When mentioning Ninh Binh, many people will immediately think of famous tourist destinations such as Trang An, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc Bich Dong, etc. Now, let’s list all the most attractive famous tourist spots in Ninh Binh together with VnCarRentals.com through the following article.
Top must-visit tourist attractions in Ninh Binh that will leave you in awe once
Below is a list of tourist attractions in Ninh Binh that you should visit at least once:
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Trang An is the most famous tourist destination in Ninh Binh today. With its pristine and stunning natural landscape, Trang An Ninh Binh has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural and cultural heritage site.
The scenery here is created by winding rivers that flow through limestone mountains, forming numerous enchanting and mysterious natural caves that attract tourists. To explore Trang An, visitors can sit on boats and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding hills and mountains.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a familiar destination that no visitor should miss when visiting Ninh Binh. When visiting Tam Coc, you can take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, enjoying the picturesque views of the karst mountains and golden rice fields. The scenic beauty here will surely captivate any visitor. The boat ticket costs 150,000 VND for a ride that can carry up to 4 people.
In addition, visitors can also explore Bich Dong, which consists of a dry cave on the mountain and a through cave. On the mountain, there is the Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple that spans three levels, where pilgrims come to light incense and make offerings. The entrance fee for the visit is 120,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, and is a nationally significant historical site in Vietnam. This heritage site includes the temples of King Dinh, King Le, and many other important structures. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a favored destination for many tourists, especially those interested in exploring history and making pilgrimages.
Van Long Lagoon
Van Long Lagoon is a pristine ecological paradise that attracts travelers with its peaceful and untouched beauty in Ninh Binh. Many migratory birds choose this area as a place to rest, search for food, and find shelter.
Surrounded by limestone mountains and expansive water valleys, the lagoon has become a natural habitat for many wildlife species. Its calm water creates a mirror-like surface that beautifully reflects the surrounding landscape. The breathtaking scenery makes Van Long Lagoon one of the most charming attractions in Ninh Binh.
During the summer, around May and June each year, visitors can admire the lagoon dressed in a vibrant pink cloak of lotus blossoms against a green backdrop, filling the air with the fragrant scent of lotus flowers. This undoubtedly makes it a “hotspot” for young people who come here to capture timeless photographs.
Mua Cave
Mua Cave is situated at the foot of Mua Mountain and is a tourist spot within the Khê Đầu Hạ area, Ninh Xuan commune. Although not as famous as other attractions in Ninh Binh, Mua Cave has won the hearts of many visitors due to its breathtaking natural beauty and the unspoiled, tranquil atmosphere.
From the base of the mountain, you can see a series of stairs leading to the mountain’s peak, resembling a miniature version of the Great Wall. At the summit of Mua Mountain, you can admire panoramic views of ripened rice fields, and small boats gently rowing on the water.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Located 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest temple complex in Vietnam, boasting several established records. It includes the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest bronze Buddha statue, the largest set of Tam The statues (representing the past, present, and future Buddhas) in Vietnam, the largest well in Vietnam, and the most stone Arhat statues in Vietnam.
This is a pilgrimage and cultural tourism destination for those seeking a serene and tranquil space. The scenery here resembles a heavenly realm at Bai Dinh Pagoda, and anyone who visits can feel the peace and tranquility of this place. There are several hotels nearby for convenient accommodation.
Co Vien Lau
Co Vien Lau is a Ninh Binh tourist destination that evokes a sense of tranquility, like a breath of fresh air that sweeps away all worries and concerns in this ancient setting. Stepping into Co Vien Lau, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a different world, where time seems to stand still. The beauty of this ancient village dates back to centuries past and bears the distinctive features of the Northern region of Vietnam. Every house, communal hall, and antique object here creates a space reminiscent of ancient times, with a strong sense of rural heritage.
Am Tien Cave – “Ninh Binh’s Enchanted Gorge”
A national monument within the Hoa Lu national monument complex, Am Tien Cave is a must-visit destination for those who want to enjoy a peaceful and picturesque natural setting. Due to its rugged and secluded beauty, it’s often referred to by young people as “Ninh Binh’s Enchanted Gorge.”
Everything in this place has a slightly melancholic quality, touched by the passage of time, and the beauty here is unlike anything you’ll find in other Ninh Binh attractions. The entrance fee for Am Tien Cave is 20,000 VND per person.
Thung Nham Bird Garden
Thung Nham Bird Garden is one of the most attractive destinations in Ninh Binh, where cultural, spiritual, and diverse biodiversity elements come together amid tropical forests on limestone mountains, along with caves and valleys harmonizing with the natural flora, fauna, and waterways.
You’ll also have the unique opportunity to observe the lives of nearly 40 bird species, with populations totaling up to 50,000 birds. At sunset, you can witness flocks of white storks gracefully flying over the water, creating a fascinating and pristine spectacle that is hard to find elsewhere.
Thung Nang
Thung Nang is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Visitors can admire golden rice fields, peaceful landscapes, and crystal-clear emerald rivers. Located in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Thung Nang offers a tranquil atmosphere and a close connection with nature. Here, you can relax, walk through wide-open fields, watch boats gently move along the river, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Known as the “waveless bay,” Van Long is a peaceful eco-tourism destination and one of the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh. The reserve covers more than 3,000 hectares of wetlands and features calm water that reflects the surrounding scenery like a giant mirror.
A boat trip allows visitors to explore vast wetlands, limestone mountains, and diverse bird species. Many mountains here have unique names, including Cat Scratch Mountain, Rice Cake Mountain, Bird’s Nest Mountain, and Fairy Mountain. The charming landscapes and quiet atmosphere make Van Long an unforgettable place to visit.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park covers approximately 25,000 hectares and stands as one of Vietnam’s most famous eco-tourism destinations. The park attracts visitors with rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and cultural significance. Every year, hundreds of thousands of travelers visit to discover wildlife, enjoy nature, go camping, join adventure activities, and explore historical sites.
You can visit Cuc Phuong on a day trip or stay for two to three days for a deeper experience. Travel experts recommend visiting from early June to July because this period brings the annual butterfly season. During this time, thousands of butterflies create a spectacular scene throughout the forest. To make your trip more convenient, consider booking accommodation near the park.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral, also known as the Stone Cathedral of Phat Diem, is a famous Catholic complex in Ninh Binh. It covers about 22 hectares in Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District. Many travelers consider it one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam and often call it the “Catholic capital” of the country.
Builders constructed the cathedral entirely from stone and wood. Construction started in 1875 and finished in 1898. Although it serves as a Catholic church, the design follows traditional Vietnamese temple and pagoda architecture. This unique combination creates a distinctive religious and cultural landmark.
Temple of King Dinh
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is one of the most important historical landmarks in Ninh Binh. It lies within the specially protected area of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu heritage site in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District. The temple stands in the eastern part of the former Hoa Lu capital.
This sacred site is the only place in Vietnam where people worship King Dinh Tien Hoang together with his parents, sons, and the generals of the Dinh Dynasty. Like many other landmarks in the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu, the Temple of King Dinh also belongs to the Trang An World Heritage Site, which UNESCO recognized in 2014.
The temple features a unique architectural style that blends local and foreign influences, with its main axis facing east. Ma Yen Mountain stands in front of the temple and resembles the saddle of a warhorse. Builders constructed the temple on the foundation of the former royal palace of Hoa Lu.
Archaeologists also discovered valuable relics in this area, including an ancient courtyard decorated with lotus and intertwined phoenix patterns. Many bricks bear the inscriptions “Dai Viet Quoc Quan Thanh Chuyen” and “Giang Tay Quan.” These findings confirm their origin from the Dinh–Le period.
Temple of King Le
The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is an important historical monument that preserves the glorious traditions of Vietnam. It belongs to the significant historical relic complex of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province.
Visitors come here to honor King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga, and Le Long Dinh. The temple also includes a dedicated area for Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and General Pham Cu Luong.
Located in Yen Thanh Village, Truong Yen Commune, the temple stands in the center of the former Eastern Capital of Hoa Lu. It sits around 300 meters from the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang.
Compared with the Temple of King Dinh, this site has a smaller scale and a more intimate setting. Its simple design creates a peaceful and cozy atmosphere for visitors.
Overview of Some Travel Experiences in Ninh Binh:
Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land,” is a beautiful province in northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes, lush rice paddies, and karst formations.
Which Season is the Most Beautiful for Traveling to Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh’s beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the most beautiful seasons are typically spring (February to April) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is mild, and the rice fields are vibrant green or golden yellow, creating stunning landscapes for photography and exploration. These seasons are considered the best for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
How to Get to Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is easily accessible from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. The most common ways to get to Ninh Binh are:
- By Train: You can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The journey offers scenic views and is a comfortable option.
- By Bus: Several bus companies operate routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The bus journey is relatively quick and affordable.
- By Car: You can hire a private car or taxi to drive to Ninh Binh. This option provides flexibility in terms of your schedule and stops along the way.
If you want a fast, safe, and time-saving service, you can book a car rental service in Hanoi from VnCarRentals.com. With a professional team of drivers with many years of experience, they will ensure you have a comfortable trip to Ninh Binh. Along the way, you can rest and visit other tourist destinations. Book a car rental service from Hanoi to Ninh Binh today for detailed itinerary advice.
What to Prepare When Traveling to Ninh Binh?
When traveling to Ninh Binh, it’s important to be prepared:
- Clothing: Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for the season. If visiting in the rainy season, bring a raincoat or umbrella.
- Sun Protection: Ninh Binh can be quite sunny. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Insect Repellent: In some areas, especially near rivers and rice fields, there may be mosquitoes. It’s a good idea to carry insect repellent.
- Comfortable Footwear: Ensure you have comfortable walking or hiking shoes for exploring caves, hiking, and cycling.
- Water and Snacks: Bring water and snacks for your day trips, as you may not always have access to food vendors.
- Local Currency: While major tourist areas may accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry some local currency for small purchases and local services.
- Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected events during your trip.
- Respect Local Customs: Ninh Binh is home to many cultural and religious sites. Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Vietnamese Language: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can be helpful, as English may not be widely spoken in some remote areas.
By being prepared and respectful, you can fully enjoy your trip to the stunning landscapes and cultural wonders of Ninh Binh.
Specialties of Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh “Com Chay” (Burned Rice)
When talking about the specialties of Ninh Binh, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the delicious “com chay” (burned rice). What makes this dish special in the ancient capital of Ninh Binh is the meticulous preparation process. To achieve the crispy texture of “com chay,” chefs must carefully select high-quality rice grains and then combine and cook them to perfection.
Ninh Binh’s traditional “com chay” is typically served with piping hot goat meat sauce. The crispy rice perfectly complements the rich, savory flavor of the goat sauce, leaving anyone who tries it amazed and delighted.
The price of a serving is quite affordable, around 30,000 Vietnamese Dong. You can find a serving of “com chay” at various Ninh Binh eateries or souvenir shops in tourist areas.
In the past, traditional Ninh Binh “com chay” was served plain with goat sauce. However, due to evolving culinary tastes, it is now prepared with a variety of delicious sauces and toppings, such as pork floss or shrimp floss, making it both flavorful and enticing.
Ninh Binh Mountain Goat Meat
Ninh Binh’s mountain goats have been renowned for their quality for a long time. Raised in the high mountainous regions, they are always active, resulting in tender and delicious meat. The local residents have come up with various ways to maximize the flavors of goat meat. Some delicious goat dishes from Ninh Binh include grilled goat, steamed goat, and goat with ginger sauce.
The people of Ninh Binh believe that mountain goat meat is not only delicious but also very healthy. If you have the opportunity to visit Ninh Binh, make sure to try this delectable specialty
Conclusion
Ninh Binh offers countless tourist attractions, ranging from breathtaking natural landscapes to fascinating cultural and historical sites. Because the destination has so many places to explore, you may feel that discovering everything would take several days. However, you do not need to visit every attraction during one trip. Instead, choose the highlights that best match your schedule, interests, and travel style. Then, create a suitable itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable journey in Ninh Binh.
[…] Cave is one of the famous tourist destinations in Ninh Binh that you shouldn’t miss. If you are already very familiar with places like Van Long Lagoon, […]