Ninh Binh boasts a lush landscape of karst mountains and meandering rivers. The best things to do in Ninh Binh encompass the scenic terrain and fascinating cultural sights that are not to be missed!
Located in Northern Vietnam, the Ninh Binh Province is easy to reach by car, train or bus. You can tour Ninh Binh on your own or via an organized day trip from Hanoi.
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To help travelers plan a trip on their own, we outline the top Ninh Binh things to do and share insider tips gleaned from our personal experiences.
About Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Visiting Ninh Binh is like walking through a movie set…except that it’s real. The stunning karst topography is sometimes likened to that of Halong Bay.
In fact, Ninh Binh is often called “Halong on Land.” While we can see why the comparisons are drawn, it is certainly worth visiting all on its own!
Ninh Binh Highlights
Situated on the Red River Delta, the Ninh Binh Province was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. The area is comprised of several distinguished attractions within close proxsimity.
Trang An
The most dramatic and striking karsts within the Trang An Scenic Complex are the Grottoes. In these low-lying plains, rivers have carved caves in the limestone creating a unique environment that is home to diverse range plants and birds.
Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a small village and a popular tourist destination. Top sights here include a series of caves and Bich Dong – an ancient mountaintop pagoda.
7 Best Things To Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Intrigued? We hope so! The following are all situated amongst epic landscapes and vary from untouched nature to ornate temples to ancient cities.
#1 Take a Trang An Boat Tour
You can choose from three different routes that loop around the hills and through Ninh Binh caves. The wooden boats, which accommodate four passengers, are rowed by local women.
The tours last between 2.5 and 3.5 hours (depending on route) and include a few stops at temples along the way where you can explore on foot.
Top Tip: If possible, go in the late afternoon – after the tour buses have departed – and you will likely have some solitude, which is nothing short of magical!
#2 Go on a Tam Coc Boat Ride
Similar to a Trang An Tour, the Tam Coc River Tour navigates around rice fields and through three caves. These boats accommodate just two guests and are maneuvered by rowers who often use their feet, rather than hands.
#3 Climb to Hang Mua Peak
In the land of hundreds of karst hills, this is the one to seek out. Hang Mua is topped by two temples that can be reached via a 500+ step staircase.
Not an easy hike by any means – especially in the heat of the day – the panoramic views are phenomenal.
The iconic vista stretches 360-degrees over rivers, karsts and plains – and is one of the best places to visit in Ninh Binh to get an elevated look at the landscape.
You can choose to go to one or both of the temples – but the one on the left side is much higher and has a stone dragon carving at the top.
Top Tip: There is little (as in no) shade on the route to the summit. Make sure you bring plenty of water!
#4 Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
This three-level mountainside complex includes a cave temple. From the Lower Pagoda, you climb about 100 steps to the Middle Pagoda. From there, it’s about another 70 to reach the Upper Pagoda housed in a cave.
#5 Tour Bai Dinh Pagoda
Claiming to be the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam, Bai Dinh is one of the top Ninh Binh sights and a popular pilgrimage site.
The oldest temple is the mountainside location within karst caves – and it takes a little effort to get there. The rest of the compound consists of halls, courtyards and statues.
#6 Explore Hoa Lu
Serving as the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, the Hoa Lu Ancient City once featured a citadel nestled among the mountains.
Today, only a few of the original structures remain, but it’s a unique glimpse into the historic past and one of the top Ninh Binh things to see.
#7 Visit Tam Coc Village
This small town is dedicated mostly to tourists, but there are a few hidden temples and a local market, too. The village is best toured on bicycle.
Top Tip: Wondering what to do in Tam Coc in the evening? Chookies Beer Garden and Minh Toan Father Cooking Restaurant are top picks!
More Things To See in Ninh Binh
In addition to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, there are a few more spots to check out!
Cuc Phuong National Park
The oldest national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong , was established in 1962. Featuring tropical forests and an abundance of wildlife, the area is inclusive of animal sanctuaries and hiking trails.
Thung Nham Bird Park
This sanctuary is home to thousands of birds of more than 40 different species. Within the park, you can explore numerous natural caves, as well.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Located southeast of Ninh Binh City, this one of the most unique churches in Vietnam. Built in 1892, it features a blend of classic Vietnamese and European architecture.
Ninh Binh Map for Travelers
Use this link for an interactive version of our Ninh Binh Trang An and Tam Coc Map of attractions below.
DIY Ninh Binh, Vietnam Itinerary
We spent a lot of time debating the best way to visit Ninh Binh. After considering a popular Ninh Binh day trip (like this one), we opted to go without a guide.
We wanted the freedom to discover the province at our own pace and decided to stay in the area for a couple of days to explore.
To get around, we used the bicycles provided for free at our hotel (more tips on where to stay later in the article).
Our Ninh Binh 2 Day Itinerary
Below we outline the specific details of our visit, which fellow travelers can use for their trip!
DAY 1: Travel to Ninh Binh and Explore Trang An
Take the early train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Book the soft seats in an air-conditioned car in advance online (which should cost around $10).
Next, get a taxi direct to our suggested hotel, Trang An Retreat. Prices can be negotiated and should cost around 200k VND. We haggled a bit and paid120k.
Once checked-in, use the provided bicycles and pedal to the Trang An dock for a late afternoon boat cruise on Route #1. The ride takes about 3 hours as you pass through nine caves and by three temples.
Having missed the crowds, the only sounds may be the buzzing insects and the quiet rhythmic slapping of the wooden oars on the water. During our visit, the fee was 250k VND – plus a tip for the rower.
Afterwards, return to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening swim in the pool along with dinner at the Trang An Retreat Restaurant.
DAY 2: Explore Sights by Bicycle or Scooter
Get up early to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. After breakfast, bike to Mua Hang Cave. (Entry fee is 150k VND.)
Ignore the hustlers who try to get you to pay to park your bicycle and take it through the gates for free parking inside.
Waste no time and hike up the 500 steps to the viewpoints. After spending time at the top, trek back down and explore the caves at the base of the mountain.
Next, ride to Tam Coc Village and continue to Bich Dong Pagoda. Discover all three levels and take in the views. Eat lunch back in the village, then return to the hotel for aircon and a refreshing swim.
Recharged, make your way to the Bai Dinh Temple Complex by taxi (tickets required; book your taxi ahead of time through the hotel).
On the return, visit the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu (entry fee). Eat dinner at one of the Hoa Lu restaurants or back at the hotel.
More Ninh Binh Travel Tips
Now that you know what to see in Ninh Binh and how to plan your itinerary, we have a few more specific tips about visiting Vietnam.
First off, organization is always key! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of the details of your vacation.
Ninh Binh Weather
Ninh Binh can be a sweltering place to visit. During the summertime, high temperatures drift into the triple digits – which makes sightseeing by bicycle miserable.
We visited in August, and a heat wave that had settled into the Red River Delta brought temperatures that exceeded 110-degrees Fahrenheit, with a heat index into the 120Fs.
Clearly, that’s less than ideal if you plan to tour sights on bicycle. We suggest renting scooters, hiring a private driver in advance or booking a day trip tour from Hanoi if it’s going to be that hot.
How To Get From Hanoi to Ninh Binh
How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi comes down to four main options: Train, Bus, Van and Private Driver.
Train
The Hanoi to Ninh Binh train takes about 2.5 hours and costs less than $10. Tickets can be booked online in advance. The Ninh Binh Railway Station is located just south of the city center.
Bus
The public bus takes about 3 hours, costs less than the train and departs from the Giap Bat Station. The Ninh Binh Bus Station is in the city center.
Mini Van
Another way to travel between the two cities is by mini-van. The ride takes about 2 hours, but costs about twice as much as the train or public bus. However, you can get dropped off in Tam Coc, Hoa Lu or Trang An.
Private Driver
Those who prefer door-to-door service in a private vehicle can book direct transfers from Hanoi to their hotel in Ninh Binh. As should be expected, the ride is on the pricey side.
Pro Tip: Traveling further south in Vietnam? There is a train from Ninh Binh to Hue. The ride takes about 11 hours and a bed in a 4-berth cabin costs as little as $35.
Where To Stay in Ninh Binh
We stayed at Trang An Retreat, a lovely boutique hotel nestled among karsts, featuring spacious, air-conditioned rooms and an outdoor pool.
An included breakfast is provided at the open-air restaurant – which also serves lunch and dinner (for a fee).
Bicycles are free for guests to use and motorbikes can be rented on site. Rooms are affordably priced at around $35 per night.
We loved everything about our stay – from the surreal landscapes to the exceptional service. Check Rates and Availability!
Ninh Binh Tour vs DIY
We typically shy away from organized tours in favor of discovering places our own. This time, we could have possibly enjoyed ourselves more if we had just booked a Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi.
Rather than struggling to pedal around under the baking sun (once with a flat tire), we would have traveled in an air-conditioned comfort.
Furthermore, all planning and organizing would have been done for us! If that sounds better, here’s a few options for you to consider.
Tam Coc Tour plus Lunch and Hoa Lu
One of the most popular day tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you begin with a Tam Coc boat tour through three caves. Then, hop on a bicycle for a short ride through the village.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue by bus to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to see historic temples. The final stop is at Mua Cave, which includes climbing to the top of a karst mountain for spectacular views!
2-Day Ninh Binh Tour
Those who want to explore more with a guide can book an overnight getaway. This tour from Hanoi includes the top attractions, luxury accommodation and all meals – with a special homecooked dinner by a local family!
Start planning your trip to Vietnam! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Vietnam Travel Guides
We love Vietnam and have spent months exploring the country, from north to south. Use our detailed articles to help plan your vacation to Vietnam!
- A Perfect Hanoi Itinerary
- DIY Hanoi Walking Tours and Best Hanoi Food
- Top Sights in Hoi An
- Best Da Nang Things To Do including Ba Na Hills
- What To Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Plus the Best Food and Craft Beer)
- Visiting Phu Quoc Island
- What To Do in Dalat
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