Ninh Binh Day Tour: Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda – Thung Nham Bird Valley
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Escape the busy atmosphere of Hanoi and discover the peaceful beauty of Ninh Binh — a region famous for limestone mountains, winding rivers, rice paddies, cave pagodas, and rich natural landscapes.
This full-day experience combines the scenic beauty of Tam Coc, the ancient spiritual atmosphere of Bich Dong Pagoda, and the tranquil ecological reserve of Thung Nham Bird Valley — offering the perfect balance of nature, local culture, and countryside relaxation.
Cruise gently through rivers and caves by traditional sampan boat, explore pagodas hidden inside limestone mountains, and experience one of Northern Vietnam’s most peaceful bird sanctuaries surrounded by wetlands and tropical landscapes.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a slower-paced, scenic, and immersive countryside experience away from crowded tourist routes.
Highlights
- Scenic sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone valleys and rice fields.
- Explore Bich Dong Pagoda — a unique cave pagoda built into the mountain.
- Visit Thung Nham Bird Valley with wetlands, caves, and tropical landscapes.
- Discover peaceful countryside scenery and authentic rural life.
- Enjoy authentic Ninh Binh local cuisine in a countryside setting.
- Ideal combination of nature, culture, photography, and relaxation.
Itinerary
Departures
Hotel Pick-Up in Hanoi
Our guide and driver will pick guests up from hotels in Hanoi before departing for Ninh Binh Province by comfortable private vehicle or limousine.
Travel through the peaceful Red River Delta countryside while observing local villages, rice fields, and rural landscapes along the journey south of Hanoi.
Tam Coc Sampan Boat Ride
Arrive at Tam Coc and board a traditional sampan boat rowed by local boatmen along the peaceful Ngo Dong River .
Glide through stunning rice paddies, towering limestone mountains, and natural cave systems that have made Tam Coc one of Vietnam’s most iconic countryside destinations.
During the boat journey, guests will pass through several beautiful caves while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery often referred to as “ Halong Bay on Land .”
Countryside Lunch Experience
Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant featuring authentic Ninh Binh specialties and regional cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Bich Dong Pagoda Exploration
Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda — one of the most beautiful and peaceful pagoda complexes in Northern Vietnam.
Built directly into a limestone mountainside, Bich Dong consists of three pagodas arranged at different elevations: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda.
Walk through stone pathways, cave passages, ancient courtyards, and peaceful temple areas while enjoying panoramic views of rice fields, mountains, and surrounding countryside landscapes.
The atmosphere here is quiet, spiritual, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
Thung Nham Bird Valley & Ecotourism Area
Continue to Thung Nham Ecotourism Area — a peaceful nature reserve known for its wetlands, caves, tropical gardens, and bird habitats.
Guests may explore caves such as Hang But (Buddha Cave) by small sampan boat while admiring impressive stalactites and limestone formations hidden inside the mountains.
The experience continues with a relaxing boat ride through Thung Chim (Bird Valley) , where numerous bird species gather and return to nest among the trees and wetlands.
This quiet ecological area offers beautiful scenery, fresh air, and excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Return Journey to Hanoi
Relax during the comfortable drive back to Hanoi after a peaceful day exploring the natural beauty and countryside landscapes of Ninh Binh.
Hotel Drop-Off in Hanoi
Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi. Arrival time may vary slightly depending on traffic conditions.
- Perfect combination of nature, countryside, caves, and spiritual sites.
- Explore peaceful areas beyond standard tourist routes.
- Scenic boat rides through Tam Coc and Thung Nham Bird Valley.
- Relaxed pacing suitable for couples, families, and photographers.
- Comfortable private transportation from Hanoi.
- Authentic local food and immersive countryside atmosphere.
Inclusions
Included
- Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi round-trip transfer by private limousine or car.
- English-speaking local guide.
- Tam Coc sampan boat ride (shared boat).
- Thung Nham Bird Valley boat experience (shared boat).
- Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Traditional Vietnamese lunch.
- Bottled water during the trip.
- Complimentary Vietnamese conical hat & raincoat if needed.
Not included
- Additional beverages not mentioned above.
- Tips & gratuities for guide/driver.
- Personal expenses.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not clearly mentioned in inclusions.
Rates
Check your dateAdult price through the year
| Travel dates | Adult 12+ | Child 2–11 | Infant Under 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| All dates | $95 | Quoted | Quoted |
“Quoted”: we confirm this price when we reply to your request.
- Prices are in US dollars and include taxes.
- A 30% deposit confirms your booking — 50% for groups of 7 or more, infants included.
- VAT invoices are available on request.
We accept
Reviews
5.0
4,565 reviews on Tripadvisor
What travelers say about Vietnam Backstreet Tours across all our rides — 98% of reviews are positive.
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Tripadvisor
"Most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable"
We arranged a half day countryside and Hanoi City tour on Vespa motorbikes through our hotel. Tom and Duc (Donald) were most welcoming, enthusiastic and knowledgeable, answering any questions we had…
Samir P· Couple -
Google
"A truly unforgettable experience"
We had a fantastic time in Hanoi with Vietnam Backstreet Tours. We discovered amazing places and learned so much! Tim was so knowledgeable and shared many stories with us. We loved the tour!
Ruth Amarilla· United States · Family -
Facebook
"I can really recommend this highlight"
Today we did a wonderful motorbike tour in Hanoi with the guys from Vietnam Backstreet. Many thanks to Mr. Boo and his team for all the impressions we got from Hanoi — we will keep them in our mind!
Michael Herrmann· Germany · Friends
Q&As
Do I need any riding experience?
No. You ride as a passenger behind one of our professional, experienced drivers — just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Where does the tour start and end?
We pick you up free of charge anywhere within 3 km of the city centre, and drop you off there too — pick-up and drop-off can be two different places.
Do you provide helmets and rain gear?
Yes. Helmets are provided, and on wet days we hand out two-piece raincoats and stop at covered places along the way.
Can I bring children?
Yes — you can include children (2–11) and infants (under 2) in your booking. We confirm their prices when we reply to your request.
Can I change my tour date?
Date changes are free with at least 24 hours' notice. Changes made within 24 hours of the tour are charged 30% of the tour price.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel more than 24 hours ahead and we charge no cancellation fee (your bank or PayPal may keep a transaction fee of about 5%). Cancellations within 24 hours are charged in full. Refunds take 7–14 working days.
What if the weather turns bad?
Light rain doesn't stop us. If severe weather forces us to cancel, you can move to another date free of charge or get a 100% refund of the tour price, less bank fees.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Travel insurance is optional. We can arrange PTI cover for about US$3.50 per person per day.
Can you arrange a private tour for a larger group?
Yes. We run private tours and tours for larger groups, and can tailor the itinerary to you — tell us what you have in mind in the booking form or on WhatsApp.
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