The next place on the list of best places to visit in Vietnam is Ninh Binh, a UNESCO heritage site and a world biosphere reserve. Let’s find out the best things to do in Ninh Binh with Ftrip.
2 week vietnam itinerary, Vietnam itinerary
Choose FTrip’ holiday packages: Vietnam holiday packages
Visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Ninh Binh is a province located about 100 km south of Hanoi. If tourists already know about Halong Bay, famous for its giant limestone clusters, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Ninh Binh is known as “Halong Bay” on land when it is a famous tourist attraction with majestic natural relics. Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area includes many cruise, cycling, and walking routes connecting nearly 20 tourist attractions for visitors.
Related tour: Magnificent Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (DAILY TOUR)
Trekking to Bich Dong Pagoda
Traveling for 2 kilometers from Tam Coc wharf, we will reach Bich Cave. Its name means “green cave,” identified as the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam, after the one in Huong Son. Bich Dong consists of a dry cave halfway up the mountain (Bich Dong pagoda), and a water cave pierces the mountain bed (Xuyen Thuy Dong).
Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient temple associated with Asian-style mountains. In the temple, there is a large bell cast from the reign of King Le Thai To and the tombs of the monks who built the pagoda. Since then, the pagoda has been restored and expanded, including Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda, spread out on three mountain floors.
Related tour: The Beauty Of Vietnam And Cambodia (17 DAYS)
Take a Trang An Boat Ride
Up to now, Trang An has opened and developed for tourism with a consist of 31 lakes and 48 natural caves. With only 2km cruising by boat, we will go through different caves such as Cloud cave, Sinh Duoc cave, Dia Linh cave, etc. and pass many beautiful spots, mountains connected by rice fields, not water. Furthermore, the place is not full of foreign tourists which makes Tràng An a better alternative option for a trip to Ninh Binh.
15 Best Things To Do In Da Nang – Vietnam (2023)
Admire the Phat Diem Cathedral
The best thing to do in Ninh Binh is to visit the architecture of Phat Diem Cathedral which is built with unique ancient Vietnamese architecture and skillfully combined East-West architecture, the materials used to construct this complex are entirely stone and wood.
Phat Diem Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam, so during the colonial period, this place was likened to the Catholic capital of Vietnam.
10 Most Attractive Destinations In Northern Vietnam In 2023
Explore Thung Nham Bird Garden
Not as famous as other attractions in Ninh Binh but this is an excellent destination for tourists who love nature and the beauty present in the animals that can fly. Thung Nham Bird Garden is the beloved home of many rare bird species such as storks, cauldrons, storks, warblers, etc., especially two precious species in the red book, which are cranes and phoenixes.
The towering rocky mountains silhouetted against the blue water and flocks of birds and branches create a peaceful and poetic scene that can never be found. If you have some spare time after the bird park, we recommend you to take a short boat trip to explore the caves systems.
Get to Van Long Nature Reserve
Another best thing to do in Ninh Binh for animal lovers is getting to Van Long Nature Reserve. This wetland reserve protects a variety of local flora and fauna. Moreover, it is the sweet home of some Vietnamese animal species such as monkeys, reptiles, and birds.
Best Time To Visit Vietnam & Weather Each Month
Hop on Motorbike Tours
In the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam, you should sign up for a motorbike excursion to get a pass to visit excellent natural sites that some tours may miss. Similar to the motorbike trip to Ha Giang, you can easily connect with Ftrip to plan the best customized tours by motorbike in Ninh Binh to see limestone karsts and vast paddy fields.
Related tour: Ha Giang Loop Tour & Excursion By Motorbike 2023 (3 DAYS & 2 NIGHT)
Drop by Rong Market (Dragon Market)
Rong market (Dragon Market) is located in the center of Ninh Binh city. With a convenient location adjacent to the river and boulevard, this shopping place has long become a familiar and attached place for locals.
At the same time, it is a convenient spot for tourists to add to the list of best things to do in Ninh Binh. Cho Rong is the second largest trading place in the North, in which buyers can find almost every item.
Stroll Around Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu ancient capital is a unique architectural complex of Ninh Binh province, recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core areas of the Trang An World Heritage complex. This place is also ranked by the state as an architectural complex and a particularly important national historical relic. You can either book a tour with a local guide who knows the best in history or visit the place yourself.
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park was established in 1962 and is one of the leading national parks in Vietnam. Currently, the area of this national park covers more than 222 square kilometers and nurtures 2,000 different types of plants. A giant version of Van Long Nature Reserve! The National Park offers many activities such as bird watching/ photography and trekking.
Vietnam In March – Weather, Temperature, Climate
Wander the Bai Dinh temple
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a prominent religious complex on a hill near Ninh Binh town and it has set many records in Asia, including being the largest temple in Vietnam and having the largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia.
This unique attraction is a famous pilgrimage stop for Vietnamese Buddhists and is always filled with Buddhist holidays. You will need a lot of time to see the entire place with thousands of Buddha statues, elaborately carved bells, and a 13-story watchtower that offers sweeping countryside views.
Vietnam In April – Weather, Temperature & Where To Visit
Reach the Mua Peak
Mua Cave is also a famous spiritual place in Ninh Binh and also a hot spot for a wonderful picture for your social profile. In order to get to the top of the hill, we have to conquer a nearly 500-step stone staircase leading you to the mouth of the cave and through the strange limestone formations.
If you zoom your eyes down from the way to the top, you will catch sight of the beautiful curving rice fields and surrounding mountain peaks going on and on all the way to the breathtaking Ngo Dong River..
Related tour: The Highlights Of Northern Vietnam (8 DAYS)
Cycle in Am Tien Cave – Tuyet Tinh Coc
Am Tien cave has only become famous recently after being excavated from its isolated location. It stay in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, only 12km from Ninh Binh city center and a landscape of Hoa Lu’s ancient capital national relic complex. In the middle of this area is a large lake Ao Giai decorating with moss.
On sunny days, the water in the lake is as clear as jade and filled with lotus flowers during the right season. Around Am Tien cave, there is also a pagoda of the same name residing on the slope of the 200-step ladder. Worthy of being Tuyet Tinh Coc in Vietnam, Am Tien Cave is like a quiet oasis, almost separate from the activities of the people around.
Taste Ninh Binh Specialities
It would be best to recharge before completing all the best things to do in Ninh Binh. Therefore, enjoy the best traditional dishes in Ninh Binh to see that this place hosts outstanding landscapes and offers tourists rich culinary experiences.
- Com chay
- De tai chanh made from Ninh Binh mountain goat meat
- Ninh Binh Mountain Snail
- Nhech Fish Salad
- Bun Moc
- Ca Kho Gao
- Ninh Binh Banh Xeo
- Vermicelli is served with eel soup
- Roasted Dong Crab Leaves Lot
- Banh troi nuoc
- Vegetarian Com
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Ninh Binh (FAQs)
Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?
Ninh Binh is becoming a popular destination for tourists in Vietnam and is extremely traveler friendly. It is dubbed Halong Bay on land with immense rice fields, towering limestone mountains, and full of historical values.
What is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
There are two best times to visit Ninh Binh: From the end of May to July and between September and October. During that time, Ninh Binh’s temperatures ranged from 23°C to 34°C and high rainfall, creating freshness for the vegetation and the perfect atmosphere for outdoor activities.
You should check out the top tourist attractions and review the list of best things to do in Ninh Binh above to enhance your travel experience. In addition, you can also get advice from Ftrip and book the most suitable tour.
