Ninh Binh is known as a popular tourist destination with rich natural landscapes and distinctive architectural structures. Let’s explore the following must-visit tourist destinations in Ninh Binh together with DanangPrivateCar.com!
Table of Contents
Tourist destinations in Ninh Binh
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park (or Cuc Phuong Forest) is the first national park in Vietnam, situated on the borders of three regions: Northwest, Red River Delta, and North Central, spanning three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa.
This national park plays a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species that are at risk of extinction. When you visit Cuc Phuong Forest, you can marvel at and learn about a diverse ecosystem characteristic of tropical rainforests.
Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to engage in eco-tourism activities, relaxation, camping, adventure, and cultural and historical research.
Ticket prices for Cuc Phuong National Park:
- Adults: 60,000 VND per visit
- Students: 20,000 VND per visit
- Children: 10,000 VND per visit
Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex
Located 7 kilometers west of Ninh Binh city center, Trang An is one of the famous tourist destinations in Ninh Binh that you must visit. It is an eco-tourism area within the Trang An World Heritage Site, known for preserving a variety of aquatic ecosystems, limestone mountain forests, archaeological sites, and historical and cultural relics. In 2014, Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex was recognized as a dual World Heritage Site by the Vietnamese government and UNESCO.
Often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” Trang An attracts tourists with its diverse natural limestone formations and caves. Visitors can enjoy the captivating natural scenery and experience moments of tranquility while immersing themselves in a unique cultural and spiritual environment.
See more articles about: Ticket Prices for Trang An Eco-Tourism Site 2023 and Ninh Binh Tourist Attractions
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is located on National Highway 38B in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center. It is a large temple complex known for various records, both in Asia and Vietnam.
The Bai Dinh temple complex consists of an ancient temple area and a new temple area built since 2003. Beyond its spiritual significance, this place impresses with its grand and unique architecture, including the Bao Thap (Stupa), a 100-meter tall statue of Buddha, Bell Tower, Phat Ba Temple, and Phong Sinh Lake.
Therefore, Bai Dinh Pagoda is undoubtedly a destination that should not be missed.
King Dinh and King Le Temples
King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is an important historical site in the special protection area of the Hoa Lu ancient capital heritage site. The temple is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
King Dinh Temple, along with King Le Temple, is ranked among the “Top 100 famous 100-year-old constructions in Vietnam.” Like other historical sites in the Hoa Lu ancient capital area, King Dinh Temple is part of the Trang An World Heritage Site, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2014.
King Le Dai Hanh Temple is a national historical and cultural monument within the special heritage site of Hoa Lu ancient capital in Ninh Binh province. The temple is dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga, Le Long Dinh, as well as Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and General Pham Cu Luong.
The temple is located 300 meters from King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple in the ancient Eastern Capital of Hoa Lu, now the Yen Thanh village, Truong Yen commune, Ninh Binh.
To see more details about: Visiting the Temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh in Ninh Binh, please refer to the article
Mua Cave
Mua Cave is situated at the base of Mua Mountain within the eco-tourism complex in Khe Dau Ha hamlet, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
The highlight of this tourist destination, apart from its beautiful landscapes, is the pathway leading to the summit of Mua Mountain, designed to resemble the architecture of the Great Wall of China, with nearly 500 stone steps.
From the top of Mua Mountain, visitors can admire the breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc, a famous scenic spot in Ninh Binh.
According to legend, King Tran used to visit this place to enjoy the performances of beautiful women and courtiers, thus the name “Mua Cave.”
Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area
One of the renowned tourist destinations in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area. Tam Coc – Bich Dong is also known by famous names like “Halong Bay on land” or the “Second nicest grotto under the Southern Heaven,” and it is a national key tourist area in Vietnam.
The entire area includes a network of limestone caves and historical relics related to the Vu Lam Palace of the Tran Dynasty, mainly located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. The Trang An – Tam Coc scenic complex is ranked as a special national monument and has been recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site.
The ticket price for visiting Tam Coc – Bich Dong is 120,000 VND for adults and 60,000 VND for children.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Lagoon is the largest wetland natural conservation area in the North Central region of Vietnam, located in the northeastern part of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. In 1999, this area became a natural conservation area, listed in the inventory of wetland conservation areas and the list of specialized forest systems in Vietnam.
Van Long is not only a natural conservation area but also an attractive landscape. It is known as the “waveless bay” because when traveling by boat on the lagoon, visitors will see the water surface as smooth as a giant mirror.
The landscape reflects the robust lines of limestone mountains with names such as Cat Scratch Mountain, Sticky Rice Mountain, Ant’s Nest Mountain, Stone Table Mountain, Leaning Mountain, Orphan Mountain, Fairy Mountain, and more.
- The ticket price for visiting Van Long is 20,000 VND per person.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, often referred to as Phat Diem Cathedral, is a complex of Catholic churches spanning about 22 hectares in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district. It is a significant architectural achievement and serves as the main cathedral for the extensive Phat Diem diocese in northern Vietnam.
Constructed entirely from stone and wood, Phat Diem Cathedral was initiated in 1875 and was essentially completed by 1898. What makes this structure unique is that, although it is a Catholic cathedral, it is designed to resemble traditional Vietnamese temple and pagoda architecture.
This architectural complex was gradually constructed by Father Petro Tran Luc (also known as Cu Sau), a priest in the Phat Diem diocese since 1865, along with Catholic parishioners over a span of more than 30 years.
Thach Bich – Thung Nang
Thung Nang is an attractive tourist destination in Ninh Binh, featuring ripe rice fields and emerald-green rivers.
Thung Nang is located in Dam Khe hamlet, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. True to its name, the sunlight bathes everything in its warmth, from leaves and simple thatched-roof houses by the water’s edge to the bottom of the river, creating a brilliant and peaceful landscape.
Thung Nang is divided into two parts: Thung Nang Outside (covering 3 hectares) and Thung Nang Inside (covering more than 5 hectares). These two areas are connected by a system of caves and tunnels in the mountains, with low ceilings and various stalactites hanging down in unique shapes.
Thung Nham Bird Park in Ninh Binh
The Thung Nham Bird Park is currently one of the popular tourist destinations in Ninh Binh, attracting visitors with its pristine beauty and fascinating features, with a highlight being the bird garden – a residence for thousands of birds of various species.
Thung Nham Ecotourism Area in Ninh Binh has become a highly favored tourist spot by both domestic and international travelers in recent times. This tourist area is one of the core destinations within the Trang An World Heritage Site, situated in the hills of Hai Nham, Hai Nham village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
With a natural flooded forest ecosystem covering an area of approximately 334.2 hectares, including 19 hectares of primary forest, Thung Nham Bird Garden is the habitat for around 46 bird species, 109 plant species, 150 animal species, and more.
Ken Ga – Van Trinh Tourism Area
The Ken Ga – Van Trinh Tourism Area is one of the largest tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. It is situated in the Hoang Long River intertidal zone, bordering Gia Vien and Nho Quan districts, connecting two famous attractions: Ken Ga hot spring and Van Trinh cave.
This natural ecological area seamlessly blends natural landscapes, including rivers, mountains, ponds, and fields, making it an ideal place for tourism development.
Dong Chong Lake
Dong Chong Lake is a natural freshwater lake located at the border of Phu Loc and Phu Long communes in Nho Quan district. The lake has a vast water surface.
The landscape surrounding the lake is pristine and tranquil, with pine-covered hills and a small, always full, clear-water lake on top of a high hill.
Since 2008, Ninh Binh’s tourism sector has opened an eco-tourism area at Dong Chong Lake, including various facilities such as boat rides, entertainment areas, wooden house resorts, sports areas, and camping grounds.
Yen Quang Lake
Yen Quang Lake is a system of four large lakes named Lake 1, Lake 2, Lake 3, and Lake 4, separated by a system of water control dams. Three of the larger lakes are in Yen Quang commune, while Lake 4 is almost entirely in Van Phuong commune.
Yen Quang Lake is a scenic attraction located at the edge of Cuc Phuong National Park. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with a shrine, and the lake’s water is a gathering place for many waterfowl.
The serene and pristine environment of the lake, surrounded by pine-covered hills, offers a tranquil and dreamlike setting amid the virgin mountains and forests. Yen Quang Lake is also a popular fishing spot for locals and tourists.
Non Nuoc Mountain
Non Nuoc Mountain, also known as Duc Thuy Son, is a mountain situated at the confluence of the Van and Day rivers, between the Non Nuoc Bridge and the Ninh Binh Bridge.
This mountain serves as a natural fortress at the eastern gateway to Ninh Binh city. To reach the summit of Non Nuoc Mountain, you must climb 72 stone steps divided into 5 sections. The mountaintop is relatively flat and surrounded by lush greenery, providing a convenient place for visitors to rest and relax.
At the base of Non Nuoc Mountain is Non Nuoc Temple, an ancient temple dating back to the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. In 2006, the temple underwent significant renovations while maintaining its solemn and quiet atmosphere.
Thien Ha Cave
Thien Ha Cave is located in the Tuoong mountain range with an elevation of nearly 200 meters. It is part of the natural fortification that protected the western and southern sides of the 10th-century Hoa Lu capital, closely connected to historical and cultural landmarks such as the Nha Le Boat Dock, Phat Dau Son Mountain, Thua Ruong Dau Linh, and others.
To reach Thien Ha Cave, visitors start from Muong Tho Ha village in Son Ha commune, taking a boat on a small canal about 1 kilometer long, meandering through the countryside. The stone formations in the cave, created by nature, are named in an intriguing manner, such as a fox eating its prey, an elephant with tusks, a tiger pouncing on its prey, a monkey climbing a tree, and more, along with depictions of the Buddha and a monk reciting prayers.
Ninh Binh Museum
Ninh Binh Museum is located in the southern part of Thuy Son Cultural Park, at 25 Le Dai Hanh, Van Gia, Ninh Binh. The museum is designed with three stories in the shape of a blooming lotus flower, emerging amidst the lush landscape of mountains and blue waters. The exterior is adorned with the iconic bronze drum – a symbol of ancient Vietnamese civilization.
The museum exhibits images and artifacts related to Ninh Binh’s natural history, natural resources, and its history from prehistoric times. The collection of animals is diverse and vivid (including bears, leopards, tigers, deer, pythons, snakes, squirrels, butterflies, and birds), along with depictions of famous landmarks in Ninh Binh.
Overview of Some Travel Experiences in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, located in northern Vietnam, is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. The province offers a diverse range of travel experiences, including picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and cultural encounters. Some of the must-visit attractions in Ninh Binh include Tam Coc, Trang An, Cuc Phuong National Park, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, and more. Visitors can explore the enchanting karst formations, take boat rides through serene rivers and caves, hike through lush forests, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Which Season is the Most Beautiful for Traveling to Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is beautiful year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the dry season, which typically falls between November and April. The months of October and November, as well as March and April, are considered the best times to enjoy pleasant weather, clear skies, and vibrant green landscapes. The lush rice paddies in Ninh Binh are at their most stunning in May and June when the fields are covered in a vivid green hue. However, this period can be hot and humid, so it’s essential to be prepared for the weather.
How to Get to Ninh Binh?
- From Hanoi: Ninh Binh is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Hanoi. The most common way to get there from Hanoi is by road. You can take a bus or hire a private car. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a fast, safe, and reliable service in Hanoi to get to Ninh Binh, you can instantly book a private car service with a driver in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com’s. With a professional team of drivers with many years of experience, they will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby, the airport, or anywhere in Hanoi. Since it’s a private car service, you can travel at any time, and along the way, you can take breaks or visit tourist destinations en route. Book your private trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh today to arrange your journey.
- By Train: You can also take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The Ninh Binh railway station is located in the town of Ninh Binh, making it convenient for travelers. Trains are a comfortable and scenic option.
- From Other Cities: If you’re coming from other cities in Vietnam, you can use long-distance buses or trains to reach Ninh Binh. It’s well-connected with various parts of the country.
What to Prepare When Traveling to Ninh Binh?
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Depending on the season, pack suitable clothing. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the hot and humid months, while you might need layers during cooler periods.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore caves, hike, or take boat rides.
- Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially during the sunny months.
- Insect Repellent: Ninh Binh is known for its lush landscapes, so it’s a good idea to have insect repellent on hand to ward off mosquitoes, especially in the evenings.
- Cash and Cards: Make sure to carry both cash and cards as some places may not accept credit or debit cards.
- Travel Essentials: Don’t forget your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.
- Camera and Binoculars: The scenery in Ninh Binh is incredibly picturesque, so don’t forget your camera. Binoculars can also come in handy for birdwatching in Cuc Phuong National Park.
- Respectful Attire: If you plan to visit religious sites, remember to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
- Local Currency: The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), so have some cash on hand for small expenses.
- Adventurous Spirit: Be open to exploring off-the-beaten-path locations and interacting with the friendly local people. Ninh Binh has much to offer in terms of unique experiences.
Above, DanangPrivateCar.com has helped you summarize the famous tourist destinations in Ninh Binh that you shouldn’t miss. Hopefully, this information has assisted you in designing an exciting itinerary. The beauty of Ninh Binh truly needs to be experienced in person to fully appreciate its charm. So, why wait any longer? Gather your friends and family and visit Ninh Binh right away.
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