Ninh Binh is one of the most attractive and interesting places in all of Vietnam.
If you enjoy nature and places that inspire peace and tranquility, you’ll undoubtedly love visiting Ninh Binh. To help you plan your visit, we’ve prepared this comprehensive article summarizing everything you can see and do in Ninh Binh.
If you still don’t know what we’re talking about, we’ll just say that the beauty of the landscapes in this area of Vietnam has become world-renowned, being one of the most famous images of the country.
The province of Ninh Binh is famous mainly for its mountains and karst landscapes, which are crossed by a labyrinth of rivers, many of them navigable by boat.
As if that weren’t enough, here you’ll also find several spectacular pagodas and none other than one of the country’s former capitals.
Although it was not a well-known area for international tourism in the past, in recent years Ninh Binh has gradually gained fame and few people now fail to include it in their travel itinerary for Vietnam.
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Tam Coc or Ninh Binh? What are the differences?
When visiting Ninh Binh, there is often confusion between the names Tam Coc and Ninh Binh, and many people are still not sure if they are the same place or different, so we will briefly summarize it for you.
- When we talk about Ninh Binh, we generally mean the province of Ninh Binh, whose capital is the city of the same name. Although the city itself isn’t particularly remarkable, some people choose to use it as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
- In contrast, Tam Coc is a small village located about 7 kilometers from the city of Ninh Binh, and most tourists use it for accommodation due to its privileged location among rice paddies and close to many of the main tourist attractions in the area.
Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam’s natural treasures
Now that you know the differences between the two, we leave you with a selection of the must visit places in Ninh Binh.
Although there are of course some more, in this list we have tried to include only the main ones, since most travelers dedicate a couple of days to this whole area of the country, which from our point of view you must include if you travel to northern Vietnam.
1. Climb to the top of Mua Cave, the most beautiful viewpoint in Ninh Binh
Mua Cave is one of the most spectacular landscapes in Ninh Binh.
500 strenuous steps stand between you and the best views in all of Tam Coc.
Although it is actually a cave, few people visit it, as everyone who comes to this place does so for the views from the viewpoint at its top.
Not surprisingly, Hang Mua or Mua Cave is known as one of the most visited and special places in Ninh Binh, as nobody wants to miss the beautiful sunset view from this lookout point.
The climb is tough, but the reward is high. If you’re someone who doesn’t like crowds, we recommend visiting at dawn, when the crowds haven’t arrived yet and you’ll have it almost exclusively to yourself.
2. The Bich Dong Pagoda
Another of the most well-known images of Ninh Binh is the entrance to the Bich Dong pagoda.
Its beautiful door is just a preview of all that awaits you inside.
This pagoda is, in our view, one of the most interesting sites in Ninh Binh and its interior consists of 3 different levels of pagodas (Ha, Trung and Thuong) separated by stairs and accessed by climbing a short set of stairs.
It was built around the 15th century on the same rock, taking advantage of the fact that it is one of the many natural caves in this area, which you will pass through on your visit.
Bich Dong is a place where devotion and spirituality are palpable at every turn, making it a perfect place to stop for a while simply to observe and feel our surroundings.
We recommend visiting early if you can, just before the large group tours arrive, to experience it with all your senses.
3. Cycle around Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong River
Tam Coc and Trang An are the best-known areas of Ninh Binh.
While Trang An is best explored by boat due to its geographical characteristics, for Tam Coc things change and the best way is to use the bicycle.
That is why one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is to cycle around, while enjoying the view of the rice paddies which gives the area a natural beauty.
An unforgettable experience that will connect you with nature and local culture in a unique and authentic way.
Getting a bike is super easy, as most accommodations in the area will let you use them for free or for a very low price. That said, don’t expect much; they’re usually rickety old city bikes that do the bare minimum.
The good thing is that the area is completely flat, so the effort is very manageable.
The best thing to do is simply get lost around the paths and rice paddies, so it’s not essential to have a map or a planned route (although it’s always recommended to use apps like maps.me). Just hop on your bike, let yourself go, and enjoy the scenery around you.
The landscapes of Ninh Binh will enchant you, filled with rice paddies, karst mountains, rivers, lakes and grazing water buffalo. Scattered around the area you will also find charming local cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a meal or take a break and a coffee.
4. Take a boat trip around Trang An
Trang An has rightfully earned its title as a World Heritage Site and as one of the best places to visit while in Ninh Binh.
A couple of hours boat trip along the Sao Khe River is enough to realize how special this wonderful place is.
This area stands out for being a labyrinth of rivers, caves, rice paddies and karst pinnacles covered by a thick layer of green vegetation, which makes it inaccessible except by water.
Of the many landscapes to visit in Vietnam, those of Trang An are among the most beautiful and magical you can see. We’re sure they’ll be etched in your memory forever.
The best way to enjoy them is on a boat trip that takes you through their labyrinth of rivers; we’ll tell you about it here.
5. Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long is another attraction you can visit in Ninh Binh, and the main wetland of the Red River (the one that passes through Hanoi).
This nature reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, and you will enjoy it immensely as many species come to this place to nest.
But you don’t need to be an ornithologist to visit and enjoy it, as its beauty is very similar to that of nearby Trang An. Just like in Trang An, the best way to explore it is by boat, which will allow you to discover its many places.
If you’re wondering what to do in Ninh Binh in 3 days, add Van Long to your list. And if your visit coincides with May or June, you can witness the spectacular sight of the lotus flowers blooming on the water.
6. The Buddhist complex of Bai Dinh
Chua Bai Dinh is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in all of Southeast Asia. Its interior is filled with temples built in 2014 near a hill where the ancient shrine once stood.
Bai Dinh is one of the must-see places in Ninh Binh if you have a more cultural interest. However, you’ll need at least a whole morning or afternoon to visit it, but if you enjoy temples and pagodas, this place should be on your list of must-sees in Ninh Binh.
7. Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the first national parks that opened in Vietnam back in 1962.
Its interior forms a tropical forest, home for many wildlife that you can explore by walking along any of its trails, including the one that leads you to one of the oldest trees in the park (Cho Chi) which is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
Its interior also houses the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), which is dedicated to helping and rehabilitating animals from hunting and trade, and where you can meet such charming primates as the Delacour’s langur and the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, among others.
8. The citadel of Hoa Lu
Hidden among the mountain peaks is the citadel of Hoa Lu, another must-see place in Ninh Binh.
This place has the honor of having been the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Protected and bordered by the Yellow River and the karst peaks surrounding Trang An, it became the political and economic center of the entire country, until the court moved to Hanoi.
Although little can be seen of that city today. In the 17th century it was completely rebuilt using the original temples and courtyards as a base, which helps us to get an idea of what this place once was, whose walls reached between 10 and 15 meters in height.
Practical information for visiting Ninh Binh
Here you can find some of the main information to help you plan and organize your trip to Ninh Binh.
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is just under 100km, barely a 2-hour journey from the capital of Vietnam.
The fastest way to get to Ninh Binh is to take a door-to-door van; they pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your hotel in Ninh Binh.
If you prefer to take the bus, there is a wide range of times throughout the day and they usually drop you off at Tam Coc by the lake.
Another option is to take the train from Hanoi station to Ninh Binh; however, the train stops in the city, so you will then need to take other transport if you are staying in Tam Coc.
An ideal option if you have limited time is to take a guided tour in english from Hanoi, which will show you the main sights and help you understand the significance of what you are visiting.
Here is one of the most highly recommended tours.
You have all the options explained in more detail in this post.
| Transport | Duration | Schedule and Price |
| Minivan | 2 to 3 hours | Check time here |
| Public Bus | 3 hour | Check at the Giap Bat station |
| Train | 2h 15min | Check time here |
| Tour from Hanoi | All day | Check time here |
| Bus from airport | 3h | Check time here |
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
If you’re wondering where to stay in Ninh Binh during your visit, we recommend not staying in Ninh Binh city itself, as it’s a bit far from the main attractions and activities, not to mention that the city atmosphere will detract significantly your stay.
That said, you should know that the two main areas to stay in Ninh Binh are Tam Coc, and to a lesser extent Trang An.
Stay in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is the main tourist enclave of Ninh Binh where you will find a multitude of cafes, restaurants, shops and other services.
It’s a lively place without being overwhelming, surrounded by rice paddies and nature, making it a good spot for those seeking comfort and nightlife options.
That has made it the favorite accommodation area for most tourists who come to Ninh Binh.
Stay in Trang An
If you prefer to stay in an even quieter environment, Trang An is a very good option.
This area is not as crowded or touristy as Tam Coc in terms of accommodations, and it lacks a main town, so most accommodations in Trang An tend to be small homestays scattered around the area.
An ideal place if you’re looking to simply be in the middle of nature and surrounded by rice fields and karst mountains
Best time to visit Ninh Binh
The best time to travel to Ninh Binh is usually around April, when you can enjoy a much drier climate than at other times of the year and the views of the rice paddies in their splendor.
Ninh Binh, in fact, has such a pleasant climate that it allows for two or three rice harvests per year, making it a great place to visit.
However, as in almost all of northern Vietnam, July to October is the rainy and typhoon season, so you are more likely to encounter heavy rains in the area.
Even so, Ninh Binh is especially picturesque during the month of September when the rice is harvested again and the whole area reaches its peak.
How many days do i need to visit Ninh Binh? Itineraries to explore the area
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Ninh Binh to really get to know the area, here are several suggestions to help you plan your visit to Ninh Binh according to your available time.
What to do in Ninh Binh in 1 day
If you only have one day to visit Ninh Binh, we recommend taking a tour, which will save you valuable time that you might miss if you go on your own.
Whichever format you choose, the ideal way to visit Ninh Binh in one day might look something like this:
- Early transfer from Hanoi – Boat tour in Trang An – Hoa Lu Citadel or Bich Dong Pagoda – Sunset at Mua Cave.
Of all the excursions to Ninh Binh that we have seen, we think this tour is the best in terms of quality/price.
What to do in Ninh Binh in 2 days
Ninh Binh is a place worth enjoying at a leisurely pace and with plenty of time.
That’s why it’s ideal to plan your trip to Vietnam with at least two days in Ninh Binh to take advantage of most of its attractions.
For us, the ideal itinerary would be this:
- Day 1: Bich Dong Pagoda – Boat tour in Tam Coc – Sunset at Mua Cave (you can do everything by bicycle, except the boat tour of course)
- Day 2: Boat tour in Trang An – Hoa Lu Citadel – Bai Dinh Pagoda
This way you make much better use of your time and have two very full days. If you want to take the second day more relaxed, you can simply remove Hoa Lu from the itinerary.