may need you to come to one of our meeting points depending on your location to wait for us. We appreciate your support. 09h15: Have a short break for relaxing & rest room at a stop-over about 15 - 20 minutes. 10h00- 10h30: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, visit the King temples. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about the Vietnamese history. Relax before lunch: - A short bike ride with tour guide : Get on a bike and start cycling to explore the beautiful scenery and limestone mountains with a unique route (optional and free of charge) - If you don't wish to cycle, feel free to explore the village on foot or rest at a local restaurant. 12h00: Enjoy buffet lunch at a local restaurant – goat meat dishes is the local specialty ( Vegetarian foods are avaiable ) 13h30: Arrive Trang An and spend about 1h40 - 2 hours exploring Trang An– the core of natural heritage in a Sampan boat (4 people per boat), rowed by a local people. Explore the amazing cave tunnel system and passing through sacred temples associated with legends in the history of Trang An. Get back to limousine bus then leave for Mua Cave. Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here. Leave Ninh Binh and drive back to Hanoi. 19:00 – 19:30 Arrive in Hanoi, drop you back to your hotel . Trip ends.

Includes

Visit to Thai Vi Temple Boat ride along Tam Coc - Bich Dong Bicycle ride around the temple surroundings Access to natural scenery Access to historical sites such as Xa Tac Altar and Kinh Thien Trang An Temple Recreation of 10th-century Vietnamese life Access to caves and temples in Trang An World Heritage Complex Visit to cave system Scenic views of limestone mountains and rice fields Tour guide Pick up & drop off in Old Quater area Mineral water Buffet lunch with Vietnamese cuisine (Optional) All sightseeing tickets and boat fees in Trang An Free using of hat/ rain-coat during the trip Transportation Boat trip to Trang An Entrance fees as per the itinerary Biking visit to villages and Tam Coc town Bike rental

Excludes

Personal expenses and anything not mentioned in inclusions Drinks for lunch Surcharge for Lunar New Year ( 250.000 vnd / person from 16/02/2026 - 19/02/2026 )

Important Information

• The annual festival is held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of the third lunar month The temple is located in a peaceful countryside area The boat ride is often referred to as the 'Ha Long Bay on land'

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund