Vietnam Tour - Hoa Lu & Tam Coc Hanoi Day Trip

A Day Hoa Lu & Tam Coc - Hanoi

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OVERVIEW

A couple hours drive outside of Hanoi will take you deep into Vietnam's past and picturesque countryside: discover Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, before taking a sampan trip down the so called 'Halong Bay on Land' - Tam Coc River, famous for its charming grottoes and limestone karst mountains. This Hanoi day trip provides a real insight into Vietnam’s outstanding heritage and dramatic scenery.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Depart your hotel this morning at 0800 for the 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometers.

If time permits after visiting Hoa Lu (for the fit and healthy), take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, the climb is rewarding with spectacular views.

In the late morning depart for Tam Coc Town for a Vietnamese lunch, along the way stop where you wish to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape.

After lunch board your private sampan*(see options below). As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to other name, 'Halong on Land'.

Should you feel adventurous climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating to 1428 and comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. Following its back by sampan to Tam Coc town before returning to Hanoi where you arrive in the late afternoon. (L)

Option 1:

Trang An: situated near to Tam Coc, Trang An is a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc however less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). An 'eco tourism' area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river.

Option 2:

Thung Nang: Similar to Tam Coc though not as spectacular, Thung Nang is off the tourist trail and a pleasant alternative. Pass through a cave, fields of lotus (in summer) and reach a quaint pagoda before returning on the same route.

PRICING: in US Dollars per person
Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

NUMBER OF PEOPLE	1	2	3-6	7-10	11-14	15+
PRICE PER PERSON	157	85	67	44	36	32

Our Services Include:

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
English or French speaking local guide
Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

Our Services do not Include:

Vietnam visa arrangements (a visa to Vietnam is compulsory for most nationalities)
International and Domestic Flights (quoted separately )
Meals other than mentioned above.
Camera/video entrance fees
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tips etc..)
Travel insurance (*)
Any service not mentioned above.