Bikes, Boats, Lunch, and Spectacular views! - Our experience with Thao was truly memorable. Upon our arrival, we were provided with bicycles for a delightful tour around Ninh Binh, setting the stage for a day of exploration. A highlight was undoubtedly the rowboat excursion with the boat tour in Tam Coc, revealing views that linger in our memories. Following this, lunch awaited us, showcasing the culinary richness of the region. The post-lunch ascent of the stairs at Hang Mua, culminating in the exploration of the Big Pagoda and Small Pagoda, offered breathtaking panoramic views. Thao made the ascent with us to make sure we had pictures of us overlooking the spectacular valleys below. Our private driver ensured a seamless return to Hanoi, concluding a full day of adventure. This excursion is highly recommended for those seeking a refined blend of adventure and tranquility of Ninh Binh.

Very Enjoyable Private Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Full Day Tour - We did a Private Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Full Day Tour from Hanoi. Hanoi Explore Travel arranged our private pick up and drop off, and the trip went smoothly. Our tour guide spoke good English, and she was polite and helpful throughout our tour. Private boat tour of Tam Coc with private boat was super fun and has amazing scenery. Must visit Mua Cave and hike up to Hang Mua viewpoint. However, Hoa Lu Ancient City was disappointing as nothing original from the ancient city remains. Our tour included a lunch at a family restaurant that is located away from the tourist area. Very quiet and relaxing, and food was very good too. We would like to visit again during the Lotus season, and we would use Hanoi Explore Travel again.

Private guide! - We spent a day out with Miss Thao! She showed us all kinds of beautiful places in Tam Coc, and in between we had a delicious lunch at her house. Super hospitable. She took us to our sleeping bus and asked if we wanted to shower before we got on the bus! Highly recommended

Thao wonderful guide, I absolutely recommend a tour with her to Ninh binh - Thao was really very kind, she welcomed our every request, always organizing everything with a smile! We took a boat tour to Trang An during the day, advising us on the best solution (a two-hour journey passing through the 4 caves) then we continued on to the old capital then she took us back to the hotel to relax a bit and she came to pick us up to go to enjoy the view of Tam Coc at Mua cave. Finally we went to dinner at his house and had a mini lesson in Vietnamese dishes requested by us. Truly delicious dishes. Thank you Thao for this wonderful day!

Definitely worth the trip from Hanoi - Great tour with stunning scenery. It was worth paying a little extra to have it be private. The driver had wifi in his car for the ride there and back which helped kill the time. Our guide was great. Definitely enjoyed this more than exploring the city of Hanoi. As a note, there was no cooking class when we went, they took us to a local restaurant that was good instead (which we were ok with).

Excellent, Friendly Service - We spent 3 days in Ninh Binh with Thao as our excellent tour guide. She was so friendly and accommodating and we got to see the “real” side of town biking through back alleys and canals, plus a delectable dinner at her home! It was HOT when we traveled but she took care of us with drinks and breaks and yummy food. Loved the views from our sweaty hikes above the caves especially! Such a genuine, friendly local experience, loved it.

Unforgettable! - Unforgettable experience from start to finish! Very friendly and helpful guides and the lunch at Tao’s house was the best food we have had in Vietnam. Look no further if you’re looking for a Tam Coc tour!

Amazing tour guide Thao - Our tour guide Thao was amazing!! She was so friendly and took care of our every need. She went above and beyond to make sure we got a local Vietnamese experience while also seeing all of our top sights in Ninh Binh. She also helped us get to our next destination! Highly recommend Ninh Binh and tour guide Thao!

Super fun time with Tommy! - I did the 2D1N ninh binh tour and got Tommy as my tour guide. He is super funny and loves making jokes to get the bus laughing. He’s good at making sure no one gets left behind and making everyone feel comfortable with each other. I can really tell he loves his job and it translates well into how he conducts his tour.

Mixed feelings - I say mixed feelings because what we saw was unlike what I expected. Oh yes, it was beautiful- areas leading to the tourist sites the 500 step climb to the top of the mountain the boat ride on the river the visit to the temple, all worth seeing, just the scenery to and from was not well taken care of. Also there was a bike ride portion. The bikes they use are old and not well cared for. My husband’s bike had no rear brakes! And my bike, the seat was so narrow it hurt my behind! And that was a shame because that could’ve been the most enjoyable part of this tour. We had a wonderful tour guide a young man full of energy who we enjoyed for the most part. But being in our early 60s we feel someone older would have been a better fit for us. The climb up the 500 steps is quite arduous but the view once you’re up there is incredible. The boat ride was very comfortable and we both enjoyed that. Seeing as we did both this tour and the Jade sails Halong Bay 1 day boat trip, if I had to pick one or the other it would definitely be the Jade sails Hslong Bay tour.