Ninh Binh

Tranquil scene of Ninh Binh's limestone cliffs and serene water reflection, featuring a traditional rowboat.
Yan Ho, Pexels

Ninh Binh, Vietnam, offers a captivating escape characterized by its dramatic limestone karsts, serene rice paddies, and tranquil rivers, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land.' Visitors are drawn to its stunning natural beauty, rich historical sites, and the opportunity for immersive cultural experiences.

While not a bustling party destination like some larger cities, Ninh Binh offers opportunities for social interaction, particularly in the Tam Coc area. Here, travelers can find backpacker bars and hostels, such as Chookie's Beer Garden and Bamboo Bar, which serve as relaxed gathering spots for tourists and locals alike. Some hostels also host daily parties and group activities, making it easier for solo travelers and backpackers to connect.

Top 5 Things to do in Ninh Binh

Visitors to Ninh Binh can immerse themselves in picturesque boat tours through stunning grottoes, challenge themselves with panoramic hikes, cycle through serene rice fields, and discover significant historical temples.

1. Trang An Boat Tour

Embarking on a Trang An boat tour offers an immersive journey through a UNESCO World Heritage site, navigating through a complex of towering limestone karsts, hidden caves, and ancient temples. The experience typically lasts 2-3 hours and involves a local rower guiding the boat, often with their feet, through various routes that include stops at temples and passages through dark grottoes. This activity is highly recommended for its dramatic scenery and tranquil atmosphere, providing a sense of discovery. It is less prone to aggressive vendors compared to some other boat tours in the area.

Cost: The ticket price is 250,000 VND per person. Each boat accommodates up to four passengers. For a private experience, one can purchase additional tickets to cover the full boat capacity. Parking for motorbikes costs approximately 15,000 VND, and for bicycles, it is around 10,000 VND.

Transport: Trang An is located about 7-8 kilometers from Tam Coc and Ninh Binh city. Taxis are readily available. Alternatively, renting a motorbike for about 100,000-150,000 VND per day or a bicycle for approximately 20,000 VND per day provides flexibility to reach the departure point.

2. Mua Cave (Hang Mua) Viewpoint

Climbing to the Mua Cave viewpoint rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas over the expansive Tam Coc and Trang An landscapes, characterized by endless rice fields and limestone karsts. The ascent involves navigating approximately 500 uneven stone steps. While challenging, the views from the dragon statue at the summit are unparalleled, especially during sunrise or sunset. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

Cost: The entrance fee is 100,000 VND per person. Parking for motorbikes typically costs around 10,000-15,000 VND.

Transport: Mua Cave is roughly a 10-15 minute drive from Tam Coc. Visitors can reach it by taxi or by renting a scooter (around 100,000-200,000 VND per day) or bicycle (around 20,000 VND per day) from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh city.

3. Tam Coc Boat Tour

A boat tour in Tam Coc, often called 'Halong Bay on land,' glides along the Ngo Dong River through stunning limestone formations and lush rice paddies, particularly golden during harvest season (May/June or September/October). The 1.5-2 hour journey takes you through three natural caves. A unique aspect is observing local rowers skillfully propelling the boats with their feet. It is best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid larger crowds.

Cost: The ticket price is 250,000 VND per person, with each boat typically accommodating two people. It is customary to tip the rower around 50,000 VND.

Transport: Tam Coc is approximately 6 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center. It can be reached by taxi or by renting a motorbike (around 150,000 VND per day) or bicycle. Many accommodations in Tam Coc are within walking or cycling distance of the pier.

4. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is a collection of ancient Buddhist temples carved into a mountainside, accessible via a picturesque stone bridge over a lotus pond. The pagoda comprises three levels: Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda), with some sections leading through natural caves. Exploring the pagodas and the cave formations offers a serene cultural experience and historical insight. It is best visited early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.

Cost: There is no entrance fee for Bich Dong Pagoda. Parking typically costs 5,000-10,000 VND for motorbikes and around 30,000 VND for cars.

Transport: Bich Dong Pagoda is conveniently located just 1-3 kilometers from the center of Tam Coc, making it easily accessible by walking or cycling. From Ninh Binh city, it is about a 20-minute taxi ride (around 150,000-200,000 VND) or a pleasant 7-kilometer motorbike ride.

5. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital transports one back to the 10th and 11th centuries, when it served as Vietnam's first capital. The site, nestled amidst limestone karsts, features temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, offering a glimpse into early Vietnamese history and traditional architecture. Exploring the temple grounds provides a historical and cultural immersion.

Cost: The entrance fee for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is approximately 20,000 VND per person.

Transport: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is about 20 kilometers from Ninh Binh city and 110 kilometers south of Hanoi. From Ninh Binh, a taxi or rented motorbike is the most convenient way to reach the site.

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