Located just 90 kilometers from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers some of Vietnam’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. From ancient temples to serene waterways, there are countless things to do in Ninh Binh that make it a must-visit destination. Make sure to explore these Ninh Binh attractions for an unforgettable experience in Vietnam.
Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh’s humid subtropical climate offers diverse experiences depending on the season.
The best times to visit are April to June and September to October when the weather is mild and the rainfall is low.
During April to June, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, with lush green landscapes, perfect for exploring Ninh Binh’s famous karst mountains, caves, and rivers.
From September to October, temperatures hover around 26°C to 31°C, ideal for outdoor activities and witnessing the golden rice harvest.
February and March are also great months to experience local festivals and vibrant cultural celebrations.
13 best things to do in Ninh Binh
Boat trip in Trang An
Trang An is one of Ninh Binh’s top attractions, famous for its breathtaking karst landscapes featuring limestone mountains, caves, and winding rivers. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An’s natural beauty is unforgettable and even served as a filming location for *Kong: Skull Island*.
To explore Trang An, you can take a scenic boat tour through its stunning waterways, passing through caves and lush greenery. Alternatively, hike up one of the surrounding mountains for panoramic views. The hiking trails are well-maintained and accessible to most visitors, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Admission is 250,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 meters. Guided tours are available for an additional 300,000 VND, ensuring an even richer experience. Whether by boat or on foot, Trang An offers an unforgettable adventure.
Enjoy the viewpoint at Mua Cave
Mua Caves, or Hang Mua, is a must-visit attraction in Ninh Binh, offering not only an intriguing historical background but also breathtaking views from the top of Mua Mountain. According to legend, Emperor Tran Thai Tong watched dance performances here, giving the site its name, “dancing cave.”
Climbing the 500 steep steps to the summit might be challenging, but the panoramic views of majestic mountains and expansive rice fields make it well worth the effort. The caves also feature intricate carvings and ancient shrines, enhancing the site’s charm and historical significance.
For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the best views. The entrance fee to Hang Mua is 100,000 VND per person.
Boat trip on Tam Coc river
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a nature lover’s paradise, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its breathtaking landscape of limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies and the serene Ngo Dong River. During the rice harvest season, the fields turn a golden yellow, enhancing the area’s stunning beauty.
The name “Tam Coc,” meaning “three caves,” refers to the three natural caves that can be explored by boat. The boat tour takes you through a winding river, passing these caves and offering views of verdant rice fields and charming rural villages.
Additionally, Bich Dong Pagoda, built into the mountainside in the 15th century, adds a cultural and historical touch. Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond, it’s a perfect spot for reflection and meditation.
Admission to Tam Coc Bich Dong is 120,000 VND per person, with a boat ride costing 150,000 VND per trip.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Exploring the natural beauty of Cuc Phuong National Park is a must when visiting Ninh Binh. As Vietnam’s first national park, it is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including rare species that will captivate nature lovers.
One of the park’s highlights is the butterfly season from April to June, when thousands of colorful butterflies fill the air. Visitors can take guided tours to enjoy this magical sight and learn about the park’s diverse ecology.
The park also offers hiking trails, visits to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and ancient caves to discover.
Cycling through countryside of Ninh Binh
Exploring Ninh Binh by bicycle is a fantastic way to take in the scenery. Many accommodations offer bikes for free or for a small fee. Riding through the lush rice fields, passing lotus lakes, and encountering local wildlife like goats and water buffalo make for a memorable experience. If your hotel doesn’t provide bikes, nearby hotels and shops often do.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Lagoon, located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, is a tranquil and scenic wetland reserve spanning over 3,500 hectares. As the largest wetland area in Northern Vietnam, it offers breathtaking views of limestone mountains and lush rice fields.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful boat rides on the lagoon’s serene waters, while spotting rare wildlife such as the Bonelli eagle, langur monkey, and black-faced spoonbill. The entrance fee to Van Long Lagoon is 20,000 VND per person, and a boat ride for two costs 60,000 VND.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must-see in Ninh Binh for history lovers and nature enthusiasts. Once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries, it boasts well-preserved relics and monuments. Key sites include the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s feudal past.
In addition to its historical treasures, Hoa Lu is set against a backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains and lush rice paddies. Entry to this historic site is 20,000 VND.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-visit in Ninh Binh for those interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture. Spanning 539 hectares, it is one of Southeast Asia’s largest temple complexes. Built between 2003 and 2010, the complex blends ancient and modern architecture, featuring both the original and newly constructed pagodas.
The highlight is a massive bronze Buddha statue, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons, making it the largest in Vietnam. The complex also boasts 500 unique Arhat statues, each with distinct facial expressions.
Visitors can explore Bai Dinh Pagoda on foot or take an electric car for 30,000 VND per person per trip.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is a captivating cluster of mountain cave temples nestled on a hillside. Dating back to the 15th century, these ancient shrines offer a historical and spiritual journey as you walk and climb to each monument. The route to the pagodas is scenic and rewarding, with the bridge entrance being a popular spot for Instagram photos.
Thung Nham Bird Garden
Thung Nham Bird Garden in Ninh Binh is a must-visit for bird watchers and nature lovers. Spanning 334 hectares, this lush garden features limestone mountains, wetlands, and caves, making it a prime spot for observing a variety of bird species.
Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through the wetlands to see birds like storks, herons, and flamingos. In addition to bird watching, Thung Nham offers hiking, cave exploration, and local cuisine. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND per person, with an additional 20,000 VND for the boat ride.
Phat Diem Stone Church
Phat Diem Stone Church is a remarkable attraction in Ninh Binh that blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Constructed entirely from stone, the church features a bell tower, main cathedral, and several chapels, reflecting the vision of Father Tran Luc, who combined European design with local building techniques.
As a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics, the church also draws tourists with its intricate architecture and serene rural setting. Surrounded by rice paddies and limestone mountains, Phat Diem Stone Church offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Entry is free, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate this stunning landmark.
Am Tien Cave
A visit to Ninh Binh is incomplete without exploring the enchanting Am Tien Cave. This destination offers an unforgettable experience with its majestic limestone mountains, serene lake, and lush greenery.
At the cave’s entrance, you’ll be mesmerized by the pristine beauty of Ao Giai Lake. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking view. Inside the cave, admire stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia.
Previously accessible only by climbing the mountain, Am Tien Cave can now be easily reached through a tunnel, making exploration more convenient. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person.
Taste the local specialities
When in Ninh Binh, be sure to sample the local specialties: “com chay” and “de tai chanh“. Com chay is a crispy fried rice crust, enjoyed as a snack or dipped into a savory stew. De tai chanh features goat meat—Ninh Binh’s favorite protein—marinated in lemon juice and mixed with chilies, lime leaves, and sesame seeds.
For a true local breakfast, try “banh cuon”, fresh rice paper rolls stuffed with diced pork and mushrooms, served with mint and a mild fish sauce.
Best hotels & hostels in Ninh Binh
Best area to stay
Ninh Binh offers a range of affordable accommodation options, with several places to stay overnight. While Ninh Binh City is the largest and most accessible, it’s not the most charming option. For a more enjoyable stay, consider lodging outside the city, in areas like Tam Coc, Trang An, or the countryside. Tam Coc has some restaurants and amenities, while countryside stays offer a more immersive experience in Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes.
Best hotels in Ninh Binh
Here are some excellent accommodation options in Ninh Binh:
- Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (from $85): A stylish resort featuring modern rooms and upscale amenities.
- Bai Dinh Garden Resort (from $70): Offers beautiful bungalow-style rooms, a great restaurant, and a pool.
- Trang An Retreat (from $36): Highly rated with a beautiful location, restaurant, and swimming pool.
- Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa (from $34): Enjoy a good location, comfortable beds, a spacious bathroom with a rain shower, and a nice pool.
- Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay (from $22): A welcoming family-run homestay in a good location.
- Trang An River View Homestay (from $8): A charming homestay with a pool, popular among backpackers.
- For You Homestay (from $6): Features a beautiful location, great views, and a nice pool.
What to eat in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh cuisine offers a variety of unique and flavorful Vietnamese dishes. Here are some must-try foods:
- Goat Meat Dishes: Renowned in Ninh Binh, try dishes like goat meat hotpot, grilled goat meat, and stir-fried goat meat with lemongrass.
- Ninh Binh Rice Crust: A crispy, fried rice flour crust served with toppings like minced pork or shrimp, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
- Eel Vermicelli Soup: Traditional noodle soup featuring tender eel pieces in a fragrant broth, often garnished with fresh herbs.
- Nem Yen Mac (Fermented Pork Roll): Made from sliced and crushed pork rump meat, served with guava and fig leaves, and accompanied by a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs: A unique dish combining sticky rice with ant eggs, cooked with herbs and spices for a distinct flavor.
- Ninh Binh Mountain Snail: A regional delicacy, these snails can be enjoyed stir-fried with lemongrass, steamed with ginger, or grilled with chili.
How to go to Ninh Binh and get around
How to get there
- From Hanoi: Take a bus from Giap Bat Bus Station or a limousine bus, with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND. The journey takes about 2 hours.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Book a flight to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Jetstar, then continue by bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Total one-way costs range from 900,000 to 1.3 million VND.
- From Other Provinces: Opt for a train journey with tickets available from Vietnam Railways’ website or at the train station. Ninh Binh train station is centrally located.
- By Car: Drive via the Giap Bat – Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway from Hanoi, heading towards Phu Ly to reach Ninh Binh.
Getting Around Ninh Binh
- Bicycles: The best way to explore Ninh Binh is by bicycle. It’s fun, easy, and most sights are within cycling distance. The roads are flat and traffic is light. Many accommodations offer bicycles for free.
- Motorbikes/Scooters: Rent a motorbike or scooter if you prefer a faster option. Rentals start from around 100,000 VND and can be arranged at most accommodations.
- Car with Driver: For greater comfort, especially when visiting more distant sights like Cuc Phuong National Park or Van Long Wetlands, consider renting a car with a driver.
- Taxis: Use taxis for short trips between your accommodation and the train station or other nearby destinations.
Itinerary 2 days in Ninh Binh
Below you can see an example 2 day in Ninh Binh itinerary.
Day 1
- Morning: Boatride in Trang An (start early to avoid the crowds)
- Late morning/Early afternoon: Cycle from Trang an to Hoa Lu and visit the ancients 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.
