Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh is located 93 kms south of Hanoi and has earned the status of being “the Ha Long Bay on land”. The city has everything from quintessential Vietnamese karsts and countryside scenery, with mountains in the north and west and coastal sights in the south and east. The best way to get to Ninh Binh is to take a bus from Hanoi or to ride a bike there, which can then be used to explore the city. There are also bicycling tours to help you explore Ninh Binh. A trip to Ninh Binh will be incomplete without a visit to Tam Coc, a place that boasts breathtaking scenery and is 9 km southwest of Ninh Binh. In fact, Tam Coc has some of the best accommodation and homestays, as well as the most delectable foods in the country.
Sights to see in Ninh Binh:
π Pagodas
The two most popular ones are Bai Dinh in Gia Viα» n District and Bich Dong in Tam Coc village. The Bai Dinh pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temples and statues in southeast Asia. Bich Dong on the other hand is located on the side of a mountain with caves at the back, and this pagoda has three levels to it β the Ha, Trung, and Thuong pagodas, providing some lovely views from the top of the cliff.
π Hang Mua Peak (Mua Cave)
One of the most amazing sites in Tam Coc has to be the Hang Mua Peak. Although it is 476 steps to the summit, this place rewards visitors with some of the most picturesque scenery Vietnams has to offer, including the Red River Delta, the towering mountains, scenic rice paddies, and the neighboring karsts. The steps diverge into two paths midway: the right one leads to one of the pagodas from where you can see the entire stone dragon watching over the valley, and the left one leads to the statue of Quan Am (The Goddess of Mercy). Being the highest peak in the locality, you can look down to the Ngo Dong River running through limestone mountains and paddy fields.
π Thai Vi Temple
The Thai Vi temple is an offbeat beautiful temple hidden amidst high mountains and rice fields. Located aesthetically amidst nature, the temple has a riverside for visitors to admire!
π Boat Tours
Ninh Binh is teeming with scenic waterways and there are 3 famous boat tours in the vicinity i.e. Trang An, Tam Coc, and the 3 caves boat tour which leads to the gorgeous Bird Valley. Peddlers peddle the boat with their feet, and they will be sure to remind you to duck given the caves have jagged rock formations and hence lack headspace.
The Trang An Ecotourism Complex is home to the most famous boat tour in Ninh Binh. A 2-hour boat trip in this complex provides a fantastic experience to explore the complex of mountains, caves, and the temples nestled in between. The movie βKong: Skull Islandβ was filmed here.
The Tam Coc boat tour is also another popular site offering views of the mountains, rivers, caves, rice fields, and pagodas.
π Thung Nham Bird Park
The Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone in the Hoa Lu district is an excellent scenic area that has a stunning nature reserve for birds. Given that it is a relatively new tourist location, there are some photo spots creatively designed by the locals.
π Van Long Nature Reserve
Although located outside of Ninh Binh (making it a perfect place to escape the influx of tourists), Van Long is a wetland reserve brimming with stunning flora and fauna, also perfect for birdwatchers.
π Cuc Phuong National Park
If you are into hiking, then the oldest national park of Vietnam found in 1962 is just the right place to go, where you can check out the Silver Cloud Peak. The hike is 4-hour long and it is often recommended to do it with a ranger, worth doing if you have the stamina and the desire to relish the important biodiversity of the country.
π Hoa Lu
If you have an extra day after exploring Tam Coc and Van Long, Hoa Lu is another spot worth visiting given that it was going to be the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Hoa Lu is home to a large citadel which is filled with scenic temples.
π Indulge in the food
Ninh Binh had some of the best restaurants and food! Our favourites were Aroma Indian Restaurant, Buddha Belly Vegan Restaurant, and Restaurant Duc Nhat. The latter most is owned by a lovely couple and they always pamper their visitors with the tastiest of treats and the husband makes the best egg coffee in town! The wife was sweet enough to lend me her jacket on a very cold night. Their generosity is greatly remembered.
All in all, Ninh Binh is an extremely special place and presents visitors the most stunning views of the country. A serene and tranquil place, making it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in Vietnam. Highly recommend checking it out on your next Vietnam travel!
For now, join us on a virtual journey to Vietnam’s most enthralling destinations of Hanoi, Hue, Sapa, and Halong Bay!