NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY ON LAND
Ninh Binh is located about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi and known as the ancient capital in Vietnam. It is a beautiful place which has rich tourism resources with plenty of historical and cultural relics, famous landscapes and valuable natural environments.
There are a lot of Ninh Binh attractions that tourists can discover and go sightseeing depending on their demands. If you are looking for something historical and antique, Hoa Lu can be the best choice for your tour. Otherwise, Bai Dinh Pagoda is so amazing that you should not miss your chance to visit a sacred place and learn about the history of Vietnam and also Buddhism
Therefore, if you are wondering about destination options, there are Top 5 attractions that you should try at least once while visiting this wonderful Ninh Binh in Vietnam.
TOP 5 MUST SEE PLACES IN NINH BINH
- Hoa Lu
As well as many other long-standing historical sites in Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital still maintains the pristine appearance of previous eras. The solid walls covered with moss will give us an idea of the architecture works in history, making us appreciate the existence of Vietnamese feudal eras. Not only is it an important part of the Trang An World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is also an extremely unique architectural complex more than 30 thousand years old. As a witness in the process of forming the country, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital has become a destination that tourists are extremely interested in.
Come to Hoa Lu once to discover a lot of wonderful experiences here! Besides the unique architecture complex combined with a magnificent picture of mountains and rivers, you can also visit the temple ruins of King Dinh and King Le. Furthermore, being a part of a traditional festival should be included, especially in March to have a breathtaking spring with boat racing, wrestling, chèo singing,…
- Entrance fee: 1 USD per person (festival activities are not included)
- Best time to visit: March to May.
2. Tam Coc
One of the most picturesque spots is Tam Coc, which means “Three Caves”. It is known for its incredible boat rides along the Ngo Dong River that meanders through towering limestone karsts and lush green rice paddies. Here, we suggest that you should explore three caves named Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Cave. You will be able to travel by boat down Ngo Dong river, weaving through cliffs, water caves and rice fields before stopping at the entrance of Ca cave. Moreover, you should not forget to sightsee Thai Vi Temple, place to worship kings and generals of the Tran Dynasty at Tam Coc. And if you want to reflect, meditate and enjoy the panoramic views of the countryside, Bich Dong Pagoda can not be missed.
Importantly, while being on the boat and going through caves, you should lower your head to avoid colliding with the rock surface. Also, perhaps you can ask some boatmen and they will let you know about many historical stories as well as their knowledge as locals so you can have a deeper look at Tam Coc.
Entrance fee:
+ 6 USD per adult / 3 USD per kid for tickets
+ 7 USD per 4 people for boat rides, free for kids under 3 years old.
Best time to visit: Late May or early June, when the paddles are at their greenest.
3. Mua Cave (Dancing cave)
Among the top must-see attractions, Mua Cave, located about 10 kilometers from the center, offers one of the most stunning views in Ninh Binh. After climbing more than 500 stone steps, tourists will be rewarded with a breathtaking and aesthetic view of the surrounding countryside, referred to as the “viewpoint of the dragon”.
At first glance, many people will be overwhelmed by the mysterious scenery of this famous destination. The setting is associated with grace when the stone statues are engraved with images of ancient court ladies dancing. Choosing ancient costumes or bringing a camera to check-in is also worth noting when visiting this place. Like other tourist destinations, when coming to Hang Mua, you should go through Thung Nham bird garden and Cuc Phuong national park.
Because of climbing, remember to bring sports shoes and drinking water. Be prepared in good health if you are not used to climbing stairs.
- Entrance Fee: 4 USD per person.
- Best time to visit: April to September for lotus season.
4. Trang An Cultural and Natural Heritage Complex.
Trang An Cultural and Natural Heritage Complex is located in many districts of Ninh Binh province. This is Vietnam’s only “dual” heritage recognized by UNESCO. This heritage complex includes the Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic area – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Hoa Lu special-use forest. If looking to the North is Hoa Lu, looking to the South is Tam Coc, then in the center of the city is Trang An.
This will be a trip where you can experience the river terrain with 3 routes departing from the boat wharf. These routes will lead tourists to explore many different scenic spots. You can admire mysterious caves or ancient temples. It will be a worthwhile trip when you come to Ninh Binh so do not miss this destination whenever you come here.
- Entrance Fee: 9 – 10 USD per person for the boat ride / 5 USD for kids under 1 meter (and 12 USD if you ask for a tour guide)
- Best time to visit: April for festivals or September for cool weather and less humidity.
5. Bai Dinh Pagoda.
With the influence of Buddhism, various ancient temples were built, of which Bai Dinh Pagoda is a famous name. This pagoda has a long history with many architectural details bearing the mark of the Ly Dynasty. The pagoda is located on a land that fully converges the spiritual elements of outstanding people according to Vietnamese folk beliefs. With such special and sacred things, the pagoda welcomes a large number of tourists and Buddhists every year. If you have the opportunity, come and experience this land of masterpieces, because you will be surprised by the airy space and spiritual design combined with traditional identity.
Inside Bai Dinh Pagoda, you will see sacred caves, temples as well as splendid buildings and Buddha statues. When visiting the temple, remember to wear polite, comfortable clothes to suit the location.
- Entrance Fee: free entry and 1 USD per person for electric car service.
- Best time to visit: February for Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival.
In addition to these top 5 attractions, Ninh Binh has several other interesting spots. During the excursion, you can ask local people to know more about the destination’s historical, cultural and natural beauty. But these five places should not be missed out!
In short, Ninh Binh is a beautiful location with sacred and magnificent landscapes. It should be on your top list whenever you come to Viet Nam. With affordable entrance fees and stunning scenery year-round, Ninh Binh is an excellent choice for those who seek a peaceful and enriching travel experience in Vietnam. Don’t hesitate to contact us Trang An Ecorest resort & spa for the best excursion in our Ninh Binh.
