The best way to explore Ninh Binh in just one day and get to see all the popular attractions

Ninh Binh is often referred to as the “The Land of the Mountains and Rivers” of Vietnam. With its stunning limestone karsts and picturesque rivers, it is no wonder why the area draws so many visitors each year. It is a great place for a day trip, so let us tell you what the best way is to explore Ninh Binh in just one day!First of all, to tackle all of the sights in one day, you are going to want to plan ahead. Oftentimes, visitors to Ninh Binh will book a tour or rent a private driver to get around, but if you opt for going it alone and don’t mind a bit of hustle and bustle then public transport is definitely an option for you as well. So, for those who are hoping to tackle the area on their own, the best way to explore Ninh Binh is to rent a scooter. This way you can set your own pace and get to all those hidden gems that tour buses can’t access!

Parts of Ninh Binh to Visit on a One-Day Trip

When exploring Ninh Binh in just one day, you should start by picking one of two major areas – Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Let’s look into what each of them has to offer:

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Hoa Lu District, southwest of the city of Ninh Binh. A popular sight here is Hang Mua (Mua Cave), which is set atop the 300 metre-high Ngu Nhac Mountain and provides a spectacular view over Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside. Other highlights include Bai Dinh Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple complex; Cuc Phuong National Park, an acclaimed conservation centre for endangered species; Thung Nham Bird Garden, where visitors can observe 70 species of exotic birds; and Hang Boi Cave, with its incredible limestone formations.

Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is just 8km away from Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and is composed of three limestone caves named Tam Coc (also known as “Three Caves’), Hang Ca (Fish Cave) and Hang Hai (Turtle Cave). Plus, the nearby village of Bich Dong offers visitors a glimpse of rustic Vietnamese living. The area is also popular for its boat trips along the Ngo Dong River – often referred to as the “Vietnamese Ha Long Bay’ – which allow you to soak up the spectacular scenery as local peddlers navigate your way through the karsts.

Other Things to Do During Your One-Day Trip in Ninh Binh

In addition to the two main attractions, Ninh Binh also has plenty of quirky aspects to explore. For instance, you may wish to visit Khoang Xanh Trang An Eco Park – an eco-tourism adventure park with a range of activities such as ATV courses, flying fox, and zip lining. The park also boasts a scenic cable car ride that takes you between fields of grass and rice. For foodies, provincial cuisine such as goat meat dishes, snake wine and stir-fried clams are some of the star attractions in Ninh Binh. But if you’d like something a bit more traditional then head to Van Lam Village – home to the Cao Lau style of cooking, or try out some organic cold pressed juices at Khoang Xanh Organic Farm. We also highly recommend visiting one of Ninh Binh’s national parks such as Cuc Phuong National Park or Van Long Nature Reserve. And for those who love nature, Ninh Binh Zoo – currently home to more than 150 species of birds and wild animals – provides an insight into Vietnam’s diverse wildlife. With all that said, if you want to make the most of your one-day trip to Ninh Binh then it’s essential that you plan your itinerary in advance and make sure you pick the right attractions for you. Vietnam-Guide.com has great information about the various sights and activities available in Ninh Binh – so be sure to check it out!

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Ninh Binh: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

Are you planning to explore Ninh Binh in just one day? Here’s how you can make the most of your trip while discovering some hidden gems that only locals know about.

Local Attractions: Discovering the Hidden Gems

While Tam Coc and Trang An are the most popular tourist attractions in Ninh Binh, there are many other hidden gems to explore. Visit the Thung Nham Bird Park, which is known for its caves, hot springs, and diverse species of birds. Another must-see is the Van Long Nature Reserve, a serene and scenic wetland with boat tours that take you through cliffs, caves, and swamplands. You can also discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, an old citadel, temples, and palace ruins situated on the banks of the Ngo Dong river.

Dining Spots: Savoring the Local Cuisine

Experience the authentic taste of Ninh Binh’s local cuisine by trying some specialty dishes like goat meat, grilled rice paper, eel vermicelli soup, and river shrimp cooked in clay pots. You can find the best local food at street stalls and local markets like Dong Tam and Phat Diem. Don’t forget to try “bánh cuốn thịt nướng” – grilled pork wrapped in steamed rice-flour rolls. The dish is served with raw herbs and dipping sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour.

Cultural Experiences: Unveiling the city’s Traditions

Immerse yourself in Ninh Binh’s unique traditional culture by attending local festivals or cultural performances. The most popular festival is “Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival,” which takes place every spring. It celebrates the history and legends of the former capital of Vietnam. You can listen to traditional folk music and watch live performances of the Royal Court Musical during the festival. Another exciting event is the Buffalo Fighting Festival, held on the 9th day of the 8th lunar month. It involves buffalo fighting with water splashing, a great spectacle for tourists.

Local History: Discovering Fascinating Stories

Ninh Binh has a rich history that goes back more than a thousand years. Learn about the city’s fascinating history by exploring Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, home to historic relics, temples, and pagodas. Ninh Binh was also the site of pivotal battles during the Vietnam War. Cuc Phuong National Park, located nearby, took in the invalid war veterans who donated land and labor to develop the park. In the heart of the park, there is a botanical garden that collects and preserves the trees, plants, and herbs that grow in the area.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Exploring Beyond the Conventional

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, take a bike ride along the winding rural roads to discover the countryside, or rent a motorbike and explore nearby villages on your own. You can also take a hot-air balloon ride across the Tam Coc Valley for a bird’s eye view. One of the most unique experiences in Ninh Binh is visiting the Tong Truong Ecological Zone, which features a man-made cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a large freshwater aquarium, and a butterfly garden.

Ninh Binh is an incredible city that has much to offer, and exploring it in just one day is not impossible! Use this insider’s guide to unlock some of the hidden gems, indulge in the local cuisine, experience the cultural festivities and traditions, and discover the fascinating history and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that promise an unforgettable experience, and great memories to share with your loved ones.