Things to do in Ninh Binh: 10 must-do activities
Ninh Binh is a nature lover’s haven and an adventurer’s playground. This was the site of the founding of Vietnam’s first capital, and it is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to mossy pagodas, dramatic limestone karsts, and bizarre scenery. Are you up for a challenge? These are the top 10 things to do in Ninh Binh.
An overview of Ninh Binh – Vietnamese province
About ninety kilometers south of Hanoi, in the northern part of the country, is the province of Ninh Binh. It’s well-known for its breathtaking scenery, extensive history, and distinctive cultural legacy.
Ninh Binh
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Landscape Complex, the gorgeous Tam Coc, sometimes referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, and many more are just a few of the well-known tourist destinations in Ninh Binh province.
Apart from its scenic splendor, Ninh Binh boasts an extensive past that spans millennia. Several historical treasures and structures from the Dinh and early Le dynasties, when it was the capital of Vietnam, are still visible today.
Ninh Binh has hot, wet summers from May to September because of its humid subtropical climate. November through March are the chilly and dry winter months; April and October are the transitional months of spring and fall. With an average temperature of almost 23.5 degrees Celsius, it’s a wonderful place to travel to throughout the year.
Vietnam’s top 10 things to do in Ninh Binh
There are many interesting things to do in Ninh Binh. The region’s top ten things to do in Ninh Binh are listed below:
Take a paddle boat excursion around Trang An Scenic Landscape
Trang An Scenic Landscape
Make sure that one of the best must-try things to do in Ninh Binh is the boat ride across the scenic Trang An landscape. It is the greatest thing to do in Ninh Binh.
The boat can accommodate four persons and tickets cost 150.000 VND ($5.9) per person for the Trang An boat excursion. The guide will provide you with information on important locations as you go.
For your boat journey, you have a choice of three itineraries. Depending on how crowded it is, the boat voyage can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. During the trip, there will be stops at a few tiny islands where you can get off the boat and explore the little gardens and temples.
It’s a breathtaking view as you float around Trang An! Glide past the massive limestone and karst mountains that sprang right out of the sea; the water is so peaceful and serene.
Trekking to the shrine at Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda
One of the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh is the elaborate gate of Bich Dong Pagoda, which is situated at the base of a sizable mountain. A big lotus pond, exploding with beautiful pink petals in June, is crossed by a stone bridge. A classic Buddhist temple and a peaceful courtyard are located just past the gate. For breathtaking vistas, climb the stairs around the mountain and search for two other 18th-century temples carved out of the rock face.
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient capital
Hoa Lu Ancient capital
Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam, is encircled by the Trang An limestone mountain. Hoa Lu, which has several temples, pagodas, and tombs on its grounds, was the capital of Vietnam for 41 years and is a significant historical location. Two of the most visited locations in the complex are the Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple, which were constructed in the 17th century in the style of the structures that came before them in the 11th century. The tenth-century Nhat Tru Pagoda is another noteworthy structure in Hao Lu.
Take the summit of Hang Mua
Hang Mua
Although Mua viewpoint is at the summit of a high mountain, the 500 stairs up and 200,000 VND price are well worth it for the views. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of Tam Coc Valley from the summit. Sometimes there is mist at the viewpoint, but if you wait for it to clear, you can see the twisting rivers that weave in and out of the old karsts and the patchwork quilt-like green rice fields below.
Take a motorbike tour
motorbike tour
In Vietnam, a motorbike excursion is usually a terrific option. You’ll learn about Ninh Binh’s back roads and gain a glimpse into the daily lives of those who reside there. From the seat of a motorcycle, the expansive paddy fields and towering limestone karsts of Ninh Binh speed past in a flurry of vivid green and dark gray, as does the native fauna, which includes flocks of ducks, climbing goats, and tranquil water buffalo.
In Cuc Phuong National Park, take a trek
Cuc Phuong National Park
One of Vietnam’s oldest national parks, Cuc Phuong, is within an hour’s drive from Ninh Binh City. It just costs 20,000 VND to access the park with a ticket. You may select from several sites inside the national park, such as rehabilitation facilities for primates and reptiles, as well as paths that lead to many old trees, some of which are over a millennium old. Allocate thirty minutes for a restorative stroll in the forest, and then treat yourself to a neighborhood lunch within the park.
Wander around the ancient village of Hoa Lu
Ancient village of Hoa Lu
You would be curious to know what Hoa Lu’s buildings clad in brick and vines would say if walls could speak. Vietnam’s first capital city was situated here, and it can be reached by automobile from the Trang An area in about 20 minutes. Hoa Lu peaked in the tenth and eleventh centuries when the karst terrain around it provided a natural defense against foreign invaders. Two atmospheric buildings that were part of the previous citadel may still be seen today. You’ll be taken back in time by the compound’s sloping brick courtyards, stacked banyan trees, and leaning archways.
Reserve a homestay in the area
A short bike ride from Ninh Binh City’s beer corners and local eateries will take you to the homestays in Trang An and Tam Coc, which provide expansive rice terraces and beautiful views. The welcoming people of Ninh Binh would be pleased to provide you with insider information about the area. Try Emeralda Resort, Chez Beo, or Nguyen Shack for a great getaway from the activity.
Visit Van Long Nature Reserve to see birds
Van Long Nature Reserve
The Van Long Natural Reserve is located on the fringe of Ninh Binh Province, 20 kilometers north of Trang An. Like the Trang An Scenic Landscape, the principal activity in Van Long is boating on the narrow rivers and canals that comprise the reserve’s wetlands. Over thirty caverns and limestone mountains dot the protected region. Although numerous langurs are living in the mountains and forests around the wetlands, it is perhaps best recognized as an excellent location for bird viewing. The Van Long wetlands are a fantastic destination to explore on a day trip from Trang An or Tam Coc, regardless of your level of interest in birdwatching.
Read more: Thung Nham Bird Park: Lost in Ninh Binh’s Bird Kingdom
Taste the local specialties
Local specialties
One of the must-try things to do in Ninh Binh is the hallmark dishes of the region, com chay and de tai chanh. Fried rice crusts, known as “com chay,” are great as a snack or as a vehicle for warm stews. Goat meat, the most popular protein in Ninh Binh, is used to make de tai chanh. It is then gently cured in lemon juice and combined with sesame seeds, chiles, and lime leaves. Get a dish of banh cuon, which are freshly made rice paper rolls stuffed with chopped pork and mushrooms and topped with mint and a light fish sauce, for a truly local breakfast.
FAQs about visiting Ninh Binh province, Vietnam
Ninh Binh
Q1: What’s the best way to explore Ninh Binh?
Riding a bike is perhaps the greatest way to see the Ninh Binh region! One of the finest things to do in Ninh Binh is to cycle around the stunning scenery! You may utilize the complimentary bicycles provided by most homestays while you’re there. Your homestay can simply organize a local taxi for you to get to some of the more distant sights, such as Van Long Nature Reserve and Cúc Phương National Park. Most homestays can arrange for you to hire a motorcycle so you may go further on your own.
Q2: When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
In Ninh Binh, May to October is when the rainy season occurs. The worst months are August and September when huge amounts of precipitation, floods, storms, and sporadic typhoons are experienced. It is not advisable to travel during these two months. During the dry season (November to April), when the weather is drier and colder, is the ideal time to visit Ninh Binh.
Q3: How many days do you need in Ninh Binh?
We suggest spending at least two full days in the province of Ninh Binh. In this manner, you may visit the area’s must-see sights before carrying on with your travels in Vietnam.
Q4: What facilities are there in Tam Coc and Trang An?
Tam Coc boasts a good number of restaurants, stores, and cafés in addition to a few pharmacies. But Trang An has minimal amenities; the town’s few snack stores are dispersed across the rural areas. If you are staying in Trang An, you might want to pack a few snacks or visit one of Tam Coc’s grocery stores to pick up a few items to bring back to your homestay.
Travelers are drawn to the charming Vietnamese location of Ninh Binh by its abundance of activities and sights. You may discover a variety of natural and cultural attractions, from the ancient temples of Bai Dinh to the breathtaking limestone karsts of Tam Coc. With Vietnam Allure Travel, book your trip to Ninh Binh right away and start an amazing journey into the heart of Vietnam’s breathtaking natural beauty!
Read more: Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: 10 exceptional hotels & bungalows to fit any budget
