TRAVEL GUIDE TO NINH BINH: TOP ATTRACTIONS THAT YOU MUST VISIT

Ninh Binh is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, nestled in the northern part of Vietnam. This travel guide will help you navigate this beautiful province and explore its top attractions.

Ninh Binh has many attractive tourist attractions in 2024.

1. Where is Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is located about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi, making it a convenient getaway for both local and international travelers. It is renowned for its karst limestone formations, lush rice paddies, and serene rivers, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”

Ninh Binh is gradually becoming a hot tourist destination in Vietnam.

2. How to get there?

Traveling to Ninh Binh is relatively easy. Here are the most common options:

-By Train: There are several daily trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, taking around 2-3 hours. The scenic journey offers a glimpse of the countryside.

-By Bus: Numerous bus companies operate between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Buses depart from various locations in Hanoi and typically take about 2-2.5 hours. The reference price range from 100.000 – 200.000 VND/person (4 – 8 USD)

-By Car: For those seeking convenience, hiring a private car or taxi is a great option. The drive from Hanoi takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.

-By Plane: Once you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, then you can catch a bus from the airport to Hanoi city center, then transfer to a bus heading to Ninh Binh. The total travel time is around 2-2.5 hours.

3. The ideal time to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a destination you can enjoy year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences that enhance your visit.

Spring (January to March) is particularly delightful. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The province is alive with vibrant festivals, celebrating local culture and traditions. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Ninh Binh through various events and activities, including traditional music, dance, and delicious local cuisine.

Ninh Binh in spring season.

Summer (May to August) offers a different charm, as the landscape transforms with lush greenery and golden rice fields.

4. Top attractions in Ninh Binh that you must visit

4.1. Trang An

Trang An spans over 6,172 hectares and consists of three interconnected areas: the historical and cultural site of the Hoa Lu ancient capital, the Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic area, and the special-use primeval forest in Hoa Lu.

In 2014, UNESCO recognized Trang An as a World Heritage Site due to its vibrant and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Trang An’s terrain is primarily made up of rivers, making boats the main mode of transportation. To explore, you’ll need to purchase a ticket that includes entry to Trang An and a boat ride. Ticket prices are set at 250.000 VND for adults (10 USD) and 120.000 VND for children under 1.4 meters tall (4.8 USD). Each boat can accommodate 4 to 5 passengers and departs once full.

Trang An offers three main boat routes, each leading to different attractions, so visitors can choose a route based on their preferences. In addition to the scenic spots, don’t miss the spiritual sites with rich cultural significance, such as Trinh Temple, Tran Ninh Binh Temple, Tu Tru Temple, Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Palace, and Phu Khong.

Check-in at Trinh Temple with its ancient and old beauty, promising to bring you photos of a lifetime.

There are also fascinating caves to explore, including Dia Linh Cave with its fossilized stalactites, Nau Ruou Cave, known for distilling wine from underground water, Boi Cave with relics from the Hoa Binh Culture, and the Sang Cave – Toi Cave system.

Trang An Ninh Binh with poetic beauty from above with high mountain ranges following each other.

Address: Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

4.2. Mua Caves

Mua Caves is a standout destination among Vietnam’s many caves, offering spectacular views from the top of Mua Mountain. According to legend, Emperor Tran Thai Tong used to watch dance performances at this location, which is how it got the name “Hang Mua,” meaning “dancing cave.”

Mua Caves

To reach the top of Mua Mountain, visitors must climb around 500 steep steps. While the ascent is challenging, it is well worth the effort, as the summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains and expansive rice fields below. The caves themselves are adorned with intricate carvings and ancient shrines, adding to the site’s charm and historical significance.

The ideal time to explore Mua Caves is in spring.

Address: Khe Dau Ha Town, Ninh Xuan Ward, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 100.000 VND/person (4 USD).

4.3. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital served as Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010, spanning three dynasties: Dinh, Tien Le, and Tien Ly. It is one of the four key areas within the Trang An World Heritage Site, recognized by UNESCO. Visitors to Hoa Lu can explore the temples of King Dinh (Dinh Tien Hoang) and King Le (Le Dai Hanh), as well as a museum that preserves historical artifacts.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

These two temples, built in the 17th century, are surrounded by lush trees. It’s recommended to register for a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of this site.

Address: Truong Yen Ward, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 20.000 VND/person (0.8 USD)

4.4. Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden, located about 12 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, is home to a diverse array of bird species, with around 40 types and over 50,000 birds. The ideal time to observe flocks of birds returning from their day of foraging is around 5 PM.

Thung Nham Bird Garden attracts many locals and tourists.

But Cave is a standout feature of Thung Nham Bird Park, known for its remarkable stalactite formations and unique ecosystem. The cave is home to various wildlife, including bats, swifts, and other species, adding to its natural charm.

But Cave

At Thung Nham Bird Garden, visitors can not only discover unique attractions and take in the breathtaking natural scenery, but also engage in a variety of fun activities like boating, fishing, camping, and exploring mysterious caves.

Address: Hai Nham Town, Ninh Hai Ward, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 150.000 VND/adult (6 USD) and 100.000 VND/children (4 USD)

4.5. Phat Diem Stone Church

Phat Diem Stone Church stands out for its unique architecture, resembling traditional Vietnamese pagodas despite being a Catholic structure, located 28 kilometers from Ninh Binh city.

Phat Diem Stone Church

The cathedral features a curved roof designed to mimic the bow of a boat. The Phat Diem Cathedral complex includes a large church, five smaller churches (one of which is made entirely of natural stone, known as the stone church), a bell tower, ponds, and three man-made caves.

Address: No. 75, Phat Diem Dong Street, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.6. Van Long Lagoon

Van Long Lagoon is considered the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta region with an area of ​​over 3,500 hectares. It was put into operation in 1998 and quickly became a key tourist destination for both Ninh Binh province and the country.

Van Long Lagoon

With a diverse ecosystem, each season has its own beauty, so visitors can check-in at this coordinate at any time of the year. However, if you want to admire the lotus blooming season, you should go to Van Long lagoon in the summer, around May and June every year.

In addition, visitors can visit Van Long lagoon in the dry season, from November to April of the following year.

Address: Gia Van Ward, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 20.000 VND/person. (0.8 USD)

4.7. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park lies at the intersection of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces. As Vietnam’s first national forest, it covers an area of approximately 22,000 hectares and attracts many visitors with its diverse tourism offerings, ranging from eco-tourism and research to adventure activities.

Beautiful nature in Cuc Phuong National Park.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong can explore the ancient forest, caves with unusual formations, and caves with significant cultural and historical relics, such as Trang Khuyet Cave, Chua Cave, Thuy Tien Cave, and Nguoi Xua Cave. The park is also home to hot springs, a rich variety of plant and animal species, ancient trees like the thousand-year-old cho tree, and an animal conservation area.

Address: Cuc Phuong Ward, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: 60.000 VND/person (2.4 USD)

4.8. Tam Diep Pineapple Hill

If you’re looking for a fresh and unique check-in spot, Tam Diep Pineapple Hill is perfect for capturing stunning photos. Located around 20 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, this spot is best visited in June or July when the lush green pineapple fields are sprinkled with ripe, golden pineapples.

Tam Diep Pineapple Hill

You can capture many photos when visit Tam Diep Pineapple Hill.

A highlight of your trip will be the chance to taste the cool, sweet pineapples straight from the garden, making for an unforgettable experience during your visit to Ninh Binh.

Address: Dong Giao Pineapple Farm, Tam Diep City, Ninh Binh Province.                                                                                             

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Entrance Fee: Range from 20.000 VND to 80.000 VND/person (0.8 to 3.2 USD)

4.9. Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is nestled among majestic limestone mountains, built in 2003 and spanning over 500 hectares. The complex is divided into two areas: Tan Tu and Co Tu.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visitors can explore the site on foot or by electric car, with a fare of 30,000 VND per person per trip. Popular spots within the pagoda include Phap Chu Pagoda, which has five rooms and houses a 10-meter-tall, 100-ton Buddha statue in the central room, and Tam The Temple.

You can also climb the bell tower to see the massive 36-ton Great Bell.

Address: Gia Xinh Ward, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

4.10. Non Nuoc Mountain

Non Nuoc Mountain is located in the Northeast of Ninh Binh city, between Non Nuoc bridge and Ninh Binh bridge, right on the confluence of Day river and Van river. This location not only has historical value, but is also considered a “poetry museum” with more than 100 poems, prose, and prose carved on the walls.

The mountaintop is relatively flat, the trees are green, and the air here is cool all year round.

During the Dai Co Viet period, Non Nuoc Mountain was the outpost of Hoa Lu citadel. Later, this place witnessed the transfer of power from Dinh dynasty to Tien Le dynasty in Vietnamese history. Non Nuoc Mountain is a place to gather the spirit of patriotism and struggle of the people against foreign invaders. Specifically, in 1929, the young revolutionary soldier Luong Van Tuy.

This is the monument of hero Luong Van Tuy located on the top of Non Nuoc Mountain.

Address: Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Thanh Binh Ward, Ninh Binh Province.

These are all the travel guides to Ninh Binh. I hope this is helpful for you to visit Ninh Binh.