Top Most Famous Tourist Destinations in Ninh Binh

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, a pristine ecological paradise, is currently captivating and enticing travel enthusiasts with its untouched, tranquil beauty in Ninh Binh. Van Long Lagoon is a place where migratory birds choose to make a stop, search for food, and take shelter. Encircled by isolated limestone islets and vast water valleys, it has coincidentally become a refuge for numerous wildlife species. With its stunning natural scenery, Van Long Lagoon is like a colossal heavenly mirror reflecting the exquisite beauty of the picturesque landscape.

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 an attractive tourist destination in Ninh Binh, where you can immerse yourself in soft, ripe rice fields and pristine emerald rivers. Located in the Dam Khe village area, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Thung Nang Ninh Binh offers a tranquil, pure, and intimate connection with nature. This is a place where you can enjoy moments of relaxation, strolling through vast fields, watching boats glide on the river, and losing yourself in a peaceful atmosphere.

Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long, known as the “waveless bay,” is a serene and famous eco-tourism destination that rivals Tam Coc – Bich Dong. It covers 3,000 hectares of wetland conservation, offering boat rides on a water surface as smooth as a giant mirror.

As you paddle along in a small boat, you’ll be surrounded by vast wetlands, various bird species, and limestone formations with names like Cat Scratch Mountain, Rice Cake Mountain, Bird’s Nest Mountain, and Fairy Mountain. The enchanting natural scenery at Van Long is sure to captivate anyone who visits.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, spanning 25,000 hectares, is a renowned eco-tourism destination famous for its rich ecological diversity, attractive environment, and cultural heritage. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to explore its diverse plant and animal life, enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes, and participate in eco-tourism, relaxation, camping, adventure, research, and cultural and historical experiences.

You can visit Cuc Phuong for the day or, for a more immersive experience, plan a 2- to 3-day trip. According to Ninh Binh travel experts, visiting Cuc Phuong in early June to July allows you to witness the spectacular annual butterfly migration, where thousands of butterflies fill the forest. For convenient visits to Cuc Phuong National Park, it’s recommended to book accommodation nearby.

Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral, often referred to as the Stone Cathedral of Phat Diem, is a Catholic complex covering approximately 22 hectares in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches, often compared to the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam.

Phat Diem Cathedral is built entirely of stone and wood, and its construction began in 1875, culminating in completion in 1898. Although it is a Catholic church, it is designed in a traditional Vietnamese temple and pagoda style, making it a distinctive and unique religious site.

Temple of King Dinh

The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is an important historical monument within the specially protected area of the heritage site of the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh. The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. Its current location is in the eastern part of the former capital of Hoa Lu. This is the only place in Vietnam where King Dinh Tien Hoang, his parents, and his sons are all worshipped together, along with the generals of the Dinh dynasty. Similar to other historical sites in the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu, the Temple of King Dinh is part of the Trang An World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014.

The Temple of King Dinh was built in a style that combines both local and foreign elements, with the main axis facing east. In front of the temple, there is the Ma Yen Mountain, which has a shape resembling a saddle, similar to a warhorse’s saddle. The temple is built on the foundation of the old royal palace of the Hoa Lu capital. In this area, archaeologists have also unearthed a courtyard with ancient lotus flower motifs and intertwining phoenixes. The surface of the bricks features the inscriptions “Dai Viet Quoc Quan Thanh Chuyen” and “Giang Tay Quan,” confirming that these bricks date back to the Dinh – Le period.

Temple of King Le

The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is a historical monument that carries the glorious historical traditions of the nation. It is part of the particularly important historical relic complex in the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province. The temple is dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga, and Le Long Dinh. Additionally, there is a section of the temple dedicated to Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and the general Pham Cu Luong. The temple is located about 300 meters from the area of the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, in the center of the ancient Eastern Capital of Hoa Lu, which is now the village of Yen Thanh, Truong Yen commune, Ninh Binh province. The Temple of King Le is smaller in scale compared to the Temple of King Dinh, creating a cozy and simple atmosphere within the temple.

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

Ninh Binh is a destination with so many tourist attractions that it may seem like you need 10 days to explore them all. However, in your travel itinerary, choose the highlights that suit your health and time constraints and create a perfect program for yourself!