Top 10 Things to Do in Ninh Binh: A Complete Travel Guide
Ninh Binh is one of the least touristy cities we visited during our Vietnam itinerary. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and rice fields, Ninh Binh offers plenty of attractions—a natural paradise close to Hanoi. Here’s a list of the top things to do in Ninh Binh to include in your itinerary.
The region of Ninh Binh is home to Tam Coc, a small village whose name means “three caves,” referring to Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, as well as the Trang An complex. This entire natural complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ninh Binh refers to both a city and a region. In fact, most attractions are located in Tam Coc, about 8 km from Ninh Binh city. For this reason, we recommend staying in Tam Coc, as we did. We stayed at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel, but you can explore other hotel options in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc.
What to Do in Ninh Binh: Top 10 Attractions
Some of the best activities in Ninh Binh include taking a boat ride through rice paddies, cycling through scenic paths, visiting regional temples, enjoying lunch with mountain views, and climbing the mountain steps above the caves. Read on for a detailed guide to these and more attractions.
1. BICH DONG PAGODA
Bich Dong Pagoda is a complex of pagodas built in 1428, consisting of three temples located along the mountain path, inside caves. These are Pagoda Ha (lower level), Pagoda Trung (middle level), and Pagoda Thuong (upper level).
The entrance to the temple is one of the most photographed spots. A bridge leads to the complex entrance, where you’ll find the first temple and the stairs leading up.
The first cave temple is the most important and revered by locals. At the cave’s exit, there is an altar and turtle-shaped stones.
At the top of the mountain, after climbing 160 steps, lies Thuong Pagoda, offering one of the most beautiful views of Ninh Binh.
The pagoda is always open, but visits are best between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to enjoy the view. Entry is free, and knees and shoulders must be covered. We visited in the morning as part of our bike tour.
2. HANG MUA CAVE
Hang Mua, or “Dancing Cave,” is named after a legend in which a king dreamed of dancers in the cave. Despite the name, visitors come for the mountain climb.
At the top, after ascending over 500 steps, you’ll find a panoramic 360° view of Ninh Binh, with rivers and rice paddies below.
There are two peaks: one features a stone dragon, an important Vietnamese cultural symbol representing water, and the other hosts a temple.
Along the way, the path divides, allowing you to choose your ascent—left for the dragon or right for the temple. Both are worth visiting, but note that you’ll need to descend halfway to climb to the other side.
The complex also offers photo spots and cafes for those in your group who may not wish to climb. It is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an entrance fee of 100,000 VND.
3. BOAT TOUR IN TAM COC
A boat ride in Tam Coc is one of the top activities in the area. Rowers use their feet to paddle through rivers surrounded by rice paddies and mountains.
The tour passes through the three caves that give Tam Coc its name: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These caves feature stalactites, some of which locals have named after animals. Hang Ca is the largest, measuring 20 meters wide and 127 meters long.
The boat ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours and costs 120,000 VND per person or 150,000 VND for a boat accommodating two foreigners or four Vietnamese. Tipping at the end of the tour is appreciated.
4. CYCLING TOUR IN TAM COC
Cycling is a great way to explore Ninh Binh. Along a 4 km path, you can visit the city center, Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Thien Huong Dong Temple.
The scenic route passes rice paddies, and you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee during breaks.
5. THAI VI TEMPLE
Thai Vi Temple was part of a military complex from the former Hua Lu capital in the 14th century. It’s one of the few temples that remain intact from that period.
Although small, the temple houses artifacts from the Tran Dynasty, including bells, statues, and stone steles. The architecture is also worth observing.
The temple’s caretaker is well-versed in the history and traditional instruments of the Tran Dynasty. If you’re lucky, like we were, he might even play music for you.
Entry is free, but shoulders and knees must be covered.
6. HOA LU ANCIENT CITY
Hoa Lu was the economic and political center of Dai Co Viet, a kingdom spanning northern and central Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.
The capital’s location was strategically chosen for its mountain protection, but it was later moved to Hanoi for better rice production.
Today, Hoa Lu retains little of its original structure, as much of the citadel was reconstructed in the 17th century.
Hoa Lu is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an entry fee of 20,000 VND. Shoulders and knees must be covered. It’s a 30-minute drive from Tam Coc.
7. TRANG AN BOAT TOUR
Trang An is often compared to Halong Bay due to its water-surrounded mountains.
The boat tours have three routes, each lasting about three hours over 15 km. Route 1 is the most popular, passing through caves decorated with jars once used for fermenting rice wine, as well as three temples with stops for visits.
The tours cost 200,000 VND. Boats accommodate up to four foreigners. Arrive early to avoid crowds, as afternoons get busy.
8. BAI DINH PAGODA
Bai Dinh Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, covering 539 hectares. A tram helps navigate the area.
The main highlights are Tam The Temple and Phap Chu Temple. The latter features a 10-meter-tall, 100-ton bronze Buddha statue, the largest in Vietnam.
Entry is free, but visiting the pagoda’s top for the view costs 30,000 VND. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
9. LUNCH AMID RICE FIELDS
The region’s mountains and rice paddies create a stunning backdrop for dining. Chef Dung’s restaurant offers six tables, each with mountain views.
The menu includes a variety of home-cooked Vietnamese dishes, with refills if needed. Many ingredients, including shrimp and vegetables, are locally sourced.
10. NIGHTLIFE IN TAM COC
Though small, Tam Coc’s main avenue is lively at night. For dinner, Thuy Linh Restaurant offers excellent value and a charming atmosphere.
For a unique experience, visit Bus Rooftop Bar for karaoke and happy hour, located near Tam Coc’s boat dock.
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