TEMPLES & SHRINES · HANOI TEMPLE TOURS
The dawn slots and the capped tickets go weeks ahead. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ once you are inside.
Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ninh Binh for Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Mua Cave climb, and a sampan ride through Trang An’s caves. An English-speaking guide such as Duc, Kate, Ruby, or Jadon leads the day, with lunch, tickets, and transport included.
“That was great trip ruby was excellent as a tour guide”
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in a small group of up to 10, visit grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, eat a local buffet, row through Trang An caves, and climb about 500 steps at Mua Cave. Guides such as Ruby, Jack, and Quyen have been praised for clear explanations and friendly service.
“The tour was beyond my expectations. I’ve been to SaPa Funsipan, so I was expecting similar experience. But Black Lady Mountain blew it out of the sky. There is so much to see and the facilities were amazing. Unfortunately, because of the diRead more”
Travel from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda with an English-speaking guide such as Minh, ride a rowboat along Yen Stream, visit Thien Tru and Huong Tich Cave, and return after lunch. You can walk the mountain path or pay extra for the cable car.
“This tour was not for the faint hearted but was so worth it! The boat ride takes you on a peaceful journey to the pagoda. There’s a lot of stairs to climb and it can get very hot. Take the cable car unless you are starting very early in the morning before the heat. On the way the hospitality is outstanding with a delicious meal served with an access to cold water and fans. Our guide was very informative providing us with an excellent overview of the area and cultural significance of perfume pagoda. The views were sensational and it was a very enjoyable day.”
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with an English-speaking guide, visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, the Trang An waterways and Mua Cave. Expect a long but well-filled day, a buffet lunch, rural views, a cave boat ride and a steep climb to Ngoa Long Mountain. Guides may include Harry, Sy, Nemo, Tezzy or Hai.
“fantastic day out well worth the money. team Harry absolutely made the day the best guide we've ever had. the kayaking could do with being abit shorter or get out the for a 10min stretch half way. climbing upto the dragon isn't for the faint hearted but the views were stunning. all round fantastic day”
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with an English-speaking guide, then choose a route featuring Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh, a boat trip through Trang An or Tam Coc, and the Mua Cave climb. Guides such as Duong, Ruby, Jun, and Thang have earned praise for clear explanations and careful service.
“The Budist temples , and the boat trip were both excellent”
Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Perfume Pagoda by coach, electric vehicle, rowboat, and optional cable car. Guide Minh or Long may lead the day, explaining local beliefs, temple customs, and the story of Huong Tich Cave. Expect a long, active outing with lunch included.
“Parfume pagode hidden in the mountains. Nice way to hike up & down. Only way to get there by boat. It’s worth to see it”
Leave Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a full day at Perfume Pagoda. You’ll ride a bamboo boat on Yen Stream, visit Huong Tich Cave and Thien Tru Pagoda, and eat lunch with an English-speaking guide such as Minh. Expect a 2.5-kilometer uphill route, with a cable car sometimes used to keep the schedule.
“I had a lot of fun! Great guide and beautiful place :)”
Spend a full day from Hanoi at the Perfume Pagoda Complex. Ride a traditional boat on Yen Stream, walk or pay extra for the cable car to Huong Tich Cave, visit Buddhist temples, and enjoy lunch with an English-speaking guide such as Minh.
“Minh was an excellent tour guide, you could ask him anything. He taught us a lot about the stories and legends of the Perfume Pagoda, and he did it in perfect English. He always kept us in a good mood. Lunch was really generous. We couldn't eat everything :) Minh takes pictures of you during the trip, which he then sends to you via WhatsApp. I'd totally recommend this tour with Minh to anyone You'll definitely have a great, humorous day and feel very comfortable as a tourist. Thanks Minh :)”
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with an English-speaking guide such as Leo or Phong. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda by electric car, eat local goat dishes, then row through Trang An’s caves on a shared boat before returning to Hanoi.
“Amazing day out, great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and see more of the surrounding areas. Leo and his driver were fantastic, great knowledge, and so lovely. We had a magic day.”
Travel privately from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda, cruise the Yen River, visit Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave, then meet incense makers at Quang Phu Cau. English guide Lan has earned praise for her helpful style. Cable car tickets and non-English guide fees cost extra.
“belle expérience en décalage par rapport à la saison. peu de boutique et une impression de saison morte”
Spend half a day at the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison, or choose the full-day route with Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh sites, lunch, and a guide. Guides such as Son and Chuong, also called Lee, add useful historical context and help manage busy sights.
“Well organized tour. We opted for the Hanoi full day city tour. This was day before Ho Chi Mins bday and there were a lot of tourits coming into this mausoleum. Luckily our tour guide knows the best strategy and we didn’t have to wait in line for a long time. The tour guide Son has more than 10 years experience and knows exactly what all kinds of tourists wants—whether you like to take photos or enjoy the scenery or have an experience, he will ensure to give you some time for it throughout the day. There’s also ample time to rest in between tours. His choice of restaurant is…”
Travel from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda with an English-speaking guide such as Minh, ride a local boat along Yen Stream, visit Huong Tich Cave and Thien Tru Pagoda, and return the same evening. The 2.5-kilometer climb can be replaced by an optional cable-car ride.
“The Perfume Pagoda area is beautiful and the journey on the little boat was magical. Guide Minh was great, he was fun, entertaining, informative and great at looking after everyone.”
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in a group of up to eight. You’ll cycle through Tam Coc rice fields, visit a three-generation Vietnamese home, climb Bich Dong Pagoda, and take a sampan through Trang An’s caves and temples. Guides such as Ben and Alex are praised for clear English and strong local knowledge.
“Alex, our guide, was fantastic. Great English, rich understanding of Vietnamese history and a friendly demeanor. The tour itself was also great. The bike ride was a particular highlight.”
Sunrise, sunset, on foot or by tuk-tuk.
