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Ninh Binh 10 Best Things To Do | Travel Guide
NINH BINH – TRAVEL GUIDE
Famous for its beautiful scenery and incredible landscapes, from ancient temples to hidden caves and green rice fields, Ninh Binh is one of the top destinations in Vietnam. It is also called the Halong Bay on land. Some of the best things to do in Ninh Binh consist of boat trips on the rivers, cycling through the countryside, and visiting ancient temples and pagodas.
5 reasons to visit Ninh Binh
- Take a rowing boat trip on the river at Tam Coc and Trang An.
- Enjoy a panoramic view at Mua Cave.
- Learn about the century-old dynasties at the ruins of the ancient capital Hoa Lu.
- Explore the beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh in one of the National Parks.
- Go wildlife and bird watching
Practical Information
Ninh Binh is a great place to stay a bit longer. If you just want to visit some of the highlights then two or 3 days can be enough. But this area is also perfect for a longer stop to recover from traveling around. Enjoy a day sitting at the pool or in a hammock overlooks the rice fields, lotus lakes, and mountains
In the city of Ninh Binh, there are plenty of ATMs, but in the countryside such as Tam Coc and Hoa Lu there are none. Resorts accept credit cards, but most local restaurants in Ninh Binh don’t.
The best time to visit
- Rice fields season: There are two periods to see the green rice fields. This is from May to early July, when the locals harvest the rice, and from September to October.
- Dry season: From November to April you can enjoy quite cool and dry weather, but bring something warm.
- Rainy season: From May to October the weather is warmer, more humid and the chance of rain is higher.
10 Best Things To Do in Ninh Binh
This province has many sights and things to do, including boat rides, cycling between the rice fields, visiting ancient temples, bird watching, or exploring a national park. To help you out we made a list of 10 best things to do in Ninh Binh.
Tip: If you are interested in visiting any of these best things to do in Ninh Binh, make sure to check out our Ninh Binh tours. There are several combinations possible between the sights. You also have the option to do a one-day tour from Hanoi or two days. In addition, you can also combine Ninh Binh with Halong Bay or Ninh Binh and Pu Luong nature reserve.
1. Boat trip on Tam Coc river
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Tam Coc is often referred to as the Halong Bay of the Vietnamese inland. Unlike Halong Bay, the mountains here are not surrounded by the ocean, but by green rice fields and wild nature. The best activity to do in Tam Coc is to take a boat trip. You can board a rowboat and let the locals paddle you through the green area. As you drift along, you’ll pass by karst mountains, caves, and beautiful views. In about 2 hours, you’ll have a deep appreciation for this region.
Tip: As it can get quite busy on the water with tour groups, it is best to go boating in the early morning or afternoon. The light is then at its best and you also have the water to yourself.
2. Boat trip in Trang An
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The Trang An landscape has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that is certainly no exaggeration. The detached mountains are formed from slate that is richly overgrown, while the cliffs around the clear water create an extra dramatic effect. Visitors can take a small rowboat and sail for 2 hours through caves, temples, and lakes.
3. Enjoy the viewpoint at Mua Cave
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As the name suggests there is a cave to be found, but the highlight of the Mua Cave is the panoramic view from the top. At the viewpoint, you can enjoy stunning views over the Tam Coc River, with mountains around you and the rice fields below. It is only a short 15-minute walk of 500 steps, so it is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. Hang Mua lures visitors throughout the year, each season is a beautiful natural picture with its colors.
During the cold spring days, Hang Mua looks like a taciturn beauty which is enough to make visitors fall in love. While the summertime in May and June is the season for rice fields to ripen. At that time, the whole area is distinguished by the golden color outstanding among the green of mountain ranges.
Hang Mua becomes an ecotourism destination combining sports and mountain climbing in Ninh Binh Province. This tourist destination attracts a lot of domestic and foreign visitors, famous travel bloggers, and YouTubers…
4. Cuc Phuong National Park
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Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the most important places of biodiversity in Vietnam. As the largest nature reserve in the country, the preserved rainforest houses more than 300 species of rare birds and 2000 species of plants that are well protected to preserve the unspoiled nature of Ninh Binh. You can even stay a night or two on the park grounds with local Muong people, an ethnic group living in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam.
You can also visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and conservation of the most endangered primate species in Vietnam.
5. Cycling through the countryside of Ninh Binh
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6. Van Long Nature Reserve
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The Van Long Nature Reserve is the largest wetland area in North Vietnam. With peaks of limestone mountains and paddy fields reaching the horizon, it is certainly a memorable place to visit. The nature reserve is also home to many primate species, including the endangered Langur. Rehabilitation of animals takes place here and they are released back into the wild after treatment.
7. Hoa Lu
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Nestled between two towering limestone mountains you will find Hoa Lu. The city was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Today Hoa Lu is a cultural center full of ancient pagodas and citadels. Most of these were built in honor of the Dinh dynasty royalty. A visit to this place is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh.
8. Bai Dinh Pagoda
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The Bai Dinh temple complex is the largest complex of temples in Vietnam. It is a major destination for religious pilgrimages and an even more popular Ninh Binh landmark for tourists interested in spirituality and Buddhist art.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a famous spiritual scenic complex in the Bai Dinh–Trang An ecotourism spot with a history of more than 1000 years associated with the land of many feudal dynasties from the Dinh, the Early Le to the Ly. Nestled at the western of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, belonging to Gia Sinh Commune, Ninh Binh Province, about 95 kilometers from Hanoi, the complex covers a total area of 539 hectares, with both the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda and the new Bai Dinh Pagoda. Considered the largest complex of Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam as well as the owner to many other records of the country, South East Asia, and Asia, this is definitely an indispensable destination in your handbook where to go.
9. Bich Dong Pagoda
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Bich Dong Pagoda is a cluster of majestic mountain cave temples that gracefully line the area. These ancient shrines and historic pagodas are scattered along the hill, some dating back to the 15th century. You have to walk and climb to get to every monument, but the route along the way is worth it. The bridge entrance is a well-known spot for Instagrammers.
10. Thung Nham Bird Garden
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Thung Nham Park is a relatively new attraction in Ninh Binh, but it is a nice place to visit without too many tourists. The park is particularly known for the many birds that live here. The best time to go is late afternoon or early morning before the birds leave. The birds return home from about 4 pm, but the park is large so there is plenty to do before you look at the birds. Boat trips are available to take you to the forest where the birds return every evening.
Itinerary 2 days in Ninh Binh
Below you can see an example of 2 days in Ninh Binh’s itinerary.
Day 1
- Morning: Boatride in Trang An (start early to avoid the crowds)
- Late morning/Early afternoon: Cycle from Trang to Hoa Lu and visit the ancient buildings.
- Late afternoon: Take a taxi to Van Long in the late afternoon so you can see the storks flying back to their nests.
Day 2
- Morning: Enjoy a boat ride in Tam Coc (also start early to avoid the crowds).
- Afternoon: Cycle along the rice fields and visit Bich Dong Pagoda
- Late afternoon: When the heat is getting less, climb up to the viewpoint at Mua Cave.
Other Things
Ninh Binh is not lacking in reasonably priced accommodation options. There are several places in the region where you can stay overnight. The largest city in the region is Ninh Binh. Almost all buses also arrive here. However, we do not recommend staying here because it is the least pleasant place. It is best to stay outside the city, such as in Tam Coc, Trang An or somewhere in the countryside. In Tam Coc you will also find some restaurants, but of course not in the countryside. However, this is often a more special experience, because you stay directly in the beautiful landscape for which Ninh Binh is so famous for. Restaurant options in Ninh Binh city are few, but you can still enjoy plenty of good food from northern Vietnam here. Eat early as many restaurants close at about 8pm. If you are out and about during the day, you will see many local restaurants serving Ninh Binh’s signature dish “De Nui” – mountain goat. This is definitely recommended. You will probably also eat at your hotel, especially if you are staying in remote places. With its location close to Hanoi and rail and highway connections, it is not hard to get to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh does not have an airport, but 120 km further is Hanoi’s airport Noi Bai International Airport. Direct buses and minivans travel between the airport and Ninh Binh and takes about 2 hours. The closest airport to Ninh Binh is Tho Xuan Airport in Than Hoa province. It is located 100 km from Ninh Binh, but it will also take 2 hours. Another drawback is that it is not an international airport and does not serve many domestic flight either. There are plenty of buses to and from Ninh Binh: Hanoi (2 hours), Halong City (4 hours), Hue (10 hours), and Phong Nha (8 hours). Ninh Binh is also a stop for open tour buses between Hanoi and Hue. Between Hanoi and Ninh Binh are also comfortable minivans including pick up and drop off at your hotel. There is also a train station in Ninh Binh. You can reach from both Hanoi in the north and Hue, Dong Hoi, and Da Nang in the south. There are at least 4 trains a day for both directions. To Hanoi takes around 3 hours. The most recommended way to get around Ninh Binh is by bicycle. Cycling is fun and easy and most sights in Ninh Binh are not too far from each other. The roads in the area are flat so it’s not exhausting and there is almost no traffic. Bicycles are often free at the accommodation. You can also use motorbikes/scooters instead of bikes. You can rent them almost anywhere, including directly at your accommodation. The prices for renting a motorbike in Ninh Binh start from 100,000 VND. As an alternative, you can rent a car with a driver to drive you to the sights. It is very comfortable and makes it easier to go to further sights, such as Cuc Phuong National Park and the wetlands of Van Long. For short distances between your accommodation and the train station, you can take a taxi. Read some of the useful Ninh Binh tips below. Some of the attractions in Ninh Binh are pagodas and temples. Please keep in mind that you dress appropriately when entering this area; such as no short skirts and tank tops. You can also bring a sarong to cover yourself when you visit these areas. If you are heading from north to south, your next stop after Ninh Binh will be Phong Nha or Hue in central Vietnam. In Phong Nha, you can visit the stunning national park with some of the biggest caves in the world. There is a train going from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi and from here you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha. You can also skip this national park and continue to Hue or Hoi An. These are ancient towns and two of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. If you are traveling to the north you can easily combine Ninh Binh with a cruise through Halong Bay, more rice fields in Mai Chau or exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Ninh Binh is one of the best destinations to travel to in Vietnam with kids. The area is safe and quiet enough to bike around with children. Many accommodations in Ninh Binh have pools. In addition, they can enjoy beautiful nature and learn more about the culture and history. The area has been developed in such a way that it is not difficult to pass by in English. Most of the people working in the accommodation can speak English. You have less change at the local restaurant, but they always have an English menu.The best area to stay
Best hotels in Ninh Binh
swimming pool.Recommended restaurants in Ninh Binh
from 40,000 VND.
food.
is also a separate vegetarian menu. Flights to Ninh Binh
Busses to Ninh Binh
Trains to Ninh Binh
How to dress
Where to go next?
Ninh Binh with kids
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