Overview
Few places in Vietnam capture the stunning natural beauty of the country better than Ninh Binh. Situated about two hours south of the capital Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect destination for travelers looking to explore the stunning landscape, traditional culture and history of the region. From picturesque pagodas, ancient temples and caves, to unspoilt waterfalls and limestone mountains, you will be spoilt for choice with the incredible sights that Ninh Binh has to offer. Read on to discover the spectacular views of this wonderful destination.
Tam Coc
Tam Coc, which means “three caves”, is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Ninh Binh Province. Situated along the Ngo Dong River, it is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, limestone karsts and incredible boat trips.
The scenery is captivating and visitors often remark that the limestone backdrop resembles a postcard. During a boat trip, you will enter three caves: the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Each one offers a unique perspective and a different vantage point from which to ponder the surrounding beauty. The Hang Ca cave requires a very careful navigation due to its low ceilings.
The boat trips themselves also offer a unique experience. They provide visitors with the opportunity to view the area from a different perspective as the rowers take you through the caves and in between the towering limestone cliffs. Additionally, the ride can be quite leisurely, allowing for time to take in the views and marvel at the wonders of creation.
In addition to the boat trip, the area offers a variety of other attractions. From hikes to temples, to hot springs and pagodas, there is something to be explored by everyone. Tam Coc is also home to many restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops, so you don’t have to worry about lacking anything during your visit.
Tam Coc is an absolute must-see when visiting Ninh Binh and is sure to provide visitors with a truly unforgettable experience. The spectacular views, natural beauty and unique boat rides are sure to leave you in awe.
Trang An
Located just a few hours away from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers some of the most spectacular views in all of Vietnam. The region’s most stunning area is Trang An, an area of immense natural beauty flanked by towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, and meandering rivers.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Trang An features an impressive network of temples and pagodas, many of which are partially submerged within the river. Some of the highlights of Trang An include the Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves which form the perfect trio, offering the most spectacular views. The Hang Ca Cave, in particular, comprises of two chambers, each boasting of intricate rock formations and natural beauty. The Hang Hai Cave is equally impressive, with its small entrance giving access to a large chamber that is also home to numerous stalagmites and stalactites. The Hang Ba Cave is a sight to behold as well, with its walls covered in coral.
All the destinations within Trang An are accessible by boat, allowing visitors to marvel at the incredible landscape with ease. During the cruise, visitors will get to witness traditional fishing activities and the local birdlife, complemented by the stunning backdrop of the karsts. The best time to visit Trang An is during the morning, when the waters are calm and the air is cool and pleasant.
To make the most out of a visit to Trang An, travelers should also explore the nearby village of Hoa Lu. This centuries-old settlement is home to several historically significant temples, including the Dinh and Le Temples which served as the royal court of the former Vietnam dynasty. Travelers can further explore the underground passages of the temples and appreciate their delicate detail up close.
Trang An truly shows off the best of Ninh Binh and is an experience that should not be missed. Its incredible beauty and fascinating history are the perfect ingredients for a memorable exploration.
Things To Do
Ninh Binh is an incredible destination located in Northern Vietnam. From stunning natural scenery to historic temples and fascinating cultural attractions, there are numerous things to do in Ninh Binh. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a leisurely exploration, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy and entertained.
One of the must-see places in Ninh Binh is Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boasting spectacular limestone karst peaks and lush, green rice paddies, it’s the perfect destination for an unforgettable day trip. Visitors can explore the various caves, grottos, and temples on a leisurely boat ride, taking in the stunning scenery as they go.
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you’ll love the many hiking and biking trails in Ninh Binh. From easy strolls suitable for beginners to challenging treks for experienced hikers, there’s something to suit every ability. Even if you’re not a fan of trekking, the breathtaking views along the way will make it well worth the effort.
If you’d prefer to stay on the water, you can take a leisurely boat ride down the river or explore Tam Coc, the so-called “Halong Bay on land.” You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the karst peaks as you drift along the river. Alternatively, go kayaking along the mighty Ngo Dong River, taking in the stunning scenery as you go.
Finally, don’t miss a visit to the various temples and pagodas in Ninh Binh. The Thien Ha Cave Pagoda, the Bich Dong Pagoda, and the Hang Mua Cave complex are some of the must-see places in the area. Explore their fascinating architecture and take in the spiritual atmosphere as you wander around.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a peaceful escape, Ninh Binh has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating culture, and array of activities, it’s an unforgettable destination that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Cycling
If you’re looking to take in some of the most spectacular views Ninh Binh has to offer, then cycling is the perfect choice. Located in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh city boasts an extensive network of trails and byways, providing an ideal opportunity to explore the area’s breathtaking scenery.
For visitors, cycling is a great way to get close to nature without having to exert too much effort. After all, Ninh Binh is known for its countryside of rolling hills and paddy fields, as well as karst limestone formations, rivers, and lagoons. Plus, not only does it provide an excellent way to explore the area’s scenic charms, it’s also an environmentally-friendly way to get around.
Cyclists can start their exploration at the Tam Coc-Bich Dong area, which offers some of the most stunning and memorable views in the region. Here, tourists can pedal along the Ngo Dong River, taking in the beauty of towering limestone cliffs and the bright green of the surrounding paddy fields.
A visit to the Van Long Nature Reserve is also a great option for cyclists. This protected marshland is home to over 100 species of birds, as well as some of the most dramatic landscapes in the area. Visitors can also explore the jungle-like vegetation and unusual limestone formations, which loom large over the surrounding countryside.
As for where to stay, there’s no shortage of accommodation in Ninh Binh. Tourists can choose to stay in one of the area’s traditional hotels and inns, or opt for a more adventurous option, such as camping out in the national park. There are also a number of tour guides and bike rental companies available, which can provide an excellent safety net for cyclists.
At the end of the day, cycling provides an excellent way to fully appreciate the beauty of Ninh Binh and its surroundings. Whether it’s taking in the awe-inspiring sights of Tam Coc-Bich Dong or exploring the mysterious Van Long Nature Reserve, cycling is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Boating
Boating is an unforgettable experience in Ninh Binh. The winding rivers, towering limestone karsts and peaceful countryside create a beautiful landscape that can be appreciated from the deck of a boat. Whether you're looking for a relaxing river cruise, an adventurous kayak excursion, or a dynamic speedboat trip, Ninh Binh has a variety of ways to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.
River cruises are the most popular way to experience Ninh Binh. The majority of boats are traditional boats, also known as sampans, that were once used as the main form of transportation in the region. These boats can take up to four people and usually have a canopy that provides shade from the sun. During the journey, the boats will drift by villages and you can observe the lifestyles of local people. On the way, views of towering limestone cliffs and verdant countryside will be your backdrop.
There are several operators that provide kayaking tours in Ninh Binh. Kayaking is a great way to explore a river up close. While paddling through the calm rivers, you can look for wildlife such as monkeys and birds that inhabit the region. Depending on the tour, you may have the chance to explore underground caves or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An.
For a more exhilarating experience, you can try out a speedboat tour. Speedboats zoom along the river allowing you to take in the stunning views of Ninh Binh at a faster pace. While seated in the boat, you may even get a glimpse of the occasional water buffalo or farmer working in the field.
No matter how you choose to explore Ninh Binh, you're sure to take away plenty of memories. Boating is a great way to appreciate the spectacular views of the region and create a truly unforgettable experience.
Exploring Ancient Temples and Caves
Ninh Binh, located in the north of Vietnam, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and captivating historical sites. As part of the stunning Red River Delta, it is a unique spot for both sightseers and adventurers alike. Exploring this area, in particular its ancient temples and caves, is one of the most rewarding and awe-inspiring experiences in the region.
Visitors to Ninh Binh can explore the region’s many temples, located within the limestone mountains and surrounded by lush greenery. The oldest of these monuments is Tam Coc Bich Dong, found within the Trang An landscape complex. Dating back to the 11th century, it is a place of extraordinary beauty and a great spot to observe traditional Vietnamese architecture. Other temples include Hang Mua, known for its majestic view of the karst mountain range, and Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is the country’s largest, with 500 statues of the Buddha.
Caves are also abundant in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh Dynasty, is home to two remarkable caves, each with its own unique features. The Thien Ha Cave of Dinh King is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, while the Hang Toi cave is known for its lush vegetation. For visitors looking to explore more of the region’s striking geological sites, the Hang Mua, Phat Diem and Ngoc Son limestone mountains are all worth visiting.
When exploring Ninh Binh’s ancient temples and caves, travellers are sure to encounter many unique and fascinating sights. The area’s captivating beauty and awe-inspiring nature make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Bird Watching
When visiting Ninh Binh, one of the most rewarding experiences is to indulge in bird watching. Located in the Red River Delta region of Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is one of the most biodiverse provinces in the country and an ideal location for bird watching. This unique region features a distinctive landscape of limestone rock peaks and lush subtropical vegetation. The area also boasts an array of bird species, from seasonal visitors to permanent residents.
One of the most popular spots for bird watching in Ninh Binh is Cuc Phuong National Park. The park is home to a variety of tropical birds, including blue-rumped pitta, blue whistling thrush, and black-hooded oriole. The park also offers the opportunity to spot some rare and unusual species, such as the endangered crested ibis and the black-winged starling.
If you are visiting Ninh Binh between the months of October and April, you are in luck! This is the time of year when many migratory bird species visit the region, including the gray-headed fish eagle, the oriental honey-buzzard, the black-winged stilt, and the white-shouldered starling. This is also an opportune time to catch a glimpse of some of Ninh Binh’s more elusive birds, including the endangered yellow-billed pheasant, the secretive grey-breasted rail, and the star-headed bush shrike.
For a truly unforgettable experience, a visit to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex should be on your list of must-do activities. The area is home to an incredible variety of birds, such as the black-breasted kingfisher, the green-legged partridge, and the white-breasted waterhen. The complex also offers the opportunity to spot a number of rare species, including the critically endangered large scimitar-babbler and the near-threatened white-rumped vulture.
Where to Stay
Ninh Binh, Vietnam is renowned for its spectacular views of stunning rice paddies, towering limestone karsts and crystal clear rivers. To make the most of your time in Ninh Binh, there are a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, from simple hostels to luxurious resorts.
One of the most convenient and affordable places to stay is the Thanh Thuy Hotel. Located in the centre of Ninh Binh, the hotel offers rooms with air-conditioning, flat screen televisions, and mini-fridges. At Thanh Thuy you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a prime location near the city's attractions, as well as the relaxing beauty of its countryside surroundings.
For a more luxurious experience, the Tam Coc Garden Resort is the perfect choice. Located near the stunning Tam Coc River, the resort offers beautiful suites with sweeping views of the surrounding limestone karsts. The resort also provides many amenities, such as an onsite spa, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and even a beach club.
If you're looking for something truly unique, the Trang An Eco Resort is an excellent choice. Tucked away in the heart of the Trang An Nature Reserve, the resort offers serene views of limestone cliffs and lush valleys. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature while still having access to all the comforts of home.
No matter what type of accommodation you choose, Ninh Binh is sure to provide you with some of the most spectacular views in all of Vietnam. Whether you opt for a rustic hostel or a luxurious resort, you'll be sure to enjoy the amazing views that this part of the world has to offer.
Food and Drinks
No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without sampling the local food and drinks. The area is known for its distinct cuisine, which blends local specialties with Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Many restaurants offer up hearty dishes of grilled pork or beef and local vegetables, served with a side of rice or noodles. The area is also known for its seafood, with many restaurants serving up freshly caught fish and shellfish. A variety of sauces and spices are often served on the side.
When it comes to drinks, Ninh Binh is known for its green tea, traditionally served hot and sweetened with honey. In addition to green tea, locals also enjoy a variety of local beers and spirits, like bia hoi or ruou can. For a unique experience, why not try a fermented snake wine. This type of wine is made by infusing a cobra or sea snake in alcohol and is believed to have medicinal benefits. If that isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry – juices, sodas and even coffee are readily available throughout the region.
After a long day of sightseeing, head to one of the many street food markets to sample some local snacks. Fragrant grilled meats and crunchy fruits are always popular, as is a local dessert called banh bong. This sweet treat is made with sticky rice, coconut cream and palm sugar, resulting in a sticky and sweet snack perfect for sharing.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something delicious in Ninh Binh. From authentic dishes to unique drinks, the area has something for everyone. So make sure to try some local delicacies when you’re there – you won’t be disappointed!