In a nutshell
- Ninh Binh is a province in northern Vietnam — often called the “dry” Ha Long Bay thanks to its dramatic limestone karsts rising from the landscape.
- The top things to do in Ninh Binh include cycling through rice fields, hiking to viewpoints, exploring caves, and taking a scenic boat tour.
- We cover the best highlights, where to stay in Tam Coc, how to get there, and the best time to visit — so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Where is Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Hanoi.
If you’re wondering why you sometimes see Ninh Binh mentioned and sometimes Tam Coc, here’s a quick explanation: Ninh Binh is the entire province and Tam Coc is a town within it.
Most of the things to do in Ninh Binh are around Tam Coc, which makes it the best base for your stay. More on that at the end of the article.
Ninh Binh Attractions on a Map
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the most important highlights in Ninh Binh on a map.
You can also see exactly where the town of Tam Coc is located.
Hang Múa Viewpoint
What you need to know: Hang Múa is a complex in Ninh Binh featuring viewpoints, caves, ponds, and a few tourist shops. The star of the show is the Hang Múa Viewpoint, which you reach by climbing over 500 steep steps. Down on the grounds, you can check out the Tiger Cave and the Múa Cave. The entrance fee of 100,000 VND (4 euros) covers all the highlights.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The view from the top is fantastic. The two caves, on the other hand, are fairly unspectacular — the viewpoint is the real reason to come.
Personal tip: Whether you arrive by scooter or bicycle, you’ll have to pay a parking fee. If locals wave you over on the road a hundred meters before the entrance, just keep going — you can park right at the entrance and it’s no more expensive. We paid 5,000 VND for our bicycle.
Boat Tour in Tràng An
What you need to know: Tràng An is a scenic complex north of Tam Coc, made up of limestone karsts, rivers, and lakes. The best way to explore the area is by boat. A ride lasting two and a half to three hours costs just 250,000 VND and you can book it on the spot: starting point of the boat tours on Google Maps.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt! Tràng An is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ninh Binh — on the boat you’ll drift past stunning scenery, through caves, and past ancient temples.
Tour tip: If your Vietnam itinerary doesn’t leave time to stay overnight in Tam Coc, you can also book a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The boat ride, the Hang Múa Viewpoint, and other highlights are included.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
What you need to know: Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s very first capital, though only briefly — from 968 to 1009. Not much of the ancient city remains today. The complex includes two temples, a viewpoint, and a large square. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND.
Is it worth it? Yes, but only if you have a guide with you — ask at your accommodation to arrange one. There isn’t a huge amount to see on the grounds themselves, but the history of Hoa Lu is genuinely fascinating.
Personal tip: The Hoa Lu complex isn’t large, so you can easily explore it on foot. At the entrance they’ll try to rent you bicycles, but you really don’t need them.
Cycling Tour Through the Rice Fields
What you need to know: At virtually every hotel in Ninh Binh you can rent bicycles cheaply or even for free, and use them to explore the surrounding area. Cycling past the many rice fields is especially rewarding — they make for great photos and give you a real sense of how locals live and work here.
Is it worth it? Oh yes! On two wheels you can reach all the top sights in Ninh Binh at your own pace, stop spontaneously wherever you like, and soak up the countryside properly.
Personal tip: A great route through the rice fields is the path to Đền Vối Temple — about 5 kilometers, passing the cool Buffalo Cave along the way. On the return trip, swing by Bich Dong Pagoda.
Bich Dong Pagoda
What you need to know: Bich Dong Pagoda is an impressive temple complex set among hills and caves. You first walk past a small lake before reaching the main temple area, then climb steep stairs up the hillside to discover more structures above. The absolute highlight is the temple built inside a cave.
Is it worth it? Definitely! The temples and the cave are seriously impressive, and on a clear day the views are stunning.
Important info: Admission to Bich Dong Pagoda is free. As with all temple complexes, you must cover your shoulders and knees. Also be prepared — some of the stairs going up are very steep.
Bird Valley
What you need to know: Bird Valley is a lesser-known spot in Ninh Binh — a valley about 5 kilometers from Tam Coc where you can watch birds and explore caves. Admission is 150,000 VND and covers all the attractions, including a boat ride into Buddha Cave.
Is it worth it? We honestly can’t say for certain, because we didn’t venture into the valley itself. The caves are supposed to be really impressive, but we also heard that the birds are only visible in the morning or evening.
Personal tip: We cycled toward Bird Valley and found the route there really worthwhile in itself. The abandoned resort on the left side of the entrance was especially atmospheric — you can see it in the picture above.
How Many Days for Ninh Binh?
We recommend planning 2 days in Ninh Binh when exploring Vietnam’s highlights. That gives you enough time to see everything properly. Here’s our suggested itinerary:
Day 1
- Hang Múa Viewpoint
- Tràng An boat tour
- Hoa Lu
Day 2
- Cycling tour through the rice fields
- Bich Dong Pagoda
- Bird Valley
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh?
The best base for your stay in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc. You’ll find a huge selection of hotels, homestays, and hostels here — whether you want to be right in the center or out in nature.
Staying in the center gives you the widest choice of restaurants and the easiest access to everything.
Our hotel recommendations for the center of Tam Coc:
Good and affordable
Better
If you stay further out, you’ll get more peace and quiet and wake up surrounded by nature. That’s the option we went for, and we loved it. Our place, the Tam Coc Green Mountain Homestay, was really special.
Our hotel recommendations for outside the center:
Good and affordable
Better
How Do You Get to Ninh Binh?
You have several options for getting to Ninh Binh. If you’d rather join a guided tour, the easiest choice is to book a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
If you’re traveling independently, you’ll most likely be coming from the north (Hanoi) or the south (for example Huế or Da Nang).
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh (and vice versa)
From Hanoi you can choose between a shared minivan transfer, the train, or public buses.
The most comfortable option is the minivan — hotel pickup is included and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation in Ninh Binh. Book it through your accommodation in Hanoi. The journey takes about two hours and costs around 250,000 VND (9 euros).
The train is also a relaxed option at two hours, and at 175,000 VND (7 euros) it’s very affordable. The catch: the train station in Ninh Binh is 6 kilometers from Tam Coc, so you’ll need a taxi or Grab from there.
Public buses depart from various stops in Hanoi and go to the Ninh Binh Bus Station. Ask at your hotel in Hanoi for the correct stops and current prices. Buses are the cheapest option, but they take the longest and aren’t the most comfortable ride.
From Ninh Binh to Huế (and vice versa)
The best way to cover the route from Ninh Binh to Huế is by overnight bus or train. It takes approximately 10 hours depending on which you choose.
Overnight buses cost around 25 euros (650,000 VND) and you can book them at your accommodation in Ninh Binh or through 12goasia.
To Da Nang you’ll need about two to three more hours than to Huế.
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is March through May and September through November. Temperatures are pleasant and there’s very little rain.
December through February can be quite cold in Ninh Binh — but if that doesn’t put you off, it’s still a perfectly fine time to visit.
June through August brings a lot of rain to northern Vietnam, so it’s the least ideal time for a trip to Ninh Binh.
