Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2025: Best Things To Do & Complete Itinerary

Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on Land," is one of Vietnam's most stunning destinations, featuring dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice paddies, and peaceful waterways. Located just 100 kilometers south of Hanoi (see our complete Hanoi to Ninh Binh travel guide), this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers travelers breathtaking natural beauty, ancient temples, and authentic Vietnamese culture and that too without the crowds of more touristy areas. Whether you're planning a day trip from Hanoi or a multi-day adventure, this Ninh Binh travel guide 2025 covers everything you need: top attractions, where to stay, best times to visit, and detailed itineraries.

P.S. Did you know that the movie Kong - Skull Island was shot in Ninh Binh!

Why Visit Ninh Binh?

Breathtaking Views

The province of karst mountains, chill waterways is Ninh Binh (not to be confused with Binh Dinh!) and is most famously known for the Trang An and Tam Coc boat tours. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst its dream-like setting.
Nice thing is still not many people know about Ninh Binh and they focus on well known places like Ha Long bay, Hanoi, Ho chi minh city etc. So you can avoid the tourist crowd!

Cultural Richness

Home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s 10th-century history with well-preserved temples and palaces.

Outdoor Fun

From hiking up Mua Cave for some great views to biking through the countryside, Ninh Binh is ideal for chill out. You would feel like a traveler rather than a tourist here if you know what we mean!

Local Food

Try the real Vietnamese flavors, mountain goat dishes, Ninh Binh scorched rice, and all the others like Nem Chua Yen Mac.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from October to April when temperatures are cooler (20-25°C) and rainfall is minimal. For the iconic golden rice fields, plan your visit in late May to early June during harvest season. Avoid July to September when humidity peaks and heavy rains can disrupt boat tours. Spring (February-April) offers pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers, while autumn (October-November) provides clear skies perfect for photography from Mua Cave.

Top Attractions in Ninh Binh

Trang An Landscape Complex

Known for its maze of caves, temples, and waterways, Trang An provides standard boat tours, lasting about 2-3 hours with skilled local rowers. Expect stunning vistas of lush valleys with their limestone cliffs. They have 3 routes with multiple pagoda and caves. You get to choose the route at the time of buying tickets.

Read our detailed Trang An boat tour guide for route recommendations, ticket costs, and insider tips

Tam Coc (Three Caves)

The 2-hour Tam Coc boat tour costs 200,000 VND per boat and takes you through three limestone caves: Hang Ca (127m), Hang Hai (60m), and Hang Ba (50m). Local rowers use a unique foot-rowing technique, creating a memorable experience.
Visit early morning (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds and midday heat. The rice fields surrounding Tam Coc are most photogenic from late May to early June when they turn golden before harvest.

While Tam Coc is beautiful, we recommend choosing either Tam Coc OR Trang An to avoid repetition. Just so you know that Trang An offers more caves and less vendor hassle.

For a comprehensive comparison and booking tips, check our Tam Coc boat tour guide.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Explore the ancient temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties amidst dramatic karst peaks and verdant foliage. 

Mua Cave (Hang Mua)

Climbing the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave (Hang Mua) rewards you with one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Vietnam. From the dragon-adorned summit at 486 meters, you'll see Tam Coc's winding river, limestone karsts, and golden rice paddies stretching to the horizon.
Entry costs 100,000 VND ($4 USD). Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid peak heat and tour bus crowds. The climb takes 30 to 40 minutes , and there are rest stops with photo opportunities along the way. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Cuc Phuong National Park

This oldest national park of Vietnam offers wildlife spotting, hiking trails, and ancient caves.

How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

From Hanoi

By Bus/Limousine Van: The most popular option. Comfortable limousine vans depart hourly from Hanoi's Old Quarter and take 2 hours. Book via the Vexere app and pay the driver directly (200,000-250,000 VND / $8-10 USD). 

By Train: Express trains from Hanoi Railway Station take 1.5-2 hours (180,000-350,000 VND). The SE19 and SE21 trains are fastest and feature air-conditioning and WiFi. 

By Private Car: Pre-arranged car services cost 1,200,000-1,500,000 VND ($50-60 USD) for a 4-seater, taking approximately 1.5 hours via Highway 1A.

Getting Around Ninh Binh

Local attractions are easily seen by bicycle. Motorbikes and taxis are available when required. Avoid local taxis and try to book via Grab App. But do note if you are staying in small towns where most tourists stay like Trang An or Tam Coc, then it might take some time for Grab cars to arrive as it's slightly away from the main city.

Personally, we preferred renting a motorbike from our homestays which they will offer from between $5 to $6 (USD).

If you rent a motorbike, always check the condition especially of the rear view mirror and helmets before booking. We had a lot of trouble finding a bike which had both rear view mirrors with good angles. And for a helmet, check if it has a visor since there are lots of insects which will hit your face/eyes when you drive in Ninh binh!

Best Places to Stay in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh offers diverse accommodations, ranging from budget homestays to luxury resorts.

• Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay: Affordable, yet offering views - and family-run. At the time of writing this, they had a 9.7 rating on booking.com with over a thousand reviews.
  

• Trang An Pristine View homestay: Perfectly suited for quiet countryside stays. We stayed here by ourselves and it is supercheap and breakfast was damn good!
  Cost us around $14 per day.
  They have bicycles for free and motorbikes for rent. And trust us, you would wanna ride a bicycle there as the views just in front of the homestay are epic!

Must-Try Local Food in Ninh Binh

• Mountain Goat Dishes: Found in many variations, usually grilled or stewed. If you are not a vegan/vegetarian, then it's a must try thing in Ninh Binh!

• Ninh Binh Scorched Rice: This is a super crispy and delicious snack especially if you are a vegan/vegetarian.
  

• Kim Son Noodle Soup: Braised vermicelli noodle soup served in a rich broth.

Ninh Binh Itinerary: 1, 2 & 3 Day Options

1-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary

7:30 AM: Depart Hanoi by limousine van 
9:30 AM: Arrive Ninh Binh, start Trang An boat tour (2.5 hours) 
12:00 PM: Lunch at local restaurant near Trang An 
1:30 PM: Visit Mua Cave and climb 500 steps for panoramic views 
3:30 PM: Quick visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda 
5:00 PM: Return to Hanoi or stay overnight

2-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary (Recommended)

Day 1: 
- Morning: Trang An boat tour
- Afternoon: Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Evening: Sunset at Mua Cave, dinner in Tam Coc

Day 2: 
- Morning: Tam Coc boat ride (7-8 AM start)
- Afternoon: Cycle through rice fields to Bich Dong Pagoda
- Late afternoon: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

3-Day Ninh Binh Itinerary

Add these to the 2-day itinerary:
Day 3: 
- Morning: Van Long Nature Reserve for wildlife spotting
- Afternoon: Thung Nham Bird Valley or Cuc Phuong National Park

Travel Tips for Ninh Binh

• Check it out in spring or early summer for nice weather and colorful views. If you come in summer, avoid travelling between 11 am to 3 pm as it's insanely hot.

• Avoid peak festival seasons—late January to February—to avoid crowds.

• Get those boat tours started as early as possible for the best time (8 am).

If you ever come to Vietnam, then Ninh Binh should be a must-visit destination in your bucket list. The city represents a great combination of the natural environment, full of cultural vibes and local charm. Be it an adventure freak, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Ninh Binh has something for you.

FAQ

1. How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh?
To fully experience Ninh Binh's top attractions like Trang An, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave, 2-3 days are ideal. If you have an extra day, you can explore Cuc Phuong National Park or Van Long Nature Reserve for a more relaxed experience.

2. Is Ninh Binh worth visiting compared to Halong Bay?
Yes, Ninh Binh offers similar limestone landscapes without the crowds. While Halong Bay receives 7+ million visitors annually, Ninh Binh sees about 3.5 million, making it more peaceful and authentic. Ninh Binh is also cheaper and offers more diverse activities beyond boat tours.

3. How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
You can reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi in about 2 hours by:

• Bus: Regular services from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations.

• Train: A scenic train ride from Hanoi Railway Station.

• Limousine Van: Comfortable, direct services with hotel pick-ups.

4. How about Ninh Binh for solo travelers?
Ninh Binh is safe and ideal for solo travelers as is the rest of Vietnam. You can rent bicycles or motorbikes to explore the sights. Many hostels also offer guided group tours, making it easy to meet fellow travelers.
Just ensure you know what things to avoid in Vietnam before you travel.

5. Trang An or Tam Coc: Which is better?
Trang An is better organized with three route options, more caves (9 caves vs 3), and fewer hassling vendors. Tam Coc offers a more intimate experience with foot-rowing boat women. We recommend Trang An for first-time visitors.

6. Which dishes should one try when visiting Ninh Binh?

• Mountain Goat Dishes: Tender goat meat, a regional favorite.

• Com Chay: A crispy and flavorful snack.

• Kim Son Vermicelli Soup: A healthy and savory noodle soup.

7. Can I do a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
Yes, but it's rushed. A day trip allows you to visit 2-3 major sites (Trang An, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh). We strongly recommend staying 2-3 days to fully experience Ninh Binh without rushing.

8. Are there any English-speaking guides in Ninh Binh?
Yes, many hotels and tour operators provide English-speaking guides. A guide can improve your experience, especially at historic and cultural sites like Hoa Lu and Trang An.

But they are few as Ninh Binh is a small city.

9. What's new in Ninh Binh for 2025?
In 2025, Ninh Binh has improved infrastructure including electric shuttle buses between attractions, upgraded cycling paths, and enhanced facilities at Trang An. New homestays in rural areas offer more authentic experiences.

10. Which are the best things to do for families in Ninh Binh? 
Family-friendly activities include:

• Boat Rides: Scenic and safe for all ages, in Trang An or Tam Coc.

• Cycling in the Countryside: Easy and enjoyable routes.

• Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park: Ideal for nature and wildlife lovers.

11. What are some off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Ninh Binh?
Some lesser-known spots include:

• Thung Nham Bird Garden: A paradise for bird watchers.

• Van Long Nature Reserve: A chill retreat for kayaking and wildlife watching if you are someone who is not too fond of commercialized tourist attractions as it really is quite unknown. 

• Bich Dong Pagoda: A peaceful temple in limestone mountains, looks pretty nice!

12. Is vegetarian food easily found in Ninh Binh?
Yes, vegetarian food is widely available in Ninh Binh. Many restaurants serve dishes like vegetable stir-fries, tofu, and vegetarian pho. Some even offer dedicated vegetarian menus. But a purely vegetarian restaurant which doesn’t cook meat would be hard to find!