Hoa Lu and Tam Coc information:

These famous sites are located in NinhBinh province, 95km south of Hanoi. Tam Coc’s karst
mountainsresemble the topography at Halong Bay. Biggest difference is that Tam Coc is
situated on land and contains rice paddies around. The area supports farmers with stray goats
on the karsts hillsides and fishermen. Their two sanctuaries are built in the 17^th century at Hoa
Lu. They are dedicated to the Dinh and early Le dynastyin the 10^th and 11^th centuries. The sites
attraction consists of a stone pedestal of a royal throne, bronze bells and a statue of the
Emperors.

This day tour will take you to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10^th century. We’ll
explore the countryside and learn about the history of two royal dynasties while visiting two
temples. We continue our way to the Tam Coc river where you will take a ride on a bamboo
boat (sampan) along the Ngo Dong river which gently winds it’sway through breathtaking
karst hill scenery. With the boatswe pass through three caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang
Ba). There will be plenty of time for you to relax, breath in the fresh air and be charmed by the
warmth of the locals. You’ll be sure to leave with a day of unforgettable memories. This tour is
friendly and safe forfamilies with children and we guarantee 100% satisfaction!

07:45                    Pick-up at Friends Travel booking office, 2 Hang Buom,
                                old quarter, Hanoi.

08:30                    Depart from Hanoi on the way to NinhBinh Province
                                (on the way there will be a stop of about 20 minutes).

10:00                    Arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

10:15                     Visiting the temples of the two kings of the Dinh and
                                Le dynasties.

11:40                     Arriving at Tam Coc Wharf at around lunch time.

12:00                    Great lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Ngo
                                Dong river. You’ll have the chance to enjoy NinhBinh’s
                                specialty of goat meat and elderberry.

13:00                     Board the sampan boats, rowed by locals as              you gently
                                make your way along the Ngo Dong                river.
                                Take in the breathtaking scenery of karst hills, villages
                                and seasonal rice fields while passing through three
                                caves, Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba.

15:00                    Back to Tam Coc Wharf to chill out.

15:15                     Enjoy a cycling tour from Tam Coc to Bich Dong along
                                the countryside rivers and paddy fields.

16:00                    Getting on shuttle bus to go back to Hanoi.

18:30                     Saying goodbye to you at Friends Travel office at
                                2 Hang Buom, old quarter, Hanoi.
                                Trip ends.