30 Best Things to Do & See in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is one of the most attractive destinations for Vietnamese and international tourists with thousands of arrivals per year. If you feel it is difficult to decide where to explore here for the short trip, we will help you to find out 30 best things to do and see in Ninh Binh.
Let’s discover and note the places that make you feel excited and prepare for the most memorable trip to Ninh Binh with Asia Private Travels.
10 Top Ninh Binh Activities
1. Boat trip in Trang An
With the flow of the Sao Khe River through Trang An, taking a boat trip to visit this ecotourism area is the best choice. Currently, there are three main routes by rowing boat to enjoy its gorgeous beauty with dramatic mountains around, rivers, rice fields, and local people for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Depending on your route, you can visit many amazing caves and temple stops such as Suoi Tien Temple, Trinh Temple, Toi Cave, and Dai Cave. The ticket price includes the boat travel so you won’t pay any fee for it.
Trang An Ninh Binh
Another type of exploration is Kayak. You can rent it for a single boat with the price of 250,000 VND for 2 hours and 300.000 VND for 3 hours; respectively 350.000 VND and 400.000 VND in the case of a double boat. You can try rowing and travel simultaneously.
Address: Trang An eco-tourism area, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hours: 6 a.m to 4.30 p.m.
Ticket price: 250.000 VND per person; 120.000 VND for children under 1,3 m and free for children under 1 m.
2. Conquer Mua Cave and Mua Viewpoint
Mua Cave is a must-see place when you visit Ninh Binh because of the amazing natural surrounding scenery. Unlike other caves in Vietnam, it is not famous for the inside views but the outside. Mua Viewpoint is the highlight for tourists to travel and conquer.
Conquer Mua Cave and Mua Viewpoint
After taking 486 stone steps to the top of Mua Viewpoint, all your worries will go away with the wind and the incredible landscape will never let you down. The tiring feeling will vanish and instead, the limitless rice fields (Tam Coc) appear magically in your view. Reaching the old small tower on the top, you can pose to take amazing pictures.
Address: Khe Dau Ha village, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
Opening hours: 6 a.m to 9 p.m.
Ticket price: 100.000 VND per person (Free for children under 10 years old).
Note: You should choose comfortable clothes and suitable shoes, and bring some water along for climbing. You can rent clothes at the entrance to take photos. Admiring the sunset at the top of the Mua Viewpoint is an unforgettable memory.
3. Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park
Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park is a wonderful experience with different terrain, a large area, and a stunning atmosphere you can enjoy.
It is the first national park in Vietnam with many creatures both animals and plants and witness to the natural beauty of the country.
Deer Watching in Cuc Phuong National Park
Besides, Cuc Phuong is also suitable for teamwork activities to explore new places, work out, and hold team-building session.
Note: It sometimes rains in the forest, bring a raincoat if trekking in the rainy season. Bring comfortable shoes and insect repellents.
Address: Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 6 p.m
Ticket price: 60.000 VND per person; 20.000 VND for students and 10.000 VND for children.
4. Biking Around Village and Fields
Biking is also a well-known choice when discovering Ninh Binh that allows you to immerse yourself in fresh, tranquil and special natural space. Tam Coc - Bich Dong area is the greatest area to take biking tours here.
The beauty of the green fields dotted among long dramatic mountains, small villages and narrow streets bring tourists to a large fresh area with no high buildings, no polluted air, and no traffic jams.
Biking Around Village and Fields
With the large attractions, it is difficult to visit on foot so biking is the best choice for sightseeing. This might be a new experience and make your journey more interesting. Generally, the price to rent the bike is from 50.000 VND to 70.000 VND per day.
5. Hike to Silver Cloud Peak
Silver Cloud Peak is a fascinating spot that you can not miss in Cuc Phuong National Park. Located in the highest point, the clouds covering the forest brings the tourists a marvelous view, like a picture of paradise.
Hike to Silver Cloud Peak
To reach the Silver Cloud Peak, you will pass through the forest with natural beauty and fresh air. Immerse in the stunning view and smell of the Motherland, it is a must-experience for those who love outdoor activity, integrating traveling and climbing.
Address: Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 6 p.m
Ticket price: 60.000 VND per person; 20.000 VND for students and 10.000 VND for children.
6. Relax at the Hot spring at Kenh Ga Floating Village
The Hot spring at Kenh Ga Floating Village is a unique present for local residents by the Motherland before flowing to Hoang Long river. It is good for health because of the minerals and salt-rich water like kalicloride, or sodium chloride, etc., and a maintaining temperature of 53°C.
Relax at Hot spring at Kenh Ga Floating Village
The Hot spring becomes one of the 5 most attractive open-air hot springs in Vietnam due to not only a special source of water but also the stunning views. The price of hot spring bath services are diverse depending on service providers.
Address: Gia Thinh village, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 7 a.m to 7 p.m.
7. Boat trip to Galaxy Grotto
Galaxy Grotto located in Trang An eco-tourism area has the beauty from the delusion of stalactites during the tectonic process. The boat visit begins with a little peaceful village named Muong Tho Ha. 1 km traveling on a small canal of Ben Dang river leads you to the entrance of the cave with a 500-meters stone road.
Boat trip to Galaxy Grotto
The experienced guide will introduce Galaxy Grotto on the journey, so you can fully immerse in the wonderful land with all shapes of stalactites. That makes your trip memorable.
Address: Quang Lac village, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 7 a.m to 6 p.m.
Ticket price: 120.000 VND per person; 60.000 VND for children.
8. Ninh Binh local homestay
The local homestay is famous for its reasonable price, safety, and convenience it give you the opportunity to explore the daily life of the local residents during Vietnam Tours.
Ninh Binh local homestay
Along with the development of this attraction, homestay service quickly expanded and upgraded to meet the satisfaction of tourists. Therefore, they have a variety of choices to explore and relax. These are some useful recommendations:
For You Homestay
Address: 479B, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
Prices: From 26$
Best for: Service and facilities
Tam Coc Lake View Homestay
Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
Prices: From 10$
Best for: View
Lotus Field Homestay
Address: Khe Thuong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
Prices: From 30$
Best for: Room decór
Trang An Central Homestay
Address: Ninh Hoa, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
Prices: From 22$
Best for: Location
9. Bai Ngang Beach – Con Noi
Bai Ngang Beach is also known as Con Noi Beach, belonging to Kim Son beach which was honored by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve and one of the eight most significant biodiversity protection sites in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is suitable for rural tours so that you can see the unlimitedness of the sky, sea, and immense sedge field. Differ from other oceans, water of Ninh Binh is not blue but is red due to the rich alluvium and minerals.
Bai Ngang Beach – Con Noi
Kim Son land also owns diverse natural environments with approximately 500 plant and animal species such as more than species of birds and several animals listed in the Vietnam Red Book.
Address: Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province.
10. Enjoy beer on the waterfront Ninh Binh
Beer is one of the must-try drinks in Vietnam Tours and with diverse terrain, especially the river flows through, enjoying cool, tasty beer in a peaceful place and seeing the beauty around from the waterfront is the greatest experience in Ninh Binh.
Enjoy beer on the waterfront at Ninh Binh
Many tourists travel here to have a drink after a long journey and relax. Besides, you can choose one of the beer bars located along the riverside of Ninh Binh. Make it memorable on your trip.
12 Top things to see in Ninh Binh
11. Am Tien – “Tuyet Tinh Coc” Ninh Binh
Tuyet Tinh Coc Ninh Binh is known as Am Tien cave where the prisoners of war were detained, dating back over 1000 years ago. When Vietnam defeated the enemy, Am Tien pagoda became the living place of queen Duong Van Nga and was associated with the love story between Princess Phu Dung and her husband.
Tuyet Tinh Coc is the combination of tranquil lake, magnificent mountains and temples giving the tourists different experiences.
Am Tien – “Tuyet Tinh Coc” Ninh Binh
Walking or riding a bike around the lake with a wide range of mountains around makes tourists feel the fresh air, hear the sound of nature and the aroma of plants. Tuyet Tinh Coc is supposedly a place only in the fairy tales but real in Ninh Binh.
Location: Hoa Lu Citadel Complex, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh
Opening hours: 07.00 AM - 06.00 PM
Entrance fee: 20,000 VND
Suitable for: traveling in group, family, couple
12. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is a historical and cultural relic of the Tam Coc - Bich Dong Trang An Scenic Complex, which has been categorized as a significant national monument and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This attraction is one of the must-see spots when taking Vietnam tours to Ninh Binh.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong, located in a cave, has a unique beauty compared to others in different areas in Vietnam but it is the special kind of pagoda in Ninh Binh. Nowadays, it still preserves its antique value.
The religious place combined with old cultural architecture is a wonderful choice to enjoy the stunning sceneries and discover the culture simultaneously.
Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.
13. Visit Tam Coc
Tam Coc, considered Halong Bay on land, is an amazing natural beauty well known for 3 special caves and limestone mountains.
The blue sky, great weather combined with slow river flow and rice fields surrounded by dramatic mountains completely covered by tree buds create an amazing picture that surprises you at the first sight.
Tam Coc on Ngo Dong river
Traveling by boat to discover Tam Coc on Ngo Dong river with deep turquoise gives you an opportunity for enjoying the tranquil, fresh atmosphere in the fascinating views, especially unique and extraordinary all shapes of stalactites in caves.
Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 6 p.m
Ticket price: 120.000 VND per person; 60.000 VND for children.
14. Bird watching at Thung Nham Bird Garden
Thung Nham Bird Garden attracts tourists, especially nature lovers and birdwatchers with its fascinating beauty. It shows the facts that Ninh Binh possessed many amazing sites with diverse and unique ecosystems.
Watching birds here is great for not only nature lovers but also for families having kids because this is a big chance for them to discover the wild nature to see the animals that often appear on TV. Besides, adventurous travelers can explore the 500-meter-long cave called Hang But (Buddhist Cave).
Bird watching at Thung Nham Bird Garden
There are no electric lights but the torchlight makes the stalactite look so mysterious and marvelous, like the big Buddha-formed stalactite situated next to an underground river.
Address: Hai Nham commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 10 p.m.
Ticket price: 100.000 VND per person; half for children 0.8m to 1.3m; free for children under 0.8m.
15. Explore Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long, known as the largest wetland nature protection in Northern Vietnam, is the home for thousands of animals and plants with diverse ecosystems and attractions for tourists who are interested in splendid natural sceneries.
Explore Van Long Nature Reserve
Differ from Tam Coc and Trang An, the color of Van Long water is calm like a huge mirror reflecting mountains, clouds, and gives tourists the clear view of moss and fishes on the bottom so that it is called “a bay without waves”.
Address: Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 6 p.m
Ticket price: 20.000 VND per person for entrance fee; 60.000 VND for boating fee.
16. Farm Trip in Trang An Landscape Complex
Farm trips around Trang An have become popular in recent years with many interesting experiences for the foreign tourists. You can learn some methods of farming with the local people and comprehend the agriculture of Northern Vietnam through catching fish, irrigating water for the field by hand, and planting rice, etc,.
Farm Trip in Trang An Landscape Complex
Immerse yourself in the fresh air and green fields with the high mountains around.
17. Explore Vietnamese History at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Ninh Binh is famous for many historical sites, especially the first former capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu in the feudal dynasty such as Dinh dynasty, Anterior Le dynasty, and the beginning of Ly dynasty. It is a significant national monument complex and plays an essential role in contributing to the world heritage population of Trang An which is honored by UNESCO.
Explore Vietnamese History at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
You can visit the unique royal patterns in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital because the majority of the architecture is well protected (temples, pagoda, palace and mausoleums). It is also the opportunity for you to discover Vietnamese history through the stories told by the guide.
Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh Province.
18. Visit Phat Diem Cathedral
The cathedral attracts people who are fond of spiritual tourism and exploring the special cultural characteristics via the antique architecture. There are 1 big church and 5 small churches with a little one constructed fully of stone, a bell tower, and 3 rock caves created by humans.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral plays a significant role in increasing diversity in the tourist experience when traveling to Ninh Binh with the unique architecture combining from Europe and Vietnam, creating a sacred and artistic space.
19. See the imposingness Bai Dinh Pagoda
Ninh Binh is a must-see place for people loving spiritual tourism with several great pagodas, especially Bai Dinh pagoda which is famous for its scale, Buddhist architecture and the records of the largest bronze bell in Vietnam and tallest and heaviest Buddha statue in Asia, etc,.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Several big Buddhist festivals took place here with a variety of activities. Traveling here and feeling the peace from the temple, over 500 hectares, will surely make your journey unforgettable.
Address: Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh Province.
Opening hour: 6 a.m to 10 p.m
20. Non Nuoc Mountain
Non Nuoc is famous for its peaceful beauty and has become a tourist symbol of Ninh Binh with its flat and green trees. At the bottom of the mountain, Non Nuoc pagoda has been located there for hundreds of years and attracted thousands of tourists to visit and worship. Besides, there are several temples and pagodas on the mountain that you can visit and hear the histories.
Non Nuoc Mountain
Take 72 steps to reach the summit of the mountain and the higher you climb, the fresher air you can feel. Standing among the temple, you seem to get lost in the wonderland. Arriving at Non Nuoc Pagoda, you can immerse yourself in nature full of poetic charm, hearing the birds singing and admiring the antique beauty of Duc Thuy mountain.
Price: 5,000 VND
21. Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple, located in the Trang An complex with a noble and elegant appearance, is supposed to be in a prime location surrounded by dramatic mountains and the Ngo Dong River flowing in front.
Many vestiges including bells, statues, and stone steles are well preserved from the Tran Dynasty. This will be the best option for people who love to discover history and visit sacred destinations.
Thai Vi Temple
Besides, you can ride a bike around the temple to enjoy the peace and immerse yourself in the amazing natural views of blue water all year around, a big yellow rice paddy in the summer and winter and green in two other seasons, and the majestic mountain covered by green trees embracing the temple.
22. Trang An Panoramic View by Helicopter
Tourists now not only see the stunning beauty of the Trang An complex by boat but also have the opportunity to travel by helicopter and enjoy the amazing views from above.
The cabin having transparent glass makes sure that the visitors can see all the majestic natural landscape and the professional and experienced pilot will fly you around.
See Trang An by plane
The visitor can fly at different altitudes passing Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Hoa Lu former capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda.
This will be a memorable experience for the tourists.
8 Top food to try in Ninh Binh
23. Try the goat meat - Ninh Binh specialties
The top food in Ninh Binh is Goat meat with different dishes. You can try goat meat with chili and lemongrass, grilled goat meat with sesame, raw goat meat with lemon, etc.
Ninh Binh has a special climate and mountain to raise goats with higher quality of meat than other regions in Vietnam. The combination between meat source and cooking ability of Vietnamese cooks makes meat goats become a memorable branding throughout the country.
Try the goat meat - Ninh Binh specialties
Therefore, you may see signboards of Ninh Binh goat meat in the other provinces. If you go to Ninh Binh, don’t miss the chance to eat goat meat.
24. Enjoy Mountain snail
Traveling to Ninh Binh, snail dish is one of the must-try dishes there. These snails mainly live in limestone mountains, especially in Nho Quan, Tam Diep, and Yen Mo. It is difficult to catch them in the dry season because they live inside the rock cavities. It will be easier in the rainy season between April and August.
Enjoy Mountain snail
They are especially more tasty than others due to the living area and the ability of the local chefs. Its quality is kept in many recipes which are extremely special and delicious and that is the reason why you should try this specialty. you will never feel disappointed.
25. Rice Field crabs are roasted in wild betel leaves
Rice Field crabs roasted in wild betel leaves dish is famous in Ninh Binh and also other countries in Vietnam. The crabs caught in the rice fields make it distinctive and have a special flavor. The taste of betel leaves mixed with the crispness of the fried crabs and rice make tourists unforgettable about Ninh Binh. If you are interested in taking a Ninh Binh food tour, get in touch with us to have 5* experts create your trip!
Rice Field crabs are roasted in wild betel leaves
26. Nem Yen Mac – Fermented Pork Roll
In the past, fermented pork rolls were offered to the students when they traveled to participate in the examination and stopped in Ninh Binh to take a break. However, it gradually became famous and served in big restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
They are made carefully with the secret recipe that the cook needs to choose lean pork right after the pigs are slaughtered. Then slice it into lengths of 2-3 cm and mix it with ground roasted rice called “Thính” in Vietnamese. Afterward, the meat will be kept in a garment and pressed to be longer and its skin boiled and cut into slides. They will be mixed with “Thính” again with salt and rolled with guava leaves around, wrapped by the banana leaves. Lastly, tighten it with the strings from bamboo.
Nem Yen Mac – Fermented Pork Roll
When enjoying Fermented Pork Roll, you can taste the combination flavors of fresh guava leaves, and greasy pork with fish sauce.
Type 1: 80,000 VND/package.
Type 2: 70,000 VND/package.
27. Taste local food in Ninh Binh
Food is an essential thing to do in a Ninh Binh trip and you can not miss the chance to try all specialties here.
Taste local food in Ninh Binh
The tourists can be more excited with many tasty local dishes including mountain snails and goat meat. Let’s try it and create the best moment of your lifetime.
28. Drink at Chookie’s Hideaway
The Chookie’s Hideaway offers many delicious European and Vietnamese dishes and is a wonderful destination for drinking and relaxing. Trying food, drinking something you like, and chatting with other people will be great after a day of exploring Ninh Binh.
Chookie’s Hideaway
Address: 147 Nguyen Hue, Nam Binh precinct, Ninh Binh city.
Opening hour: 9 a.m to 10 p.m
Price: 10.000 VND to 210.000 VND
29. Rice Crust in Ninh Binh
Rice Crust is one of the foods that travelers should try in Ninh Binh. Let’s find out how it was cooked.
First, the locals cook the rice and split it into small pieces with different shapes. Then cool them and mix them with oil until they turn yellow. Enjoying it with onion leaves, pork, or chili will be more delicious and see how yummy it is.
Rice Crust in Ninh Binh
They sell them in pouches with different sizes so you can buy them as gifts for your family or friends.
30. Can alcohol (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes) Nho Quan
Ruou Can Nho Quan is one of the unique cuisines and it is drunk out of a jar through pipes. To make the wine, the main ingredient is new sticky rice. Alcohol yeast is made from the slides bark of trees combined with chili powder ginger powder, rice powder and water dried from 10 to 15 days.
Ruou Can Nho Quan
After that, they are crushed and combined with the dried mixture of cooked rice and rice hulls. The longer they are kept the tastier you can feel. Drinking wine and chatting with locals to experience Ninh Binh completely.
There are many types of tours and attractions such as Luxury Beach Holiday in Vietnam, Trekking Tour, Sports and Extreme Tour, etc. However, Ninh Binh is one of the must-see destinations in Vietnam. We hope that the post 30 BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN NINH BINH can give you a clear look into it and travel there. We highly recommend contacting Asia Private Travels to create your trip with 5-star experts!
