Top things to do in Ninh Binh

To contemplate this area, first, take a visit to Trang An eco-tourism complex, a mix of fields and streams among the countless rock formations covering a total of 12.000 ha of three districts Hoa Lu, Nho Quan and Gia Vien. The attraction of these landscapes is from 3 sites: Trang An ecological zone, Tam Coc – Bich Dong and Hoa Lu ancient capital which is peacefully adorned by jungle, rivers and religious monuments in the area.
 

Trang An ecological tourism site
 

Trang An boat trip in Ninh Binh

Located 93km from Hanoi and 7km from Ninh Binh city, spread over more than 2000ha, the area seduces you with a beautiful scenery combining the nature and human images. The landscape of Trang An is ideally visited in a sampan to discover a dozen mystical caves, diversified size and shape that are Sang cave( light cave), Toi cave ( dark cave), Dia Linh, Nau Ruou, Sinh, Si, Ba Giot ( three drops), Khong… among other 48 caves. The place is famous for the underground caves connected by thirty valleys, some of which are even two km in length. These multiform karst formations were constituted by a natural matrix full of enigma. Not far, just half an hour walking quietly to millennial temples: Trinh Temples, Tran and Phu Khong temples… it is worth to visit them.

Tam Coc – a great marriage between golden rice fields and picturesque caves

Beautiful boat ride in Tam Coc

About 110km from Hanoi, Tam Coc is the unique place in Ninh Binh where flooded rice cultivation still exists. The country reveals the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside embellished by rivers, karst formations and three beautiful caves (Tam Coc) which is the same name. Rowing along the stream and immerse into the beauty of the Ca cave, Hai and Ba Cave then take a bike ride along the lush fields which will provide you with the relaxation in nature.

Bich Dong pagoda cave
Located 2km from Tam Coc pier, you will be tempted by Bich Dong or Jade cave, considered the second most beautiful in the country. 
Walking through the stone bridge will lead you to the gate of the Bich Dong pagoda. It consists of Lower pagoda, middle pagoda and higher pagoda.
The middle pagoda is a very special one as a half of the pagoda is inside the cave and a half with a curl roof is outside. From the gate of the cave, it provides a gorgeous view of the rice fields and the mountain ranges. 

Stone bridge leading to Bich Dong pagoda

Besides, there is a submerged cave which is 350m in length located under the mountain. The ceiling and the wall of the cave are usually flat; nature seems to arrange the large rock to make the dome, semi-circle with varied shapes.

Hoa Lu Ancient capital
It lasted 40 years as the capital of Vietnam in the 10 century. Located 11km from Ninh Binh city, it presents great historical landmarks related to the Dynasties of Dinh and Le.  The trace of the royal city is composed of 47 vestiges, the most sacred and famous one are the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang King and Ly Thai To King in the distance of 500m from each other.

Thung Nham – Exceptional bird sanctuary
4km from Tam Coc – Bich Dong, you will arrive in Thung Nham, a bird sanctuary where the visitors will not miss the chance to catch the atmosphere of the return to the nest of thousands of birds at sunset. Green mountain, primitive forest, transparent river and beautiful caves they are a great place which should not miss for relaxation and great impressive photos.

Van Long – the Bay without waves

Van Long nature reserve-Ninh Binh

Van Long is in Gia Vien district, you will embark in a boat for a peaceful visit to Van Long Bay, the largest submerged nature reserve in the north of the country. The visitors will be surprised by the transparent water that could see the sparkling bottom. Relax and discover this large natural picturesque scenery, this would make envy to those who wish a full escape in the wild landscapes. 

Thung Nang (Sun Valley)

Thung Nang - Ninh Binh

Only 5 minutes by bike from Tam Coc. It is a haven of tranquillity where you would enjoy the fresh air, green mountain and the lake.

Am Tiem pagoda

Am Tiem - Ninh Binh

Partially submerged and surrounded by rock formations, offers a sublime scenery. Unveiled just recently, this paradise on earth quickly became a new destination for a weekend in a secret corner of Ninh Binh. In the same vein, the Hang Mua cave (dance cave) is hidden among the stunning mountains where could offer you a breathtaking view of the thousands hectare of the rice field and the river.
 

Thien Ha galaxy grotto - Ninh Binh. A magical world, captivating travellers by its stalactites and stalagmites 

Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh pagoda, situated 15km from Ninh Binh city, will take you to the most spectacular Buddhist in southeast Asia. The 50ha religion area will make you surprise by many recognized records of Vietnam and Asia.

Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong national park is an area of 25000 ha, situated 45km from Ninh Binh city. It is one of the most important natural reserves in Vietnam. A day trip is enough interest to discover the exceptional biodiversity sheltering several rare species of plants and animal protected by our government.

Cuc Phuong National Park - Ninh Binh

It is obvious that Trang An ecological complex was inscribed in the Unesco’s list of world cultural and natural heritage.  A combination of relaxation and discovery, a boat trip, motorbike and bike for an excursion, everything is on the program to ensure an unforgettable green getaway in Ninh Binh.

When to travel to Ninh Binh?
To avoid the touristic time, the best time to visit Ninh Binh between May and November. 3-4 day stay is sufficient to discover many interesting sites. Falling in love with Tam Coc rice fields, Van Long nature reserve or sanctuary Bich Dong pagoda. For photography, choose harvest time that lasts from May to June.
Have a great journey!