Things to do in Ninh Binh
Beyond the coastal beaches and bustling streets and city lights, Ninh Binh is a picturesque escape made up of dramatic limestone karst mountains, winding rivers, and emerald-green rice paddies. Located a mere 2 to 2.5-hour drive from the capital of Hanoi. Ninh Binh is a must-visit province in Vietnam. Most well-renowned as “Ha Long Bay on Land”, there are so many things to do in Ninh Binh to complete your scenic tour of northern Vietnam.
What makes Ninh Binh truly unique is the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of Ninh Binh’s top attractions.
The cinematic landscape of Ninh Binh has been featured in Kong: Skull Island in 2017, putting the region on the international stage. Read on for our Ninh Binh Travel Guide, highlighting the must-see Ninh Binh attractions as well as the best hotel stay in Ninh Binh for an ideal base to explore the province.
Discover the Top 10 Things to Do in Ninh Binh 2026
A trip to Northern Vietnam is not complete without a visit to the most mesmerising natural beauty of Ninh Binh. We will explore the top things to do to plan your itinerary.
1. Trang An Scenic Landscape
One of the best places in Ninh Binh to start your adventures is the Trang An Landscape Complex. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the complex is celebrated for both its natural beauty and historical significance.
Trang An UNESCO World Heritage complex is made up of a few attractions to explore, making for an immersive day out from your hotel room in Ninh Binh. Start your adventure in a traditional paddleboat, touring through Trang An or Tam Coc. Journey through the natural water cave, whilst taking in the towering limestone peaks surrounding you.
While both Trang An and Tam Coc make our list of the top things to do in Ninh Binh, if your time in Vietnam does not permit both, the key differences to consider are. Tam Coc is a less congested and shorter route, with golden rice fields and unique foot rowing to explore. On the other hand, Trang An is a UNESCO site with longer routes, temples, and grand scenery along your journey.
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Known as one of the largest pagoda complexes in Southeast Asia, the Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of our top things to do in Ninh Binh for travellers seeking spiritual discoveries. The Pagoda itself is located in the stunning Bai Dinh mountain range, elevating your spiritual journey in the most serene setting.
The architectural structure blends ancient features with modern Buddhist aspects to present a significant symbol of Vietnam’s Buddhist culture. The Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the best places in Ninh Binh to find calm and meditate, attracting both spiritual and non-spiritual respite alike, for a moment of respite.
As you navigate the complex, there are 19 interesting attractions to visit, from the bronze Buddha, the Maitreya Buddha statue to the Arhat corridor.
3. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The capital of Vietnam, from 968 to 1010 AD, the Hoa Lư old town invites you to step back in time. One of the most historically significant things to do in Ninh Binh is to experience several attractions to experience.
Explore the Temples of King Dinh and King Le, and walk through the Nhat Tru Pagoda. Take a tour of the Four Sacred Temples of Hoa Lu. Climb the 500 steps to take in the panoramic views from Mua Cave. And, immerse your taste buds in some of the local food. One of the most popular Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel cuisines is com chay, crispy, and savoury burnt rice.
Like many culturally significant sites, modest clothing is recommended, especially when visiting Hoa Lu temples and pagodas. Long sleeves and trousers are preferred as a sign of respect to this historically momentous attraction in Ninh Binh.
4. Tam Coc
Tam Coc is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Ninh Binh. This unique setting immerses travellers in the verdant green rice paddies and soaring limestone cliffs. The term “Tam Coc” itself refers to three caves you can explore on your trip: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave.
On a day trip to Tam Coc, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, one of the most unique attractions in Ninh Binh. Next, discover the wonder of the three caves, a stunning celebration of Ninh Binh’s natural splendour. Visit Thai Vi Temple and discover Bich Dong Pagoda, fused into the limestone cliffs of a mountain in the 15th century. This ancient pagoda is a masterpiece of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture.
5. Mua Cave & Mua Peak
Tick your tourist and fitness goals with a 500-step climb experience, and the breathtaking views from Mua Cave and Mua Peak. No doubt one of the best places to visit in Ninh Binh, this is one of the must-visit things to do in Ninh Binh. Whether you are seeking a spiritual encounter, want to connect with the scenery, or boost your Instagram. The views from the peak offer views of the Ngo Dong River and the paddy fields below. Buddhist worship sites, and not to mention the lotus pond, if you are planning your trip in the summer from May to July.
6. Thung Nham Bird Garden
A bird lover’s retreat with over 45 species of birds and stunning landscapes, transporting travellers to a fairy tale “wanderland”
Enjoy a boat ride and bird watching through the tranquil lakes. Explore the But Cave, which is one of the highlights of Thung Nham Bird Park. The cave is home to an impressive stalactite system and boasts a unique ecosystem, with bats, swifts, and other wildlife calling it home.
7. Kenh Ga Floating Village
A traditional waterway village, the Kenh Ga Floating Village is one of the Ninh Binh attractions that immerses tourists in the local way of life. After you have ticked off the most famous things to do in Ninh Binh, you can enjoy a boat ride along the less busy village with iconic mountain ranges as your backdrop. Relax in Kenh Ga Hot Spring, and the region’s delicacies like goat meat, scorched burnt rice. and shrimp paste, the most famous specialties of Ninh Binh
8. Van Long Nature Reserve
Ecotourism takes centre stage at the Van Long Nature Reserve. Not only is this a stunning setting, but it is also one of the most famous Ninh Binh attractions, starring in the 2027 King Kong – Skill Island movie, capturing the majestic, pristine beauty of the land.
You will find Van Long Nature Reserve 17 km northeast of Ninh Binh city centre, near Trang An Ecotourism Complex, making it a worthy addition to your visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Van Long is considered the largest inland wetland in the Northern Delta. Celebrating the biodiversity of Ninh Binh, your trip to Van Long offers many opportunities for discovery. Take a boat ride on Van Long Lake. Experience the breathtaking beauty of 32 magnificent caves with iconic limestone formations amidst crystal-clear waters. Visit sacred temples like Thanh Mau Temple, Thanh Son Temple, and Dich Long Temple for both sightseeing and inner peace during your visit to Ninh Binh.
9. Bich Dong Pagoda
Discover the picturesque 600-year-old temple perched on the limestone cliffs, a short distance from the Tam Coc wharf. The pagoda is made up of three tiers you can explore: the lower, middle, and upper.
The lower is known as Ha Pagoda, naturally located at the bottom of the mountain with a more traditional architectural style and curved roofs. Next, you can reach the middle Trung Pagoda, a moderate 90 stone steps away. It is partially built inside a dark, atmospheric cave and hosts a few magnificent statues to explore. The upper, Thuong Pagoda requires a bit more tenacity, trekking another 40 steps to the peak. The reward is breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and iconic karst landscape.
The Bich Dong Pagoda offers stunning scenic views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and karst peaks. Only a short 15-minute drive from Tam Coc itself, making it the perfect addition to a day tour covering the three Ninh Binh attractions: Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
10. Ninh Binh Local Market
After a day of exploring the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, spend the evening sampling the best of local delicacies at the Ninh Binh Local Market. Located near the Tam Coc Wharf, you can visit the market from 6 pm to 11 pm. Wander through rows of lantern-lit stalls, sizzling street food, and live entertainment to give a lively local feel.
Delicious must-try foods include flavourful goat meat, crispy rice, fermented pork, spring rolls, rice rolls, and Eel Vermicelli. Travelling to Ninh Binh offers so many things to do and taste, and the local night market makes for an unforgettable experience.
When visiting this Ninh Binh attraction, it is recommended to arrive early, between 6 and 7 pm, to explore the stalls more leisurely before the crowds arrive, especially on weekends and holidays. International travellers are encouraged to bring cash in local Vietnamese dong as most vendors do not accept cards. Bargaining is a common practice; however, it is important to be polite and respectful to vendors.
Best Located Hotel to Explore Ninh Binh — Pullman Ninh Binh
Travelling to northern Vietnam is all about cultural immersion. It is one of the most serene and historically significant provinces in the country. Most travellers arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, then commence their scenic 2 to 2.5-hour journey to Ninh Binh.
When selecting the best hotel in Ninh Binh, location is the key. Pullman Ninh Binh Hotel puts you within 15-30 mins away from the most significant things to do in Ninh Binh. Making for an inspired stay. Discover 283 thoughtfully designed rooms & suites complete with balconies to take in the breathtaking iconic limestone karsts from the comfort of your room.
Wake up to a delicious buffet breakfast at Food ConneXion, and end your day with a cocktail in the lobby bar or rooftop champagne bar with panoramic views of Trang An and Ninh Binh’s skyline.
After a day of exploring, there is nothing better than retreating to the comfort of your hotel in Ninh Binh, close by.
Pullman is amongst the best hotels in Ninh Binh for its convenient location, and world-class standards harmonised with local Vietnamese hospitality.
Unforgettable Ninh Binh Experiences
With a variety of iconic things to do in Ninh Binh, why wait? Book your hotel in Ninh Binh, and let the countdown begin for an unforgettable experience exploring northern Vietnam. Take a look at the latest special offer for your next stay.
And, as part of the ALL Accor loyalty program, members can enjoy an extra 5% off the best hotel rates when they book directly on the hotel website.
FAQ – Things to do in Ninh Binh
Q: When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
A: Travelling to Ninh Binh is best enjoyed in autumn or late spring. Whilst ticking off the things to do in Ninh Binh, the outdoor temperatures are most comfortable from March to May, and September to November. October is the harvest season and is renowned for the finest views. It is recommended to avoid travel in the hotter months of July to August, with random downpours and storms.
Q: How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
A: With no airport in Ninh Binh itself, travellers are recommended to fly into Hanoi. From Hanoi, it is roughly a 2 to 2 and a half hour drive to Ninh Binh, with a variety of public and private transportation available to you.
Q: Can the hotel help arrange transportation to attractions in Ninh Binh?
A: The knowledgeable team at Pullman Ninh Binh is on hand to ensure every detail of your stay is exceptional. If you have any questions before you arrive, or need assistance arranging transportation to travel to the top attractions in Ninh Binh, you can simply email: [email protected] or reach us via the hotline: +84 2293 883 883.