HANOI | Hoa Lu & Tam Coc Tour

Often referred to as "Inland Ha Long Bay", the area of Tam Coc and Hoa Lu is characterized by the limestone geology that gives rise to the towering karst formations that make this picturesque area so unique. Let's embark on a small rowboat tour to explore the area, with some scenic cycling also on the menu.

Name	Hoa Lu & Tam Coc Tour
Duration	Full Day
Price from	80 USD / pax (based on 2 pax)
Pick-up point	Hotel in Hanoi
Drop-off point	Hotel in Hanoi

TRAVEL NOTES
• What to bring. During hot seasons, bring a sunhat and suntan lotion as it can get quite hot, especially at mid-day. Bring a bottle of water too to hydrate yourself continually during the two-hours-long river journey and to use it as an excuse to not buy any drinks from the persistent drink sellers at the rest stop
• Hard-selling issue. Expect to experience the following forms of hard-selling at Tam Coc. First, as you are cruising down the river, you will notice, from time to time, locals in rowboats taking photographs of you with their DSLRs. When you return to the starting point of the river journey, they will be there to try to sell you the developed photographs. If you are not interested, just act firm and say no. In any case, our tour guide will always assist you .
• Tipping for rowers in Tam Coc. You are not supposed to tip the rowers but any of them really does deserve a tip of around 2usd/person at the end of the river journey. This is because it is really a tough job: the rower (mainly female) has to row the boat—non-stop and under the hot sun—for the entire 2-hours-long journey and had only two short breaks in between.

8:00am leave the hotel at Hanoi. About 10:30am arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history. Hoa Lu, 100 km South of Hanoi, was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between AD 968 and AD 980. We visit the temples dedicated to emperors of the Le Dynasty dating back around 1000 years and view the remains of the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel. Apart from the historical aspects, the area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay. 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.

We'll then cycle for 12km on a quiet, picturesque road passing through villages, lush rice fields and rocky outcrops to our final destination of Tam Coc, where we stop for a picnic lunch with a scenic view. If you can’t cycle, we always have the shuttle to assist you.

After lunch, we embark on a sampan boat journey to the heart of the "Inland Halong Bay.” Take in the beauty of the stunning karst formations as you wind along their bases and are rowed into one of the many caves carved from the limestone.
We leave Tam Coc at around 4pm and drive back to Hanoi to conclude our tour. Arrive Hanoi at 6:30pm.

This is a sample itinerary so the cost really depends on the number of people in your group and time of travel. Please send us your enquiry for availabilities & the most up dated price.

INCLUSION
• Transportation by private air-con vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
• All entrance and sightseeing fees
• Boat trip in Tam Coc
• Bike rentral and helmet
• 1 set menu lunch with one complimentary ½ liter bottle of mineral water
• Local English- speaking guide
• 2 small bottle mineral water
• 24/24h assistance from our company
• Service charges and government tax

EXCLUSION
• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Drink and beverage
• Personal expenses
• Camera fees (if any)
• Tips for guide & driver
• Other items than mentioned in the program