Ninh Binh is a beautiful city in the north of Vietnam. Regarding Ninh Binh traveling, people should immediately consider the spectacular natural landscapes of rice paddies, streams, and limestone peaks. It is also wealthy in history and culture, as it was once the antiquated capital of Vietnam under three dynasties. For that reason, Ninh Binh is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of a hectic life. Here are the top ten things to do in Ninh Binh.
Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh
Go for a boat trip in Tam Coc
Go for a boat trip on Tam Coc
Tam Coc is one of the most amazing places in Ninh Binh. With various brilliant highlights such as verdant rice areas, and beautiful spots along a riches of authentic relics, this area reliably draws various visitors each year.
It takes 11 kilometers to reach the spot, Tam Coc is found in Dam Khe town, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Tam Coc is a portion of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which is recognized as a double World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its environmental and social esteem.
Tam Coc is an expansive range of up to 350.3 hectares, this place is a unique complex of cave frameworks and limestone mountains, along with a quiet town setting. When coming to Tam Coc, guests will experience more than 2 hours of sitting on a little watercraft on the Ngo Dong River, passing through limestone cliffs, and appreciating the excellent caves.
Cruise a paddleboard in Trang An Grottoes
Trang An Landscape Complex
If you only do one activity in Ninh Binh, make sure it is a cruise on a paddleboard in Trang An Grottoes. Boat is a special activity in Vietnam, attracting crowds of people from all over the world when they come to Ninh Binh.
The spectacular natural beauty of Trang An is the harmonious blend of stunning nature and wealthy culture. This is the perfect destination for those who want to escape the hectic life and immerse themselves in Vietnam’s magnificent karst landscape.
With only 150.000vnd (~5$) you could get a ticket with 4 adult seats. The paddleboard is rowed manually and the guide will give you information about key sights along the way. The cruise lasts about 1.5 hours to 3 hours depending on how busy it is. This is the best way to fully admire the beauty of Trang An Scenic landscape complex as tourists can sit on a small paddleboard while enjoying the calm water, passing limestone cliffs, and visiting caves and temples.
Explore Cuc Phuong National Park
Wander around Cuc Phuong National Park
Covering about 25,000 hectares in three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa, Cuc Phuong National Park is the first and largest nature reservation place in Vietnam. Cuc Phuong National Park is a typical tropical rainforest that is home to many rare and unique flora and fauna. There are about 2000 plant species and 2600 animals including 2000 species of insects, 135 mammal species, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, 65 species of fishes, and more than 336 species of birds. There are also endangered species such as Draco, spotted deer, golden monkey, bear, leopard, fox, horse, and the famous black and white Douc langur.
When visiting Cuc Phuong National Park, visitors can experience numerous activities including visiting famous caves such as The prehistoric Man Cave, Con Moong Cave, or Trang Khuyet Cave. Hiking in Cuc Phuong Primary Forest could also provide visitors with a memorable experience. Tourists can go alone on some popular trekking routes, but other routes should be guided by local people or a park scout.
>>> Are you interested in this destination and wondering how to integrate it into a tour of a few days? Check our best Cuc Phuong National Park Full Day Tour
Visit the hidden gem – Tuyet Tinh Coc
A hidden gem of Ninh Binh – Tuyet Tinh Coc
Tuyet Tinh Coc is also called Am Tien Cave. This place is a part of Hoa Lu Citadel, which is not only an imposing natural landscape but also a cultural site with long-lasting values.
Tuyet Tinh Coc is a harmonious combination of grandiose limestone mountains, a tranquil lake, and a plentiful plant system. One of the most outstanding features of Tuyet Tinh Coc is the Ao Giai Lake which reflects the contemplation of the surrounding mountains, making this site a fairyland and giving customers a chance to temporarily escape from the hustle and bustle of the hectic life. Tourists can breathe the fresh air, smell the aroma of nature, and hear the sound of birds. All senses visitors will be woken up so that they can feel the whole beauty of Tuyet Tinh Coc, the fairy landscape and hidden gem of Ninh Binh.
Wander Hoa Lu ancient town
Hoa Lu ancient town
Hoa Lu ancient town is found at the complex of Ky Lan Lake Park. The town was built to promote Ninh Binh tourism to become an attractive tourist destination for domestic and international visitors. By following the theme of the traditional culture of Dai Viet in the 10th century, Hoa Lu ancient town provides visitors with beautiful ancient architecture and culture.
Visitors will be able to see celebrated conventional items of craft villages such as Ninh Van Fine Art Stone Village, Dong Ho Painting Village, and Bo Bat Pottery Village. Not only display a lot of traditional handicrafts but this place also has delicious specialties from all parts of the country. These cuisines are presented beautifully in traditional ways that remind us of the manner and lifestyle of the past.
Pay a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is an otherwordly place and the biggest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. There are handfuls of temples and more than 500 Buddha statues in different sizes and materials.
There are two fundamental temples of the Bai Dinh complex which have the same title but are referred to as the Old Bai Dinh Pagoda and the New Bai Dinh Pagoda. The former is situated on the slopes of the mountain. You can get there by walking upstairs with 300 stone steps. The latter is a tower with an extraordinary view of the fabulous characteristic landscape.
In the heart of the temple complex is a curiously large chime tower with the biggest bell in Vietnam. The main square is located at the top of the mountain, with the triple-roofed Phap Chu Pagoda.
The new Bai Dinh Pagoda is moreover well known for numerous large-scale items, including the great Bronze Bell in Vietnam. This chime weighs 5.5m and has a volume of up to 36 tons. Different old images are carved on the surface of this bronze bell.
Another key feature of Bai Dinh Pagoda is Light Cave and Dark Cave. The two caves are situated right at the first main temple after walking up the stairs. There are various statues of gods and Buddhas displayed in the small square of both these two caves. The surrounding place moreover includes a few other caves.
See the view from Mua Cave
View from the top of Mua cave
Mua Cave or Dancing Cave is a symbol of elegant natural beauty. People also call it other titles such as “The Great Wall of Vietnam” or “Tam Coc’s Muse”. Named after the event of the Tran Royal Family moved the capital from Thang Long to Ninh Binh, Mua Cave was chosen as an entertaining place. Some beautiful dancers were required to come there and dance. As a consequence, Mua Cave got this name.
This attraction is described by the locals as “an enormous bell put upside down.” The cave has a side of about 800 meters square. Looking from the bottom of the mountain, visitors can see various white stone steps leading to the mountain’s top. On the other side of Mua Cave, there are delicate dragon and phoenix-shaped stones which were believed to have been curved in the Tran Dynasty.
For visitors who love to take risks and challenge themselves, you will get challenged to finally enjoy the breathtaking views on top of Mua Cave. The ticket costs 100.000 VND/person (~4$), and visitors will have a high chance of seeing enormous golden paddy fields and majestic mountainous scenery.
Taste local cuisine and specialties
Some local cuisine and specialties you should try in Ninh Binh are “com chay” and “de tai” chanh. Com chay is a fried rice as a delicious snack. De tai chanh is made from goat meat, lightly cured in lemon juice, and mixed with chilies, sesame seeds, and lime leaves. Besides, visitors should also taste “banh cuon” which is fresh rice paper rolls filled with diced pork and served with mint and a mild fish sauce.
Visit Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam that combines Western church architecture with the special characteristics of Vietnamese Buddhist religious buildings. The grounds of the cathedral include a main church, five small churches, a bell tower, and an artificial stone cave. There is a lake in front of the cathedral and a mountain behind.
Another key feature of Phat Diem Cathedral is Phuong Dinh (the bell tower). The bell tower is 21 meters wide and 25 meters tall. The bell has 3 floors. The top floor of Phuong Dinh has 5 blocks and the central tower block has a 1.4 meter-tall bell weighing 2 tons. There are 4 saints inside the remaining 4 blocks. Visitors can enjoy all the scenery around Phat Diem Cathedral. Visitors should also visit The main church which is situated in the heart of Phat Diem Cathedral and Trai Tim Duc Me Stone Church which is the most noticeable among 5 small churches.
Go for a motorbike tour through the countryside
Ninh Binh Motorbike Tours
A motorbike tour is always a great idea in Vietnam, especially in Ninh Binh which has the most stunning countryside view. This tour offers a deep countryside exploration and cultural experience. Participants will have the opportunity to drive through picturesque villages, engage in a cooking class, ride buffaloes, and bathe in a refreshing stream.
On top of that, visitors will have a chance to explore Vietnamese countryside culture with a variety of engaging activities that provide a unique and immersive experience.
>>> Explore all the wonders of Ninh Binh with our 2-day tour from Hanoi.
Read more:
