This join-in trip starts with a pick up in Hanoi and will take you to see the natural and historic points of interest located in the Ninh Binh area: Hoa Lu, ancient capital of Vietnam; Mua Cave, the miniature great wall of Vietnam; and Tam Coc River, where you will take a sampan boat to explore the area and see caves.What to ExpectFirst you will visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, built in the 10th century. Here you will see Dinh and Le Temple's built by Vietnam's two prominent kings and located in a secluded area with natural protection of forest and river. Your guide will share with you about the history of these kings and their wars with China.Next you will scale the impressive Mua Cave also known as the Miniature Great Wall of Vietnam, which will require climbing 500 steps. At the top you will be rewarded with impressive views of waterway networks, rice paddies and Ninh Binh City in the distance. At the base of Mua Cave, make sure to take in the views of the near by ponds filled with lotus flowers which bloom in May!Afterwards you will take a traditional sampan boat down Tam Coc River, comprised of various waterways and surrounded by limestone karsts and rice paddies. Many call this area the Halong Bay on land.