Must See in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh is one of the main tourist destinations in Vietnam. Due to its peculiar landscape, it’s called the Halong bay on land. In fact, It is the same rock formations as in Halong Bay, but a few meters above the sea level. Due to the beauty of the landscape, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. Además de las vistas increíbles, también encontrarás cultural and historical places to visit.
There are many day trips organized from Hanoi. However, you will not have enough time to visit the essentials of this region in one day and we recommend you to spend 2-3 days in the area. Here you have some of the activities that you can do around the area:
ENJOY THE VIEWS AT HANG MUA
Mua cave is one of the most iconic places in Vietnam not so much because of the cave but because of the 360-degrees panoramic view that Hang Mua viewpoint has to offer. You will be able to walk on a wooden platform on a lotus pond, reach a couple of viewpoints with astonishing views and walk up many many stairs. You can check further information on this post: Mua cave.
VISIT THE FIRST FEUDAL CAPITAL OF VIETNAM: HOA LU ANCIENT CITY
Hoa Lu was the capital of the ancient kingdom Dai Co Viet, which dates back to the 10th century. Although it’s largely destroyed now, the Hoang Long river and the limestone mountains that border the ancient capital used to provide effective natural fortifications for the citadel. Once you are there, you can walk around the temple of the Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and the temple of the Emperor Le Dai Hanh. Here you have more information: Hoa Lu post
EXPLORE THE BIGGEST RELIGIOUS COMPLEX OF VIETNAM: BAI DINH PAGODA
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a religious complex that is considered to be among the largest ones in Southeast Asia and is the largest one in Vietnam. It covers more than 500 hectares, where you will find several pagodas or more than 500 statues of Buddha, some of them quite big. Here you have more info: Bai Dinh post
BOAT RIDE IN TRANG AN RIVER
It has a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with flat valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. You will be astonished by the limestone-towers, flooded caves, and untouched fauna and flora. In addition to this, you will be able to see the colorful rice fields if you go at the beginning of May. You can get further information here: Boat ride in Trang An
ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF BICH DONG PAGODA
The beautiful gate with the karst mountains in the background as well as the lotus pond and the bridge form a unique and peaceful scenery. More info here: Bich Dong Pagoda post
TOUR AT ENDANGERED PRIMATE RESCUE CENTER
50 minutes from Tam Coc you can find the endangered primate rescue center (here). They are dedicated to the rescue and conservation of Vietnamese most endangered primate species. The entrance fee is 50.000 VND.
RENT A BIKE/SCOOTER AND GET LOST ON A DREAM LANDSCAPE
Riding around Ninh Binh is much safer than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh as there is not so much traffic and the roads are in general wide and in a good state. Biking in particular is very suitable as the region is completely flat. You can reach most of the places by bike, however, Bai Dinh and the Phuong National park are quite far, so you will need to rent a scooter instead. The rental price of a scooter is around 100.000 VND per day.
VISIT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK
It’s one of the most interesting places in Vietnam for biodiversity. You will receive a map at the entrance of the park so it's easy to walk or bike by yourself in the jungle. You can also go kayaking or on night tours.
As you can see, Ninh Binh has a lot to offer. Leave a comment if you have any question!
