Best Places to Visit in Ninh Binh

Introduction

When it comes to a list of places one needs to visit in Vietnam, for almost every traveller that starts with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. It is usually an afterthought that comes at the end of a Vietnam trip in Ninh Binh. It is usually the place that gets talked about most. Not only is it a slower pace, but you can enjoy the undeveloped landscape with no crazy rush from one stop to another. This region also offers a welcome change from the chaos of cities, set amid limestone hills, quiet streams, historical temples and green paddy fields. When searching for places to visit in Ninh Binh, you will see that this land is a great combination of history, culture with nature, and indigenous people. It is a combination of Vietnam tour package that many tourists now include in their trip, and it is not difficult to understand why.

1. Trang An Landscape Complex

Trang An is a place where time seems to slow down. You board a tiny wooden boat, and for the next few hours float past caves, rivers, soaring cliffs and serene temples. You never get bored travelling the river, as around each bend is something different.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Scenic boat rides
• Limestone mountains
• Ancient temples
• Beautiful caves

Pro Tip: Reach early in the morning to avoid long queues.

2. Tam Coc

Tam Coc is another beautiful river ride, but with a distinctly different feel. As you pass the rice fields, mature and ready for harvest, glowing golden, you can feel as though you've stumbled into a postcard. One thing you may notice while visiting is that some locals will row their boats with their feet. It seems weird at first, but it does require some real skill. Tam Coc still keeps its name as an attractive point in the Ninh Binh tourist attractions with a peaceful setting and local charm.

Highlights

• River boat cruise
• Golden rice fields
• Foot-rowing boats
• Limestone scenery
• Local cafés

Pro Tip: Visit during late May if you want to see the famous rice fields.

3. Mua Cave (Hang Mua)

The summit is around 500 stairs away, but nearly everyone who makes the trek says it's worth every single step. Again, the view is rushing rivers and rice fields and limestone peaks here. There is a statue of the dragon at the summit, which has turned into one of the most photographed places in the region.

Highlights

• Panoramic viewpoint
• Dragon statue
• Sunrise views
• Great photography
• Scenic climb

Pro Tip: Carry water because the climb can get hot.

4. Bai Dinh Pagoda

There is something here for even the most demanding of tastes; this site often appeals to travelers in spite of walkers' general hostility towards temples. The complex itself is massive, with enormous statues of Buddha himself, long corridors carved into the earth and peaceful gardens that beg for you to take a moment away. Somehow all of these massive sites feel nice walking around here.

Highlights

• Huge temple complex
• Bronze Buddha statues
• Peaceful gardens
• Stone corridors
• Shuttle service

Pro Tip: Wear modest clothing when visiting.

5. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hanoi wasn't always Vietnam's capital; that honor went to Hoa Lu first. This is a popular place for tourists to visit and step back into centuries-old temples and discover a tiny part of Vietnamese culture. Overall makes the entire site feel more impressive with the mountain in the background.

Highlights

• Ancient capital
• Historic temples
• Cultural heritage
• Mountain scenery
• Quiet surroundings

Pro Tip: A local guide can make the visit much more interesting.

6. Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long feels wonderfully quiet. Instead of crowds, there are clear waters, limestone cliffs, and a linen guide to wildlife. If you are lucky enough, you may even encounter the rare Delacour's langur. And the boat ride here is leisurely, which somehow adds to the experience.

Highlights

• Wetland boat tours
• Rare wildlife
• Calm atmosphere
• Birdwatching
• Beautiful reflections

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars if you enjoy spotting birds.

7. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is smaller and much less well-known than Bai Dinh as it is built into the side of a mountain. Visitors are guided by stone steps through quiet courtyards, cave temples and shady pathways. That appeal never feels crowded there.

Highlights

• Hillside pagoda
• Cave shrines
• Scenic views
• Peaceful setting
• Historic architecture

Pro Tip: Early mornings are the quietest time to visit.

8. Thung Nham Bird Park

Among the many things to see in Ninh Binh, this park is designed specifically for birds. Well into the evening thousands of birds return to the trees in a great natural spectacle. Apart from birdwatching and trekking, you may see walking trails, gardens, caves, and little lakes.

Highlights

• Bird sanctuary
• Sunset bird viewing
• Walking trails
• Gardens
• Boat rides

Pro Tip: Plan your visit around sunset for the best experience.

9. Cuc Phuong National Park

For nature lovers, Cuc Phuong National Park is a must. With thousand-year-old trees, hiking trails, butterflies and wild animals. This is the oldest national park in Vietnam. Cát Tiên also has an Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and it's fun to spend some time watching the local conservation work in action.

Highlights

• National park
• Forest hiking
• Ancient trees
• Butterfly season
• Wildlife conservation

Pro Tip: Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

10. Galaxy Grotto (Thien Ha Cave)

The Galaxy Grotto does not have the same traffic as other well-known caves in the area, and we feel this makes it all the more special. You will reach a tranquil cave filled with impressive limestone formed over thousands of years after a brief boat ride. A low-key experience that is perhaps the one most travelers come to appreciate.

Highlights

• Peaceful cave
• Limestone formations
• Boat access
• Fewer crowds
• Underground scenery

Pro Tip: The cave stays cool, so carrying a light layer is a good idea.

Best Time to Visit

March to May are ideal when pleasant weather commences, and green landscapes are around in plenty of areas; however late May and all of June will bring the golden rice fields that are so well-known. Another great time is between September and November because it's hot but not crazy so the weather along with clear skies. Winter is comparatively cooler, though sightseeing is still possible.

Conclusion

Ninh Binh doesn't put on a show the way some other cities do when they try to impress you with flashy entertainment. Instead, it wins people over without making a problem. From zooming around caves in a small boat one moment, to standing atop mountain viewpoints or strolling through an ancient temple the next. Each stop is its own experience, but also somehow all fits together. And if you are planning to travel to Vietnam, then don´t hurry in this area. Allow yourself ample time to feast on it. Travel Junky provides travelers with just that at ease in the form of International Packages designed to give you an easy experience that helps you discover destinations like Ninh Binh without stressing over planning.