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Ninh Binh Vietnam: Things to do & full travel guide

Ninh Binh has the pace of a large Vietnamese town – a welcome respite if you’ve just escaped the bustle of Hanoi. To many western tourists, well worth a visit – Ninh Binh is however, a good day trip option for exploring some limestone formations and a few other worth-a-visit attractions. Coupled with steady trickle of Western tourists head here, but far larger numbers of holidaying Vietnamese flock to nearby sights that include Vietnam’s biggest pagoda and the Trang An grottoes.

In addition to the best things to do, Ninh Binh does have great natural allure, apart from the scrum of guesthouse owners greeting the trains, and the charming chorus of ‘Hello, how are you’ from the local children, you’ll largely be left alone as you wander the quiet streets.

Eventually, surrounding countryside is gorgeous, confirming all the postcard fantasies of what Vietnam has to offer – water buffalos, golden-green rice paddies, majestic limestone formations and more. There are plenty of sights in the vicinity to justify a stay of few days. The only place of interest in Ninh Binh itself is a large modern east-meets-west Cathedral (Ð Hoang Hoa Tham) near the train station.

And, in addition, the best of backpacker culture can be experienced here. While not a difficult place to visit, Ninh Binh Vietnam seems to attract interesting travellers with a zest for new experiences. It’s a great place to make travel buddies.

Must-see attractions & Top things to do in Ninh Binh 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.

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

Firstly, Trang An Ninh Binh 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.

How long is Trang An 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, Tam Coc boat ride tours are one Not To 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 for Hang Mau peak?

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, Ninh Binh

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 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.

FAQ: Tips & advice for visiting Ninh Binh 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.

Best ways 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.

Most convenient area to stay in Ninh Binh?

In addition to all the best things to do in Ninh Binh, the places to stay and accommodations are best to 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 staanywhere 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.

Choosing to stay between Tam Coc & 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.

Weather: 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?

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 is needed in Ninh Binh?

Approximately 2 days maximum.

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 our ideas for one month itinerary 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.

Further, learn more about Currency of Vietnam