Ninh Binh Travel Guide: 10 Epic Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Looking for the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam? You’ve come to the right place!

A popular nickname for Ninh Binh is “Halong Bay on land”, and it’s easy to see why. Ninh Binh is characterised by its unique limestone mountains, which rise from an otherwise pretty flat countryside.

Seeing these imposing mountains towering over rice fields and rivers is pretty unique.

Add to that historical ancient cities, gorgeous temples, boat rides through caves and a lively town centre, and you can see why Ninh Binh is so popular!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about visiting Ninh Binh. Including how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, how many days to spend there and detailed information about all the best things to do.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and discover the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam!

Key things to know about visiting Ninh Binh

Before we dive into the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, I wanted to share with you some useful information about travelling to this lovely Vietnamese town.

These are all logistics tips to make the most of your time in Ninh Binh.

About Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a region in northern Vietnam known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Today, visitors flock to Ninh Binh to explore its many attractions such as Tam Coc, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Mua Cave, Bich Dong and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

It’s also home to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which served as the capital of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet in the 10th century.

It may be a tourist attraction today, but once upon a time, this small kingdom (which covered an area of only 300 hectares) reigned from the 10th century to the 11th century during the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties.

From ancient temples to limestone mountains and picturesque rice paddies, Ninh Binh has something special for everyone!

How to get to Ninh Binh, Vietnam

First things first, how do you actually get to Ninh Binh? One of the best ways to get to Ninh Binh is by bus.

It’s an easy and cost effective way to travel from Hanoi, as buses leave regularly and tickets can be bought for around 200,000 – 250,000 VND per person. The journey takes around two hours.

You can also get a private car, which will usually cost around 400,000 VND. Depending on how many people you are, this could be both cheaper and more comfortable than the bus.

Depending on where you’re travelling from, you can also get an organised transfer from your previous hotel.

We visited Ninh Binh after Halong Bay, and the company we did the cruise with organised us a shared limousine bus, which for us was the best way to get there.

That’s actually one of the things that I loved about travelling in Vietnam. It’s very easy to organise transfers directly from your accommodation, as hotel or homestay staff are usually happy to help you with it.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

No matter what type of accommodation you’re looking for during your time in Ninh Binh, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs!

From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels – there’s a wide range of options available.

You can also choose whether to stay in the town centre, close to all the action, or in local homestays in the countryside, surrounded by lush green landscapes. I listed below some great places to stay for every budget.

Budget: Trang An Lamia Bungalow – If you’re looking for an affordable and unique stay, these bamboo bungalows are the perfect place for you!

Click here to book your stay at Trang An Lamia Bungalow!

Mid-range: Green Mountain Homestay – This is where we stayed and I can honestly say it’s a great place to stay in Ninh Binh. Affordable, nestled amongst the mountains and rice fields, with a pool and friendly staff.

Click here to book your stay at Green Mountain Homestay! 

Luxury: Mua Caves Ecolodge – Located past the Mud Caves ticket barrier, this ecolodge is simply wonderful. It has a pool, bungalows with view and offers a delicious breakfast buffer. Plus, you can visit Mua Caves viewpoint early in the morning before the crowds arrive!

Click here to book your stay at Mua Caves Ecolodge!

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Ninh Binh is from November to April, during the dry season. During these months you’re more likely to encounter blue skies and favourable temperatures.

Some argue that the best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the harvest season, which typically runs from late May to early July.

During this time you’ll be able to witness locals reaping the wet rice, enjoy festivals dedicated to celebrating the bountiful harvest, and enjoy the stunning scenery of golden paddle fields and lush green rice.

However, bear in mind that the rainy season runs from May to October, and you’re likely to encounter rain and grey skies during these months.

If you visit towards the end of the rainy season, from September to October, you will be received by mountains covered in a thick blanket of mist.

Some say that this will add an ethereal charm to your experience, although having seen for myself Ninh Binh on a cloudy day, I can say it will just look grey and sad.

If you prefer a more solemn atmosphere, then February and March are ideal months for visiting Ninh Binh – right after the Lunar New Year celebrations when people flock to Bai Dinh pagoda to burn incense and wish for a prosperous new year ahead.

How to get around Ninh Binh

Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, there are plenty of transport options available to explore the area.

Motorbikes and bicycles are popular for getting around town and hiring one is easy – simply visit a local shop or hire one from your accommodation provider.

These usually cost around 100,000 VND per day for motorbikes and 50,000 VND per day for bicycles. Many hotels will also give you bicycles for free, so make sure to check with them before you head into town to rent one!

Motorbikes or bicycles are the most popular way of getting around, as it’s cheap and you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

If you’re looking for something more comfortable, private cars are also available for hire from tour operators or through your hotel/hostel.

How many days do you need in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a stunning destination for travelers looking to explore the enchanting limestone mountains and caves of Northern Vietnam.

It’s packed with things to see, do, and experience, so it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you see everything there is to see in the Ninh Binh Province, and that you have enough time to do so.

Generally speaking, I’d recommend staying at least two to three days in Ninh Binh.

This will give you enough time to visit all the main attractions (such as Tam Coc, Mua Cave and Trang An), go on a couple of boat tours through the limestone mountains, take a cooking class and explore some of the local villages.

With at least two full days in Ninh Binh you’ll be able to make the most of your time here!

10 best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Go for a Boat Ride through the Lush Green Paddies at Tam Coc

Taking a boat ride through the lush green paddies at Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, Vietnam is an experience you’ll never forget.

As your guide rows you down the serene Ngo Dong river surrounded by limestone cliffs and beautiful green rice paddies, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular activities in Ninh Binh.

You can even witness locals harvesting and ploughing their fields with a buffalo – a truly unique sight!

And if you’re lucky, your guide might let you try rowing with your feet – an interesting technique used by many of the rowers here.

Enjoy passing under ancient stone bridges and taking in the stunning views as you go – this is definitely one of the must-see sights when visiting Ninh Binh.

Or go on a boat trip through the Caves & Temples of Trang An

We’ve had a boat trip already in this Ninh Binh travel guide, but I couldn’t help but include Trang An too.

Located just a few kilometers away from Ninh Binh town, the area is known for its beautiful waterways, lush greenery and imposing limestone cliffs.

A three-hour boat tour will take you through some of the most scenic parts of Trang An, complete with caves and temples that line the route.

You can sit back and enjoy the views as your boat glides along the Sao Khe River. Be sure to get your camera ready to capture all of the stunning sights you’ll encounter on this tranquil journey.

You’ll be able to take in natural wonders such as stalactites and stalagmites, explore caves such as Hang Ca Cave and Mua Cave, and even see temples like Thanh Can Son Temple.

Personally, we chose to do the boat trip in Trang An as it was closer to our accommodation and suited our Vietnam itinerary better. Plus, the guy at our hotel said it was more scenic than Tam Coc, so we trusted him!

The prices for boat tours at Trang An and Tam Coc are similar (around 250,000 VND per person, in a boat shared with 4 people total). What changes is the length of the tour.

In Tam Coc it’s a standard 2-hour tour, whilst in Trang An you can choose between a 3-hour tour, a 2-hour one and a shorter 1-hour one (they all cost the same).

We chose option two because the longest tour has lots of caves, and the shorter tour has one really long 1km cave. 

I’m a little claustrophobic, so while I’m happy to explore a cave once in a while, I didn’t want to cruise through nine caves, or spend over 2 minutes inside one.

The option 2 boat tour turned out to be a pretty good one for us, we just loved the mixture of temples, caves and epic scenery!

Climb up to Mua Cave Viewpoint

Climbing up to the Mua Cave viewpoint in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is an incredible experience.

The steps up are pretty steep, but once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with lush green rice fields and its iconic limestone cliffs as far as the eye can see (possibly one of the most iconic sights in all of Vietnam!)

The climb takes around 40 minutes, but it’s definitely worth it! Be sure to look out for the white wall that zig-zags up the path, known as the Great Wall of Vietnam – a miniature version of its Chinese counterpart!

At the top are statues of a giant dragon and Quan Am, also known as the Goddess of Mercy.

There are two peaks at Mua Cave, if you don’t fancy climbing up both steps, the main one is the one with the pagoda and dragon sculptures at the top.

From here is where you’ll get the most rewarding views, both of the surrounding countryside and the other iconic peak of Mua Cave Viewpoint.

Discover Hoa Lu Ancient City

Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient City is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Located in the north of Ninh Binh Province in Vietnam, it was once the capital of Dai Co Viet – a kingdom that predates modern-day Vietnam – during the 10th and 11th centuries.

This place holds great historical significance, as well as being a stunning example of what a city would have looked like so long ago. Walking through the ruins can bring to life all sorts of stories from its past!

The city walls are particularly impressive, with many sections having been excavated to reveal their original construction with wood and mud.

Within these walls you will also find several temples and statues that stand beautifully in created parks.

It’s definitely worth investing in a guided tour here – hearing about its history and stories from a local will make everything more memorable! You can easily spend a few hours wandering around this beautiful temple complex.

Make sure you add Hoa Lu Ancient City to your list of must-sees when travelling to Ninh Binh!

Discover Dong am Tien

Considering it’s just across the road from Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, I was honestly surprised at how few people were visiting Dong am Tien when we went.

Built during the 12th century, this captivating cave temple is nestled in the limestone mountains of Trang An and features a spectacular blend of religious architecture and stunning natural scenery.

From the ticket counter you have to walk through a tunnel to reach the main area of Dong am Tien, which opens up into a lakeside promenade surrounded by mountains.

We spent an hour or so walking around the lake, admiring the two unique pagodas and temples on opposite sides of the lake. Behind one of these buildings is hidden a temple-cave.

Inside the cave itself, visitors will find ancient stone sculptures of Buddhas and other figures from Buddhist mythology, as well as intricate carvings that tell stories about Vietnamese history.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is a 15th century temple complex located on the side of a mountain near Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

The three-level pagoda, also known as Ha, Trung and Thuong Pagodas, is one of the most beautiful and interesting temples in the region.

It’s incredibly picturesque with its traditional architecture nestled into a cliff face and surrounded by lush green foliage.

The path to the top of Bich Dong Pagoda is quite steep but it’s worth the effort for the stunning views of the beautiful scenery that you get from the summit.

There are also several caves behind each level that can be explored as part of your visit here. Take some time to admire the intricate details of this ancient pagoda complex and enjoy peaceful moments as you take in its beauty.

Whether it’s an early morning or evening visit, Bich Dong Pagoda is sure to leave you with lasting memories!

Explore the temple grounds at Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-see for any visitor to Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Located just outside of the town, it is one of the largest complexes of Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia.

The complex consists of three parts: the Great Buddha Temple, a 500-arhat statue gallery, and an enormous bronze bell tower.

The Great Buddha Temple holds many impressive statues including a five-tonne gold-plated Sakyamuni Buddha statue which stands at 10 meters tall.

Visitors can also explore the 500 arhat statues gallery and admire intricate sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology as well as Indonesian and Asian art styles.

Finally, make sure to take some time to walk around the vast grounds of Bai Dinh Pagoda and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere. There are plenty of places to sit down, relax, meditate or take in the beauty of this incredible place.

Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or just want to witness breathtaking architecture and artworks, Bai Dinh Pagoda has it all!

Shop in the town of Tam Coc

When people think of Ninh Binh in Vietnam, it’s actually Tam Com they’re thinking about.

Ninh Binh City is a fairly big city, whilst the lush green views and temples that people picture are actually in the surrounding areas of Tam Coc and Trang An (which are located within the Ninh Binh province).

Located just outside of Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc features breathtaking limestone hills and emerald green rice paddies. This destination offers a tranquil atmosphere that is similar to Halong Bay but without the large crowds.

Tam Coc has a chill and laid back Main Street, from which you can then explore the iconic landscapes of Ninh Binh. The Main Street is dotted with plenty of shops, bars and local restaurants.

Here you can go for a little wander, stocking up on local souvenirs and tasting the delicious local cuisine.

Cycle through the Countryside

Cycling through the countryside in Ninh Binh is an incredible experience. With its serene landscapes, rolling hills and friendly locals, this small province in Vietnam has so much to offer adventurous cyclists.

If you are looking for a peaceful and active way to explore this stunning region, then cycling is definitely the way to go!

You could simply cycle around, taking in the stunning views and rolling rice fields, or use a bicycle as the main transport mode to see all the main sights included in this article.

For example you could cycle from Bich Dong Pagoda and take in views of the spectacular Ngo Dong River as you ride along.

Continuing on to Hang Mua Cave for an incredible viewpoint overlooking Tam Coc Valley – perfect for taking a few photos!

To then cycle on further towards the Trang An Grottoes where you can take a boat tour through the ancient limestone caves and admire their beauty from up close.

You can then end your cycling tour at Hoa Lu Ancient City, where you can explore the ruins and learn more about its rich history.

Whether it’s a half-day or full-day ride, cycling through Ninh Binh is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Try the local cuisine (especially goat!)

Goat dishes are a staple in the Ninh Binh region of Vietnam and offer visitors a unique culinary experience. From traditional stir-fries to goat hot pot, there’s something for everyone!

As you explore the local eateries, be sure to look out for the signature dish of Ninh Binh – chả cá lã vọng.

This delicious dish features filets of fresh fish marinated with turmeric, garlic, and onions before being steamed and served with a side of steamed rice noodles.

Another popular dish is thịt dê nướng, which consists of marinated goat meat skewered and grilled over an open flame.

The succulent pieces of meat are usually served with a side of fragrant herbs and spices for added flavor. For an extra kick, try dipping it into some spicy chili sauce!

If you’re looking for a warm and hearty meal, then be sure to check out bạc hà món dê. This classic Vietnamese stew is made from slow cooked goat meat simmered in coconut milk and spices until tender.

It’s usually served with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and pumpkin as well as hard boiled eggs or tofu cubes. Enjoy this delicious dish with some freshly steamed rice or sticky rice cakes – yum!

No trip to Ninh Binh would be complete without tasting some of its famous goat dishes! From classic stews to grilled skewers and fish dishes, there’s something here for everyone – so why not give it a try?

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

There you have it, the ultimate guide to visiting Ninh Binh in Vietnam! Have you been to Ninh Binh before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

We travelled to Ninh Binh directly from Halong Bay, so we had the opportunity to compare these two similar but different destinations.

While I can see why they call Ninh Binh “Halong Bay on land”, I have to say I much preferred Ninh Binh. With its epic boat rides, beautiful landscape, stunning temples and rich history, it’s a must-see destination in Vietnam.

We didn’t make it to Cuc Phuong National Park or Thung Nham Bird Garden while in Ninh Binh, but what we did see was enough to fall in love.

Many travellers visit on a day trip from Hanoi, but they don’t realise just how much they’re missing out on. I recommend spending at least 2-3 days discovering the Ninh Binh Province, and seeing everything it has to offer.

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