Have you heard about the “Halong Bay on land”? That’s a beloved name for Ninh Binh, a beautiful northern Vietnamese province. A glimpse of its marvelous limestone karsts, impressive rice fields, and rivers is enough to make you fall in love. It is a paradise for those looking for a less noisy place compared to other big cities in Vietnam. A delight in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is a historical and cultural land with beautiful scenery. Reading this guide, you will find the list of the best things to do in Ninh Binh and the necessary information regarding each activity.
Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh
Here’s a list of the top things to do in Ninh Binh.
1. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Trang An is one of the newly listed World Heritage Sites characterized by spectacular limestone formations and striking networks of rivers and streams. The boat trips are quiet and stunning. A boat ride through the caves offers stunning beauties of nature, spectacular caves, and cliffs with giant limestone peaks isolated on the bottom of the sea.
- When to Visit: Open year-round, but visiting between October and April is best to avoid the rainy season.
- How to Reach: Vietnam Railways offers train routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
- Address: 7W39+7G5, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam.
- Price: Entry fee – Approx. 200,000 VND ($8.50 or 700 INR)
- Suitable for Families, nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
2. Tam Coc Boat Ride
Tam Coc is also known as the ‘Halong Bay on the land.’ It offers a two-hour ancient boat trip along rice paddies and emerging limestone mountains. Carrying out rowing on the calm water, one can experience the caves and feel the splashing of the waters, perfect for a lovely retreat and amazing shots.
- When to Visit: Best visited during the dry season, from November to April.
- How to Reach: By either tourist bus, public train, or private car
- Address: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
- Price: Approx. 150,000 VND ($6.50 or 525 INR) per person
- Suitable for Nature lovers, photographers, couples, and solo travelers.
3. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu is a historical site at the ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Visit the ancient and beautiful structural religious edifices built in honor of the previous kings in the central mountain ranges for a delightful retreat.
- When to Visit: Best in the dry season from November to April.
- How To Reach: The bus takes about 1.5 hours
- Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
- Price: Approx. 20,000 VND ($1 or 70 INR) for entry
- Suitable for History buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and photographers.
4. Mua Cave (Mua Cave Viewpoint)
One can also see the Ninh Binh countryside from Mua Cave. Go up the 500 steps, on top of which you get to see deep views of Tam Coc and others beside the Ngo Dong River. Indeed, it is best for photography and a perfect place for those who enjoy the feel of the hike.
- When to Visit: Best during the dry season (October to April).
- How to Reach: By train or bus, then take a taxi or bike to the Mua Caves
- Address: Thon Khe, Dau Ha, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Vietnam
- Price: Approx. 100,000 VND ($4.30 or 350 INR) for entry
- Suitable for: Hikers, photographers, and adventure lovers.
5. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is Vietnam's largest Buddhist temple complex. It boasts impressive statues and an architectural style blending traditional Vietnamese and Chinese influences. The pagoda is located by Bai Dinh Mountain, providing a tremendously peaceful environment in which to practice and enjoy nature.
- When to Visit: Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon.
- How to Reach: Climb up about 300 steps
- Address: Xã, Gia Sinh, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
- Price: Approx. 20,000 VND ($1 or 70 INR) for entrance. Additional fees for specific attractions.
- Suitable for Religious visitors, culture seekers, and those interested in architecture.
6. Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s first national park. The area consists of dainty flora, fauna, and wildlife species, such as primates. Tourists can also trek while undertaking a jungle safari, visit the Turtle Conservation Centre, or watch rare birds. It is one of the best places to visit, especially for anyone interested in nature and conservation.
- When to Visit: The best time to visit is from November to April.
- How to Reach: Via Hanoi's Giap Bat Bus Terminal, the city's southern bus terminal
- Address: Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình 432857, Vietnam
- Price: Approx. 60,000 VND ($2.50 or 210 INR) for entry
- Suitable for Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and trekkers.
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
- The best times to visit Ninh Binh is from October to April, as it is neither very hot nor humid during this time. Some of the climatic characteristics include little rainfall.
- The period not recommended is from May to September because of heavy rain. The season for rice growing is also suitable for visiting, especially between May and June when Ninh Binh is green with rice fields and rice paddies.
How to Get to Ninh Binh
It is easy to get to Ninh Binh from the nearest city, Hanoi.
- By Train: Ninh Binh train is available at Hanoi Railway Station, and the journey time is 120 – 150 minutes.
- By Bus: Many bus services from Hanoi to Ninh Binh take about 2-3 hours to travel.
- By Private Car/Taxi: Driving alone or taking a cab is the easiest way to get to Hanoi in roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours.
- By Motorbike: It is also possible to rent a motorbike from Hanoi for a longer and off-beat tour.
On our arrival in Ninh Binh, there were taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles to transport us around the area.
Tips From Our Travel Experts
We often suggest that travelers visit this place to enjoy its natural beauty and history. It is very easy and convenient to commute here if you are in Hanoi. If you are looking for a thrilling experience or to explore places with a great history, you will have it in Ninh Binh. Here are some tips from our experts:
- Wear Comfortable Footwear: Whether traveling across Mua Cave or exploring the Cuc Phuong National Park, comfortable shoes are necessary.
- Arrive Early: You must start your day early to avoid crowds at popular spots like Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Rent a Bike or Motorbike: You can explore Ninh Binh on two wheels. It allows you to easily visit the surrounding villages and rural landscapes.
- Respect the Local Culture: Ninh Binh is home to several religious sites, so make sure to be respectful of the customs when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Pack Snacks and Water: You might crave snacks while exploring natural sites, especially on boat trips or hikes. It’s a good idea to bring snacks and water as you may not get it everywhere.
- Take Photos from Different Angles: Don't forget your camera and/or breathtaking shots, and climb the steps at Mua Cave for panoramic views of the landscape.
- Visit Local Villages: The nearby villages will offer you a glimpse of the authentic traditional ways of life.
- Consider Eco-Tourism: You are welcome to visit eco-friendly sites like Trang An and Cuc Phuong to enjoy and support sustainable tourism efforts.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Ninh Binh?
Three days are ideal for exploring Ninh Binh's top attractions, including Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Cuc Phuong National Park. This allows time to enjoy boat rides, hikes, and cultural sites at a relaxed pace.
Is 2 days enough in Ninh Binh?
Yes, two days are enough to cover the highlights, such as a Trang An boat ride, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. It’s suitable for a short, action-packed visit.
Is Ninh Binh worth going to?
Ninh Binh is absolutely worth visiting for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serene environment. Often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” it offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty and historical significance.
Is one night in Ninh Binh enough?
One night in Ninh Binh can be sufficient if you plan your itinerary well. You can explore Trang An or Tam Coc, visit Mua Cave for a sunset view, and experience a glimpse of the area's charm. However, a longer stay is recommended to fully appreciate the region.
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