8 Fantastic Things to Do in Ninh Binh Vietnam
From the back of a motorbike you can explore the rolling hills and rice fields of Ninh Binh. But, for a more authentic experience, book a boat tour and glide under towering karsts past grottoes and temples.
The Thung Nham Bird Park is another picturesque attraction that you will find relatively uncrowded. Here you can observe a huge number of indigenous birds.
1. Mua Cave Viewpoint
Located at the outskirts of Tam Coc, Mua Cave Viewpoint is a must-visit spot for tourists who want to experience stunning views of this region. Though the actual caves part of this destination may not be as impressive, it’s the breathtaking view from the top that draws travelers in.
Visitors can climb around 500 stairs to reach the highest viewpoint, which is called the dragon viewpoint. It offers a panoramic view of the whole area including the endless rice fields, towering karst mountains and Tam Coc’s Ngoa Dong River.
Although Mua Cave Viewpoint can be visited throughout the year, dry season from May to September is an ideal time thanks to comfortable weather and less rainfall. This is when visitors can see the enormous “golden” paddy fields and majestic mountainous scenery create a harmonious combination.
2. Bich Dong Pagoda
Described as “Halong Bay on land”, Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most impressive and peaceful places to visit in Ninh Binh. A trip to this centuries-old relic is more than just a visit; it’s a spiritual and cultural experience that connects travelers with Vietnam’s heritage.
At the entrance, you will cross a large walkway that is adorned with water lilies. Make sure you take your best camera gear to capture the most stunning shots of this ethereal scenery!
To reach Bich Dong, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike from half a dozen rental shops in the town center. However, walking is also a great option if you want to immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery on the way.
3. Hoa Lu
If you want to experience Vietnamese culture with lively festivals, it is best to visit Hoa Lu during the festival months after the Lunar Tet holiday. However, you can still have fun visiting this ancient capital even in other months.
The most significant attractions in Hoa Lu are the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, which have been preserved in their original condition. They are located in a walled section with different water features.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to witness the Hoa Lu festival, which takes place in early April each year. It involves a procession and games celebrating the history of the first Vietnam dynasty.
4. Trang An
Trang An is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterway has limestone and karst mountains and is a serene place to spend time.
The area also has wetland ecosystems, which provide habitat for many flora and fauna species. This makes it an ideal place to visit for those interested in conservation and wildlife viewing.
Trang An is a very popular destination and it can get quite crowded on holidays, vacations and during festivals. The best time to visit is during normal weekdays in the dry season when it will be less crowded. Aside from enjoying a breathtaking view of the area, you can enjoy some of Ninh Binh’s unique cuisine like Hoa Lu rare goat, boiled mountain snails wrapped in guava leaves, Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice, Gia Vien shrimp paste and more.
5. Thung Nham Bird Park
Thung Nham Bird Park is an interesting attraction for visitors to Ninh Binh Vietnam. This is a huge wetland area that houses many different species of birds such as heron, stork, mallard and forktail. Some of them are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam.
The most special activity is a boat trip through the flooded forest of Thung Nham to watch the flocks of birds in the Bird Garden. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon as this is when the birds come out for foraging.
Aside from observing wildlife, Thung Nham also offers other activities such as exploring the caves with historical and spiritual significance, visiting local villages, and tasting traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
6. Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is a wilderness area so visitors must bring all the necessities. They should have hats, jungle shoes, basic medicine, bandages and food and drink to support themselves.
There are many exciting activities to enjoy in the park such as hiking and trekking. You can visit Con Moong Cave, which is home to ancient people, and Trang Khuyet (Crescent Cave), with an entrance protruding in the shape of a waning moon.
The park also contains a variety of ancient trees including Dang and Sau trees with impressive sizes. Moreover, it is home to the rare Delacour’s langur and Cat Ba or golden yellow langur as well as other lori and gibbons.
7. Tam Coc
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, Tam Coc offers spectacular scenery of limestone mountains. Pair your boat ride along Ngo Dong River with a visit to some of the local attractions.
Some of the highlights include Hai Cave – where you’ll paddle through a tunnel-cave surrounded by glimmering stalactites and Ba Cave, whose lower ceiling makes for a unique experience. You can also stop by Thai Vi Temple, a thirteenth century temple dedicated to Emperors Tran Thanh Tong and Tran Hung Dao.
Many homestays in the area offer bicycles and motorbikes for rent so you can explore the surrounding countryside on your own. Be sure to try some of the local cuisine including the delicious spring rolls at Hoa Lu or the savory Indian dishes at Aroma Ninh Binh.
8. Hanoi
Hanoi is a fascinating, chaotic city that offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient history while pulsating with modern life. From world-class restaurants to sophisticated rooftop bars, this capital is an unforgettable experience.
Those looking to soak up the culture can visit Hanoi’s many museums, including the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Hanoi Opera House. The opera house, inspired by the Paris Opera House, is a stunning piece of architecture that stands out in the city’s French Quarter.
The Perfume Pagoda or Chua Huong is a dramatic temple complex built into the mountainous landscape and boasts dazzling stalactites and stalagmites. For shoppers, there is the Dong Xuan Market where you can pick up traditional Vietnamese souvenirs like conical hats and local street food favorites.