Ninh Binh is a province in northern Vietnam that offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions. If you are looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Ninh Binh is a perfect choice. Here are top 7+ the best places to visit in Ninh Binh, that you must see.

Top 7+ ideal places to visit in Ninh Binh that may need to “check-in”

1. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – A UNESCO World Heritage site 

• Location: Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
• Opening Hours: Daily from 6:30 to 17:00
• Entrance Ticket: VND 120,000 – 250,000

Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province is home to the eco-tourism destination known as Trang An Grottoes and Scenic Landscape Complex. The Vietnamese government has designated this location as a very significant national monument, and since 2014, UNESCO has recognized it as a dual world heritage site (Cultural and Natural Heritage). It is a charming and fantastically well-known tourist destination in Vietnam.

From January to March of the lunar calendar is the best time for you to travel to Trang An. At this time, the weather is not too cold, the sky is clear and there is little rain, so it is quite convenient for sitting on a boat and visiting scenic spots. This season is also the season when many festivals take place here. You can combine sightseeing with participating in festivals or going to pagodas to pray for peace.

If you go in July – September, Trang An is now in the ripe rice season. For those who like to watch the golden rice fields on the boat, this time cannot be missed. In June, the weather is a bit hot but the sky is clear and there is little rain. In addition, this is the time when the lotus blooming season is also very suitable for sightseeing. November and December have bad weather and lots of rain, so you should avoid traveling to Trang An at this time.

2. Mua Cave – a popular hiking spot

• Location: Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
• Opening Hours: 6.00 am – 7.00 pm (can vary in Vietnamese National holidays)
• Entrance Fee: VND 100.000/ ticket

Given the diversity of its cultural and natural heritages, Ninh Binh is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Vietnam. Mua Caves is one of these cultural treasures that stands out for its exquisite natural beauty. Mua Cave has been referred to as “The Great Wall of Vietnam” or “Tam Coc’s Muse” because of this. This is also regarded as Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s most picturesque vista. It is not simple to climb the 486 stone stairs to the summit, but once you do, you will go to the summit of Mua Cave and take in the breathtaking landscape from the viewpoint.

Mid-April to early June is the ideal time to visit Mua Cave in Ninh Binh as this is when the locals harvest their rice and the weather is more pleasant. The rice fields are relatively green in April, but as they grow from the end of May to the start of June, they turn yellow. Although Mua Cave Scenic Area is open all year round and is always impressive, try to avoid September because of the possibility of typhoons.

3. Cuc Phuong National Park – Vietnam’s first national park

• Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening Hours: Every day 6.00am – 10.00pm
• Entrance Fee: 50k / ticket and 60k if you visit primate center

Located in Ninh Binh Province, 120 km southwest of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is home to the 22,200 hectare rainforest-covered. This national park, one of the easiest to get to in the nation, serves as the focal point of Vietnam’s conservation efforts.

Although this is also the busiest season, October to January is the perfect time to go for a stroll in Cuc Phuong National Park because that is when the leeches and mosquitoes rest. The months of February and March are when flowers are at their peak, while April and May are when you may take in the “butterfly festival,” when tens of thousands of butterflies adorn the woodland.

4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the former capital of Vietnam

• Location: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND / Ticket
• Opening hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

One of the most well-liked locations in Northern Vietnam for history and cultural discovery is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province. This place is not only a priceless repository for artifacts; it is also a noteworthy tourist destination that allows visitors to take in the breathtaking historical vistas and distinctive architectural features of a bygone age. 

You do not need to choose the ideal time when visiting Hoa Lu. However, according to Vietnamese residents, spring is the best season to visit Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh since there will be many wonderful festivities taking place after the Lunar Tet holiday. People can participate in and experience the busy environment and crowd at these festivals throughout this period. On the other hand, if you enjoy Hoa Lu’s peace, you should go there on the remaining days.

5. Places to visit in Ninh Binh: Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

• Location: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM from Mon – Sun
• Entrance Fees:
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda Entrance Fee: Free of Charge
  • Electric Car: 30,000 VND/person/trip, operating until 8:00 PM
  • Ticket Price to Bao Thap Tower: 50,000 VND/person
  • Parking Fees: 40,000 VND/car and 15,000 VND/motorbike 

The largest Buddhist temple in Vietnam is located in Ninh Binh Province’s Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex, one of the most visited religious sites in the region. For those interested in pilgrimage and culture, it is definitely a must-see because it is so close to the Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An old pagoda and a more recent, grander temple make up the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the nation frequently travel to this location. 

The optimum time to take a tour to the Bai Dinh Pagoda is in the spring, between the months of January and March. Vietnam’s northern regions see extremely good weather and temperatures at this time of year. A wonderful opportunity to go sightseeing, participate in pagoda ceremonies, and take in the lovely festivities at Bai Dinh Pagoda. The Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival is held in the spring as well. However, spring is typically the busiest time of year for local tourists, and many locations are frequently crowded. Therefore, if you dislike crowds, it would be best to visit this pagoda at a different time.

7. Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area

• Location: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Opening Hours: From 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Everyday
• Dress Code: Decent Cloths to cover your shoulders & knees
• Entrance Fee: + Tam Coc Entrance Fee: Adult: VND 120.000. Kids under 1,4m tall: VND 60.000 (free for kids under 3 years old).+ Boat fee: VND 150.000/boat/route (free for kids under 3 years old) 

  + Local tourist:  4 people/boat (5th adult will be surcharged VND 40.000, 5th kid is VND 20.000).

  + Foreign tourist:  2 people/boat (3rd adult will be surcharged VND 75.000, 3rd kid is VND 35.000).

  + Bich Dong Entrance Fee: VND 20.000/person.

Vietnam’s Ninh Binh Province is home to the well-known historical and cultural relic known as Tam Coc – Bich Dong, which is situated in Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu District. Bich Dong Pagoda is little over 100 kilometers from or to Hanoi. Its distinctive feature is the magnificent fusion of historic pagodas with cross-covered roofs, natural caves, beautiful mountains, and so on, all concealed in the greenery of tropical forests.

Tam Coc has three caves consisting of Ca, Hai and Ba Caves with distinguished beauty but they are all formed by the Ngo Dong river flowing through Bich Dong, a cave with sapphire color. When visiting Ninh Binh, you should surely pay a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda.

Although there is no entrance cost at Bich Dong Pagoda, there is a minor parking fee that must be paid. The pagoda is open at all hours, however if you want to avoid the throng and enjoy a tranquil moment, come here in the early morning or late afternoon. The greatest time to view the green rice fields becoming yellow and the blooming lotus is during the summer, from May to July.

8. Van Long Nature Reserve

• Location: Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province
• Entry Fee:

– Adults: 20,000 VND/person
– Children under 1m tall: 10,000 VND/person
– Elderly people (from 60 years old): 10,000 VND/person

One of the top attractions for visitors to Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam is the Van Long Nature Reserve. Perhaps what draws so many local and foreign tourists is the ecosystem’s diversity and wild beauty. Many individuals have fallen in love with the serene Van Long eco-tourism region and the lovely surroundings. People adore the tranquility, the clean blue sky, and the layered mountain beauty.

Many people find it surprisingly serene to take in the stunning natural landscape of Van Long lagoon. Van Phong lagoon is a great option if, one day, you’re tired of the city’s activity or wish to visit a tranquil location. You can expect to have a wide variety of fascinating experiences thanks to the picturesque mountain scenery and the untamed and primitive elements of Van Long! 

More tips for traveling in Ninh Binh

For having a wonderful trip to Ninh Binh province, please take a look at some of the useful Ninh Binh tips below:

• How to dress: Some of the attractions in Ninh Binh are pagodas and temples. Please keep in mind that you dress appropriately when entering these areas; such as no short skirts and tank tops. You can also bring a sarong to cover yourself when you visit these areas.
• Where to go next: If you are heading from north to south, your next stop after Ninh Binh will be Phong Nha or Hue in central Vietnam. In Phong Nha you can visit the stunning national park with some of the biggest caves in the world. There is a train going from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi and from here you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha. You can also skip this national park and continue to Hue or Hoi An. These are ancient towns and two of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. If you are traveling to the north you can easily combine Ninh Binh with a cruise through Halong Bay, more rice fields in Mai Chau or exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
• Ninh Binh with kids: One of the greatest places to visit in Vietnam with children is Ninh Binh. It’s safe and peaceful enough to ride bikes through here with kids. There are lots of hotels in Ninh Binh with pools. They can also take in the breathtaking scenery and discover more about the history and culture of the area.
• Language: The neighborhood is easily navigable in English because of its mindful development. The majority of the staff members at the accommodation are fluent in English. The local restaurant always has an English menu. 

Flanked by mountains, caves and incredibly picturesque limestone sceneries, Ninh Binh is nothing short of stunning. The natural backdrop of this destination is an endearing and charming place to be. Hopefully, with our sharing, you will find for yourself a safe and relaxing time in Vietnam!