Introduction
Ninh Binh is a tourist attraction belonging to the Red River Delta in the North of Vietnam. Known as a playground for adventurers, and an oasis for nature lovers, Ninh Binh always attracts thousands of travelers and backpackers visiting every year. In today’s article, we would like to share you with the top 28 best things to do in Ninh Binh. Let’s find out!
How To Get To Ninh Binh?
There are different ways for you to reach Ninh Binh. You can take a taxi, take a bus, drive motorbikes, and so on. However, if you are in Hanoi city – Vietnam’s capital city, we highly recommend you book a private car from our Hanoi car rental to guarantee your safety and comfort during the journey.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh map:
Here are some private car transfers from Hanoi to Ninh Binh for you:
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh Limousine – Hanoi Luxury Car
- Hanoi To Ninh Binh Private Car
Why Should You Book Our Hanoi Private Car?
- Our Hanoi private car is a door-to-door service with English – speaking drivers;
- All private cars are new, clean, modern, with strong A/C;
- No hidden costs, and a reasonable price;
- Our customer service is 24/7 online to support you via Whatsapp at +84343662242;
- Customized itinerary according to your requests.
Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh
We are going to introduce to you the 22 must-see places in this beautiful province – Ninh Binh. Besides, you will know what to eat in Ninh Binh, and many interesting things following. Let’s take a look!
Discover Ninh Binh Attractions
Ninh Binh is renowned for its pristine natural beauty with mountainous green landscapes, mysterious caves, and endless fields. One of the top best things to do in Ninh Binh Vietnam is to discover Ninh Binh attractions to witness the spectacular beauty of nature.
Mua Cave
Hang Mua (Mua Cave) is located at Khe Dau Ha Village, Hoa Lu You can get to Mua Cave about 100 kilometers from Hanoi city center. It is known as a tourism complex including scenic landscapes and entertainment games.
Moreover, when visiting the cave, tourists will be surprised due to its scale of up to 500 steps to the Ngoa Long mountain top. This is the reason why people called it by another name: Van Ly Tuong Thanh Vietnam – The Great Wall in Vietnam.
Hence, if you make a Ninh Binh tour, Mua Cave is the top tourist destination for you.
Read more: Mua Cave Ninh Binh – The Great Wall In Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Not only recognized as a large complex of pagodas in Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda also possesses the biggest gold-inlaid bronze Buddha statues in Asia as well. Besides, this pagoda got many Guinness World Records.
For example, Bai Dinh Pagoda has the longest La Han lobby in Asia as well as the largest bronze Maitreya statue in Southeast Asia. With a long-standing history, don’t ignore this spot to get to know more about Vietnam’s religions, history, and culture!
Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda
It will be a big regret if you visit Ninh Binh without planning for a Tam Coc – Bich Dong tour. Tam Coc and Bich Dong pagoda can be considered one of the most famous attractions here. This place is famous for being “Ha Long Bay on land” because of its complex of mountains, rivers, caves, and breathtaking views.
Located inside Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong owns a big system of gorgeous limestone caves. Additionally, this legendary historical site has a strong connection with Hanh Cung Vu Lam of the Tran dynasty.
If you do not know what things to do in Tam Coc Ninh Binh, you can book our Hoa Lu – Mua Cave – Tam Coc tour! We ensure you will get the best traveling schedule and discover all the corners here. Don’t miss this tour because we will bring you to experience many great things to do in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh.
Cuc Phuong National Park
How can we visit Ning Binh but we do not plan a trip to explore the ecosystem in Cuc Phuong National Park? Cuc Phuong National Park is extremely well-known not only in Ninh Binh but also Vietnam. No one does not know about it.
Cuc Phuong is the first National Park and we can refer to it as the largest nature reserve with the most abundant biodiversity in the S-shaped country – Vietnam. With an area of up to 22000ha, the National Park is truly a golden treasure of the country. It contains diverse natural resources in valuable patterns of vegetation and rare animals.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Situated in Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a significant national relic and has a unique complex of architecture in Ninh Binh. Moreover, it is one of the 4 center points of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex recognized by UNESCO.
In addition, Hoa Lu has an important historical meaning because it used to be the first capital of Vietnam. The ancient capital underwent three Vietnam dynasties including Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly Emperors. Over 1000 years, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital has preserved numerous historical relics throughout every era. Therefore, you can say this is the greatest Vietnam historical gallery.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
This is the most masterpiece place with low mountainous landscapes, several beautiful caves, and marble rivers passing by. Located about 17 kilometers from the city center, you can easily find Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve nearby two famous tourist destinations, Trang An Ecotourism Complex and Cuc Phuong National Park.
As soon as coming to this land, you will feel a peaceful, quiet, and breathtaking view because the of gentle river flows. The scenery shows the freedom and calm of Mother Nature just like its nickname: “a bay without waves”.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Where is the best Cathedral in Ninh Binh? Let’s scream the name: Phat Diem Cathedral. The Cathedral is called by the name: Cathédrale de Phat Diem in French. Maybe, from its name, we will think that the architecture will be influenced a lot by the Catholic French church’s aspects. However, the cathedral style is a mix of Vietnamese and European architecture.
Located in Kim Sơn District, Phat Diem Cathedral was built with wood and stone in 1891. If you have a chance, you can come by Phat Nhiem Cathedral to admire its unique beauty.
Trang An Landscape Complex
Let’s move on to an extremely famous place that we have mentioned a lot of times throughout this article: Trang An Landscape Complex! It is a combination of a World Heritage Site Complex recognized by UNESCO.
That means when you visit it, you will have a chance to discover all the tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. There are Trang An ecotourism area, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lư ancient capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, etc. All belong to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
However, it can be a bit hard for you to arrange the perfect timeline for your trip when there are too many places to visit. So, why don’t you book our Ninh Binh tour? You can refer to our Ninh Binh Tour From Hanoi to book and get more information.
Non-Nuoc Pagoda
You must be heard about Non-Nuoc Pagoda in Danang City. Nevertheless, we also have a special Non-Nuoc Pagoda in Ninh Binh. The Ninh Binh Non-Nuoc pagoda is located under the Non-Nuoc mountain foot. Moreover, it is known as a Buddhist temple in Ninh Bình. People often visit the pagoda to worship and wish for the best in life.
Non-Nuoc Pagoda Ninh Binh Vietnam was built under the Lyn Dynasty. The pagoda has a total of 2 gates and sits under the mountain and it also faces the river. Plus, it also has another name called: Dục Thúy Sơn Pagoda.
Dau Long Pagoda
Another well-known pagoda is Dau Long Pagoda. You can find it in Dau Long Street, Tan Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City. The pagoda is 3 hectares, which is larger than other sites in the city. Furthermore, it has a reputation for being “the North starlight on dragon land”.
Unicorn Mountain
The Unicorn Mountain, a mountainous island, is located in Tan Thanh District, near 1A Highway. Moreover, the mountain has a unicorn-head shape to the North. Its height is up to 50 meters surrounded by green plants and downy mountains.
Temple Of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang
Constructed in Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, the Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang is a typical historical relic belonging to Hoa Lu heritage sites. This is the only temple worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang in Vietnam.
Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave)
Am Tien Cave – known as Tuyet Tinh Coc, is situated in Hoa Lu Citadel, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu district. This cave has a reputation for being the “paradise place on earth” because of its unbelievable beauty. In the past, the Dinh dynasty used to use Tuyet Tinh Coc as the dungeon. However, it still could not hide the majestic scenery of the cave.
Tulip Water Park
Tulip Water Park is known as the first water playground in Ninh Binh. About 2 kilometers from the city center, the park is 2 hectares. There are a lot of entertainment activities for you to join such as a game center, a four seasonal swimming pool, 5D cinema, and so on. Moreover, you also can relax in the massage center and Food Village here.
Dark Cave And Sang Cave (Hang Toi – Hang Sang)
If you have a chance, do not forget to explore Dark Cave and Sang Cave, two of the most beautiful caves with beautiful stalactites in Ninh Binh. The Dark Cave possesses a mysterious beauty with a dark atmosphere. Nevertheless, the deeper you go into the cave, the more gorgeous scenery you can admire inside.
Sang Cave is 112 meters in length. Tourists will be overwhelmed when discovering Sang Cave because there are many breathtaking stalactites. So, don’t ignore this gorgeous cave but let’s be ready to explore it!
Vai Gioi Cave
Vai Gioi Cave can be found on the way leading to Cuc Phuong National Park. If you would like to visit, you have to pass 430 steps to lead to the cave. The cave is well-known for its picturesque scenery like heaven. Vai Gioi Cave is 500 meters in width and includes three floors with particular beauty.
Mermaid Cave (Dong Tien Ca)
Dong Tien Ca is located inside the Thung Nham ecotourism zone – known as Thung Nham Bird Garden, Ninh Bình. It is about 100 kilometers from Hanoi city center.
The cave has a gorgeous beauty when there is a colorful light equipped inside. Mermaid Cave is up to 1200 meters in length and takes as many photos as possible since there is numerous background for you to check-in.
Ma Yen Mountain
Ma Yen Moutain is one of the famous historical relics in the Hoa Lu complex. It is located in front of the Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. The mountain’s height is 200 meters and is called Ma Yen, which means horse saddle because its shape is associated with a saddle.
Thanh Thang Castle
Thanh Thang Castle has an address in Thuong Hoa, Gia Vien District. The castle is owned by Do Van Tien – a businessman. Its cost is up to a thousand billion dongs. Visitors will be surprised due to its luxury scale with gild proof and a music room with the storage of 300 people.
Co Vien Lau
Co Vien Lau is a collection of ancient houses with an area of 2000 m2. It is located near a boat house leading to Thai Vi Temple. The collection shows 22 ancient houses originating from Northern Delta’s countryside. Most of them were built under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Thai Vi Temple
Ninh Binh residents consider the Thai Vi Temple a place to worship. Located in Van Lam hamlet, it is considered one of the must-see places with a long-standing history since the 13th century.
Thai Vi Temple is surrounded by Nother Nature including mountains and forests. Moreover, there is a courtyard and unique stone arches, which created a holy feeling for the temple.
Taste Delicious Specialties In Ninh Binh
Rice Crust In Ninh Binh
It will be a big loss if we forget to try delicious food. Tasting specialties can be considered one of the top things to do in Ninh Binh. We cannot deny that Ninh Binh has a lot of good cuisines for us to try. The first dish as well as the most famous specialty in Ninh Binh is rice crust. This special food is also called by a royal name: Com Chay Hoa Lu.
Moreover, Com Chay Hoa Lu has existed for 100 years ago. Until now, its flavors are still good and full of flavors of dried shredded pork mixed with crust-fried rice as well as a bit spicy taste from red chilies and fish sauce.
Snail Dishes
One of the special local foods in Ninh Binh is snail dishes. Its flavor is incredible with lemongrass and hot chilies. Moreover, this dish can smell your heart due to its delectable taste. Plus, if you are interested, you can eat at the Snail Restaurants in Ninh Binh. Moreover, we ensure that tasting snails is one of the most wonderful things to do in Ninh Binh at night.
Ninh Binh Goat Meat
Another must-eat dish when you visit Ninh Binh is goat meat. Taking advantage of ideal geography, this province with its limestone mountains is a good habitat for raising goats. There are various dishes from goat meat, especially rare goat meat. It is good for your health.
Can Alcohol
If you are interested in alcoholic drinks, you should not miss Can alcohol – a famous drink in Ninh Binh. It has a unique way to taste when you will drink wine out of a jar through pipes, which is very special, right?
Nem Yen Mac
The last specialty today we would like to share is Nem Yen Mac. This is the most flavorful dish of Ninh Binh and you can buy it as presents for your relatives and friends at home. Nem Yen Mac has been excited for a long time since the Nguyen Dynasty.
Experience Ninh Binh Boat Tour
Next, let’s try to take a Ninh Binh boat tour and you will see how beautiful Ninh Binh is with the view from the river! To experience the best things, we would like to introduce to you our Ninh Binh boat tour.
When booking, you will have an opportunity to admire the majestic landscapes through Trang An boat tours and Tam Coc boat tours. Our team will explore all the corners from gorgeous caves, beautiful valleys, fresh lakes, and rice fields to holy temples, etc.
Book A Local Homestay
Last but not least, booking a local homestay is not only a smart way to stay overnight but also helps you experience the simple local life here. There are some of the local homestays we would like to recommend to you:
- Tam Coc Melody Homestay;
- Tam Coc Garden Homestay;
- Hang Mua Family Homestay;
- Viet Anh Homestay.
Conclusion
To sum up, we have just introduced to you the top 28 best things to do in Ninh Binh city. We hope that the article can provide you with useful information for your Ninh Binh tour and have the best memory ever.
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