10 Wonderful Things To Do In Ninh Binh, Vietnam
10 Wonderful Things To Do In Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Steep limestone karsts, winding rivers, and ancient temples hidden among lush rice paddies are just a taste of what makes Ninh Binh one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations! Often called the “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this region was one of my favorite throughout the country and is a dream for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re gliding through misty waterways, climbing to panoramic viewpoints, or exploring centuries-old pagodas, Ninh Binh promises an adventure that feels both timeless and otherworldly. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, here are 10 Wonderful Things To Do In Ninh Binh, Vietnam:
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Climb the Hang Múa Viewpoints
Climb the 500 stone steps to the top of Hang Múa for sweeping views of winding rivers, golden rice fields, and towering limestone peaks. The hike is short and steep (made even more challenging by Vietnam’s humidity!), but the reward is certainly worth every step.
About two-thirds of the way up, you’ll reach a small snack stand where the path splits into two directions, each leading to a different viewpoint:
- Dragon Viewpoint (left): The higher and more challenging climb. Boasts an epic dragon statue and open-air pagoda.
- Pagoda Viewpoint (right): A slightly lower but still scenic option. Boasts a tall pagoda.
On the day of my visit, I chose to tackle Dragon Viewpoint, arriving right when the ticket office opened to beat the worst of the heat. Despite wearing a cast, I managed the climb (though I wouldn’t recommend attempting it under those conditions)!
At the summit, an open-air pagoda offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect place to catch your breath and soak in the view. But for those looking to go even higher, the real challenge lies ahead.
Dragon Viewpoint gets its name from the massive dragon statue perched at the mountain’s peak. Reaching it requires going beyond the stone staircase and scrambling over jagged, slippery rocks with the help of a rope. Given my broken wrist situation, I decided to sit this one out. Watching others struggle up the final stretch only confirmed my decision. This part of the hike is no joke! If you’re determined to reach the dragon itself, be prepared for a tough climb and please bring slip-resistant hiking shoes.
Even without scaling the last section, the views from atop Hang Múa’ are absolutely worth the effort. I skipped Pagoda Viewpoint, as Dragon Viewpoint provided a similarly stunning perspective in the same direction. However, if you still have energy left, it’s worth heading that way for a less precarious photo spot with an equally epic backdrop.
Entry Cost: 100,000 VND/person.*
Hours: 6AM – 7PM
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Cruise the Trang An Landscape Complex
Explore Trang An by boat, drifting through a maze of emerald-green waterways, caves, and towering limestone cliffs. Unlike Tam Coc, Trang An offers a longer, more varied route, passing through narrow grottoes and stopping at temples hidden in the mountains. The boat ride, typically lasting 2–3 hours, is guided by a local rower and feels like stepping into a fantasy film (Kong: Skull Island anyone?), especially in the early morning when mist lingers over the water.
Entry Cost: 250,000 VND / person or 1 Million VND / boat*
Hours: 7AM – 4PM daily, except local holidays*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Admire the Pagodas at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Walk through the remnants of Vietnam’s 10th-century capital, where stone temples, ancient gates, and mountainous backdrops tell the story of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The main attractions here are the temples dedicated to Emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, featuring intricate wood carvings and historical relics! Visit early to avoid crowds (Hoa Lu is one of Ninh Binh’s most popular attractions!) and appreciate the quiet beauty of this once-powerful kingdom.
Entry Cost: 20,000 VND/person with discounts available for children and seniors*
Hours: 7AM – 5PM daily, except local holidays*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Walk Around Tuyet Tinh Coc
Tuyet Tinh Coc is a magical and somewhat off-the-beaten-path valley for those visiting Ninh Binh. Located near Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the earliest records of Tuyet Tinh Coc can be traced back to the 10th century in the Complete Annals of Dai Viet (a historical series of Vietnamese texts). In them, it states that Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang wanted to use his power to rule the world, so he placed a large cauldron in the courtyard, raised a fierce tiger in a cage, and ordered that anyone who broke the law be punished by being thrown into a cauldron of oil and fed to the tiger.
Today, Tuyet Tinh Coc is used for much less gruesome purposes. Quite literally a hidden lake complex enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs, Tuyet Tinh Coc features numerous photo ops, beautiful gardens, and a small pagoda! I absolutely loved the floral and lantern-strewn boat setup that I found here! Even the smallest of movements on the boat attracted the attention of all the lake’s koi fish.
In addition to the scenery, there are a few spots to eat inside the complex as well as bicycle rentals for those looking for a bit of exercise around the lake!
Entry Cost: 50,000 VND/person, with additional costs for bicycle rentals*
Hours: Unfortunately, I don’t remember Tuyet Tinh Coc’s exact opening hours, nor are they listed anywhere online. To have the best chance of exploring this lovely spot, I’d recommend going just before or after lunch (late morning to mid afternoon hours).
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Journey Across the Bridge at Bich Dong Pagoda
One of the most picturesque in Ninh Binh, Bich Dong Pagoda is a series of three-tiered temples that were originally built into surrounding mountainside around the 1400s. Accessible by a stone bridge over a lotus pond, the lower pagoda sits at the entrance and is perfect to visit on its own if you’re short on time in Ninh Binh. If not, climb up to the middle and upper pagodas where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape! The atmosphere here is quite peaceful and beautiful, definitely a must-visit along your trip to Ninh Binh!
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 7:30AM – 4:30PM daily, except local holidays*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Visit Thai Vi Temple
Tucked away in a quiet valley, Thai Vi Temple is a peaceful shrine dedicated to the Tran Dynasty rulers. Unlike the grander temples in Ninh Binh, this one is simple and atmospheric, with a stone courtyard surrounded by jungle-covered karsts. It’s a short walk or bike ride from Tam Coc, making it an easy yet rewarding stop for those looking to escape the crowds and soak in the area’s history.
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 7:30AM – 5:00PM*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Bike Around Tam Coc
Rent a bike and cycle through Tam Coc’s quiet backroads, passing golden rice fields, picturesque temples, and towering limestone mountains. The flat terrain makes for an easy ride, and stopping along the way to watch farmers at work or explore hidden temples adds to the experience.
Secret Tip
Many hotels include free bicycle rentals for their guests. Before paying for a rental in Tam Coc town, check with your accommodation to see if you already have one available to you!
Entry Cost: Varies*
Rental Hours: Varies by Accommodation or Shop*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Explore Bai Dinh Spiritual and Cultural Complex
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a sprawling temple complex spanning over 1700 acres, making it the largest in all of Vietnam! A blend of ancient and modern architecture, the complex has both historic temples and newly constructed structures adorned with intricate Vietnamese-Chinese designs. While the original Bai Dinh Pagoda dates back to the 11th century, major expansions led to the creation of the Bai Dinh Pagoda Spiritual and Cultural Complex, officially inaugurated in 2010.
Visitors here can explore grand temple halls, including the impressive Bai Dinh Stupa. Other highlights include the striking Giant Buddha and a 500-strong corridor of Arhat statues. Given the sheer size of the complex, electric carts are available (for an added fee) to make traveling around easier. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours exploring here.
Entry Cost: Free to enter, though, parking is 40,000 VND/vehicle and paying the roundtrip fee for the electric carts is encouraged (60,000 VND/person)*
Hours: 10AM – 6PM daily, except local holidays*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Get Lost in the Limestone Karsts
Step off the main paths and wander the dirt trails weaving through Ninh Binh’s towering limestone karsts. Whether by foot or bike, these hidden paths take you through sleepy villages, past water buffalo grazing in rice paddies, and into unexpected pockets of beauty! Some trails lead to small temples tucked inside caves, while others open up to sweeping views over rivers and mountains with no one else around. A dirt road I traveled down near Thai Vi Temple led to a lovely tiled path along the river and in between the towering limestone formations!
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 24/7*
10 wonderful things to do in ninh binh, vietnam
Spot Wildlife at Cuc Phuong National Park
If you’re looking to get off-the-beaten-path, Vietnam’s oldest national park, Cuc Phuong, is a dense rainforest where you might catch glimpses of rare butterflies, Delacour’s Langurs, and Clouded Leopards. Hike through towering trees to see Muong villages, or visit the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre to learn about conservation efforts for critically endangered species. The best time to visit is spring when thousands of butterflies fill the forest, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.
Entry Cost: 60,000 VND/person. Discounts are available for students and children.*
Hours: 6AM – 10PM
*At time of writing.
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