After a few days of weaving through Hanoi’s busy streets, dodging motorbikes, touring the sights and enjoying Vietnamese food (see my blog post about that here), we were ready to see what lay beyond the city. Northern Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, and we didn’t want to miss them. We chose two very different excursions: a day trip to Ninh Binh and an overnight cruise through the stunning limestone seascapes of Lan Ha Bay. Both offered a welcome change of pace from the capital and gave us a chance to experience a quieter, more scenic side of Vietnam. Keep reading to learn more about some excellent excursions from Hanoi.

About Ninh Binh

Located about 95 kilometers (60 miles) south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is one of northern Vietnam’s most popular day-trip destinations. The region is famous for its dramatic limestone karst landscape, which has earned it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.” Beyond its natural beauty, Ninh Binh also played an important role in Vietnamese history. In the 10th and 11th centuries, the nearby city of Hoa Lu served as Vietnam’s first imperial capital, and remnants of that era can still be visited today. While it is possible to explore the area independently, we opted for an organized day tour from Hanoi, which made it easy to visit several of the region’s highlights in a single day.

Ninh Binh excursions

We were so lucky that the hotel we stayed at in Hanoi, La Belle Maison, helped us with booking all our excursions. We were picked up at 7am, and were joined by 5 other fellow travelers, all Australian. The size of our group was perfect, not too large and just the right size to get to know the others and have a fun bonding day together. The journey from Hanoi took us through the Vietnamese countryside, where city streets gradually gave way to rice fields, small villages, and towering limestone peaks. The drive was about 3 hours, and by the time we arrived in Ninh Binh, it was easy to see why this region is considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations.

Visiting the ancient capital Hoa Lu

Our first stop was Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Before we even reached the temple grounds, we were greeted by one of Ninh Binh’s signature views: a graceful stone bridge stretching across a river. It was framed by towering limestone mountains rising dramatically in the background. It was our first real glimpse of the landscape that makes this region so famous, and we loved it!

As we continued toward the entrance, we passed water buffalo grazing in the surrounding fields, a picturesque introduction to the rural countryside.

Before entering the temple grounds, we had to make sure that we were complying with the dress code. Buddhist rules include not having knees exposed, so even the men in our group had to borrow skirts to comply with the dress code. I had a scarf I was carrying that was easy to wrap around myself. It’s important to remember that these historic sites remain places of cultural and spiritual significance.

Exploring the temple complex

We spent time wandering through the complex, following stone pathways between courtyards, gardens, and ornate temple buildings dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh. Intricate wood carvings, fish-filled ponds, stone dragons, and incense-filled halls offer glimpses into Vietnam’s early royal history.

Walking the grounds was incredible. The peaceful setting, framed by soaring cliffs and lush greenery, created a striking contrast to the bustling streets of modern Hanoi and offered a fascinating introduction to both the history and landscapes that make Ninh Binh so special.

Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, it was easy to understand why Hoa Lu was chosen as the nation’s capital more than a thousand years ago. The towering karsts formed a natural fortress that helped protect the young kingdom from invasion, while the fertile valleys provided space for communities to thrive.

Lotus fields at Mua Cave

Next, we went to Mua Cave, but before starting the hike to the peak we were able to explore the lotus fields at the base. Depending on the season, these ponds bloom with pink lotus flowers, creating one of the most photographed scenes in the region. There were lots of girls dressed up with photographers for the occasion. We enjoyed walking the boardwalk and taking in the views of the flowers with the limestone mountains in the background.

Hiking up Mua Cave

Then came the challenge: the hike up Mua Cave. The stone staircase is steep and uneven in places, and the heat definitely adds to the effort, but the reward at the top is unforgettable.

From one of the viewpoint platforms we looked out over winding rivers, bright green rice fields, and dramatic limestone cliffs stretching as far as the eye could see.

The very top, which is about 500 steps up, there is a dragon sculpture. Getting to it was a little treacherous so I just sat and took in the sites instead. It was pretty incredible.

Exploring the Mua Cave complex

After making our way back down the mountain, we spent some time exploring the rest of the Mua Cave complex. While most visitors come for the famous viewpoint, the grounds themselves are worth wandering. Beneath the towering limestone cliffs, pathways wind through gardens, fish ponds and around small shrines, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

We stepped through a cave, which rewarded us with an incredible breeze that felt amazing after our sweaty walk to the top. With fewer crowds than at the summit, it was a chance to slow down, catch our breath, and appreciate the beauty of the area before continuing on to the next stop of the day.

Biking in Ninh Binh

After a delicious lunch, it was time to slow things down with a bike ride through the countryside. Cycling along quiet roads, we passed endless rice fields, streetside stalls, and of course the limestone peaks rising dramatically from the flat landscape. Everything felt calm and spacious, and the pace of the ride gave me time to really absorb the scenery around us.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Our cycling route eventually brought us to Bich Dong Pagoda, a centuries-old temple complex built directly into the limestone cliffs. Reached by crossing a picturesque stone bridge over a lotus-filled pond, the pagoda is spread across three levels that seem to climb naturally up the mountainside.

Nestled against the limestone cliffs, the lower temple area felt peaceful and intimate, with ancient stone steps, weathered walls, and banyan trees. Bich Dong Pagoda dates back to the 15th century, when it was first discovered and developed by two monks who were struck by the beauty and spiritual atmosphere of the cave system. The name “Bich Dong” translates roughly to “Green Pearl Grotto,” a reference to both the lush greenery surrounding the mountains and the hidden caves within.

Over time, the site was gradually expanded into three levels of pagodas built into and along the limestone cliff, blending natural rock formations with Buddhist architecture in a way that feels almost seamless. And the real adventure began as we climbed to the higher levels. Stone stairways carved into the mountainside led into cave-like passageways. The Middle Pagoda is partially built into a natural cave, which we got to go into as we continued to ascend the complex.

Continuing upward, steep stone steps climbed toward the Upper Pagoda, perched high on the mountainside. From there, sweeping views stretched across the valley, revealing the rice fields and rivers below. It was such a memorable experience.

Tam Coc- a boat ride

We ended the day with a boat ride through Tam Coc, one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic landscapes. Slipping into a small wooden sampan, we were soon gliding along the calm river, surrounded on both sides by towering limestone cliffs that rose straight out of the water. The scenery felt almost otherworldly, with steep karst formations and overhanging greenery.

What made the experience especially unique (beyond those amazing limestone formations) was watching the rowers navigate the boats using their feet. With an incredible sense of rhythm and control, our rower (a woman!!) propelled us smoothly along the water.

As we drifted deeper into the valley, we passed through a series of natural caves carved into the limestone. It was so cool seeing the cave formations just barely above our heads

Along the cliffs above we spotted some goats perched impossibly on narrow rock ledges and, at one point, a monkey appeared moving along the limestone face, adding to our experience.

By the time we reached the end of the route and turned back toward shore, we were all feeling pretty tired after a full day of exploring. The ride back to Hanoi was quiet, and I think most of us fell asleep almost immediately. But it was an incredible day overall, and it was so special to see this part of Vietnam properly beyond the city.

Overnight excursion in Lan Ha Bay

Our second excursion from Hanoi was an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay, which is part of the broader Ha Long Bay region. My travel buddy Erin had already been to the popular Ha Long Bay in a previous trip, so we decided to opt for Lan Ha Bay which tends to be quieter and less crowded. The journey from Hanoi took several hours by bus, around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the harbor area with a rest stop along the way, before boarding our boat in the early afternoon. We were picked up right from our hotel, where we opted to leave our larger carryon luggage suitcases and just pack backpacks for the cruise.

Before boarding our actual cruise ship, we first transferred by tender boat. It was a great way to ease into the experience, cruising through the bay while getting our first glimpse of our fellow passengers and listening to our cruise director share information about the area. As the limestone islands began to rise around us, it’s easy to see why this region is considered one of Vietnam’s greatest natural treasures.

About Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay

Along the way, we learned some fascinating facts about the bay. According to local legend, the name Ha Long means “Descending Dragon.” The story tells of a mother dragon and her children who descended from the heavens to protect Vietnam, scattering jewels that became the limestone islands and karsts that dot the bay today. Looking out across the emerald-green water and dramatic rock formations, it wasn’t hard to see how the landscape inspired such a legend.

We also learned that the wider Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay region attracts millions of visitors each year and is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Despite this popularity, Lan Ha Bay tends to feel quieter and less crowded than its famous neighbor. The waters are also home to pearl farms, where oysters are cultivated to produce some of Vietnam’s most prized pearls. Between the fascinating history, local legends, and breathtaking scenery, the boat ride to the ship felt like an excursion in its own right. Though with my aptitude towards seasickness I was eager to get on board.

Sena Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

From the moment we stepped onto the Sena Cruise, it felt like entering a floating hotel. Our room had a private balcony overlooking the bay, which made it incredibly easy to sit back and watch the limestone islands drift by in every direction. Over the course of the cruise, we were treated to multiple meals on board, all included, with fresh Vietnamese dishes served in a relaxed dining setting. The boat isn’t large; with just 16 cabins, it has an intimate, personal feel.

The first afternoon included a boat excursion into a sea cave, where we passed through a narrow opening in the limestone and emerged into a hidden lagoon-like space surrounded by cliffs. It was awesome to see the stone formations from so up close. Later, there was time to swim in the bay. I’m not a swimmer so I opted to read on the terrace, while Erin and some of our new friends floated in open water surrounded by towering karsts.

In the evening, the atmosphere shifted into something more social. We took part in a cooking class where we learned how to make fresh spring rolls, followed by dinner on board. Afterward, the night ended with karaoke on the top deck as we watched the sunset.

One detail worth noting is that alcoholic drinks were not included on the cruise, but there was an opportunity to bring your own or to buy them on the boat (though the price was quite high). We picked up a bottle of wine at a rest stop on the way and enjoyed that on the balcony as the boat gently rocked in the water.

Day two on the Sena Cruise

The next morning started early with kayaking through the bay. Paddling between limestone cliffs and small islets gave us a closer, quieter perspective of the landscape, with still water and soft morning light making everything feel almost otherworldly.

Our experience in Lan Ha Bay ended with an hour of free time and an early lunch before being tendered back to the mainland around 10am. It was a quick trip but completely relaxing. The stunning scenery is not something I will ever forget.

Final Thoughts

Our two excursions from Hanoi- Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay- were completely different experiences, yet they complemented each other perfectly. Between traveling by bus, bike, kayak, and boat, we were able to experience some of the most spectacular landscapes Vietnam has to offer, from ancient temples and limestone mountains to emerald bays and hidden caves.

These adventures showed us a side of Vietnam far beyond the bustling streets of Hanoi and ended up being some of the highlights of our time in Vietnam. Next, we headed north to Sapa, where terraced rice fields, mountain villages, and cooler temperatures awaited. Stay tuned to hear about that adventure. Catch you soon!

-Catching Katie