Ninh Binh is a fantastic place for bike tours because of its lush rice paddies, towering limestone karsts, and quiet rural roads. Unlike busy tourist spots, the area offers serene riding experiences that let you truly soak in the landscape. We particularly recommend biking in Cat Ba National Park during the Lan Ha Bay cruise, or pedaling through peaceful villages on a full-day trip like the Tam Coc and Hoa Lu tours. These rides are perfect for travelers who want an active way to see the region’s natural beauty and avoid crowded paths. Plus, many tours blend cultural visits with outdoor activity, making each ride both scenic and meaningful.
One of our favorite experiences is the Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruise with biking, kayaking, and meals. It combines a relaxing boat cruise with adventurous biking in Cat Ba National Park, all in a small group setting. Whether you’re kayaking tranquil waters or cycling beneath limestone cliffs, this tour provides a well-rounded taste of Ninh Binh’s outdoors.
1. Ninh Binh: Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruises- bike tour, kayak, meals
At number one, this cruise and bike combo offers a unique mix of relaxation and adventure. Staying in a small cruise with just 10 cabins and private balconies, you’ll cruise through Lan Ha Bay—a less touristy alternative to Halong Bay—then switch gears to explore Cat Ba National Park by bike. The tour includes kayaking in tranquil bays, swimming, and even fish massage. Nights feature happy hours, a cooking class, sunset parties, squid fishing, and karaoke. This tour is ideal if you want a luxurious, all-inclusive experience that combines stunning scenery with hands-on activities. Reviewers consistently praise the balance of comfort and adventure, with a 4.8/5 rating from 19 reviews.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking comfort, variety, and a small-group atmosphere with memorable kayaking and biking in a pristine setting.
2. Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu Tam Coc Hang Mua on Limousine and Cycling
This full-day tour offers a fantastic overview of the region’s highlights, combining luxury transport with active exploration. Starting with pickup at Hanoi, it takes you to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where you learn about its history. Then you’ll enjoy a boat trip through Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land,” showcasing limestone formations rising from rice paddies. The highlight for many is climbing Mua Cave’s 500 steps for sweeping views. The tour ends with a cycle through local villages to see traditional life up close.
Rated a perfect 5/5 from three reviews, this tour balances culture with physical activity. The inclusion of Vietnamese cuisine at lunch makes it a great value for $45. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day packed with sightseeing, gentle hiking, and cycling.
Bottom Line: Excellent for history lovers and those wanting a full taste of Ninh Binh’s landscape and cultural sites in one day.
3. Ninh Binh Trip Visit Hoa Lu Capital -Tam Coc-Biking-Mua Cave
This guided day trip features key highlights like Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave, plus a bike tour. It’s designed for those who want a thorough experience. After a scenic 2-hour bus ride, you’ll explore Hoa Lu’s ancient temples, then enjoy a sampan boat cruise in Tam Coc, often called “the inland sea.” The opportunity to hike Mua Cave’s 500 steps provides a spectacular panoramic view of the countryside. The tour includes a buffet lunch, with options for Vietnamese and Western dishes.
Rated 5/5 by three travelers, it’s praised for its well-organized itinerary and friendly guide. It’s a great pick if you want a full day of sightseeing with active moments and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a balanced mix of boat rides, hiking, and biking with a focus on history and scenery.
4. Private Luxury 1 Day Trip: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Biking
Looking for a luxury experience? This private tour takes you through Hoa Lu’s ancient sites, a peaceful boat ride in Tam Coc, and up to Mua Cave’s panoramic viewpoints. The highlight is the private transfer, ensuring comfort and flexibility, plus an English-speaking guide. You’ll enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a top local restaurant, then explore Mua Cave for spectacular mountain scenery. The tour promises a more personalized experience, with the option to tailor your day.
Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the flexibility and attentive service, making it a favorite for couples or groups seeking a more exclusive experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who prefer comfort, privacy, and a customized day out.
5. Best Ninh Binh Day Tour: Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Lunch & Cycling
For around $63, this small group tour offers a comprehensive day trip to Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and the iconic Hang Mua viewpoint. The focus is on cycling through rice paddies and villages, giving a close-up look at rural life. The boat cruise in Tam Coc highlights limestone formations and lush scenery, while the visit to Hoa Lu introduces you to Vietnam’s former capital. The tour’s small group size means more personal attention and fewer crowds.
Rated 5/5 by two reviews, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an active, immersive experience at a reasonable price.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a more intimate, physically active exploration with cultural stops.
6. Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu Mua Cave Trang An on Limousine and Cycling
This 12-hour tour combines Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave with limousine transport and cycling. The boat trip through Trang An’s caves is a highlight, along with cycling in Hoa Lu’s countryside. The tour includes a special visit to Lying Dragon Mountain, where you get a panoramic view. The vegan food options add a thoughtful touch. It’s ideal for those wanting a deep dive into both natural beauty and Vietnamese history.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, this tour is great for active travelers who appreciate comfort and culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day, multi-site experience with scenic boat rides and cycling.
7. Ninh Binh to Cat Ba: 2Days- LanHa Bay tour-bike, kayak, lunch
For travelers looking to combine Ninh Binh’s landscapes with a two-day adventure in Cat Ba, this tour offers long-distance comfort plus activities. Over two days, you’ll cruise Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, kayak in water caves, and cycle through Viet Hai Village. The trip includes lunch, swimming, and even monkey spotting on a lush island. The longest day tour of its kind, it’s perfect for those who want an immersive experience over multiple days.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, it’s excellent for active travelers with time to spare—offering a mix of water activities, biking, and wildlife.
Bottom Line: Ideal for multi-day explorers seeking a mix of sea, land, and wildlife.
8. Ninh Binh: Mua Cave Hike, Trang An Boat & Village Bike Tour
This small group tour combines climbing Mua Cave for panoramic views, boating in Trang An, and cycling to Bich Dong Pagoda. It provides a well-rounded snapshot of Ninh Binh’s natural and spiritual sites. The hike up Mua Cave is a favorite for the spectacular vistas, while the boat trip offers a peaceful way to see limestone caves and temples.
Rated 4.6/5 from eight reviews, it’s praised for its personal touch and variety. Suitable for active travelers who enjoy a mix of hiking, cruising, and cycling.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a manageable, engaging day mixing outdoor activity with cultural exploration.
9. Ninh Binh: 2 days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking
This two-day package is perfect for those wanting to get off the beaten path. It includes hiking, bioluminescent kayaking, and a day cruise in Lan Ha Bay. You’ll also bike jungle trails in Viet Hai and relax with monkeys on a tropical island. It’s a full-on adventure that blends natural beauty with active pursuits, ideal for travelers with extra time and a love of outdoor fun.
Rated 4.5/5, this tour is best for adventurous spirits looking for a deeper experience over two days.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers craving a multi-day escape from usual tourism.
10. Ha Noi: HOA LU-TAM COC-MUA CAVE, Buffet Lunch & Cycling
This day trip from Hanoi takes you to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave with cycling and a buffet lunch. With a 3.3/5 rating from three reviews, it offers a convenient way to see highlights without overexerting. The tour features cycling through peaceful villages, a boat cruise in Tam Coc, and a climb at Mua Cave for sweeping views.
It’s a good option for travelers wanting a straightforward, hassle-free experience with some outdoor activity included.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those short on time or preferring a simple, guided day with some adventure.
$48 per person
11. From Hanoi: Luxury Ninh Binh tour with lunch and cycling
This luxury full-day tour combines historical sites, cultural stops, and scenic cycling. The itinerary includes the Hoa Lu ancient capital, a bamboo boat ride in Tam Coc, and a top of Mua Cave viewpoint. You’ll dine at a 5-star restaurant with local dishes, making this a comfortable, premium option for travelers who want it all.
Rated 4.9/5, it’s ideal for those seeking a high-end experience with a focus on comfort and quality.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who value comfort, cultural depth, and scenic views.
$60 per person
12. Ha Noi: HOA LU-TRANG AN-MUA CAVE, Buffet Lunch & Cycling
This tour offers a combination of boat rides, cycling, and cultural visits. You’ll explore Trang An’s caves, Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave, with a buffet lunch included. The visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda with Vietnam’s largest Buddha statue adds a spiritual element.
Rated without reviews, it suits travelers interested in a comprehensive cultural and natural experience. The cycling around the scenic countryside complements the boat rides.
Bottom Line: Good for those wanting an all-in-one day exploring the highlights of Ninh Binh.
$48 per person
13. Hanoi Old Quarter City Sightseeing Cycling Tour By Bike
This urban cycling tour focuses on Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, Train Street, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It’s ideal for travelers wanting to see the city’s frenetic energy and local lifestyle in a fun, active way. The guide, a local student, adds insight into daily life in Hanoi.
Rated without reviews, it’s a practical choice for those who want a lively city tour on two wheels.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an active, urban sightseeing experience.
$65 per person
14. Hoa Lu: Scenic Countryside Cycle Tour & Local Meal
This easy cycling tour around Hoa Lu offers a peaceful ride through lush fields and traditional villages. You’ll visit Hoa Lu, the former capital, then enjoy a local meal with a Vietnamese family, giving you a taste of authentic rural life.
Rated without reviews, it appeals to those who prefer relaxed cycling combined with culture.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a gentle ride with a local dining experience.
$49 per person
15. Hoa Lu-Tam Coc-Mua Cave -Bich Dong Pagoda-Cycling from NBinh
This full-day tour delivers a well-rounded experience: visiting Hoa Lu, cruising Tam Coc, hiking Mua Cave, and cycling to Bich Dong Pagoda. The highlight is the view from Mua Cave overlooking rice fields and mountains. The buffet lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian options makes for a satisfying meal.
Rated 4.9/5, it’s suited for active travelers seeking a balanced day of outdoor activity and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive tour with diverse outdoor experiences.
$58 per person
How to Choose the Best Bike Tour in Ninh Binh
When selecting your ideal bike tour, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. For a luxurious experience with plenty of relaxation, Private Luxury 1 Day Trip offers personalized service. Budget travelers will appreciate tours like Mua Cave Hike, Trang An Boat & Village Bike Tour, which combine activity and culture at reasonable prices.
If you prefer multi-day exploration or want a mix of kayaking, hiking, and wildlife, the Lan Ha Bay 2D 1N cruise or the 2-day Lan Ha Bay adventure are excellent choices. Consider the time of year, as most tours operate year-round, but the dry season (October-April) offers the best weather.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the Hoa Lu Tam Coc Hang Mua, to secure a spot.
Final Thoughts
From luxury cruises with kayaking to active cycling adventures, Ninh Binh offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you want a relaxed day sampling the region’s beauty or an adventurous multi-day trip, these tours provide excellent options. For those who love outdoor activity combined with cultural stops, many tours include boat rides, hikes, and visits to ancient sites—ensuring a well-rounded experience.
If you’re planning your trip, consider your interests and fitness level to choose the best fit. Remember, popular tours fill up quickly—booking early can ensure you don’t miss out on your perfect Ninh Binh bike adventure.