Things to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful destinations, known for its stunning limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, and ancient temples. But what are the best things to do in Ninh Binh? Below are some memorable experiences you should not miss on your trip.

Best time to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has its own charm in every season, but the best time to visit Ninh Binh is generally from March to May, when the weather is warm and pleasant, humidity is relatively low, and the landscape is lush and green, with local cultural festivals taking place.

From late May to early June, Tam Coc enters the rice harvest season, when the golden rice fields create a stunning landscape along the river.

In September and October, cooler temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable weather make it a great time for walking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities.

Things to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh offers a wonderful mix of natural landscapes, historical sites, and local experiences. From scenic boat trips through limestone mountains and peaceful countryside to ancient temples, caves, and national parks, there are plenty of ways to explore the region.

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Step into the history of Vietnam at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the country’s first capital and a place that preserves the remarkable legacy of its early dynasties. Set among dramatic limestone mountains, the historic complex features ancient temples, remnants of defensive walls, caves, and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh while taking in the peaceful scenery of the Trang An Landscape Complex.

– Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

– Entrance fee:

• Adults: VND 20,000
• Children aged 6-15, seniors, and people with disabilities: VND 10,000

Take a boat trip in Trang An

Take a scenic boat trip through Trang An, where towering limestone mountains, winding rivers, and mysterious caves come together to create one of Ninh Binh’s most memorable landscapes. The boat takes you through a series of caves and along peaceful waterways, offering a relaxing way to admire the natural beauty of the Trang An Landscape Complex. It is a great choice for travelers who want to experience Ninh Binh’s dramatic scenery at a slower pace.

– Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

– Trang An boat ticket:

• Visitors over 1.3 m: VND 300,000 per person
• Children from 1 to 1.3 m: VND 150,000 per person
• Seniors over 60: VND 150,000 per person
• Children under 1 m: Free
• Tour guide: VND 300,000 per tour

Note: The ticket includes both the entrance fee and the boat fare.

Explore Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Take a boat trip through the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area and enjoy the beautiful scenery of limestone mountains, rice fields, and peaceful waterways. Along the route, visitors can explore the famous Tam Coc caves and combine the boat trip with visits to Thai Vi Temple and Tien Cave. The journey offers a relaxing way to experience Ninh Binh’s natural landscapes while discovering its historic and cultural sites. From late May to early June, the surrounding rice fields turn golden, making this an especially beautiful time to experience Tam Coc.

– Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

– Entrance and boat ticket:

• Adults: VND 250,000 per person
• Children: VND 120,000 per person

Note: The ticket does not include the electric shuttle service between the attractions.

Climb Hang Mua for panoramic views

Visit Hang Mua to admire the lotus pond, which is especially beautiful from May to July, before climbing around 500 stone steps to the viewpoint. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the winding Ngo Dong River and Tam Coc stretching through the limestone mountains below. The climb is rewarding, but the steps are steep and can be challenging, so visitors should consider their fitness level and wear comfortable footwear.

– Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM

– Entrance fee:

• Adults and children over 1 m: VND 150,000 per person
• Children under 1 m: Free

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Vietnam, surrounded by limestone mountains and peaceful countryside. The complex features impressive temples, large Buddha statues, long corridors lined with Arhat statues, and the famous Bai Dinh Bell Tower. Visitors can spend a few hours exploring the grounds and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere while learning more about Vietnamese Buddhist culture and architecture.

– Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

– Entrance fee: Free

– Additional services:

• Electric shuttle: VND 30,000 per person per trip
• Bell Tower visit: VND 50,000 per person
• Tour guide + electric shuttle: VND 520,000 per person

Explore Thung Nham Bird Park

Discover Thung Nham Bird Park, a peaceful nature area surrounded by limestone mountains, caves, forests, and wetlands. One of the highlights is the bird garden, where visitors can see large numbers of birds returning to their nests, especially in the late afternoon. The area also features attractions such as Hang But, gardens, and other natural sites, making it a relaxing place to explore Ninh Binh’s scenery and local biodiversity.

– Opening hours:

• Summer: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Winter: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

– Entrance fee:

• Adults: VND 250,000 per person
• Children from 1 to 1.29 m: VND 150,000 per person

Note: The ticket includes entrance to the tourist area, boat trips to Hang But and the Bird Garden, access to other attractions within the complex, and the outdoor performance “Khuc Hat Thien Nhien” (Song of Nature).

Discover Van Long Nature Reserve

Take a peaceful boat trip through Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland area in northern Vietnam. Surrounded by limestone mountains, calm waterways, and reed-covered wetlands, the reserve offers a beautiful setting for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors may also spot the rare Delacour’s langur, an endangered primate native to northern Vietnam, in the limestone cliffs and surrounding forest. The quiet atmosphere and untouched scenery make Van Long a great place to experience a more peaceful side of Ninh Binh.

– Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

– Entrance fee:

• Adults: VND 20,000 per person
• Children under 1 m and seniors: VND 10,000 per person

Note: The entrance fee does not include the boat fare.

Experience Cuc Phuong National Park

Spend a day exploring the rich biodiversity of Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park. Visitors can hike through the forest, discover ancient trees and caves, and visit wildlife conservation centers that protect endangered native species. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, while longer trails allow travelers to experience the peaceful atmosphere of the forest and learn more about its diverse ecosystem.
If you enjoy watching butterflies and want to see the forest filled with thousands of colorful butterflies, consider visiting Cuc Phuong from April to June, when the butterfly season is at its most impressive.

– Entrance fee:

• Adults: VND 60,000 per person
• Students: VND 20,000 per person
• Children: VND 10,000 per person

Note: The entrance fee does not include conservation and rescue programs, museum visits, or nighttime wildlife observation.

Enjoy Ninh Binh local cuisine

No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without trying its local specialties. Sample dishes such as goat meat, crispy rice, eel vermicelli, and mountain chicken to discover the flavors of the region. Local restaurants and family-run eateries are great places to enjoy these dishes and experience a more authentic side of Ninh Binh.

Planning a trip to Ninh Binh? Contact Style Travel to find a tour that suits your travel style, interests, budget, and schedule. We offer Vietnam and Southeast Asia tours with personalized itineraries, helping you create a memorable and hassle-free journey with the support of our travel experts.