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Things you must do in Ninh Binh

  Feb 7, 2023

  By Linda

Ninh Binh, also known as the land of the ancient capital, is a place with majestic nature with many temples. As the capital of Vietnam in the period 968 - 1010 with 3 dynasties Dinh - Le - Ly, Ninh Binh possesses many cultural heritages and a world biosphere reserve. From the above, a lot of entertainment activities have appeared. Let's explore with us things you must do in Ninh Binh.

Boat Trip in “the land of the ancient capital”

Boat trip in Trang An 

Thanks to its picturesque scenery and abundant limestone karsts and caves, Trang An in Ninh Binh is referred to as "Halong Bay on land." Although it is possible to drive, cycle, or even walk around the mountains, the majority of visitors use a Trang An rowing boat to explore the most beautiful areas of the destination. This activity takes about 3-4 hours with 8 km both going back and forth through some places such as: Temple, Tam Quan Gate, Dark Cave, Pearl Mountain,... There are many tours that apply this sport activity, including Trang An – Bai Dinh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi. You can refer to it to find the best option when traveling to Vietnam.

Trang An, Ninh Binh

Boat trip in Tam Coc

About 14 km from Trang An, Tam Coc is renowned for its breathtaking views of the nearby limestone mountains. There were a lot of locals on the fields along the river's two sides. You will get the chance to observe the summit of Mua cave from a different perspective midway through your boat excursion. During this trip, you will unwind and take in the tranquility of this location.

To explore Tam Coc, the only way is to use boats. The boatmen will take you through the cliffs and rice fields on the Ngo Dong river. The rice fields can be changed according to the rice season ( green rice, yellow, and golden rice season)

Tam Coc means three caves, which consist of Ca, Hai, and Ba caves. Three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong river that runs through the mountains. You are going to spend around 2 hours on the boat trip. Take in the beautiful historical scenery and create more memories with Tam Coc Hoa Lu Private Day Tour.

Boat trip in Van Long

Van Long Nature Reserve is a member of Ninh Binh province and is located about 80 kilometers from Hanoi city, which is also an enormous spot for a one-day trip. Delacour's langurs, an endangered species of monkey, are best known for living in this area. As numerous bird species, including storks and herons, call this area home, it is also a bird watcher's paradise.

Compared to the crafts in Trang An and Tam Coc, the boats in Van Long Nature Reserve are built of bamboo and have a somewhat distinct appearance. Despite being designed for shallow water, you might still get caught if the water level is lower when you come.

The rowing boat in Van Long lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. You should visit in the afternoon at around 3.30 to 4.30 pm if you would like to watch flying langurs, storks and enjoy a peaceful sunset.

Van Long, Ninh Binh

Activities on land

Conquer Mua Cave - The muse of Tam Coc

Mua Cave, far from Hanoi about 90 km, is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Along with Trang An eco-tourism complex, the terrain of Mua cave looks majestic with rolling mountains surrounding a large delta. From the top of the mountain, we can admire the whole Tam Coc area with golden rice fields and rowing boats floating on the water.

To be able to experience the panorama of this place, you are going to have an opportunity to test your endurance by climbing 486 white stone steps on the steep mountain road. It will take you about 30 to 45 minutes depending on your health.

With this location, Ninh Binh Full Day with Hang Mua Peak is the best choice for any traveler who doesn't have much time in the North of Vietnam. The activities in the tour are well arranged to give you the best experience to see the beautiful scenery of Ninh Binh.

Hang Mua, Ninh Binh

Stroll through Hoa Lu Ancient Village

Hoa Lu ancient capital, 100km south of Hanoi, was the first capital of Vietnam under the Dinh dynasty from 968 to 980 AD. With an area of 14 square kilometers, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital possesses sophisticated architecture and skillful carvings. When you come here, you will be told historical stories through the walls, and there are many magnificent sites and monuments that have existed for thousands of years for you to admire.

Several sanctuaries and mausoleums have survived countless years and can still be visited today. Apart from the historical aspects, this area is also one of incredible natural beauty with towering limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass even Halong Bay. It is true that this area is often referred to as Ha Long Bay on land.

Hoa Lu Ancient Village

Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, just an hour's drive from Ninh Binh city, is one of the oldest national parks in Vietnam, established in 1962. It is an area to care for wild animals and animals. The old trees are more than 1000 years old. No wonder researchers, naturalists, and conservationists are drawn to this part of the world.

With an area of 222 square kilometers and made up of rainforest, it's a delight to head into early summer. Although it takes half a day to go through the park, you can treat yourself to a local lunch right in the garden.

To be able to fully explore what nature has to offer, you can refer to Cuc Phuong National Park One Day Tour. Intending to give our customers the best experience, we guarantee to help you have an unforgettable memory.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Go for a hike at Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda, with an area of 150 km2, is located at the foot of a large mountain. The standout feature here is built into a cliff, the way to the top is quite steep but the view is well worth it.

Bich Dong is a pagoda surrounded by a lake with lotus flowers in full bloom. Leading to the temple is a bridge that is exquisitely carved with turquoise stone. The pagoda consists of three floors called the Lower Pagoda, the Middle Pagoda, and the Upper Pagoda with increasing height like the name.

A special thing about this place is that the entrance fee is completely free and takes about 2 hours to complete this journey. 

Bich Dong Pagoda

Please check Here more for Ninh Binh Tours.

Please let us know if you wish Vietnam Escape Tours to arrange any trip for your group in Hanoi and Vietnam. From Hanoi or Ninh Binh, you can join in some group tours in Vietnam or Halong Bay Cruises. We can pick you up from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay for a cruise in Halong or we can arrange bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh for you to take a tour in Ninh Binh.