Travel Life
Top 10 Activities must-do in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a perfect destination for adventurers and a peaceful haven for nature enthusiasts. This area is home to Vietnam’s first capital and has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with mossy pagodas, breathtaking limestone karsts, and surreal landscapes. If you are ready for an adventure, here are the top ten must-do activities to experience while in Ninh Binh.
Cruise on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc
Some of Ninh Binh’s best scenery can only be accessed by boat. A paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc is an essential Ninh Binh experience. Your boatman or woman will paddle you along the gentle current, in the shadow of enormous, jungle-covered karsts. The boats stop at temples and glide underneath caves along the way.
Go temple trekking at Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is situated at the base of a large mountain and features a beautifully ornate gate that is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ninh Binh. A stone bridge spans a large lotus pond, which is adorned with bright pink blossoms during the summer months. Just beyond the gate lies a peaceful courtyard and a traditional Buddhist temple. Visitors can climb the stairs up and around the mountain for breathtaking views and discover two other temples embedded in the mountain, dating back to the 18th century.
Taste the local specialties
If you happen to visit Ninh Binh, make sure to try some of the province’s signature dishes. Com chay is a delicious snack consisting of fried rice crust that can also be served as a dipping side for a warm stew. De tai chanh is a dish made from goat meat, which is the most popular protein in Ninh Binh. The meat is lightly cured in lemon juice and mixed with chilies, lime leaves, and sesame seeds. If you want to try a local breakfast, go for a plate of Banh Cuon. These fresh rice paper rolls are filled with diced pork and mushrooms and served with mint and a mild fish sauce.
Stroll through Hoa Lu Ancient Village
Journey back in time to Vietnam’s first capital city, Hoa Lu, located just 20 minutes by car from the Trang An area. The walls of Hoa Lu hold the secrets of ancient times and if they could speak, we would be curious to hear what they have to say. During the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu was at its peak, as the surrounding karst landscape offered natural protection from invaders. Today, you can experience the charm of the old citadel by strolling through two atmospheric structures that still stand. The compound’s leaning archways, layered banyan trees, and rolling brick courtyards will take you on a journey to a bygone era. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in history and culture. Visit Hoa Lu and discover the wonders of Vietnam’s past.
Conquer the top of Hang Mua
Book a local homestay
While the city of Ninh Binh is great for beer corners and local restaurants, just a short cycle away the homestays in Trang An and Tam Coc will treat you to sweeping rice paddies and lush scenery. Ninh Binh’s friendly locals will be happy to give you inside tips on the destination. For a memorable retreat away from the action, try Emeralda Resort, Chez Beo, or Nguyen Shack.
Stroll and explore Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province is one of the most reputable religious destinations in Vietnam. Located close to Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is undeniably a must-see for culture lovers. Below is the essential information about the pagoda that you should know before embarking on your journey. You’ll need lots of time to see the whole site. Expect to be awed by thousands of Buddha statues, elaborately carved bells, and a 13-story watchtower, offering sweeping views of the countryside. Below is a map to help you avoid getting lost and not miss any attractions in the temple.
Embark on an exciting hike through the lush greenery of Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is one of the oldest national parks in Vietnam, located just an hour away from Ninh Binh City. The park entrance fee is only 20,000 VND, and inside you’ll find various stops to choose from, including rehabilitation centers for reptiles and primates. Additionally, there are trails inside the national park that lead to ancient trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. You should set aside half a day for a rejuvenating hike through the forest and then reward yourself with a local lunch inside the park.
Explore the Van Long Wetlands
The Van Long Wetlands is a natural reserve located in the shadow of a massive limestone mountain. It’s a magical marshy area that is a haven for bird watchers. The reserve is home to a wide variety of feathered friends including storks, herons, and kingfishers. It is also home to the endangered Delacour’s Langur, a primate that can only be found in this region.
The best way to explore Van Long Wetlands is by booking a boat tour. These tours will take you on a journey through remote scenery where you can enjoy the serenity of the wetlands. The boats are typically rowed by locals who have an intimate knowledge of the area and can provide interesting insights into the local flora and fauna.
One of the highlights of the boat tour is the chance to spot the Delacour’s Langur. These primates are often spotted high up in the limestone cliffs that surround the wetlands. The boat tour also offers an opportunity to see the other inhabitants of the wetlands including water birds, snakes, and fish.
Explore the Thung Nham cave system in Ninh Binh Province
About 200m from the control gate of Thung Nham Eco-tourism Area on the right-hand side is the way up to Vai Gioi Cave. Vai Gioi Cave is the largest cave in Thung Nham with an area of up to 5000m2, located on a majestic mountain. To get here, visitors need to go through nearly 500 winding steps embracing the mountainside. Landscapes on both sides of the road are tall green bamboo groves and a beautiful view of the valley landscape below.
Found around the 10th century, Vai Gioi Cave is the oldest natural cave in the area. The cave is the place to set up the altar to offer sacrifices to heaven in ritual ceremonies and pray for favorable weather and good crops for the people of the ancient Hoa Lu citadel. Today, Vai Gioi Cave is one of the attractions that tourists visit every time they come to the ancient capital.