As a province in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is an excellent destination for many international and local tourists. Coming here, you can experience many exciting activities. Let's find out the top things to do in Ninh Binh during your journey with Handspan Travel Indochina! 

Our article includes these pieces of information below.

Overall information about Ninh Binh

About a 90-kilometer drive from the Hanoi center to the south, Ninh Binh is endowed with many stunning landscapes and well-known caves. Additionally, travelers can have a chance to contemplate numerous incredible places like Van Long Nature Reserve, Phat Diem Cathedral, etc. Cuc Phuong National Park is an ancient forest with various species of flora and fauna. Furthermore, Ninh Binh used to be the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Thereby, this land has many historical places and relics like Hoa Lu ancient capital, Non Nuoc pagoda, etc.

Incredible landscapes of Ninh Binh 

Besides, building a system of ecotourism patterns in Ninh Binh helps tourists know more about the daily routines and production. Spiritual tourism is another well-developed aspect of Ninh Binh, with many historical events and relics. Last but not least, specialties in Ninh Binh are worth experiencing during your trip here. 

Trekking at Bich Dong Pagoda 

Lying on the foot of a marvelous mountain, the Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most iconic buildings in Ninh Binh. You’ll go through a large bridge crossing over a lotus pond if you want to get to Bich Dong Pagoda. This stone bridge spans a huge lotus pond, which will explode with pink blossoms every summer. That brings an incredible scene on the way to get to the pagoda. 

The stunning lotus pond in front of the Bich Dong pagoda 

Going through the gate, you’ll contemplate a peaceful courtyard and traditional Buddhist buildings. Following the rocky stairs up and going around the mountain, you’ll have an opportunity to contemplate amazing views of natural landscapes. These Buddhist temples are scattered in the mountain, so trekking around is a fantastic experience. If someone asks for things to do in Ninh Binh, trekking at Bich Dong Pagoda is a great option. 

Strolling around Hoa Lu Ancient Village

Amongst fantastic things to do in Ninh Binh, exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Village is a perfect thing for travelers. This historical building features brick and vine-covered walls as well as unique architecture. Just a 20-minute drive from Trang An tourism site, this place is known as Vietnam’s first capital city. 

Hoa Lu Ancient Village

Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, the Hoa Lu area featured karst landscapes offering excellent natural protection from aggressive invaders. Nowadays you can explore impressive and atmospheric structures which could survive from the old times. The incredible architecture regarding leaning archways and brick courtyard looming under layered banyan trees will take you back to ancient times. 

Discovering the impressive scene of Hang Mua 

Hang Mua offers a stunning view from the peak of a marvelous mountain. After taking around 500 steps, tourists will have a chance to contemplate picturesque landscapes and cool fresh air. From the top of the mountain, most tourists will be rewarded with an impressive view of Tam Coc Valley. 

The magnificent view from Hang Mua

Sometimes, people get into trouble watching the landscape by the mist. However, it won’t last long, and you’ll see the green paddy fields far away, fast-flowing rivers, and even antique karsts. That would be a great experience for travelers. Therefore, discovering Hang Mua on the top of the mountain is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. 

Wandering around the spiritual building of Bai Dinh pagoda

As the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a huge complex that attracts many tourists. This spiritual building is an outstanding pilgrimage place for Buddhists in Vietnam. Therefore, many travelers come here to go on a pilgrimage during Buddhist holidays. 

A corner in Bai Dinh Pagoda

Maybe you have to spend a whole day sightseeing in Bai Dai Pagoda. Here you can see plenty of Buddha well-carved statues, giant bells, and a 13-floor tower. Amongst other things to do in Ninh Binh, exploring the impressive spiritual landmark of Bai Dinh is a great choice. 

Exploring the Cuc Phuong National Park 

Just an hour's drive from Ninh Binh, hiking in the national park is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. This activity has become a fantastic thing, especially for nature lovers. Cuc Phuong National Park is the most ancient park in Vietnam. With an entrance ticket of VND 20.000, it promises to bring you many exciting experiences. 

Hiking in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park

You’ll have a chance to discover nature and many animals and plants. It’s a great chance to explore rehabilitation centers for reptiles and different kinds of primates. Besides, tourists can also watch the ancient trees, some of which are over 1000 years old. Spending your half-day for a fascinating hike through the lush forest, then enjoying some local dishes inside the park is an unforgettable experience. 

Having a great adventure in Van Long Wetland

One of the most exciting things to do in Ninh Binh is visiting Van Long Wetland. You’ll have an opportunity to adventure an immense limestone mountain in an incredible marshy reserve of Van Long Wetland. This reserve area is a favorite place for animal lovers, especially birds and primates. 

Van Long Nature Reserve

Taking a bamboo boat tour in Van Long Wetland, you can see many pristine and picturesque landscapes and enjoy the fresh air. 

Savoring delicious local specialties - One of the most exciting things to do in Ninh Binh

There’s a miss if you don’t enjoy local dishes in Ninh Binh. This area is famous for many yummy signature dishes such as “com chay” (burnt rice) and “de tai chanh” (medium-rare goat served with lemon). The burnt rice is a fried rice crust considered a finger-licking snack that can’t be ignored. Think about Ninh Binh territory; tourists will think of the medium-rare goat served with lemon. 

Cruising on a paddleboat in Tam Coc or Trang An Complex

The main geographical feature of Ninh Binh is the limestone mountains surrounding rivers, lakes, and rice paddy fields. So cruising on a paddleboat in Ninh Binh, especially in Tam Coc or Trang An, is a perfect way to contemplate beautiful sceneries here. Taking a bamboo boat tour in Ninh Binh will be a must-try experience since some places can be accessed by boat. 

A series of paddle boats flowing in Trang An Complex

Your boatman or boat-woman will be a storyteller and take you to explore forest-covered karsts and natural landscapes. These boats stop at pagodas, temples, and some beautiful caves on the way for you to discover. Normally a tour will last about 2 or 3 hours. Let's take a paddleboat tour in Trang An!

Taking part in a motorbike tour for sightseeing the whole of Ninh Binh. 

Traveling to this destination, taking a motor tour to go sightseeing is a great idea. If you use a motorbike, you’ll have a chance to explore the backroads here and explore the daily life of the locals. Moreover, travelers can have a closer look at marvelous limestone mountains with verdant plants and animals, rice paddies, and stunning landscapes. 

If you don’t know how to drive, so don’t worry. There are some service providers to take you to go around different tourism spots here. Thus, taking a motorbike tour to explore the landscapes is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. 

Watching flocks of birds in Thung Nham Garden 

One of the most exciting things to do in Ninh Binh is watching the birds in Thung Nham. Thung Nham Garden is home to around 40 species of birds - a fantastic thing about Ninh Binh. Tucking away in marvelous limestone mountains, this garden is ideal for most birds in the region to come here to make their nests. 

Thung Nham Bird Garden

Besides watching different kinds of birds, tourists can have a chance to explore an incredible Mermaid Cave (“Dong Tien Ca”) with peaceful beauty. This beautiful cave is flooded deeply into the ground. 

With its spectacular landscapes and exceptional cuisine, Ninh Binh is worth visiting for nature lovers. The article has just recommended exciting things to do in Ninh Binh; which activities do you choose for your trip here? Hopefully, our recommendations will help you have a great experience in this area.