Set in a landscape dazzling with nature and history, Ninh Binh is a picturesque escape from the noise and hustle and bustle of the Vietnamese capital. Just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi, this province offers a breath of fresh air and an immersion in a more rural and authentic Vietnam.
Known as “land’s Halong Bay”, Ninh Binh charms its visitors with its limestone cliffs that rise majestically above tranquil rivers and verdant rice fields. This guide will accompany you through the wonders of this magical destination, ideal for a day trip, and reveal how to maximize your experience in this breathtaking landscape, which seems straight out of a painting.
When you leave the bustle of Hanoi, the metamorphosis of the landscape is gradual but striking. As skyscrapers and neon lights give way to expanses of agriculture and towering rock formations, you’ll feel the urban footprint fade, replaced by the soothing calm of the Vietnamese countryside.
Prepare to discover the splendor of Ninh Binh, a treasure trove of tranquility and natural beauty, just waiting to be explored.
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The city of Ninh Binh is located just 100 km south of Hanoi, almost a 2-hour drive. You can travel by train, motorbike, public bus and the best is by private car.
From Ninh Binh town to Tam Coc + Bich Dong + Thai Vi temple, about 11 km and you can go there by car, motorbike, bicycle but not by train.
From Ninh Binh town to Hoa Lu (other direction) approximately 9 km except the train.
You can choose any type of transportation, but if you want to relax and enjoy most of the journey to Ninh Binh, I advise you to take a private car.
Riding a motorbike or traveling to Ninh Binh is not a bad idea, but traffic in Vietnam is a bit different from the rest of the world and most visitors would not choose that.
Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Almost all times of the year are good to visit Ninh Binh. Like other places in the north, Ninh Binh is cool and dry from November to April and it is hot and humid with rains in May and October. However, the rainy season is also when the rice fields are greenest, making it a very good reason to visit all year round.
Photographers will choose mid-May when the rice field turns a golden color and is ready for harvest.
Things to do for a day trip to Ninh Binh
1. Tam Coc boat trip
This is the must-see in Ninh Binh
The distinctive cliffs that rise from the countryside are often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on earth”. The most famous thing to do in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc boat tour. Boat rides in Tam Coc cross the Ngo Dong River, starting from Van Lam Pier.
The 2-hour round trip takes you through unique caves, rice fields and karst rocks. You may be surprised by the woman’s rowing technique here. They row the wooden paddles by their feet. Make sure to prepare a camera to film it.
During the trip, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie scene navigating a natural kingdom. If you visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong during the harvest season, the floating rice fields on both sides of the river will turn golden. It’s just a magical scene to see.
2. Bich Dong Pagoda
No Ninh Binh itinerary would be complete without a trip to Bich Dong. Bich Dong, which means “green cave” is located 2 km from Tam Coc.
Just like its name, Bich Dong is nestled in the jungle of mountains, rivers, water, rice fields all in green. This stop will not disappoint you, make sure to take lots of pictures.
Visitors can cycle from Tam Coc to Bich Dong to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh then stop at Bich Dong Pagoda whose entrance was built on a limestone island. The visitor will walk on a thin stone bridge to pass through the gate and enter the chambers of Bich Dong Cave – “the second best cave in Vietnam”.
3. Hang Mua (Mua Cave)
Hang Mua is located 3 kilometers from Tam Coc and 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh. Cycling from Tam Coc to Mua Cave is a favorite activity for visitors. You should first visit Mua Cave to enjoy the fresh air and stalactites that form in many shapes and sizes.
Next, if you are looking for a short mountain hike and stunning panoramic views, conquering Hang Mua will not disappoint. After climbing 500 steps, you will surely be rewarded with the magnificent 360-degree panoramic views.
From this summit, you will marvel at the giant dragon statue, the patchwork of green rice fields below, the rivers meandering in, around and around the ancient karsts. On a clear day, you can really see for miles.
4. Trang An Complex
The Trang An Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a series of caves carved into the region’s natural limestone monoliths, which rise dramatically from the rice fields.
Deep within the towering mountains lie pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous freshwater ponds and jungle. Visitors will board a traditional sampan that will gently float down the exquisite river through numerous caves: “Hang Toi” (Dark Cave), “Hang Sang” (Light Cave) and “Hang Nau Ruou” (Distillery Cave).
Each passage brings a new hiding place inside isolated valleys of tranquility, which perhaps transformed into another world and time.
The flora and fauna are rich, and a scene of a goat jumping from one cliff to another is a common sight. This is the time for you to enjoy the sunset over the limestone karsts while sailing on the clear water to the main tourist boat terminal.
5. Hoa Lu Citadel
Just a 20-minute drive from the Trang An area, travelers will find an ancient Hoa Lu. Unlike the shiny new Bai Dinh, this site dates back to the 10th And 11th centuries .
It was the very first capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Now Hoa Lu is quite ruined, and all the remains of Hoa Lu today are a few relics – the remains of an ancient temple and a collection of new pagodas dedicated to the ancient dignitaries of Hoa Lu.
Tien Hoang Temple and Le Dai Hanh Temple are the two most popular points for visitors. During the Lunar New Year, the Truong Yen Festival is held in Hoa Lu to commemorate the great victory of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh. If you visit Hoa Lu at this time, you will have the opportunity to soak up the historical atmosphere of the locals.
