Ninh Binh draws visitors with limestone peaks, rivers, caves, and ancient sites. The list below focuses on the top things to do in Ninh Binh, covering outdoor highlights and options that work even on rainy days.
Explore The Caves And Temples Of Trang An – Route 3
A boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. Route 3 is often considered the most rewarding option. The journey passes through a chain of limestone caves, emerald rivers, and ancient temples. This route feels quieter than the more popular Route 1, with highlights like Hang Sang (Light Cave), Hang Toi (Dark Cave), and the option to try kayaking, which is a newer addition.
The trip blends nature with spirituality and even a bit of cinematic history. Several temples are tucked deep within the karst formations, and parts of the route were used in the movie Kong: Skull Island. The full loop takes about two and a half to three hours to complete. Boats are covered, which makes it a suitable choice even on rainy days. Tickets are typically priced at around 250,000 VND per person.
Hike To The Top Of Mua Cave Viewpoint
Mua Cave Viewpoint offers one of the most iconic landscapes in Ninh Binh. After climbing nearly 500 stone steps, visitors reach a ridge that overlooks the Tam Coc rice fields. From the top, it’s easy to see the Ngo Dong River winding between the mountains, and depending on the season, the fields below turn either lush green or golden yellow. The scenery tends to be at its most vibrant from late May to early June, during the rice harvest season.
The climb is short but steep, with sections that may require short breaks. Along the way, there are small rest areas and occasional views that break up the ascent. At the summit, a large dragon statue stretches across the ridge, adding a dramatic touch to the already stunning view. The entrance fee is around 100,000 VND. The viewpoint is especially popular with photographers and couples, and it remains one of the most photographed spots among all the Ninh Binh attractions.
Visit The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Spanning over 500 hectares, Bai Dinh is a monumental spiritual complex that blends ancient architecture with modern Buddhist grandeur. Located on a peaceful hillside, the complex includes both the old Bai Dinh Pagoda with endless corridors of stone Buddhas and Vietnam’s tallest stupa. The walkways are wide and open, but there’s also an electric buggy service for those who prefer a more relaxed visit.
You don’t need to be religious to appreciate this place. Travelers often spend more time here than expected, as it’s also one of the calmest things to do in Ninh Binh. Bai Dinh is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia and an essential stop for travelers interested in culture and architecture.
Take A Sampan Ride Through Tam Coc
Tam Coc is one of Ninh Binh’s top attractions, known for its scenic boat rides through rice paddies and limestone cliffs. The ride takes you through three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, on small wooden sampans rowed by local women, often using their feet. The best time to visit Tam Coc is from late May to early June, when the rice fields turn golden. This is also considered the best time to visit Ninh Binh for landscape lovers.
Each boat ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around 150,000 VND per boat (for 2 people) plus 120,000 VND per person for entrance. Morning is the best time to avoid crowds and the strong sun. Many travelers combine the ride with a short bike trip around the area or a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda nearby. Tam Coc is ideal for travelers who want a peaceful experience and a glimpse into authentic local life in Ninh Binh.
Explore The Ancient Capital Of Hoa Lu
It’s hard to imagine that this quiet valley once held the center of power in Vietnam. Surrounded by karst mountains, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital feels small and almost modest, but its history runs deep. In the 10th century, this was where kings ruled and defended the country against northern invasions. Today, the main sites are two wooden temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, shaded by trees and framed by stone walls weathered by time.
Entrance to the site costs around 20,000 VND, and most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes walking the grounds. Mornings are the best time to visit, especially on misty days when the limestone hills create a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere. Hoa Lu is a good cultural stop to combine with Trang An or Tam Coc, offering a quiet but meaningful glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.
Visit Am Tien Cave
Just a few kilometers from Hoa Lu, Am Tien Cave sits in a quiet valley surrounded by limestone cliffs. At the center is a still green lake often called “Tuyet Tinh Coc” by locals, a name inspired by a Chinese romance story that suits the peaceful scenery. The area feels hidden away, with cool air and a sense of calm that makes it feel far removed from busier tourist stops.
Visitors can follow a short stone path up to the cave, which is halfway up the cliffside. The stairs are manageable, though they can get slippery after rain. Tickets cost about 20,000 VND, and no guide is required. Most people come for the atmosphere and views rather than the cave itself. It’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is soft and the lake mirrors the cliffs around it.
Trek Through The Forest Of Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam’s oldest national park and a top pick for day trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, especially for those into nature and wildlife. Located about an hour from Ninh Binh City, the park is home to towering ancient trees, limestone caves, and a primate rescue center near the entrance. Many visitors stop by to see endangered species, but the real highlight is walking beneath the thick forest canopy.
Trekking trails vary from short, shaded loops to longer jungle hikes lasting several hours. The climate inside the forest is noticeably cooler, especially in the morning. Entrance fees apply (around 60,000 VND), and while guided tours are available, the easier paths are well-marked and suitable for independent visitors. Plan to spend at least half a day here if you want to explore beyond the main gates.
Explore The Unique Architecture Of Phat Diem Stone Church
Phat Diem Stone Church doesn’t look like the typical churches travelers expect to find in Vietnam. Built in the late 1800s, its design blends Western Gothic architecture with Eastern elements like curved pagoda-style roofs and wooden carvings. Located in Kim Son District, about 30 kilometers southeast of Ninh Binh City, the church complex includes the main cathedral, smaller chapels, stone bridges, and peaceful courtyards.
There’s no entrance fee, and visitors can explore freely throughout the day. Early afternoons are usually the quietest time. Even if you’re not religious, the craftsmanship and tranquil setting make it one of the most memorable things to do in Ninh Binh. On cloudy days, the grey stone takes on a moody elegance, and the echoes of footsteps make the place feel almost meditative.
Try Local Specialties In Ninh Binh
Goat meat is Ninh Binh’s signature dish, prepared in various ways like grilled, steamed, or stir-fried with lemongrass and ginger. It’s tender, flavorful, and typically served with a tangy dipping sauce made from fermented rice and local herbs. You’ll find it in most restaurants around Trang An or Tam Coc.
Another must-try is crispy rice, or com chay, made by deep-frying compressed rice until golden and crunchy. It’s often topped with shredded pork or dipped in a sweet-and-sour sauce. These two dishes are commonly eaten together, especially at lunchtime. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 120,000 to 180,000 VND per person. For more budget-friendly options, look for roadside eateries near the city center for authentic local flavors.
Encounter Ninh Binh’s Wild Birds At Thung Nham
As the sun begins to dip, the cliffs around Thung Nham seem to shift in color, and then the birds start coming in. Thousands of white storks, herons, and other water birds return to roost here every afternoon. The reserve covers both wetlands and forest, making it a peaceful escape for nature lovers just 12 kilometers from Tam Coc.
The park is open all day, but late afternoon is when the birdlife becomes truly spectacular. There’s a small entry fee, usually around 100,000 VND. Some visitors rent boats to glide deeper into the quiet zones, though the main viewing area is accessible on foot. It’s not a loud or busy place. People tend to speak softly here, watching the sky as wings flutter in from every direction.
Visit The Bear Sanctuary In Nho Quan
Tucked into the forested hills of Nho Quan District, the Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh is one of Southeast Asia’s largest rescue centers for bears saved from bile farms. This is not a zoo; the animals here live in semi-wild enclosures with space to roam, climb, and relax in hammocks under the trees. Visitors follow shaded walking paths and raised platforms to observe the bears from a respectful distance.
The sanctuary is run by a nonprofit focused on education and conservation. Informational signs explain the bears’ recovery process, and staff are available to answer questions. Admission is about 100,000 VND and includes access to the viewing areas and small exhibitions. Most visitors spend around an hour here. It’s a quiet, meaningful visit, ideal on cloudy days when outdoor hiking feels less inviting.
Discover The Galaxy-Like Ceiling Of Thien Ha Cave
Thien Ha Cave sits quietly in Son Ha Commune, far from the main tourist flow. The entrance is unassuming, but just a few steps inside, the world shifts. After passing through a dry corridor lined with rock formations, visitors board a wooden boat and drift into the darkness. As the cave opens up, the ceiling glimmers with minerals that reflect the boat’s lamp like a sky full of stars—hence the name, “River of Stars.”
Few people make it out this far, which only adds to the atmosphere. The journey takes around an hour on foot and by boat. Fees usually fall below 150,000 VND for the full experience. Unlike the grand scale of Trang An, Thien Ha is one of the more intimate things to do in Ninh Binh, built on silence and the thrill of discovery.
Explore The Quiet Beauty Of Van Long Wetlands
Van Long feels untouched. The surface of the water stays almost perfectly still, reflecting cliffs, clouds, and reeds in quiet symmetry. Located in Gia Van Commune, this wetland reserve is home to rare birds and the endangered Delacour’s langur, a black-and-white monkey that sometimes appears near the limestone walls at dusk.
Most boat rides take about an hour and a half, depending on the weather and wildlife activity. Local rowers guide each trip through the channels, often pointing out birds in the reeds or monkeys overhead. The experience is at its best early in the morning or just before sunset, when the light is low and the landscape seems to breathe.
Final Thoughts
Ninh Binh offers a mix of famous spots and quiet corners that many travelers miss. Some places are best for early mornings, others feel right when the weather shifts, all part of the many places to visit in Ninh Binh. With this list of things to do in Ninh Binh, you can shape a trip that suits your pace. If you want local advice or help turning this into a real itinerary, just send Seni World a message!
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