Ninh Binh, also known as a “Halong Bay on land," is a lesser-known gem in North Vietnam, featuring stunning limestone karst, peaceful rivers, and green vistas. Whether you’re discovering historic temples, having a calm boat trip, or trekking to awe-inspiring viewpoints such as Hang Mua, Ninh Binh offers unforgettable experiences. Begin your experience in Ninh Binh City Center, from where you can readily reach Ninh Binh Tours, hire a motorbike, or walk on the lively Ninh Binh walking street. With plenty of activities to do in Ninh Binh, it’s a destination that nature lovers and culture enthusiasts both should visit!
Price & Ticket Information:
Address: Trang An Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.
For a taste of the top things to do in Ninh Binh, a boat tour through the breathtaking Trang An Landscape Complex is a complete necessity! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts enchanting beauty, where towering limestone peaks rise from peaceful river waters, creating a landscape straight from a fantasy. As you drift through waters as clear as glass, you’ll glide past emerald green flora, antique temples, and otherworldly caves, a natural marvel likened to Halong Bay on land!
You have a choice of three different boat routes, each providing a different experience:
Tips: Visit early morning or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Book your boat tour directly at Trang An or from agencies in Ninh Binh City Center. It can be easily combined with a Ninh Binh motorbike rental for a convenient day trip!
Trang An Landscape by Boat (Sours: sapanomad)
Ready to reach new heights on your adventure! Conquering Hang Mua Peak is hands down one of Ninh Binh’s top things to do! Revered for its stunning panoramic views of Tam Coc and the vast limestone hills, this place takes its place as a gem among Ninh Binh activities!
Prepare to ascend around 500 stone steps, a challenge, but absolutely worthwhile! From the top, a stunning dragon statue and a tiny buddhist temple await, providing 360-degree views of green rice fields, rivers, and karst peaks. The ideal time to visit? Reach the summit early morning to have cooler breezes and fewer people, or late afternoon to witness the golden light (but be prepared to have more people around).
Tips: Dress comfortably, pack lots of water, and don’t forget your camera, the scenery has some of the most stunning views you’ll ever take in Vietnam!
Hang Mua Peak (Sours: crystalbay)
Second on your Ninh Binh must see would be Bich Dong Pagoda, this 15th century treasure trove! Situated against a stunning backdrop of karsts and lotus ponds, this stunning buddhist temple comes in a tri-level structure ascending up the side of a mountain, Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda concealed in a cave.
Search through centuries-old arches, admire centuries-old statues, and drink in the peaceful, almost otherworldly environment. You’ll find yourself transported back to Vietnam’s spiritual heritage, a genuine gem among Ninh Binh things to do.
Scooter Parking Tip: Attendants at the Entrance! Avoid hassle by parking at a nearby cafe at no cost or a small fee.
Bich Dong Pagoda (Sours: ninhbinh)
If you’re wondering what to do in Ninh Binh other than boat tours and trekking, why not take a cycling tour through landscapes straight from a postcard? Biking through the countryside is arguably one of Ninh Binh’s top things to do, providing a true flavor of rural Vietnamese life.
Cycle along riverbanks, by limestone hills, buffalo grazing, golden rice paddies, and picturesque village communities. Wherever you are, near Tam Coc Bich Dong or Trang An, each corner looks like a fairy-tale scene.
Where to rent bikes: Many hotels and homestays provide complimentary bicycles! If not, rentals are around 50,000–80,000 VND/day, extremely reasonable for unbridled joy!
Recommended stops: Stop to have a cup of coffee at Lotus Cafes, check out what the markets have to offer, or simply soak up the relaxed lifestyle. When you return to town, make sure to take a stroll through lively Ninh Binh walk street, a wonderful end to a cycling day!
Bicycle Ride through Tam Coc (Sours: luxurytravel)
Entrance Fees:
Location: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Gia Vien District, around 20 minutes from Ninh Binh City Center.
While discovering the best things to do in Ninh Binh, you absolutely cannot miss Bai Dinh Pagoda, a masterpiece and spiritual center of North Vietnam! Renowned for keeping several records, Bai Dinh has not only Southeast Asia’s largest bronze Buddha, height-wise, that stands 10 meters tall, weighing more than 100 tons, but also a stunning walkway adorned by 500 figures of Arhats.
Spread across 539 hectares, this complex of Buddhist temples is enormous! To get around, you have the option to rent an electric car for around 60,000 VND per ride, or you can also choose to walk around if you have enough energy. For a most serene experience, early morning, before tourist groups, would be the best time to go.
Discovering Bai Dinh is a rich cultural experience and ranks right up there among the Ninh Binh activities, revealing to travelers what to see in Ninh Binh has to offer aside from nature!
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: ninhbinhlegendhotel)
Prepare yourself to stroll through pages from Vietnam’s history! Going to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is truly among the best things to do in Ninh Binh if you are a culture and heritage enthusiast!
Being the initial feudal capital of Vietnam during the 10th century, Hoa Lu abounds in historical riches, such as magnificent temples like Le Dai Hanh Temple and Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, both set amidst grand limestone hills. These historic temples provide a window into Vietnam’s dynastic power as well as its strife-torn past.
Tips:
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Sours: vietjetair)
Ticket Information:
Location: Gia Vien District, about 20 minutes north of Ninh Binh City Center.
If you are a nature enthusiast, what to do in Ninh Binh, get ready to fall in love with the enchanting Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in Northern Vietnam, a sanctuary of rare wildlife!
A quieter alternative to Trang An boat tours, Van Long features tranquil waters where you can see exotic animals such as the endangered langur of Delacour’s as well as a stunning variety of waterbirds. You’ll feel as if you’re drifting into a totally unspoiled realm on a boat trip, quietly plying the waters.
How to experience it:
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon when there are the highest chances of seeing wildlife and experiencing the enchanting mist on the water.
Van Long Nature Reserve (Sours: migo)
For nature enthusiasts looking for what to do in Ninh Binh, trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first and largest national park, is a true dream come true! If you’re making the best things to do in Ninh Binh, this old jungle needs to be on your list!
Key highlights of Cuc Phuong National Park:
Best treks:
Special Tip: Come from April to May during butterfly season, a stroll through clouds of butterflies in every color, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park (Sours: daiichitravel)
After a day of exploring, want to get a feel of the local life? One of Ninh Binh’s most recent as well as thrilling activities to do is walking around the Ninh Binh Walking Street!
Right in the Ninh Binh City Center, this vibrant strip comes alive at night with food stalls, souvenir stores, street performances, and cultural performances. It’s a great place to enjoy locals’ favorite dishes such as grilled goat meat, crunchy rice snacks, and fresh sugarcane.
Best time to visit: Fridays through Sundays in the evening, when there is a lively atmosphere and streets filled with lights and laughter.
Tip: Come prepared with cash and a hungry appetite, treats here are affordable and tasty!
Stroll Through Ninh Binh Walking Street (Sours: laodong)
Seeking a secret paradise? Make sure Am Tien Lake and Cave, addressed as the “Tuyet
Tinh Coc" of Ninh Binh is included in your Ninh Binh must see!
Nestled amongst green limestone hills, this serenity-filled lake transports you into a true fairytale. Through a stone tunnel, you’ll discover a turquoise lake encircled by giant cliffs, rainbow-hued boats drifting quietly by, and a picturesque old pagoda concealed above.
Entry Details:
Pro Tip: Stop by early morning to witness the enchanting mist rising from the water and enjoy a crowd-free atmosphere!
Am Tien Lake (Sours: discoverninhbinh)
Ranging from majestic boat rides in Trang An to trekking far into Cuc Phuong National Park, the best things to do in Ninh Binh present a breathtaking mix of nature, history, and village life. From biking through miles of limestone hills, indulging in indigenous foods such as goat meat, to discovering the lively Ninh Binh walking street, every experience will astonish you.
Ready to embark on unforgettable things to do in Ninh Binh? Begin from Ninh Binh City Center, where the excitement starts, roam around easily with Ninh Binh motorbike rental, and pick from incredible Ninh Binh Tours to discover all that Ninh Binh’s popular landscapes have to share!
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will deepen your interesting history, starting with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was the 10th-century capital and once the heart of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state. You will be walking through the ancient temples dedicated to King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and King Lê Đại Hành, marveling at the intricate architecture and listening to stories that have shaped the nation’s legacy.
Next, step into the grandeur of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex: Bai Dinh Pagoda, from the colossal bronze Buddha statues to its serene courtyards. In its way, Bai Dinh offers spiritual solace and a lifetime feeling of awe. These heritage landmarks make the Ninh Binh Tours very important to any history enthusiast.
Tam Coc (Sours: vietnamtravel)
Get ready to be charmed by the outstanding landscapes that define the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour. Reputed as “Halong Bay on Land," Tam Coc fascinates its travelers with its dramatic limestone karsts majestically rising from emerald rice fields. Travel along in a boat on the quiet waters of the Ngo Dong River and explore the mystical “Three Caves" (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba) while taking in the unspoiled beauty of the area.
Another highlight of Ninh Binh Tours is Trang An. This place is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, featuring labirynth rivers, and caves paired with rich greenery. These few wonders together show the unmatched panorama that makes Ninh Binh one of the best options to visit in Vietnam.
That includes stories and connections, not purely a sightseeing Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour because interacting with the friendly locals from other parts of the world comes along in the sharing of their customs, daily life, or even culinary secrets. You will surely know that once these ancient or ancient sites, which have played a very predominant role in Vietnam’s bygone era, take off for a visit from Hoa Lu to a spiritual depth at the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Enjoy the local food to your heart’s content with traditional Vietnamese dishes, including goat meat and crispy rice, both regional specialties and a way of life. This layer of culture will make this journey far more than just a tour-it will be an experience.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour offers endless opportunities to the camera of photography enthusiasts: from golden rice fields in Tam Coc to peaceful waters in Trang An, from majestic architecture in Bai Dinh Pagoda, each corner of Ninh Binh is perfect for a picture.
From iconic places like the Ngo Dong River to ancient temples in Hoa Lư, you’ll have breathtaking backdrops for lifelong memories. We don’t just let you go away with great memories but also some spectacular snapshots to share and keep as mementos.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Sours: https://www.agoda)
07:30 – 08:00: Pick you up at your hotel in Old Quarter and depart for a full-day Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour on the southeast of Hanoi to the province of Ninh Binh. It’s around 90 kilometers taking one and a half hours to get there then see Vietnam’s peaceful countryside-golden rice fields and limestone rock formation rising majestically from the ground.
10:00 – 11:30: Arrive in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which is the cradle of the very first centralized feudal state of Vietnam. You will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Đinh and Emperor Lê and listen as your guide relates the stories of these Emperors and the dynasties that once ruled here. If you’re into history, then this is a must.
12:00 – 13:00: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a nearby restaurant. Regional dishes will be served, including goat meat with crispy rice and fresh seasonal vegetables. The quiet atmosphere allows for an even better taste of this meal.
13:30 – 15:30: The highlight of the day is to take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Travel through lush rice fields and dramatic limestone formations as you explore the “Three Caves" (Hang Cả, Hang Hai, Hang Ba). The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Tam Coc are unforgettable, offering countless opportunities for photography.
16:00 – 16:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh at a cozy hotel. This is a perfect opportunity for you to retreat and refresh after such a long day with full exploration.
Evening Activity (Optional): Stroll through the quiet evening streets of Ninh Binh, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
07:30 – 08:00: Have a healthy and delicious breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 – 11:00: Start visiting Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex Bai Dinh Pagoda. Marvel at its magnificent bronze Buddha statues, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. An optional electric car service around the area is recommended to save time in exploring this big area.
11:30 – 12:30: Have lunch at a local restaurant serving stewed goats, freshwater fish, and other dishes that will reflect the culinary achievement of Ninh Binh.
13:00 – 15:30: Take another different Trang An boat ride for fantastic trips to the world nature reserve. The small booths up and downstream rows wind through caves: Hang Sáng, Hang Tối; and Hang Nấu Rượu. There you gain deep insight into the beauty and marvel of nature in light reflected together with green forest’ plants and towering cliffs; during the journey, some telling by your guide can intrigue your interest in rich stories both in history and tradition associated with Trang An so that you could treasure Trang Anmore valuably.
16:00: Depart for the back to Hanoi. Feeling relaxed onboard while comfort stimulates you to ponder over beautiful memories and experiences during a day spent at Ninh Binh Tours.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi to end a wonderful tour of history, culture, and nature in 2 days.
Trang An (Sours: https://www.agoda)
Moreover, the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is offered to customers for $178 per person for a premium experience without breaking your wallet. Is this a family getaway, or are you traveling with children? Well, we have special discounts for children and families so nobody misses this unforgettable adventure.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will cover everything you need to make your journey smooth and memorable:
With this full package, you can enjoy the entire magic of Ninh Binh hassle-free.
The following are not included in the tour to maintain flexibility:
Why choose the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour? This is a package that holds the perfect balance of luxury and affordability necessary for every traveler to offer value to their investment-from the time you step into our comfortable transport to the last scenic boat ride in Trang An, every little detail contributes to a rich, truly immersive experience. From history enthusiasts to nature lovers and from cultural immersion, seekers-the lot-this is a travel package that will deliver it in one incredible journey.
Ninh Binh (Sours: bucketlistly)
If there’s anything to be said about the time of the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour, let it be to enhance this experience even more. This is during the rice harvest season from May to June, when the magic comes out of these surrounding fields in every direction, truly breathtakingly so. At the same time, Ninh Binh Tours makes for year-round beauty. From the appeal of the lush green landscape in spring to the quiet, misty mornings of winter, there is never a wrong time to visit this wonderland.
Pack these essentials to make the most of your adventure:
These items will keep you prepared at every step of the tour, from hiking up temple steps to gazing out over the serenity of the waterways.
Our Ninh Binh Tours are suitable for all ages. For families with children, the program is easy and enjoyable; for elderly participants, it is also comfortable because of the air-conditioned transportation and electric car services available at Bai Dinh Pagoda. The boat cruises in Tam Coc and Trang An are serene and require minimum effort; thus, they are suitable for all participants.
Here’s how to make your Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour even more memorable:
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is the ultimate getaway from Hanoi, comprising historical, cultural, and, of course, natural wonders. Take serene river rides, explore ancient temples, and enjoy real Vietnamese food on this 2-day journey. Experience the magic of Ninh Binh Tours and create memories to last a lifetime. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is one of the most amazing & authentic package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours lead the paths you to explore cultural and historic relics of Vietnam such as ancient citadel named Hoa Lu and pagoda, temples. Furthermore, to be immersive by natural landscape such as Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Trang An, Van Long natural Reserve. We will take part in the experienced activities well as cycling visa the rural countryside of particular Red River Delta to be impressed by local life along the paths. The a bamboo boats sail crossing along the emerald green rice field among limestone cliffs, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can be appealed, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, to obtain the active venture for cycling via the rural countryside and sailing bamboo boat on the green rice paddy among the limestone mountain.
You will not merely see many fantastically scenery and animals of wild life in the national park, and rescue center. Additionally learn more about its history and locals and join to homestay activities.
Authentic paths to explore the northern part of Vietnam. The imposing scenery of mountain, hill, green valley, and rice terraces. The idyllic hill-tribe villages from Mai Chau - Pu Luong and Ninh Binh rural countryside.
Luxurious services for Hanoi, Halong tour destinations until to the authentic Ninh Binh rural countryside journey of active venture to explore the imposing scenery of limestone mountain, and tour to explore culture and history from national relics.
