The 7 top-rated places to visit in Ninh Binh Vietnam

Ninh Binh boasts a wealth of captivating attractions to explore. The following is a list of the top 7 must-visit places in the region:

1. Tràng An in Ninh Binh

Trang An is a popular vacation spot in Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst formations that include limestone mountains, caves, and rivers. Its exceptional beauty has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.

To explore Trang An, you can take a boat tour along the winding riverways, passing through several caves to marvel at the stunning natural beauty here. Alternatively, you can hike up one of the mountains for a panoramic view of the area. The hiking trail is well-maintained and easy, making it accessible to most visitors. 

Whether you choose to explore Trang An by boat or on foot, you will be treated to an unforgettable experience. Admission to Trang An costs 250,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 meters, while a tour guide is available for an additional fee of 300,000 VND.

2. Múa Cave in Ninh Binh

Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, is an outstanding attraction, offering breathtaking views from the top of Mua Mountain. Legend has it that Emperor Tran Thai Tong used to watch dance performances at this site, which led to the name “Hang Mua,” or “dancing cave”.

To reach the summit of Mua Mountain, you will embark on a steep climb of around 500 steps. However, the climb is well worth the effort, as you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding majestic mountains and vast rice fields. The caves themselves feature intricate carvings and ancient shrines, adding to the overall charm and historical significance of this tourist spot. 

For the best experience, you should visit Mua Caves early in the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is not as intense and the view is at its best. The entrance fee to Hang Mua is 100,000 VND per person.

3. Tam Cốc – Bích Động in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Bich Dong is a nature lover’s paradise. It boasts picturesque limestone karsts rising from rice paddies and the tranquil Ngo Dong River that flows through the area. During the rice season, the fields turn golden yellow, adding to the stunning views that earned it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land”.

The name “Tam Coc” means “three caves” in Vietnamese, and it refers to the three natural caves that can be explored by a Ninh Binh boat tour. The boat ride will take you through a winding riverway, with the caves on either side. The scenery is stunning, with lush green rice paddies and rural villages visible in the distance.

The area is also home to the remarkable Bich Dong Pagoda. It was built into a mountain and consists of three levels. Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond, this pagoda offers an ideal location for quiet reflection and meditation. It was constructed in the 15th century and is still actively used for worship today, adding to its cultural and historical significance.

Admission to the area costs 120,000 VND per person, while a boat ride in Tam Coc costs 150,000 VND per trip.

4. Bái Đính Pagoda in Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-visit site in Ninh Binh for those interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture. Covering 539 hectares, it is one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia.

The complex was constructed between 2003 and 2010, with a combination of ancient and modern architectural works, including the old Bai Dinh Pagoda and the newly built one. Coming here, you can enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the pagoda, which is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

A massive bronze Buddha statue is the highlight of the complex, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons. This makes it the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Additionally, the complex features 500 Arhat statues, each with a unique facial expression.

 

Exploring the complex can be done on foot or by taking an electric car for a fee of 30,000 VND per person per trip.

5. Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh

Exploring the natural beauty of Cuc Phuong is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. As Vietnam’s first national park, it boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species that are sure to captivate nature enthusiasts.

One of the park’s most spectacular attractions is the butterfly season that occurs from April to June, when thousands of colorful butterflies can be seen fluttering around. If you happen to be here during this time, you can take guided tours through the park to witness this beautiful spectacle and learn about the park’s ecology.

Besides the butterfly season, visitors can also explore the park’s many hiking trails, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and discover the ancient caves and limestone formations scattered throughout the park.

 

6. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an unmissable attraction in Ninh Binh for history enthusiasts and nature seekers. It was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties, spanning from the 10th to 11th centuries.

The ancient capital has an extensive collection of well-preserved relics and monuments, including the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two former kings of Vietnam. Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the ancient capital through the various exhibits and artifacts on display, gaining insight into the culture and traditions of the feudal Vietnamese dynasties.

Besides its historical significance, Hoa Lu is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The capital is surrounded by towering limestone mountains and picturesque rice paddies.

To enter the ancient capital, you can purchase an entrance ticket for 20,000 VND.

7. Thung Nham Bird Garden in Ninh Binh

Thung Nham Bird Garden is a popular destination in Ninh Binh for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The garden covers approximately 334 hectares of limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands, providing an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species.

You can take a boat ride through the wetlands to observe the various bird species, such as stork, heron, mallard, forktail, flamingo, etc. Apart from bird watching, you can also participate in other activities, such as hiking, exploring caves, and enjoying the local cuisine. 

The entrance fee to Thung Nham Bird Garden is 100,000 VND per person, and the boat ticket for bird watching is 20,000 VND per person.