Ninh Binh • Private
Bai Dinh, a rowing boat through Trang An or Tam Coc, and the climb up Hang Mua — in one private day with your own car, driver and English-speaking guide. Everything is included: tickets, boat, lunch and water. Start from your Ninh Binh hotel (e.g. 8:00 pick-up, back around 17:00–17:30) or from Hanoi (e.g. 7:00 pick-up, back around 19:30–20:00) — you choose the time, 6:30–9:30 AM.Start from your Ninh Binh hotel or from Hanoi, at a time you choose between 6:30 and 9:30 AM.
All-inclusive Private day car, guide, tickets & lunch
per person · all included · kids 3–7 pay 75%
Private car, driver & English-speaking guide
Pick-up in Ninh Binh or Hanoi
Lunch & every ticket included
per person · everything included
The Three Stops
A temple city on a hillside, a river that runs under the mountains, and a ridge to stand on at the end of it all. Your guide keeps the order and the pace; you decide how long to linger.
Morning · about 2½ hours
An electric cart runs you in from the gate; after that it is on foot. A long roofed walkway climbs the slope between hundreds of carved stone arhats, no two faces alike, up to the bell tower and the great Buddha halls. Please cover shoulders and knees.
After lunch · 1½ to 2½ hours
You choose the river. Trang An is the longer, UNESCO-listed loop through a chain of caves and island temples; Tam Coc is shorter and gentler, three caves and rice fields between the peaks. Either way it is a small sampan, a local rower and life jackets on board. Help me choose
Late afternoon · about 1½ hours
Roughly 500 stone steps up a limestone ridge — 20 to 30 minutes, steep in places — to the stone dragon and the widest view in the province: the Tam Coc river looping through the rice below. Rather not climb? The lotus pond at the foot is a lovely place to wait.
Your Choice of Boat
Both are rowed by hand between the limestone peaks, and both are beautiful. They make for quite different afternoons on the water, though — here is how they compare, honestly.
Longer · caves & temples
Best for: anyone who wants caves and temples and does not mind a longer seated ride.
Choose Trang An
Shorter · rice fields
Best for: shorter on energy or time, or visiting in May, when the rice turns gold.
Choose Tam CocEither way: a small sampan with its own rower (four guests to a Trang An boat, two to a Tam Coc boat), life jackets on board, and no shade on the water — bring a hat. A tip for the rower is customary, but never required.
Our short answer: first time in Ninh Binh and you love caves and scenery — Trang An. Short on energy or time, or here in May for the golden rice — Tam Coc. Same price either way.
How the Day Runs
07:00
Your guide meets you in the lobby and the private, air-conditioned car is waiting outside. Water is on board; the plan for the day is talked through on the way to Bai Dinh.
Hanoi 07:00 pick-up · Bai Dinh ~09:00Private tour · any time 6:30–9:30 AMapprox. 09:00 – 11:30
Electric cart from the gate, then a slow climb on foot: the covered corridor of stone arhats, the bronze bell in its tower, and the Buddha halls stepping up the hill one above the other. Your guide explains what you are looking at, and when to stop and simply look.
approx. 12:00
A set Vietnamese lunch with several shared dishes — or a vegetarian table if you told us in the booking form (vegetarian, allergies). Goat and crispy rice are the local specialities if you would like to try them.
12:45 – 15:15
Around two and a half hours in a small sampan, rowed by a local through a chain of caves — some long and low — with stops at temples on little islands, and long quiet stretches where the only sound is the oar.
An hour and a half to two hours on the Ngo Dong river: out through the three caves of Tam Coc between rice fields and karst, then back the same way. Your rower may well use their feet on the oars.
15:30 – 17:00
About 500 steps up the ridge to the dragon and the view over Tam Coc’s river and rice fields, with the small cave at the foot of the hill. Entirely optional — anyone who would rather rest waits by the lotus pond and café below.
~17:30
Sit back for the two-hour drive and you are dropped at the door you were collected from.
A later start means a later return; an earlier pick-up gives you more light at Mua Cave.
Approximate timings, worked out from the pick-up time, starting point and boat you choose. The sequence stays the same; how long you linger at each stop is up to you and your guide. We confirm the pick-up by message the day before.
Hang Mua is a real climb — please read. Around 500 uneven stone steps, steep near the top. We don’t recommend the climb for older guests, anyone with a heart condition or bad knees, or babies carried in arms. If someone in your party skips it, the others can still go up — your guide stays below with them at the lotus pond and café until everyone is back.
Trang An boats take 4 guests (Tam Coc boats take 2). If your party is fewer than 4 on Trang An, you share the boat with other travellers. Want a boat just for your party? A private boat is $12 per empty seat (1 empty seat $12, 2 seats $24, 3 seats $36) — tick it in the booking form.
The tour price
On request
per adult — everything included
Children: under 3 travel free; ages 3–7 pay 75% of the adult price; 8 and over pay the adult price.
Check your dateLana’s WhatsApp +84 336 515 830 · Philip’s WhatsApp +84 84 635 9779 · email info@vsidetravel.com — we reply fast.
Tickets, lunch and guide are all included. See the full timings
Real reviews from guests on our private Ninh Binh days
"We had an unreal private day trip to Ninh Binh. Our guide Anna spoke excellent English, making it easy to learn about the local history, culture, and attractions throughout the day. She was incredibly friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and happy to answer our questions. What really stood out was the flexibility of the tour. We were able to tailor the day to our interests, with plenty of freedom to decide where we wanted to go and how much time we spent at each location. We especially loved Hang Mua and Tam Coc. The stunning scenery, excellent guiding from Anna, a comfortable vehicle with a very friendly driver, and the flexibility to customise the itinerary made this one of our favourite day trips in Vietnam."
Private Ninh Binh Tour: 1. Bai Dinh Pagoda; 2. Trang An Boat Ride; 3. Mua Cave & Duck Feeding
“Just had the best day in Ninh Binh with Hieu and driver Hung. We saw so much and Hieu was very patient, friendly and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend this trip with VSide Travel as you can customise and they will accommodate where they can. The duck feeding at the end was a great way to end the tour. Thank you Hieu for a great day! 😊”
Verified review · TripadvisorHanoi to Ninh Binh: 1. Trang an Boat Ride 2. Bai dinh pagoda 3. Thai Vi Temple & feed ducks
“Great, well-organized day trip to Ninh Binh! We had a very nice day exploring beautiful Ninh Binh. The operator contacted us beforehand with a clear overview: no delays, hidden costs, or surprises. Pickup was perfectly on time, and the car was clean and comfortable. Our guide, Hieu, was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing history and fun facts. It was great that he joined us on all activities. Our thoughts on the itinerary (we chose ourself): Trang An boat ride: Absolutely amazing, the highlight of the day. Bai Dinh pagoda: A massive site, made easy with the electric shuttle. Waterfall restaurant: A scenic spot for lunch in Tam Coc. Thai Vi temple: A small, beautiful, and peaceful stop. Duck feeding: Different from Insta-reels but fun. The ducks roam free, meaning cyclists or traffic might pass between you. Overall, a well-spent day with a smooth schedule and great guidance. Recommended for a hassle-free trip!”
Private Ninh Binh Daily: 1. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital; 2. Trang An Boat Ride; 3. Bich Dong Pagoda & Duck Feeding; 4. Mua Cave
“Our family absolutely loved Lana, she shared so many interesting background storys with us, which gave us a better understanding of the history and culture of Vietnam. Would definitely recommend spending the day with Lana.”
"We were a little uncertain at first because there aren’t many reviews yet, but now we can definitively say this is one of the best tours we’ve ever had. Lana was very helpful in tailoring to our requests and super responsive. Anna was just a joy as our guide! She is so energetic, patient with us as we explored Ninh Binh in 100+ degree heat, and very knowledgeable about the area and Vietnam. We learned a lot, felt taken care of, and had such a good time. Lunch was also great and driver Henry was lovely. Thank you to everyone!"
Verified booking · GetYourGuide"We had a fantastic day trip to Ninh Binh, organized by Lana and our driver Hung. One day is sufficient to cover 3-4 interesting sites. Lana provided a complimentary lunch, catering to our vegetarian diet, which was thoughtful and very delicious. Our driver was also very responsive whenever we needed him to collect us after exploring different places, he drove safely and efficiently, offering sun shades for the car when it got very hot in the afternoon. 10/10 I would go for Lana’s travel company again whenever I visit Vietnam in the future! All the best!"
Verified booking · GetYourGuide"We got to choose what we wanted and our guide was always accommodating. We would definitely book with them again!! The food at lunch was also very excellent. We are very happy with the day :)"
Verified booking · GetYourGuideHanoi: Private Ninh Binh UNESCO Sites & Incense Village
“Our guide Stephen (Vū) was great! Very friendly, very flexible and extremely helpful in every way. He was a superb storyteller who exhibited great love for his country. Lana, the co-ordinator was also very patient and helpful when she supported us on all pre-tour arrangements. Go for this provider if you want a hassle free experience.”
Custom Private Ninh Binh: Explore Your Way
“Lana was our tour guide during the private drive around Ninh Binh. We were two families with 5 kids from ages 3-11. It was super convenient to travel with a private driver as we could leave items in the van and not have to lug it around. We could also take our time and travel at our own pace. She gave us choices for tours around Ninh Binh, helped us with the Trang A booking, and accommodated evening travel into Hoa Lu old town.”
Verified booking · GetYourGuideCustom Private Ninh Binh: Explore Your Way
“L’activitat a Ninh Binh va anar molt bé, la Mae la nostra guia va ser molt atenta en tot moment i ens va fer sentir molt còmodes al llarg de tot el dia. A més, apart de portar-nos a veure els llocs més emblemàtics de la regió Ninh Binh ens van portar ella i el conductor pels llocs amagats i sense turistes per a poder gaudir i veure el país en el seu estat més pur. No podria haver sigut millor.” “The activity in Ninh Binh went very well. Mae, our guide, was very attentive at all times and made us feel very comfortable throughout the day. In addition, apart from taking us to see the most iconic places in the Ninh Binh region, she and the driver took us to hidden places without tourists so that we could enjoy and see the country in its purest state. It couldn’t have been better.”
Thank you — your private Ninh Binh day is with us. We will confirm the pick-up time and the price for your group shortly.
Message Lana on WhatsApp · +84 336 515 830Good to Know
Yes. The car, the driver and the guide are booked for your party alone — one traveller or ten. Nobody else joins your day, and the plan bends around you: more time among the arhats at Bai Dinh, a shorter climb, a longer lunch.
Of course — choose Hanoi hotel in the booking form. The car collects you in the Old Quarter or central Hanoi at the time you choose, anywhere from 6:30 to 9:30 AM. It is about two hours each way — a 7:00 start reaches Bai Dinh around 9:00 and gets you home around 19:30–20:00 — and the round-trip car is already included in the Hanoi price — nothing is added for the drive.
Trang An is the longer loop (about 2½–3 hours), UNESCO-listed, through around eight or nine caves with stops at island temples — the pick for first-timers who love caves and scenery. Tam Coc is shorter (about 1½–2 hours), out and back through three caves between rice fields — best if you are short on energy or time, or visiting in May, when the rice is golden. Tam Coc works out a little cheaper per person — the booking form shows the difference live. Choose there, or compare them in the boat section above. Boats differ too: a Trang An boat takes 4 guests, so a smaller party shares — for a boat just for you, tick Private boat in the booking form ($12 for each empty seat: $12, $24 or $36). A Tam Coc boat takes 2, so a couple has its own boat and rower; groups of 3 or more use more than one boat.
Around 500 stone steps, 20 to 30 minutes up at a steady pace, uneven and steep near the top. Most reasonably active travellers manage it with a breather or two. We don’t recommend it for older guests, anyone with a heart condition or bad knees. It is entirely optional: if someone skips it, the others can still climb while your guide waits below with them by the lotus pond and café.
No. Under 3s travel free, children aged 3 to 7 pay 75% of the adult price, and from 8 years old it is the adult price. Add them with the Children and Infants counters in the booking form and the total updates as you go.
Very welcome — the boat ride is usually their favourite part. The Hang Mua steps are not suitable for babies carried in arms, so one parent can stay below with the little one while the rest climb. Tell us the children’s ages in the notes and we will plan the day around them.
Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Bai Dinh, shoes with grip for the Hang Mua steps, a hat, sunscreen and water for the climb, a light rain jacket in the wet season (roughly June to September), and some cash in dong for drinks and tips.
March to May and September to November usually bring the kindest weather. The paddies around Tam Coc turn gold in May — the best time for the view from the top of Hang Mua; the rest of the year they are green or bare. Summer is hot with afternoon showers, but the scenery is lush and the day still runs as normal.
A passing shower is normal in Ninh Binh and does not cancel the day — the pagoda, the boats and the viewpoint are all fine in light rain, and the karst looks wonderful in the mist. If the forecast is genuinely bad we will contact you before your pick-up and offer another date or a full refund. Nothing has been charged by then anyway.
A private car, driver and guide cost us almost the same for one guest as for two, so a solo booking is 1.75× the adult rate — $192.50 from Hanoi or $166.25 from a Ninh Binh hotel with the Trang An boat, a little less with Tam Coc. Bringing a baby under 3 does not change that. As soon as a second guest joins (another adult or a child aged 3–7), everyone simply pays the normal rate.
Sending the form costs nothing and commits you to nothing. We reply within 24 hours to confirm the date, the pick-up time and the final price. Then you pay one of three ways, chosen in the booking form: cash on the day to your guide, in USD or VND, with no fee; Moreta Pay QR (+1.5% of the tour total) — after we confirm, you scan our VietQR (Sacombank) with the Moreta Pay app using your own card; or an online payment link (+15% platform fee), a card link we send after confirmation. We only confirm bookings from Lana’s WhatsApp +84 336 515 830, Philip’s WhatsApp +84 84 635 9779 or our email info@vsidetravel.com — never pay or click a link sent from any other number or address.
Your Day, Your Pace
Bai Dinh in the morning, the Trang An caves by rowing boat, and the view from Hang Mua to finish — with your own car and guide, from your hotel in Ninh Binh or Hanoi.
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