Hanoi: Trang An BOAT & Mua Caves & Hoa Lu Or Phong Phu Cave

Highlights

• Visit the Phong Phu Cave Pagoda, a 1,000-year-old sanctuary in Ninh Binh
• Admire the 18 Arhats carved into the cave walls, each with a distinct posture
• Enjoy a boat ride through caves and rivers in Trang An UNESCO COMPLEX
• Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century
• Hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s landscape

Description

Option: Private Tour: Discover Phong Phu Pagoda, a 1,000-year-old sanctuary built within a cave

Discover Phong Phu Pagoda, a 1,000-year-old sanctuary built within a cave. Marvel at the 18 Arhats carved into the rock walls, alongside numerous statues and ancient stone steles.

Learn about An Quoc Dai Vuong of the Dinh Dynasty, who discovered the cave and established the pagoda. See the mountain's exterior, which resembles a lotus blossom, and admire the pagoda's location on Lien Hoa Mountain in Phong Phu Village.

Explore the cave temple, which reaches a maximum width of about 8 meters and a height of 20 meters, extending through to the other side of the mountain. Pass through the narrow entrance, which serves as the access point to the temple.

Admire the exquisite carvings depicting the 18 Arhats, each with a distinct posture. Learn about the artistic style of the carvings, which experts attribute to the Ly Dynasty.

Group Tour Itinerary

Option: Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave , ' GROUP 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 Phong Phu Pagoda
• Viewing of 18 Arhats carvings
• Viewing of ancient stone statues and stelae
• Cultural exploration of Vietnamese symbols
• Tour guide
• Pick up & drop off in Old Quater area
• Mineral water
• Buffet lunch with Vietnamese cuisine (Optional)
• All sightseeing tickets and boat fees
• 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 Optional Tips
• Surcharge for Lunar New Year ( 250.000 vnd / person)

Important Information

• The pagoda is located within a cave, which may involve narrow passages. The carvings are fading and may be difficult to see clearly.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund