How many days in Ninh Binh are sufficient to fully imbibe its stunning charm? The sweet spot is around 2 to 3 days, ideal for taking a Trang An boat tour, climbing Hang Mua, visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and unwinding by wetlands such as Van Long Nature Reserve. But for those in a rush, even a day in Ninh Binh is sufficient to take in highlights such as the Tam Coc boat tour or the Bai Dinh Pagoda. Being titled the “Halong Bay on land,” this Unesco World Heritage Site is suitable for short escapes and slow travel alike. If you’re considering staying in Ninh Binh, require assistance with a Ninh Binh one day itinerary, or are curious about what to see in Ninh Binh, this guide will assist in picking the ideal duration to spend here!
|
Duration |
Perfect For |
Top Experiences |
Pro Travel Tips |
|
1 Day |
Travelers short on time, doing a day trip from Hanoi |
Trang An boat or Tam Coc boat tour Climb Hang Mua for epic views Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |
Use this Ninh Binh one day itinerary Start early to see 3 highlights Great option if you can’t stay overnight |
|
2 Days |
Most travelers want a mix of culture, nature, and leisure |
Add Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Vietnam Cycle to Bich Dong Pagoda Enjoy the sunset at the rice fields |
Explore more of what to see in Ninh Binh Choose to stay in Ninh Binh centre or near Tam Coc/Trang An Perfect for scenic cycling routes |
|
3+ Days |
Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and culture lovers |
Boat through Van Long Nature Reserve Trek in Cuc Phuong National Park Watch birds at Thung Nham Bird Park |
Ideal for spending more time Escape crowds, relax in rural homestays Capture the best light in early mornings |
07:00 – 08:30 | Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Begin your day early. It is about a 2-hour ride by limousine bus, private vehicle, or train from Hanoi. If traveling by public transportation, go to Ninh Binh center and take a local taxi or motorbike rental to move about.
08:30 – 10:00 | Visit Hoa Lu – The First Capital of Vietnam
Your first destination is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s political and religious center in the 10th century. See through historic gates, be amazed at the Dinh and Le king temples, and appreciate the mountainous landscape that protected this royal citadel. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and an amazing beginning to your Ninh Binh itinerary.
10:15 – 11:30 | Climb Hang Mua – The Iconic Viewpoint
Next: Hang Mua. It is a bit of a climb indeed 486 steps to the summit but worth it for the breathtaking panorama over Tam Coc’s rice fields and rivers. It’s one of Vietnam’s most popular photo spots and a highlight of any day in Ninh Binh.
12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Refuel on some Ninh Binh specialties! Sample goat with lime, rice crackers, or vermicelli with eel. For good views and local flavor, eat along the river in Tam Coc or Trang An.
13:15 – 15:45 | Boat Tour: Trang An or Tam Coc
Now it is time to unwind and let nature take over. You have two amazing boat options:
You’re still inquiring about how many days in Ninh Binh are necessary. A day is sufficient for highlights, but you will want more.
16:00 – 17:30 | Return to Hanoi or Stay the Night
You can return to Hanoi in late afternoon if you would like to, making this a day trip from Hanoi. But if you are captivated by Ninh Binh’s nature beauty (and are likely to be), stay overnight in Ninh Binh. The rural area around Trang An or in Ninh Binh centre is serene and ideal to rest in after a day full of activity
08:00 – 10:00 | Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
Begin at the grandiose Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest temple complex. Towering bronze statues, a wide array of 500 Arhat stone figures, and a 13-floor stupa with views to take in make this religious complex both serene and stunning. It is a great spot to introspect before diving into Ninh Binh’s raw beauty.
Pro tip: Take an electric cart (about 60,000 VND) to save time walking from the gate
10:30 – 13:00 | Explore Trang An – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Then take a ride on a classic sampan on a 2.5-hour Trang An boat tour. Drift through rice fields, towering karst landscapes, and secret cave temples. This is where “Kong: Skull Island” was shot, and trust us, it’s even more breathtaking in real life! Trang An is a UNESCO Heritage Site and a must-do for those who plan to spend in Ninh Binh for more than a day.
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch at a riverside restaurant
Refuel with Ninh Binh specialties such as grilled goat, com chay (crunchy rice), and mountain greens. Most eateries surrounding Trang An have excellent rural cuisine with scenic views.
14:30 – 16:00 | Conquer Hang Mua for an unforgettable view
Scale 486 steps to Hang Mua’s summit for a panorama over rice fields and valley rivers in Tam Coc. The short, steep climb is worth it: bring shoes and water. The view at the summit is unbeatable: a postcard-perfect scene of Ninh Binh’s dramatic scenery.
Evening | Stay in Ninh Binh – Rest & Recharge
Pick a quaint homestay in Trang An or Ninh Binh centre. Would you like to wake to mountain scenery and birdsong? A riverside bungalow in rural areas will be perfect. For restaurant access and convenience, Ninh Binh centre is also an excellent location.
Trang An Boat Tour (Sours: backpackersintheworld)
07:30 – 09:00 | Tam Coc Boat Tour
Start day two with a serene ride through Tam Coc, “Halong Bay on land." The locals will paddle you at times by foot through three tunnels in limestone caves along the way past colorful rice fields. A serene way to begin the day and see why tourists tend to spend more time here than on other popular day trips out of Hanoi.
09:15 – 10:30 | Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
A short bike ride or drive away is Bich Dong Pagoda, a temple complex built into a mountain face in three tiers. Steep stone steps lead upwards to access the Upper Pagoda inside a cave, and climb even higher for a view across a lotus pond and villages. This secluded spot is serene and camera-worthy, particularly in the early morning.
10:30 – 12:00 | Bicycle Ride Through Local Villages
Cycle along backstreets lined with buffalo, banana trees, and green pastures. The countryside circuit provides a glimpse of daily life, a great contrast to temples and mountain grandeur. Most homestays in Tam Coc have complimentary bicycle rentals.
12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch at a local garden café
Choose a local eatery such as Thao Nguyen Restaurant or Chookie’s Garden easy-going, greenery-filled, and full of local character. Refuel with Vietnamese coffee over ice and a bowl of mien luon (vermicelli with eel).
Afternoon: Optional Activities or Relaxation
Depending on your energy level and schedule:
Extend your trip to Thung Nham Bird Park if you desire more adventure.
Begin with the primary highlights listed in the Best 2-Day Itinerary in Ninh Binh – Nature Meets History:
If you’re unsure where to begin, take a look at our Ninh Binh one day itinerary to get a sense of the foundations before delving deeper.
Bich Dong Pagoda (Sours: passportandstamps)
Having seen famous attractions, it’s time to explore Ninh Binh’s wild side. Pick among two amazing itineraries depending on how much interest you have in nature, animals, and hiking.
Option 1: Trekking & Wildlife at Cuc Phuong National Park
If dense jungles, old trees, and actual conservation are what interest you most, this is a must.
08:00 – 10:00 | Transfer to Cuc Phuong National Park
Found in the northwest of the province, Vietnam’s longest established national park is approximately 1.5–2 hours away by car from Ninh Binh center. This verdant rainforest is inhabited by more than 300 types of birdlife, langurs, flying squirrels, and even trees a thousand years old.
10:00 – 13:00 | Explore the Park
You can:
13:00 – 14:00 | Picnic Lunch in the Park
Many eco-tour operators provide lunch boxes, or you can dine at the park’s eco-restaurant near the headquarters.
14:00 – 16:00 | Optional Birdwatching or Extended Trek
This is an ideal day for taking pictures, observing wildlife, or just breathing in a forest, Time has passed. You’ll see what it’s is to spend in Ninh Binh – well beyond the beaten tracks.
Trekking at Cuc Phuong National Park (Sours: phuotvivu)
Option 2: Wetlands & Birds at Van Long & Thung Nham
Passionate about birdlife and water scenery? This itinerary will delight your heart.
08:00 – 09:00 | Visit Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long is Indochina’s largest wet nature reserve in the delta of the Red River. The serene boat tour is quieter than Trang An and allows you to see delacour’s langurs, endangered birds, and limestone hills reflected in glassy waters.
09:00 – 11:00 | Bamboo Boat Ride in Van Long
Anticipate silence, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery. It is a photographer’s and bird enthusiast’s dream.
11:00 – 12:30 | Transfer to Thung Nham Bird Park
Close to Tam Coc is Thung Nham, a secret haven of biodiversity. It is most enchanting in the late afternoon when birds come back to roost.
12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch in Thung Nham’s Eco-Restaurant
Situated in a serene valley setting, the eco-restaurant offers garden-fresh Vietnamese cuisine with vistas over the karst hills.
14:00 – 16:00 | Explore Caves & Bird Valley
Explore But Cave, go to the bird observatory, and take a stroll among orchid gardens and fruit groves. Thung Nham is best for families, couples, or anyone else who wants to slow down.
If you would like to witness Ninh Binh in its most beautiful form, plan a trip around:
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Sours: wikipedia)
There is easy and convenient transportation to fit any style:
Pro tip: If you’re around Ninh Binh center, it is a convenient point for buses, hotels, and restaurants, but for nature scenery, stay in Ninh Binh rural areas such as Tam Coc or Trang An.
Whether traveling to day in Ninh Binh or for a longer stay, be sure to pack:
Your travels will feature Trang An boat trips, cave hiking, and possibly even excursions into deep wetland jungles. Travel safely by:
Having decided on how many days in Ninh Binh, why not take it easy and let local experts plan it for you?
Impress Travel is a Hanoi-based licensed tour operator with more than 15 years of expertise in designing memorable travel journeys throughout Vietnam. We are experts in offering private and customized Ninh Binh tours in a range of day trips from Hanoi to itineraries of 2 or 3 days through Trang An, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and lesser-known sites such as Van Long Nature Reserve or Thung Nham Bird Park.
We take care of:
Contact us now to customize your tour:
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Hanoi or hoping to truly unwind amid rice fields and limestone peaks, the answer to how many days in Ninh Binh depends on your travel style. One day covers the essentials (check our Ninh Binh one day itinerary, two days offer the perfect balance, and three or more let you dive into hidden gems like Van Long Nature Reserve or Cuc Phuong National Park. Still wondering what to see in Ninh Binh or where to stay in Ninh Binh centre? Reach out to Impress Travel, we’ll craft a custom itinerary just for you.
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.
