Travel Guide & Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh

By Azure Lee

While Ninh Binh may not be as well-known as Hoi An or Hue, its natural surroundings and only an hour's drive away from Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, make it a fantastic destination for tourists hoping to get away from the busy metropolis and spend some time in the great outdoors.

Often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," Ninh Binh province is a stunningly scenic region of Vietnam that is well worth seeing when traveling. To help you plan your trip, we have put together this comprehensive guide to Ninh Binh, which includes information on where to stay, things to do in Ninh Binh, and how to get there.

7 Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Established as Vietnam's first capital, Ninh Binh is a playground for adventurers and an oasis for nature lovers. Today, the area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of striking limestone karsts, mossy pagodas, and surreal landscapes. Ready for an adventure? Check out these five must-do activities when visiting Ninh Binh Vietnam.

1. Paddle a kayak along Trang An Scenic Landscape

Trang An is a natural wonderland with breathtaking landscapes of towering karst mountains, lush forests, and pristine waterways. You can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Trang An by kayaking along its waters. It is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ninh Binh.

You will experience a sense of calm and peace that is difficult to find elsewhere as you make your way through the labyrinth of limestone formations and serene waterways; the only sounds breaking the silence are the occasional sounds of wildlife and the soft sound of the water gently lapping against your kayak.

Apart from the breathtaking landscapes, engaging in kayaking at Trang An offers a distinct chance to discover concealed caves and grottos accessible only by water. These marvels of nature are sure to leave you amazed.

Trang An is a natural wonderland with breathtaking landscapes 

2. Take a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc

Tam Coc is a haven for nature lovers, with the serene Ngo Dong River running through the area and charming limestone karsts rising from rice paddies. The fields take on a golden yellow hue during rice season, contributing to the breathtaking vistas that have earned it the moniker "Ha Long Bay on land."

This region comprises a series of caves and grottos shaped by the erosion of limestone rocks, such as Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves, showcasing remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. During the boat journey, you'll navigate through a meandering river surrounded by caves. The view is breathtaking, with far-off rural settlements and verdant rice farms.

Tam Coc is a haven for nature lovers

3. Enjoy terrific trekking trails in Bich Dong Pagoda

The Bich Dong Pagoda is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful pond, it is the perfect place for quiet contemplation and meditation.

Trekking to the summit of the mountain, which offers a great opportunity to explore the surrounding forests and is lined with lovely flowers and trees, is one of the best things to do at Bich Dong Pagoda. Along the way, visitors will pass through a series of caves, including the Dark Cave, which is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

The Bich Dong Pagoda is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere

4. Soothe your soul at Bai Dinh Pagoda

The largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh Pagoda is spread across a vast area of breathtaking natural beauty and offers a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relieving stress and calming the soul. 

Beautiful gardens, serene ponds, and enormous statues of Buddha and other holy icons surround you as you explore the complex; the air is filled with the sound of bells and the scent of incense, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia

5. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient capital

Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is surrounded by the limestone mountains of Trang An. It was the country's capital for 41 years and is a historically significant location with numerous temples, pagodas, and tombs.

Two of the most visited sites in the complex are the Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple, which were constructed in the 17th century in the style of the earlier 11th-century buildings. Nhat Tru Pagoda, a notable building in Hao Lu, dates back to the 10th century.

These buildings are significant not only for their historical value but also for their stunning architecture, intricate designs, and stunning surroundings. They provide tourists with the unique opportunity to discover the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

Hoa Lu is surrounded by the limestone mountains of Trang An

6. Enjoy breathtaking views from Mua Mountain 

You may have seen pictures of Ninh Binh, namely of the Hang Mua viewpoint. With its breathtaking views, visiting this location is one of the top things to do in Ninh Binh.

You will need to ascend roughly 500 steps to reach the peak of the mountain, but the view from there is amazing, offering views of Tam Coc, the Ngo Dong River, and the towering limestone karsts that define the region.

Visiting Mua Mountain is one of the top things to do in Ninh Binh

7. Go bird-watching at Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve is located on the fringe of Ninh Binh Province, 20 km north of Trang An. Similar to Trang An Scenic Landscape, the major activity in Van Long is boating on the meandering canals and rivers that make up the reserve's wetlands.

The preserved region is scattered with limestone mountains and boasts over 30 caves. The mountains and forests surrounding the wetlands provide a habitat for numerous langurs, but it is particularly renowned as an excellent destination for bird watching.

Van Long Nature Reserve is located on the fringe of Ninh Binh Province

How To Get To Ninh Binh Vietnam

Situated in Southeast Asia, Ninh Binh is roughly 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. There are two ways to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: by bus or by minivan. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. After that, to get from Ninh Binh City to Tam Coc or Trang An, where you are staying, you will need to take a cab.

If you're journeying to Ninh Binh city from southern Vietnam, there are buses and trains available from Hue, Da Nang (for Hoi An), and Dong Hoi (for Phong Nha). You have the option to pre-book these transportation services online or ask your homestay to arrange it for you. Alternatively, you can consider flying to Hanoi from the southern part of the country and then taking a bus from Hanoi.

Best Time To Visit Ninh Binh Vietnam

Ninh Binh has a humid subtropical climate. There are several seasons in Ninh Binh, each providing a different experience for tourists. April through June and September through October are the best months to visit, according to Ninh Binh weather, since they are pleasant and have less rainfall.

• April through June: Ninh Binh experiences pleasant weather, with average highs of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The colorful and lush landscapes, along with the stunning shade of green rice paddies, make for a picturesque backdrop for touring the breathtaking karst mountains, caves, and rivers that have made Ninh Binh famous.
• September through October: September and October see relatively cool temperatures in Ninh Binh, between 26 and 31 degrees Celsius. This is a great time of year for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and boat trips. September also marks the beginning of the rice harvest season, which gives visitors a breathtaking view of golden rice fields.

If you want to experience the local festivals, February and March are also excellent dates to visit Ninh Binh. These months provide vivid events that highlight the customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs of the local people.

Discover The Enchanting Wonders Of Ninh Binh Vietnam

Travelers wishing to see Vietnam's magnificent natural wonders will find that Ninh Binh is a great option. This little province has several stunning scenery spots that will leave you speechless.

If you are planning a trip to the S-shaped country, make sure to include Ninh Binh at the top of your itinerary because it is a captivating destination that offers the ideal blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance.

Don't let paperwork overshadow the excitement of your adventure. Choose ease, choose efficiency – apply for your Vietnam eVisa via the Vietnam Immigration Services website today, and let the wonders of Ninh Binh unfold before you without any hindrance.

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