What Are the Top Four Things to See and Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam?

Located in the northern Red River Delta of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a stunning region filled with lush green countryside, rivers, and picturesque limestone karsts. The area has long been a popular destination for travelers due to its many outdoor activities, beautiful landscape, and nearby ancient temples and pagodas. Here are four of the top things to see and do in Ninh Binh and nearby.

1. Tam Coc

Tam Coc is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Ninh Binh Province. Nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on Land”, the village is tucked away between limestone mountains and is bisected by the Ngo Dong River. The top attraction here is boat ride, which takes you between several caves carved into the limestone walls, capturing some of the most beautiful and unique scenery in the whole of Vietnam.

2. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest and largest in Vietnam, and with its varied ecosystems, it is an ideal destination for those wanting to take part in wild explorations. Covering over 10 percent of natural reserves in the country, it is home to hundreds of different species of plants and creatures. The national park also holds collections of ancient trees that have been preserved for tourists to behold.

3. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

As one of the most historically significant sites in Ninh Binh province, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was once served as the capital for two different dynasties of Vietnam’s past: the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the Le Dynasty (980-1009). There are two primary religious temples to explore on the grounds: the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple. Both temples feature several alters that are dedicated to local gods and goddesses as well as significant figures of local folklore.

4. Bai Dinh Pagoda

At 3 kilometers away from Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. It is spread over an area of 5,000 square meters and contains 500 Arhat statues, a 10-ton bell, and several giant Buddhas seated on hundreds of small Buddha statues. Bai Dinh Pagoda has become a popular tourist attraction due to its many ornate shrines, halls, and statues.

No matter what time of year you visit Ninh Binh, Vietnam, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to see and do here. From boat rides in Tam Coc to experiencing ancient temples and pagodas in Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh, there are plenty of highlights for any traveler’s trip here. Be sure to also visit Cuc Phuong National Park if you want an awesome experience of exploring classic tropical rain forests as you get a unique glimpse into the varied wildlife that awaits there. To learn more about things to see and do around Ninh Binh, visit Planetware’s travel guide.

What Are the Top Four Things to See and Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam?

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination. Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a beautiful region that is famous for its stunning scenery, caves, and historical landmarks. In this blog post, we will cover the top four things to see and do in Ninh Binh.

1. Visit Tam Coc

Tam Coc is one of the most popular attractions in Ninh Binh. Also known as the “Three Caves,” Tam Coc is a beautiful area of lush green rice paddies, meandering rivers, and towering limestone cliffs. You can explore the area by taking a traditional bamboo boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, which passes through the caves and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The boat ride takes around two hours and costs around 150,000 VND per person.

2. Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Another must-visit attraction in Ninh Binh is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a series of limestone caves, scenic waterways, and temples. You can take a boat ride through the complex, which lasts around three hours and takes you through twelve caves and streams. During the boat ride, you can admire the stunning scenery and learn about the history of the area. The boat ride costs around 200,000 VND per person.

3. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam and is an important religious and cultural site. The complex features several temples and shrines, including the 13-story pagoda, which is considered the tallest in Vietnam. The pagoda is surrounded by stunning scenery and provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can visit Bai Dinh Pagoda for free, but some of the temples inside may charge an entrance fee.

4. Hike to Mua Cave

If you are looking for a bit of adventure, you can hike to Mua Cave. The hike takes around 30 minutes and involves climbing 500 steps to reach the cave entrance. From the top of the cave, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong River. The cost to enter the cave is around 100,000 VND per person.

In addition to these four main attractions, Ninh Binh also has several other must-visit places, such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Van Long Nature Reserve, and Cuc Phuong National Park. There are also several traditional villages and markets where you can experience the local culture and cuisine.

Conclusion

Ninh Binh is a beautiful destination in Vietnam that is home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery, caves, and historical landmarks. By visiting Tam Coc, exploring Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, and hiking to Mua Cave, you can experience the best that Ninh Binh has to offer. Don’t forget to check out the other attractions and local experiences during your trip to Ninh Binh!