This province has many sights and things to do, including boat rides, cycling between the rice fields, visiting ancient temples, bird watching or exploring a national park. To help you out we made a list of 10 best things to do in Ninh Binh.

Vietnam is currently launching a pilot e-Visa system for citizens from 80 countries.

APPLY FOR EVISA NOW=> CLICK HERE!

1. Boat trip on Tam Coc river

Tam Coc is also called the Halong Bay of the Vietnamese inlands. The mountains here are not surrounded by ocean, but by green rice fields and wild nature. By far the best activity you can undertake in Tam Coc is taking a boat trip. Board a rowboat and let the locals paddle you through the green area. Karst mountains, caves and beautiful views pass you by, and in roughly 2 hours you will close this region to your heart.

2. Boat trip in Trang An

The landscape of Trang An has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is certainly no exaggeration. The detached mountains are formed from slate that is richly overgrown and the steep cliffs in relation to the mirror-smooth clear water give it an extra dramatic effect. You get on a small rowboat with which you sail for 2 hours through and along caves, temples and lakes.

3. Enjoy the viewpoint at Mua Cave

As the name suggests there is a cave to be found, but the highlight of the Mua Cave is the panoramic view from the top. At the viewpoint you can enjoy stunning views over the Tam Coc river, with mountains around you and the rice fields below. It is only a short 15-minute walk of 500 steps, so it is definitely one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. 

4. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the most important places of biodiversity in Vietnam. As the largest nature reserve in the country, the preserved rainforest houses more than 300 species of rare birds and 2000 species of plants that are well protected to preserve the unspoilt nature of Ninh Binh. You can even stay a night or two in the park grounds with local Muong people, an ethnic group living in the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam.

You can also visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. This sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and conservation of the most endangered primate species in Vietnam.

5. Cycling through countryside of Ninh Binh

The best way to see Ninh Binh is from the saddle of a bicycle. Many hotels lent bicycles for free or rent bicycles for just a dollar. If your accommodation doesn’t do that, check out the nearby hotels and shops. The most important sights in Ninh Binh can easily be explored by bicycle.

Cycling around the area is rewarding. The roads along the rice fields are especially beautiful. There are also some lotus lakes and small villages where yo can stop of a drink. On the way you might have to evade a a stray goat or water buffalo.

6. Van Long Nature Reserve

The Van Long Nature Reserve is the largest wetland area in North Vietnam. With peaks of limestone mountains and paddy fields reaching the horizon, it is certainly a memorable place to visit. The nature reserve is also home to many primate species, including the endangered Langur. Rehabilitation of animals takes place here and they are released back into the wild after treatment.

7. Hoa Lu

Nestled between two towering limestone mountains you will find Hoa Lu. The city was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Today Hoa Lu is a cultural center full of ancient pagodas and citadels. Most of these were built in honor of the Dinh dynasty royalty. A visit to this place is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh.

8. Bai Dinh Pagoda