Let me start off with a solid 10 out of 10 and full props to the operator and most of all, our tour guide Victor for facilitating an incredible experience in Ninh Binh that my girlfriend and I will never forget.
From the moment of booking, both the operator and tour guide Victor contacted us via WhatsApp to confirm our booking, pick up location and pick up time. The following day, Victor and the driver Hoa were punctual to the time they specified.
After collecting all the passengers, Victor gave us an outline of the day along with a free history lesson about our destinations. Not only was he knowledgeable but also very charismatic and hilarious with a dry sense of humour. He kept us engaged all throughout the bus ride and never skipped a beat which made the 2 hour bus ride so much more tolerable.
Our first activity was a 30-45 minute bike ride which took us through the countryside and the local village which was so enlightening and gave us a great insight into Ninh Binh's rich history. The views were so scenic we made multiple stops for photo opportunities.
Our second stop was the temple in Hoa Lu where Victor gave us another history lesson with a game of thrones analogy. If you get Victor as a tour guide this will make complete sense in the end. The temple itself was grand and peaceful and rich in history. It was amazing to see most historical artefacts still intact.
Lunch was a buffet style and definitely palatable. The goat was something else though, as they breed them differently here the taste was so much better. Drinks aren't included in your costs so be prepared to pay for drinks.
Next stop was a 1.5 hour small rowboat ride around Tam Coc and this was one of the most scenic rides you'll ever experience. It was absolutely majestic and I kid you not, coming out of one of the caves, it felt like entering a whole new world and I half expected to see King Kong or dinosaurs to come roaring out with the iconic theme song playing. Be prepared for paparazzi boats as they will ambush you trying to take photos of you and then sell you them at the end of the trip. Be advised that they will charge you anywhere from 300 to 600k for photos. My advice is if you don't want to get them done, look away from them and don't give them an opportunity. Your boatperson will also expect a tip from you and they generally back this up by trying to talk to you and take photos of you and generally trying to make the best experience for you. Do it, it's worth it. Minimum tip is 25k for one person and maximum is 100k for one person. Double it if you are a couple. Anymore and any less they'll either be super sad or super greedy.
Our last stop was Hang Mua climbing up to the top of the mountain, all 500 steps of pure incline so be prepared with water and maybe a second shirt. 500 steps don't seem like much but the incline will give you something to think about. You'll hit a fork somewhere in the middle with the right side going to a smaller peak with the city view and easier to climb and the left a higher steeper climb but with the river view which is definitely better. If you take the left side and decide to go higher to the summit, be careful as there are no safety rails, only poles and chains which, if you slip and with the overcrowding, you've got a good chance of meeting your maker - be prepared. The view though, is second to none.
The whole trip took about 12 hours from pickup to drop off so come full of energy and definitely come prepared with good knees.
Thank you Victor and Hoa, you made our experience one of the best we've ever had in Vietnam.