9 Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Join a paddleboat tour in Trang An Landscape Complex

Accessible by waterway only, scenic boat excursions to Trang An Complex offer tourists ultimate leisure time in the midst of nature. From the wharf, there are three sailing routes that tourists can choose to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No matter which routes you embark on, you will admire the breathtaking scenery of towering limestone mountains, amazing caves, and thousand-year-old worship places. For a more exciting experience, rent a kayak and discover the site on your own. 

 Take a boat tour in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Check in little-known gem Tuyet Tinh Toc

Historical structures blend with picturesque nature in Tuyet Tinh Coc. Also known as An Tien Cave, here tourists will be astonished by the pristine and tranquil beauty of an emerald lake in the heart of a gorgeous verdant valley. Not only be an attractive tourist destination, but Tuyet Tinh Coc is also a popular wedding filming site in the North of Vietnam. Ancient pagoda carved into rocky mountains exudes a sense of mystery and isolation. Leisurely wander around the lake and capture mesmerizing photos of colorful fishes.

Photo: @emily919

Shop at Bop Market

Located right in the center of Ninh Binh City, come to Bop market, visitors can not only get cheap bites but also immerse themselves in local life. This major market in town hosts a wide range of items from vegetables, fresh fruits to necessities and local specialties. Bop Market is busiest in the early morning and a lot of locals and tourists come there for breakfast and lunch. 

Taste Ninh Binh's signature dishes

Ninh Binh local specialties inherit the quintessence of Vietnam's northern cuisine. The must-try "com chay" or fried rice crust is crispy and tasty topped with meat, onion, and shrimp. It is served with spicy fish sauce or soybean sauce. For a hearty lunch, it is best to try "de tai chanh". Goat meat is lightly cured in lemon juice and topped with sesame seeds, lime leaves, and chilies. Additionally, you should also feast on great culinary delights including Nho Quan alcohol, fermented pork roll, ell vermicelli, sticky rice with ant eggs, and Ninh Binh mountain snails.

 Com Chay dish - photo: @heritagevna.magazine

Steep in history in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Surrounded by cragged limestone mountains, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital boasts Vietnam's first capital. Built in the 10th century under Dai Co Viet Kingdom, this is one of the most important historical landmarks nationwide. At Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, tourists will have a chance to contemplate many charming temples, tombs, and pagodas. At specific times of the year, traditional cultural festivals like Truong Yen Festival are taken place with many activities and draw throngs of participants.

Main temple gate of the King Dinh Tien Hoang comples in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Climb up Hang Mua

Although Hang Mua Viewpoint is not reachable with ease, it offers a great opportunity for outdoor adventures. Climbing hundreds of stone steps to the summit, you will see panoramic countryside views of Tam Coc Valley, tranquil Tam Coc rice paddy fields, and serene rivers. The opening hour of Hang Mua is from 7am to 5pm and the best time visit is during the harvesting season from September to October. Those wishing to spend a night in Hang Mua can stay in Mua Caves Ecolodge and Nguyen Shack Ninh Binh.

Top pagoda of Hang Mua temple in Ninh Binh

Stroll around Bai Dinh Pagoda

Ninh Binh Province takes pride in many beautiful pilgrimage sites. Nearly 20km from Ninh Binh City, Bai Dinh Pagoda is Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex which attracts thousands of visitors yearly. The site includes a scattering of pagodas, more than 500 carved Buddhist statues, and a bell tower embraced by ornamental trees. It also hosts many national records such as Vietnam's biggest statue of Bodhisattva and the greatest number of Arhat statues. To have a deeper insight into this religious complex, hop on an electric car to reach and start your interesting sightseeing trip.

Bai Dinh Pagoda - The biggiest temple complex in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Go trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park

Demanding hiking trails in Cuc Phuong National Park offer tourists memorable experiences. The best time to trek here is in the dry season from November to February. Pass through primary forests and expect to see mysterious limestone caves, botanical gardens, and endangered species. What's more, experienced trekkers can take overnight treks to further destinations like Ngoc Son Nature Reserve and Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Bridge through jungle in Cuc Phuong National Park

Have a glimpse of Van Long Wetlands

Journey to Van Long Wetlands, the largest nature reserve in northern Vietnam is captivating especially for keen birdwatchers. Covering over 3000 hectares of unspoiled landscapes, Van Long Wetlands is also home to many species of reptiles, monkeys, and birds. Here you can find the largest number of Delacour's langurs in Vietnam. Rustic bamboo boats take you along the stream to admire magnificent cliffs, rice fields, and fauna and flora species.

Landscape in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh