Optional tours from Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is 100km from Hanoi, a picturesque area and normally called "Halong bay on land". Tourists can easily go on a day trip from Hanoi to visit Hoa Lu, Tam Coc or Trang An grottoes. However, There are a lot of things to do in Ninh Binh and tourists should stay there for 2 days or more.

Top places to visit in Ninh Binh

1. Hoa Lu ancient capital: There are two temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Coming here, tourists can take a leisure walk to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam and learn about Vietnamese history.

2. Trang An: This Scenic Landscape Complex has been recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam's first mixed heritage. It is such as beautiful place that the "Skull Island" - Hollywood's movie filmed here. Tourists to Trang An will enjoy 3-4 hour boat trip to discover many caves, enjoy water-painting scenery or visit pagodas to learn about Vietnamese spiritual life.

3. Tam Coc: This place has long been known as the best place to visit in Ninh Binh. Similar boat trip like in Trang An, but if you come to the right time (rice reason), Tam Coc is so charming and beautiful. 

4. Bich Dong pagoda: An old pagoda with a nice cave inside, Bich Dong is a must after having done the sampan trip n Tam Coc. Buffalo cart, bicycle are highly recommended as you can enjoy beautiful scenery on the way.

5. Bai Dinh pagoda: The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, Bai Dinh is on the way to become one of the Buddhism center of the north Vietnam. If you are interested in religion, Bai Dinh should be on the list on your Vietnam travel.

6. Van Long natural reserve: This area is stunning with wild beauty. We highly recommend this place as it is a less touristic place to visit in Ninh Binh.

7. Cuc Phuong national park: The first national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong is around 30km from Ninh Binh, a great place for weekend holiday and trekking tour to enjoy fresh and cool air under the shades of old big trees. Kids can also see some kids of birds, monkeys in Endangered Primate Rescue Center. If you love adventure, there is a long trekking tour through the forest before having homestay experience with the ethnic group.

8. Mai Chau valley: It is not in Ninh Binh, but Mai Chau valley must be an ideal combined tour with Ninh Binh.  From Ninh Binh to Mai Chau, it takes around 2.5 hours only.

9. Halong bay: Halong bay is about 3.5 hour drive from Ninh Binh, so tourists will not have to come back to Hanoi for Halong bay tour. Local bus is available, but private car with a tour guide will be best.

10. Phong Nha - Ke Bang: Ninh Binh has a train station and if you wnat to travel south, firstly to Phong Nha - Ke Bang - UNESCO'S natural heritage, Ninh Binh is convenient place for you to continue your Vietnam travel.