A Relaxing Family Getaway to Tràng An & the “Hero of the Reed Flags” Real-Scene Show
Escape the city and give your family 3 days of real memories in Ninh Binh — one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural and cultural destinations. This tour is designed for families of all ages: relaxing boat trips through UNESCO landscapes, a mountain climb with sweeping views, local cuisine, resort evenings by nature, and a 60-minute immersive show where Emperor Dinh Bo Linh’s legendary story unfolds right before your eyes — in the very mountains and lake where he once lived.
DAY 1: HANOI – HOA LU – TRÀNG AN – RESORT CHECK-IN
Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle picks up your family at your Hanoi hotel. Approximately 2 hours to Ninh Binh — sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as the city gives way to open rice paddies and limestone peaks.
Noon: Local Family Lunch
Settle in at a local restaurant and try Ninh Binh’s most beloved dishes:
- Ninh Binh mountain goat — the region’s signature dish
- Crispy burnt rice (Cơm Cháy)
- Fresh local vegetables
- Traditional Vietnamese home cooking
Afternoon: Tràng An Boat Tour
Board a traditional rowing boat for a gentle journey through Tràng An — Vietnam’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site combining both natural and cultural values. Adults and children alike will love the cave tunnels, still waterways, limestone valleys, and ancient temples hidden among the mountains. The smooth boat ride makes this activity ideal for young children, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Evening: Resort Check-in & Relaxation
Check in at a family-friendly resort surrounded by nature. Spend the evening at your own pace:
- Swimming pool
- Cycling through the countryside
- Watching the sunset over rice fields
- Quiet family time in nature
Dinner and overnight at resort in Ninh Binh.
DAY 2: HANG MUA – TAM COC – HERO OF THE REED FLAGS SHOW (20:45)
Morning: Hang Mua Viewpoint
After breakfast, visit Hang Mua — one of Vietnam’s most famous viewpoints. Families can climb to the dragon peak for panoramic views of Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone valleys. For families with very young children or elderly guests, comfortable café areas are available at the base.
Noon: Tam Coc Boat Trip
Another gentle boat journey through Tam Coc — famous for its poetic river scenery and paddies that glow golden during harvest season. This is one of the best spots in Vietnam for slow travel and family photography.
Evening: Hero of the Reed Flags Real-Scene Show (20:45)
The highlight your family will talk about for years. At 20:45, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu becomes a living stage — mountains, lake, and reed fields all part of the story. A team of nearly 50 artists and performers brings Emperor Dinh Bo Linh’s legend to life in 4 acts over 60 minutes:
- 🌸 Giant lotus flowers rising from the lake with aerial acrobats inside — children will be wide-eyed
- 🐃 Young Dinh Bo Linh taming a wild buffalo, leading his friends with a reed flag
- 🔥 Fire circus and LED sword battle — the 12 warlords clash in spectacular fashion
- ⚡ Zipline horseback charge from the sky — the most jaw-dropping moment of the show
- 🐉 Two 10-metre dragons parading through the audience — your family is inside the celebration
The show ends with the full cast inviting the audience onto the stage. Children especially love this moment — many don’t want to leave.
⏱ Duration: 60 minutes · 📅 Thu–Sun weekly · 👨👩👧 All ages welcome · Seated throughout
Dinner and overnight at resort in Ninh Binh.
DAY 3: BICH DONG – COUNTRYSIDE – HANOI
Morning: Bich Dong Pagoda
Start the final day with a serene visit to Bich Dong Pagoda — an ancient temple built into the mountainside. A wonderful opportunity to introduce children to Vietnamese Buddhist culture amid peaceful natural surroundings.
Countryside Activities
Before heading home, enjoy a few hours of genuine local life:
- Cycling through rice fields and lotus ponds
- Exploring traditional villages
- Trying local snacks from roadside stalls
Afternoon: Return to Hanoi
Head back to Hanoi carrying three days of family memories — nature, history, local food, and a night of live performance under the stars of Hoa Lu.
Tour Includes
- Round-trip transportation from Hanoi
- 2 nights at a family-friendly hotel or resort
- Entrance tickets to all attractions
- Ticket to the “Hero of the Reed Flags” real-scene show
- Boat rides in Tràng An and Tam Coc
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- English-speaking tour guide
- Travel insurance
Tour Highlights
- ✅ UNESCO Tràng An boat tour — caves, cliffs, temples, perfect for all ages
- ✅ “Hero of the Reed Flags” — 60-minute immersive show, nearly 50 performers, starts 20:45
- ✅ Hang Mua viewpoint — panoramic views over Tam Coc rice fields
- ✅ 2 nights at a nature resort — pool, cycling, countryside tranquillity
- ✅ Bich Dong Pagoda & countryside cycling — slow travel at its best
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Hero of the Reed Flags show start?
The show starts at 20:45 and runs for 60 minutes. Performed Thursday through Sunday each week at Hoa Lu Ancient Town, Ninh Binh.
Is the show safe and suitable for young children?
Absolutely — this is one of the most family-friendly shows in Vietnam. Guests remain seated throughout. Children love the life-size buffalo, the reed flag scenes, and especially the 10-metre dragons that parade through the audience at the end.
What if it rains during the show?
The show continues in light rain. We recommend bringing a light raincoat. In the event of severe weather, the organiser will notify guests in advance and assist with rescheduling.
Are show tickets included in the tour price?
Yes — all tickets are included. Your guide manages everything; no separate booking needed.
Can we take photos with the performers after the show?
Yes. The full cast comes out at the end to greet the audience and take photos — one of the most popular moments of the evening, especially for families with children.