9 Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Join a paddleboat tour in Trang An Landscape Complex

Accessible exclusively by waterway, scenic boat excursions to the Trang An Complex offer visitors ultimate leisure time amid nature. From the wharf, there are various routes to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regardless of the route selected, you will be captivated by the breathtaking scenery of towering limestone mountains, intricate caves, and centuries-old worship sites. For a more exhilarating adventure, consider renting a kayak to navigate the area at your own pace.

Take a boat tour in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Check out the little-known gem Tuyet Tinh Coc

Historical structures merge with picturesque landscapes in Tuyet Tinh Coc, also known as An Tien Cave. Visitors will be enchanted by the serene beauty of an emerald lake nestled within a lush valley. Aside from being an alluring tourist spot, Tuyet Tinh Coc has also become a favored site for wedding photography in Northern Vietnam. Ancient pagodas carved into rocky outcrops evoke a sense of mystery. Stroll around the lake and capture captivating images of colorful fish swimming beneath the surface.

Photo: @emily919

Shop at Bop Market

Conveniently located in the heart of Ninh Binh City, Bop Market allows visitors to not only enjoy inexpensive local bites but also to immerse themselves in the local culture. This bustling market offers a wide array of products, from fresh vegetables and fruits to everyday necessities and regional specialties. Bop Market is particularly lively in the early morning, drawing locals and tourists alike for breakfast and lunch.

Taste Ninh Binh's signature dishes

Ninh Binh local specialties reflect the rich essence of northern Vietnamese cuisine. Do not miss the must-try "com chay," or fried rice crust, which is crispy and delicious, often topped with meats, onions, and shrimp, and served with spicy fish sauce or soybean sauce. For a fulfilling lunch, be sure to try "de tai chanh," where goat meat is lightly cured in lemon juice and garnished with sesame seeds, lime leaves, and chilies. Additional culinary delights include Nho Quan alcohol, fermented pork rolls, eel vermicelli, sticky rice with ant eggs, and Ninh Binh mountain snails.

Com Chay dish - photo: @heritagevna.magazine

Steep in history at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Encircled by rugged limestone mountains, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital served as Vietnam's first capital. Established in the 10th century under the Dai Co Viet Kingdom, it is a significant historical site. Visitors at Hoa Lu can explore numerous temples, tombs, and pagodas. Various traditional cultural festivals, such as the Truong Yen Festival, occur throughout the year, featuring numerous activities and attracting many participants.

Main temple gate of the King Dinh Tien Hoang complex in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Climb up Hang Mua

While Hang Mua Viewpoint may present a climbing challenge, it offers outdoor enthusiasts a rewarding experience. Ascending hundreds of stone steps to the summit allows for panoramic views of Tam Coc Valley, picturesque rice fields, and tranquil rivers. Hang Mua is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the best time to visit typically during the rice harvesting season from September to November. For those wishing to extend their stay, accommodations like Mua Caves Ecolodge and Nguyen Shack Ninh Binh offer a cozy retreat.

Top pagoda of Hang Mua temple in Ninh Binh

Stroll around Bai Dinh Pagoda

Ninh Binh Province is home to several stunning pilgrimage sites, with Bai Dinh Pagoda being notable for being Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Situated nearly 20 kilometers from Ninh Binh City, the site features an array of pagodas, over 500 intricately carved Buddhist statues, and a bell tower enshrined by lush trees. Bai Dinh holds national records, including Vietnam's largest Bodhisattva statue and the most Arhat statues. To enhance your visit, consider using an electric car to navigate the expansive grounds.

Bai Dinh Pagoda - The largest temple complex in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Explore Cuc Phuong National Park

Challenging hiking trails in Cuc Phuong National Park provide unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers. The ideal time for trekking is during the dry season from November to February. As you traverse the primary forests, expect to encounter mysterious limestone caves, botanical gardens, and endangered wildlife. Adventurous trekkers can embark on overnight excursions to remote areas such as Ngoc Son Nature Reserve and Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Bridge through the jungle in Cuc Phuong National Park

Glimpse the beauty of Van Long Wetlands

Journey to Van Long Wetlands, the largest nature reserve in northern Vietnam, a captivating destination for avid birdwatchers. Spanning over 3,000 hectares of pristine landscapes, Van Long is home to various species of reptiles, monkeys, and birds, including the largest population of Delacour's langurs in Vietnam. Rustic bamboo boats navigate along the stream, allowing visitors to appreciate stunning cliffs, rice fields, and diverse flora and fauna.

Landscape in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh