A Full Guide to Ninh Binh & Tam Coc, Vietnam in 2025

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Ninh Binh & Tam Coc, Vietnam: Attractions, Tips & Travel Insights

Ninh Binh offers the relaxed pace of a large Vietnamese town—making it a welcome break from the constant buzz of Hanoi. For many Western tourists, it’s well worth a visit, whether as a day trip or a longer stay. While often overlooked, Ninh Binh attractions include stunning limestone karsts, peaceful rivers, ancient temples, and lush rice paddies that easily rival the more famous sites in the north.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ninh Binh, start with the surrounding countryside. It’s home to postcard-perfect views of water buffaloes grazing in golden-green rice fields, towering limestone formations, and calm waterways that wind through grottoes and caves. In particular, the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Tam Coc, known for its boat tours, are two of the top things to see in Ninh Binh. Check out Vietnam one month itinerary

Despite its growing popularity, especially with Vietnamese tourists, Ninh Binh still feels authentic and uncrowded. Western tourists arrive steadily, but you’ll likely find yourself wandering quiet streets, greeted by friendly locals rather than crowds. Children often call out with cheerful “Hello, how are you?” while guesthouse owners near the train station offer accommodation options without overwhelming you.

Although the city itself doesn’t offer many standout sights, you’ll find a few interesting spots, like the modern east-meets-west cathedral on Ð Hoang Hoa Tham near the train station. Most of the real highlights, such as Tam Coc & Trang An however, lie just outside the city limits.

Beyond sightseeing, Ninh Binh is also a hub for the best of backpacker culture in Vietnam. The town tends to attract curious and open-minded travelers, making it a great place to meet others, swap stories, and plan your next adventure together.

Travel Tip: Plan to stay at least two to four days if you want to fully explore the top Ninh Binh attractions like Tam Coc, Trang An, Bich Dong Pagoda, and the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda—the largest in Vietnam.

Must-see attractions & things to do in Ninh Binh & Tam Coc, Vietnam

Eventually, what is Ninh Binh famous for would be a day trip from Hanoi that well worth a visit, Ninh Binh offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Here are few top must-do activities and attractions in Ninh Binh, featuring the top highlights including Trang An and Tam Coc.

Once in Ninh Binh, go for the local speciality, de, pronounce Ze, (goat meat), usually served with fresh herbs and rice paper to wrap it in. In addition, try the fried goat with chilli and citronella, and don’t let the oversized goat’s head mounted over the counter intimidate you. Check out best day trips from Hanoi

Trang An Boat Tour (Beautiful Scenery, Caves & Temples)

Firstly, Trang An boat tour is the only activity ANY visitor would like to experience it. In addition to the scenic boat ride through the green lush landscapes and grottoes, you’ll visit few temples all in one complex.

Seeing that boat tour is often rowed by a local lady and there will be 4 adults sharing the boat. The ticket for a Trang An boat ride costs 250.000 VND/per person in 2025.

So far, there is an option to charter a boat if you cover the 4 seats and pay them full in advance. Check out full guide to Trang An Vietnam

How long is the Boat Tour Ride?

The Boat ride in Trang An by all means, takes something between 2 to 3 hours different from Tam Coc. Indeed, there are 3 routes to choose once you show up to buy the ticket, however, the difference between the routes are only (it seems) on the way they choose to go since they all somehow end up in the same location.

Even more, i suggest you to take a raincoat with you in your backpack or bag as rain is always just around the corner. Also, there are few small temples and caves t which your boat lady will stop for you to take some photos and walk around.

What about Tam Coc?

Just like Trang An, the boat rides in Tam Coc is an activity that should not be missed. The boat ride through the lush surrounding passing rice paddies will give you more than just a tour. In addition, visitors are often debating between Trang An & Tam Coc, but in reality, the answer is, if you have more time in your hand, do both.

In fact, the Tam Coc boat tours are shorter and last for 2 hours, and it is best suited for tourists with less time (if you visit in one day). There will be 2 to 4 people sharing the boat and again, you have option to pay for whole boat and go private.

Once in Tam Coc, provided that, head to van Lam pier, get a ticket and enjoy the boat ride through the rice fields and awesomely towered karst.

Mua Cave Viewpoint

Hang Múa viewpoint is probably the first, if not the best, photo or a video you may come across when you’re searching to get more information for visiting Ninh Binh Vietnam. The viewpoint offers a stunning view over both villages and rice terraces and it is one of the most visited attractions in Ninh Binh.

Hang Mua Viewpoint location, opening hours, ticket price

Where is Hang mua viewpoint, steps to get up the view & opening hours, these are only few frequently asked question once in Ninh Binh Vietnam. In brief, Hang Mua nestled between the scenic wonders of Trang An and Tam Coc, Hang Múa offers easy accessibility for cyclists from both locations.

Admission to Hang Múa is priced at 100k VND per person (US$4), with bicycle parking available at the entrance for an extra 5k.

The terraced rice fields in Vietnam and specially Sapa are not only agriculturally important but also create a visually spectacular scene. The rice fields are carved into the mountainside and follow the natural contours of the land. The local ethnic communities, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people, have been cultivating these fields for generations.

Is it worth to climb up for the peak & view?

Visitors climb up the stone carved steps for some 20 minutes, or a bit faster for a killer viewpoint that is called Hang Múa. In brief, the location is accessible through two small mountain, overall, taking either one is going to offer a different viewpoint.

Visitors climb up the stone carved steps for some 20 minutes, or a bit faster for a killer viewpoint that is called Hang Múa.aEven though you climb from the left side, the view would be slightly nicer as you will have the river and the rowing boats and Trang An altogether under your evens. In addition, the mountain on the right side, offers different view over the rice fields and the bamboo bridge. In general, both viewpoints offer stunning landscapes and you will have great photos. In brief, the location is accessible through two small mountain, overall, taking either one is going to offer a different viewpoint.

For one thing, pay more attention on the way down since the steps might be slippery in case of raining. In addition, Make sure to carry on a raincoat. Also, there are few small cafes offering Vietnamese coffee and cold drinks for you to refresh.

Surprisingly, just next to the bamboo bridge, you will see eagerly photogenic locals wearing quite fashion with high heels, flocking around the Lilly pond and the rice fields to take few Facebook liking photos. you can try the same thing as well… why not!

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

A MUST-VISIT place in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh (968–80) and early Le (980–1009) dynasties. The site was a smart choice for a capital city because of the natural protection afforded by the region’s bizarre landscape, with rocky outcrops as spectacular as Tam Coc’s.

The ancient citadel of Hoa Lu (admission 20, 000d), most of which has been destroyed, covered an area of about 3 sq km. The outer ramparts encompassed temples, shrines and the king’s palace. The royal family lived in the inner citadel.

Is Hoa Lu worth a visit?

Many tourists and locals who visit Ninh Binh take a trip to Hoa Lu, it is one of the most popular sites in Ninh Binh and probably whole Vietnam.

Yen Ngua Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for Hoa Lu’s two remaining temples. The first, Dinh Tien Hoang, was restored in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Dinh dynasty. At the front of the main temple building is the stone pedestal of a royal throne; inside are bronze bells and a statue of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang with his three sons.

In a building to the right a display features photos and some artefacts, while to the left are three Buddhist prayer stones – one supported by a turtle, another with a crab and two rats at the base.

Spend some time to learn history of Hoa Lu

The second temple is dedicated to Le Dai Hanh, an early Le monarch. Inside the main hall are an assortment of drums, gongs, incense burners, candle holders and weapons, with a statue of the king in the middle, his queen on the right and their son on the left. In the left-hand section of this complex a modern museum features part of the excavations of the 10th-century citadel wall, unearthed in 1998.

Once you’ve navigated the hassle of persistent sellers on the way in, it’s very peaceful inside the complex, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds head back from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. On the hillside above the temples is the tomb of Dinh Tien Hoang. It’s a good 15-minute climb up 207 steps, but your efforts will be rewarded with great views.

Cycle around Tam Coc & Ninh Binh’s countryside

Specifically, the lush countryside toward Trang An, Tam Coc and Hoa Lu citadel are the best and perfect trail for cycling around. An extra activity that allows you to grab some good photos in addition to exploring the local villages, see more of rice fields and locals on the farms, and the water buffaloes.

Since, both home says and hotels are offering free bicycles (If not, they are cheap to rent anyways), you can go around and see more of Ninh Binh, jut follow your interest and you will be having lots of new fun in addition to must see attractions in Ninh Binh, plus similarly to experience real Vietnamese countryside.

Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long turned out to be a surprise highlight during my stay in Ninh Binh. Like other tours in the region, it involves hopping on a paddleboat; however, Van Long feels far more peaceful and less developed than the more popular spots.

Unlike the busier Tam Coc, Van Long gives you a much better chance of spotting wildlife. The wetlands attract black-faced spoonbills, Asian openbills, kingfishers, and plenty of other bird species. That said, you don’t need to be a hardcore birdwatcher to enjoy the experience—the quiet atmosphere and beautiful scenery already make it worth the visit. For the best light and the highest chance of seeing animals, try going early in the morning or toward the end of the day.

Interestingly, Van Long also provides a rare habitat for the endangered Delacour’s langur. I didn’t get to see one, but I did hear their calls echoing from behind the limestone mountains.

Just to set expectations, the reserve sits in the countryside, but it’s not completely off the grid. You’ll access it via a dike, and just beyond that are small farmhouses and scattered hamlets. The boat tour itself lasts around an hour and a half.

Thien Ha Cave (Galaxy Grotto )

I come across the Galaxy Grotto by accident while riding through the rice fields around Tam Coc. It turned out to be a really cool find, and surprisingly, I haven’t seen it mentioned in any other travel blogs. Since it’s still under the radar, it feels like a bit of a hidden gem.

A small paddle boat tour takes you through three different caves. While the scenery doesn’t quite match the dramatic landscapes of the Tam Coc or Trang An tours, the real charm of Galaxy Cave lies in its quiet, off-the-map vibe. You might even get the whole place to yourself.

What makes this spot even more interesting is that local farmers from nearby villages manage the tour as a small cooperative. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic alternative to the more touristy Tam Coc or Trang An and their attractions.

Each of the three caves offers something unique. The first one features colorful lighting that highlights its natural rock formations. The second cave allows you to hop off the boat and explore on foot, while the third stays completely dark, preserving its untouched, natural state.

Bich Dong Pagoda

This small pagoda in Tam Coc makes for a quick and easy stop, especially if you’re already heading toward the Thang Nham Bird Garden or exploring nearby sights.

To get there, you’ll cross a stone footbridge that leads over a quiet lake. After that, a short staircase brings you up to the shrine, which nestles partially into the side of a cliff. While it’s not a major attraction, it’s a peaceful little spot that’s definitely worth a few moments of your time.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

At first look, Thung Nham Bird Garden doesn’t look like a much of thing. It’s a bit tucked away, accessible via a single road that leads into the national park. But once you arrive, the atmosphere shifts. You enter a peaceful area filled with rivers and small lakes, blending wild nature with carefully landscaped park elements.

As you explore, the experience becomes more and more enjoyable. Bamboo bridges and walkways guide you along the riverside, leading to hidden caves and, eventually, a scenic viewing platform at the edge of the park. From there, you get an incredible view of a massive bird nesting area, where thousands of white birds gather—especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

What surprised me most about Thung Nham is how quiet and calm it feels, even though it’s just a 10-minute motorbike ride from Tam Coc. While boat rides are available, I’d actually recommend walking. Well-marked paths connect all corners of the park, and walking lets you take in the details at your own pace.

FAQ: Tips &for visiting Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Vietnam

Identically, in addition to all the tourist places and must see attractions in Ninh Binh, even if you are not visiting for more than a day, the stunning temples, viewpoints, countryside and local experience will definitely worth to spend for at least 2 days.

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

There are several ways to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Taxi, Private Car, Bus & Trains are available to book. Furthermore, the distance of 100km from Hanoi center, Ninh Binh seems easily accessible.

If you are traveling solo, both busses and trains are widely available to book, the trains and busses are run from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours with the ticket that costs not more than 90k VND.

What’s the best way to get around Ninh Binh?

In this situation there are many ways to go around Ninh Binh even if you’re a first time visitor with no expectations.

Since there isn’t a defined city center and the places of interests are all around the countrysides, your best bet is to her a motorbike or bicycle, or get a taxi and or make it more chill and hassle free and for that reason, book a tour from Hanoi.

The tour is usually including all the transfers & pick up, a good lunch, tour guide, explore all the must-see attractions in Ninh Binh and even few more secret places.

What's the most convenient area to stay in Ninh Binh?

The recommended places to stay as well as the best accommodations are not to be chosen anywhere within the CITY, there is nothing to do / see and to get around and explore the tourist attractions, you require to book taxi, by all means, this gong to be costly.

The best advice is to sty anywhere within Tam Coc, Hoa Lu and or out of the Ninh Binh town, near the Mua Cave. There are a great number of home-stays, hotels and places to stay.

Is it more convenient to stay in Tam Coc or Trang An?

Either Trang An or Tam Coc since those areas are must see by visitors and there are a dozens of great homestay to stay for an overnight. There are also cafes, foodies and shops as well. So choose to stay between these two options.

By comparison, Trang An is a bit less touristy and quiet with few restaurants offering cheaper and more local foods. The places to stay are also only homestay.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

Firstly, there are wet and dry seasons in Ninh Binh. The best time of the year to visit Ninh Binh advised by locals, would be from early November to Mid March when the rain fall is less and sun shinning all day long.

Rainy seasons with extreme rainfall considered to be between May to late August.

Check out the best and worst time of the year to Visit Vietnam

Is Ninh Binh worth visiting in 2026?

Despite the allure beauty and both numerous attractions and things to do – Ninh Binh is one of the most affordable day trip options from Hanoi Vietnam.

It’s affordable for any budget and not expensive at all. While budget travelers can easily travel in Ninh Binh for around 500k VND/ per day.

How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh?

Approximately 2 days for sure.

In summary, to add one day trip to Ninh Binh, in particular, make sure to cover Tam Coc, Hang Mua viewpoint in addition, go for cycling around the countryside.

At this point, if you’re having more days in your itinerary, add at least two full days and cover Hoa Lu, Tam Coc or Trang An, cycling around the local villages, step up to visit Hang Mua view point and in other words, end your visit with a half a day free time to enjoy the lush countryside.

Check how to spend one month in Vietnam

Can I withdraw cash from ATM in Ninh Binh, Tam Coc & Trang An?

At the present time, there are numerous ATM machines in Ninh Binh City plus a few more in Tam Coc, near the tourist places and one in Trang An right next to the boat station. The withdraw fees are vary depending on your bank.

Furthermore, if you are heading to more remote areas of Ninh Binh, we highly recommend you to have cash with you.

At this point, if you’re having more days in your itinerary, add at least two full days and cover Hoa Lu, Tam Coc or Trang An, cycling around the local villages, step up to visit Hang Mua view point and at the end you’re having a half a day free time to enjoy the lush countryside. Check out Money and ATM in Vietnam

Why Tam Coc & Ninh Binh are very popular?

First of all, Trang An, Tam Coc and generally Ninh Binh, they might be overrated and popular, but for reason. The nature area spans a large region and includes several villages. To kick things off, let’s start with the most important tip—choosing the best place to stay.

Most travel guides suggest avoiding the city of Ninh Binh and heading instead to the smaller town of Tam Coc. Honestly, that’s a very general advice. Ninh Binh feels more like a transit hub than a destination, filled with highways, business hotels, factories, and power lines. It’s hard to imagine any traveler sticking around unless they’re catching a bus or train.

When tourists talk about visiting Ninh Binh, they’re usually referring to the scenic national park located a few kilometers to the west of the actual city.

Tam Coc, about 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) west of Ninh Binh city, has become the main spot for tourists. The town offers plenty of guesthouses, hostels, souvenir shops, and restaurants serving Western food. Moreover, one of the popular—though arguably overrated—boat tours departs from here, making it a convenient base for many.

The best ways to travel to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

Ninh Binh (including Tam Coc) sits about 100 kilometers, or 60 miles, south of Hanoi. Getting there is simple—whether you prefer a tourist bus, public train, or a private car transfer if you’re going for comfort.

The quickest way is by tourist Vans from Hanoi (Vietnamese call is Limousine). These buses leave from Central Circus, located just a 7-minute drive south of the Old Quarter, where most travelers stay. The ride to Ninh Binh takes about 2 hours and usually costs around 300,000 dong. (USD 12).

If you’re looking to save money, the train from Hanoi offers a cheaper alternative. Although it takes longer—roughly 2.30 hours—the ticket typically costs only 200,000 dong. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you’ll still need to reach Tam Coc or Trang An. Local taxis or mototaxis usually charge around 50,000 dong, and you’ll likely find a few waiting outside the station.

Alternatively, if you’re coming from Ha Long Bay, a direct bus connects you to Ninh Binh in about 4 hours, making it a decent option for those heading south.