Vietnam may be known for its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay. However, did you know a mere four hours away lies its land equivalent, Ninh Binh province? Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on Land,“ Ninh Binh province is located in northern Vietnam and it is a hidden gem that is a favourite with backpackers. This quaint city is travel-friendly and allows travellers a peek into the rural way of life. Surrounded by the tranquil view of majestic limestone caves and a panorama of never-ending paddy fields, it’s no wonder that Ninh Binh is the perfect laid-back destination for everyone. The next time you decide to plan a trip this side of the world, check out this list of top things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
1. Take a scenic adventure at Hang Mua Viewpoint
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located 5 km (3.11 mi) from Ninh Binh and adjacent to Tam Coc is the Mua Cave, also known as Hang Mua. This site offers visitors two routes to explore. The first route will take you to the cave, while the second path leads to a viewpoint at the top of the mountain.
As you make your way up the mountain, the path will split at the midpoint of Hang Mua Cave. One path leads to pagodas that offer stunning views of the Ngo Dong river and a statue on dragon mountain. The other path leads to a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the rice fields. Whichever viewpoint you choose, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding scenery that will take your breath away.
After your climb, you will find plenty of restaurants and small food stalls around Mua Cave to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst.
Hang Mua Viewpoint
Address: thôn Khê Đầu Hạ, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD
2. Discover the wonders of Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex
Make sure to add Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex to your Vietnam itinerary. This incredible complex, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features an array of valleys and cross-water caves and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You will be treated to an abundance of stunning sights, including the unique hat-shaped limestone mountains that are prevalent throughout.
As you explore Trang An Grottoes, you will discover an array of breathtaking caves that connect to wetlands and waterborne caves such as Sinh Duoc, Dia Linh, and May Cave.
You can also immerse yourself in the lush tropical forests and rivers while discovering numerous historic temples and pagodas including Bai Dinh, the largest pagoda in Vietnam. To fully experience the local culture, make sure to visit the Kong tribal village where locals dress up as Aborigines and sit in huts.
Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex
Address: Red River Delta, Vietnam
3. Visit the enchanting historical site of Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam, thanks to its captivating historical site. Here, visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities, including participating in annual festivals, such as the Truong Yen Festival, and traditional games such as “Co lau tap tran”, chess, and the lively dragon dance. Exploring the temples and tombs is a must-do, along with admiring the beautiful Nhat Tru Pagoda, famously known as the One Pillar Pagoda in Ninh Binh.
Another awe-inspiring attraction to visit is Tam Coc Bich Dong, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, charming waterways of the rice paddies, and spectacular caves, with the stunning Ngo Dong River adding to the scenery. Don’t forget to climb to the top of Ma Yen Mountain for an even better view of the ancient capital.
Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
4. Visit the majestic Chùa Vàng
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A trip to Ninh Binh would be incomplete without a visit to Chùa Vàng or Three Golden Temple. This majestic Buddhist temple is built on a small island in the middle of the Ca Voi lake located in the west of Ninh Binh. Chùa Vàng comprises of three small temples surrounded by lush green trees. The true beauty of Chùa Vàng can be seen at night when it is fully illuminated to showcase a golden temple, hence the name.
Chùa Vàng
Address: Ninh Nhất, Ninh Bình, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
5. Savor authentic Vietnamese street food at Phố đi bộ tỉnh Ninh Bình
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Phố đi bộ tỉnh Ninh Bình is a pedestrianised street in the heart of the Ninh Binh City bordering Trang An Street. This walking street features authentic Vietnamese street food such as pho and banh mi and live entertainment for locals and tourists alike, bringing Ninh Binh City to life at night. The is the perfect location where guests can mingle with the locals and experience Ninh Binh in a different light. Just walk around and you will encounter stalls that sell a variety of things. There are even play areas where your children can have fun.
Phố đi bộ tỉnh Ninh Bình
Address: Đào Duy Từ, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Website: Phố đi bộ tỉnh Ninh Bình
Opening hours: 5pm - 11:30pm (daily)
6. Fuel up at Chookie’s Beer Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Chookie’s Beer Garden is a quaint hideaway in Tam Coc that serves delicious Vietnamese and Western food at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a change from all the scrumptious pho or banh mi you’ve been indulging in during your trip, head over to Chookie’s for a change. The restaurant itself has an island shack vibe decked with bean bags, plants, and fairy lights. Be sure to try their wood-fired pizzas and burgers. As the evening approaches, be sure to snag a cosy spot. Chookie’s is the prime location where you get a beer around the area, which means it gets crowded easily. However, this is the best place to let loose and meet some new people.
Chookie's Beer Garden
Address: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
Website: Chookie’s Beer Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
7. Spend the afternoon at Park Thuy Son
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visiting Park Thuy Son is a splendid way to spend your afternoon in Ninh Binh. This beautiful park is a local favourite for those who wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of life. Perched on the bank of the Day River in Ninh Binh City, Park Thuy Son is surrounded by luscious green trees that are peppered around the park. Activities you can do here include having a picnic, reading a book, or simply soaking up the sun at Park Thuy Son. You can also explore other famous sites within the park such as Truong Han Sieu Cultural Monument or Duc Thuy Mountain. There are endless ways to spend a fruitful and relaxing afternoon at Park Thuy Son so be sure to try them all.
Park Thuy Son
Address: Vân Giang, Vân Gia, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
8. Offer your worship at Non Nuoc Pagoda
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visits to Non Nuoc Pagoda will leave you feeling at peace. The scenic Non Nuoc Pagoda is located in the Northeast region of Ninh Binh City. It is a century-old pagoda located at the foot of Non Nuoc Mountain. Erected during the Lyn Dynasty, this temple is made of stone with a curved roof engraved with winding dragons. Non Nuoc Pagoda and Mountain are considered a historical site and important landmark of Ninh Binh. Here, you will find a Buddha statue accompanied by smaller statues. Every year, Non Nuoc Pagoda welcomes throngs of local and international tourists who come to either visit or worship.
Non Nuoc Pagoda
Address: Lê Đại Hành, Vân Gia, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
9. Grab a drink at G-Pub Ninh Binh
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by G-PUB on Monday, July 1, 2019
Along Ninh Binh lies a little hangout spot called G-Pub. This little hole in the wall is the best place where you can have a relaxed evening with a good cocktail in hand. This local gem is filled with friendly and genuine staff. Choose your favourite songs to accompany you through the night as you enjoy your drink, play drinking games, and hang out with the locals.
G-Pub Ninh Binh
Address: Ngõ 12 Ngô Quyền, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình, 430000, Vietnam
Website: G-Pub Ninh Binh
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 7pm - 1am; Wed: 7pm - 1:30am; Sun: 7:30pm - 1:30pm
Popular things to do nearby
10. Learn local crafts at Van Lam Embroidery Village
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Van Lam Embroidery Village is an ancient and famous craft village in North Vietnam. Famous for its conventional embroidery craft, this is a popular tourist destination in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Van Lam Embroidery Village has existed for over seven centuries. The villagers create embroidery laced with European and Vietnamese influence, thus gaining popularity with tourists abroad. Catch a glimpse of native artisans at work during your visit here. You can even spend a few hours with a family and learn the craft yourself.
Van Lam Embroidery Village
Address: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
11. Appreciate nature at Cuc Phuong National Park
To truly escape into nature, one should visit Cuc Phuong National Park. This is Vietnam’s oldest national park, located 120 km (74 mi) southwest of Hanoi. Surrounded by beautiful lush old trees, it is a wonderful location for nature lovers and hikers. Nestled in this national park is a habitat for some of Asia’s rarest animal and plant specifies. It’s no wonder that researchers and conservationists flock here. Do keep a lookout for the dwellings of the Muong minority people on the outskirts of Cuc Phuong National Park and witness how these people live. Feast your eyes on traditional stilt houses and bamboo rafts should you choose to visit them.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Address: Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình Province 432857, Vietnam
Website: Cuc Phuong National Park
12. Explore beautiful Tam Coc
The reason why Ninh Binh is known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land” is because of Tam Coc. This mystical, watery beauty is the landlocked version of Ha Long Bay. Located outside of Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc remains one of the top destinations for tourists to visit when in Vietnam. Surrounded by karst hills, Tam Coc is best explored via traditional sampans that meander through the river where paddy fields merge. Paddled by the locals, this two-hour long boat ride will venture to three dark tunnel caves, Hang Ca, Hang Giua, and Hang Cuoi. Alternatively, you can rent a bike and ride through the emerald rice fields and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views. A trip to Tam Coc is certainly what you need for an off the beaten track experience.
Tam Coc
Address: Memorina, xóm 1 xã, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
13. Discover tranquility at the Van Long Nature Reserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Van Long Nature Reserve is a wetland that has remained relatively untouched by humans. Located 90 km (56 mi) from Hanoi, Van Long Nature Reserve has the biggest community of Delacour langurs and the largest animal printing. It is considered a “Waveless Bay” with tranquil and still waters that reflect its beauty. This nature reserve is also a favourite among birdwatchers who flock here in hopes of eyeing the rare black-faced spoonbill and white-browed crake. Explore Van Long Nature Reserve via boat or bike your way around it.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Address: Gia Viễn District, Ninh Bình Province 432269, Vietnam
Experience Ninh Binh like no other
Vietnam is home to plenty of picturesque destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. However, Ninh Binh is certainly one of Vietnam’s hidden gems. Every inch you explore in Ninh Binh will be filled with unobstructed panoramic views of lush greenery or limestone hills that promises to provide a sense of tranquillity no matter you go. The next time you plan a trip to Vietnam, let Ninh Binh surprise you with its beauty and charms.
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