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Things to do in Ninh Binh

Our most recommended things to do in Ninh Binh

From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip

1. From Hanoi: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Hanoi to Tam Coc and ride a Sampan boat to impressive caves. Experience local life as you cycle through picturesque villages, explore ancient temples, and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch. Start your tour early with pickup at your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Hop into the luxury van to visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital of Vietnam. Visit Dinh king Temple and Le king Temple from the 10th century, and hear about the heroic histories of the two Kings during the Chinese Wars. At midday, sit down for lunch with Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant. Continue to Tam Coc and take the sampan go (traditional river boat) along the Ngo Dong river to visit Tam Coc's three caves. Head back to Tam Coc wharf, take your bicycle, and cycle around traditional villages and Tam Coc town. Visit Mua cave, which attracts visitors with its many interesting stories. Climb 500 stone steps to see all the way to Tam Coc, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. In the evening, return Ha Noi.

From Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip

2. From Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Trip

Uncover the cultural and natural heritage of the Ninh Binh province on a guided day trip from Hanoi. Pay a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, float through the tranquil rivers of Trang An, and climb to the top of Mua Caves for striking panoramic views of rocky hills. Get picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart toward Ninh Binh. Stop at Bai Dinh, the biggest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, to gaze at the imposing pagoda. See 500 Arhat Statues made out of blue stones, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue, rising up to 10 meters. Take a lunch break in a local restaurant, with a Vietnamese buffet of goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice, as well as vegetarian food options. Continue to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in the 2017 movie Kong: Skull Island. Hop on a wooden boat to navigate through its quiet rivers, discover mysterious caves, and admire towering limestone karsts covered with tropical plants. Finally, climb up 500 steps to the viewpoint of Mua Caves to marvel at panoramic views of Tam Coc before returning to Hanoi.

Hanoi: 3-Day Luxury Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise

3. Hanoi: 3-Day Luxury Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise

On this 3-day excursion, discover the incredible landscape and sights of the Ninh Binh province and enjoy an overnight stay in an eco-lodge. Then, ride your shuttle bus to Tuan Chau Island and take a luxury boat for a tour around Ha Long bay and spend the night on board. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery on your limousine bus as you make your way to Ninh Binh. Savor the tranquility of the lodge’s amazing location - surrounded by mountains and rivers..  Visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu or climb to the Hang Mua viewpoint, for a breathtaking panorama over the limestone mountains and rice fields of Valley. Enjoy a boat ride to explore Trang An's natural heritage. Check in to the Trang An Ecolodge and head off by bike or on foot to see the local sights, or relax by the pool or in the peaceful gardens.  Rise bright and early and enjoy a delicious breakfast before leaving for Tuan Chau Island with your shuttle bus. After arriving at the dock, take a small boat to reach your luxury cruise ship, where you will be welcomed aboard with a drink and a refreshing cold towel.  After check-in, enjoy lunch in the onboard restaurant as the boat sails up the winding canals on its way to Ha Long Bay. Then, hop into a canoe or a bamboo boat to explore the dazzling white limestone karsts, emerald green waters, and dark mystery of the Dark and Light Caves. Back on deck, unwind, and admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin from the pool or at the bar. Then, choose from a range of activities: join a traditional cooking class, get a massage, or work out in the high deck gym with panoramic views. After dinner, you can enjoy the landscape of the bay at night from the top deck, relax with romantic music, or sip refreshing drinks at the bar. You can also try your luck at squid fishing, watch a movie, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply relax in your room. Wake up to an early breakfast before stopping off at a charming local fishing village. After returning to the boat, finish your trip with a hearty brunch while the ship sails back to the harbor. Wave goodbye to the boat from the port and ride in back to Hanoi at the end of the afternoon.

Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Trang An Caves, & Mua Cave Day Trip and Lunch

4. Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Trang An Caves, & Mua Cave Day Trip and Lunch

Travel in an air-conditioned van from Hanoi to Hoa Lu on this day trip to uncover the ancient temples of Dinh King and Le King. Savor local flavors with a buffet lunch and travel by boat on the Trang An river admire stunning natural scenery and visit the Trang An cave complex. Start your tour with hotel pickup in the early morning and depart for Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Visit the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple from the 10th century, and hear about the heroic histories of these two Kings during the Chinese Wars. At around midday, sit down for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, before you head to Trang An Wharf to take a boat trip along Trang An Stream. Visit Trang An cave complex, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou, and marvel at the scenery of mountains and rivers.  Then, head back to Trang An wharf to board the luxury limousine, and visit Mua Cave. Climb 500 stone steps to see all the way to Tam Coc, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. Finally, hop back onto the bus to return to Hanoi, arriving back in the early evening.

Hanoi: Ninh Binh Tour and Ha Long Bay Cruise 3-Day Trip

5. Hanoi: Ninh Binh Tour and Ha Long Bay Cruise 3-Day Trip

Experience the beauty of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay on a multi-stop 3-day trip from Hanoi. Ride a traditional bamboo boat, kayak to scenic caves, join a Vietnamese cooking class, and go squid fishing. Most meals, entry fees, and overnight accommodation are also included. Day 1: After morning pickup in a spacious and climate-controlled bus, relax on the scenic drive through the countryside on the way to the ancient capital of the Lê dynasty at Hoa Lu.  Get free time to climb to the Hang Mua Viewpoint to capture pictures before sitting down for lunch. Later, experience traditional travel with a bamboo boat ride. Explore one of the pristine karst caves in Tam Coc before checking in to the ecolodge. Swim in the lodge pool, try more local food, or rent a bike to explore the village during your stay (costs not included). Day 2: Hop on the shuttle bus in the morning and transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (no guide during the transfer). Pause for a 15-minute rest stop at the Hai Duong Province and arrive at the cruise ship in the early afternoon. Enjoy a welcome drink once you board the boat. Sample fresh, local seafood for lunch while cruising through Ha Long Bay. Admire views of Incense Burner Island, Fighting Cock Islet, and the Stone Dog rock formation. Soak up some sun onboard or go kayaking to marvel at sights like the Limestone Mountains, the Luon Grotto, and Titop Island. Join a sunset party onboard the ship and pick up some new skills with a Vietnamese cooking class. As day turns to night, indulge in a set-menu dinner of Vietnamese food. Afterward, join a squid fishing outing with the crew. Get hands-on while cooking fresh squid with the cruise chef. Continue the fun onboard with activities like card games or sing your heart out during karaoke. Sleep overnight in a cozy cabin. Day 3:  Wake early and admire the sunrise over the bay from the sundeck. Take in the morning views of Halong Bay with a cup of tea or coffee and a hearty breakfast. Transfer by boat to Surprise Cave, the biggest cave in Halong Bay. Dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising back to the pier before being transfered back to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Tam Coc & Bich Dong Pagoda Tour

6. Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Tam Coc & Bich Dong Pagoda Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Drive to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and then continue on to visit the King Dinh Temple. Next up, discover Mua Cave Cave and enjoy a mountainous overview from the top. Savor a set lunch with Vietnamese cuisine at a bungalow beside Tam Coc river. After lunch, enjoy a Sampan boat trip through the three emerald water caves on the beautiful river and admire the countryside landscape. Cycle through the peaceful country roads to Bich Dong Pagoda and spend some time here before you return to Hanoi.

Hanoi: 2-Day Halong-Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise

7. Hanoi: 2-Day Halong-Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise

Explore Lan Ha Bay on a 2-day cruise. Enjoy hotel pickup from Hanoi, relax in your luxury cabin, and kayak through the caves in Ao Ech. Day 1 Begin your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Hanoi's old quarter. Head to Tuan Chau marina to board your cruise and enjoy a welcome drink. Meet the captain and crew and join a briefing about your upcoming cruise and hear some safety instructions. Enjoy lunch in the luxury dining room with indoor and outdoor dining areas. Cruise through Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, Gia Luan Harbor, and Lan Ha Bay. Drop anchor for kayaking or swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach or visit Dark Cave and Bright Cave, depending on the weather. As the sun sinks into the horizon, gather on the sundeck to enjoy the brilliant colors in the sky and relax with tea, coffee, and a cooking demonstration. Make new friends at the sunset party or relax in the onboard Jacuzzi pool. Learn how to make the famous traditional Vietnamese spring rolls at the cooking demonstration before enjoying dinner. After dinner, reward yourself with a large selection of cocktails at the panoramic bar or play board games, watch a movie, go squid fishing, or get a massage by request (massage service is not included in the price). Day 2 Start your day with a 6:30 A.M. Tai Chi session on the sundeck to help focus the mind and condition the body. Enjoy a light breakfast while taking in stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets. Sail through the calm emerald waters to Ao Ech for a kayaking trip of the caves. After exploring the caves either on your own in a kaya, enjoy a lunch of Vietnamese cuisine. Disembark from the cruise and take a speedboat back to Tuan Chau Marina before driving back to your Hanoi hotel.

Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Trang An Tour and Boat Ride

8. Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Trang An Tour and Boat Ride

Begin the tour with pickup from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Embark on a two-hour drive. Discover the Hoa Lu ancient capital and then visit King Dinh Temple and Le King temple. Then set off to Mua cave for hiking 500 steps. Climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy the mountain, river, and city views. Spend one hour there to enjoy the views and take photos. After that enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The tour ends with a boat trip to Trang An for nearly 3 hours. Cruise through emerald water and beautiful caves. The tour concludes back in Hanoi.

From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch

9. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full-Day Guided Tour with Lunch

Enjoy a full-day trip to Ha Long Bay and get immersed in the beauty of the stone mountains, caves, sandy beach, and more. Board a vehicle from the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive through the green fields. Arrive at the Tuan Chau Habour and cruise through the turquoise waters and amazing rock formations. Soak in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch on board. Next, you will continue to explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave. Admire the shimmering stalactites embodying countless strange and unique shapes. Take a kayak or bamboo boat to spend some time in the water and discover the stunning Luon Cave. Feel the warmth of the sunshine as you pass by Titop island. Take a refreshing dip in the water or trek to the Titop peak for photos with a panoramic view of the bay. Relax for a while before going back to the boat to enjoy a sunset party with red wine, french fries, cakes, and fruits. After reaching Ha Long harbor, the driver will transfer you back to Hanoi. 

From Hanoi: Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Full-Day Tour

10. From Hanoi: Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave Full-Day Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM and drive by bus to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the biggest pagoda in Vietnam. Explore this beautiful Buddhist place of worship, with 500 La Han statues and the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, 10 meters tall. Enjoy some free time with your guide to visit the pagoda and learn more about Buddhism.   Enjoy a lunch of Vietnamese cuisine after you've seen the pagoda. Then hop back on the bus and continue to Trang An wharf. From here, take a boat trip to visit Trang An cave complex. After the boat trip, you'll take a bike to visit traditional villages around the Trang An area.   The tour continues to Mua Cave. Listen to interesting stories about this place from your guide. After climbing 500 stone steps, you'll be able to see all the way to Tam Coc. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. At the end of the day you'll get back on the bus and drive back to Hanoi, where you'll be dropped off back at your hotel in the Old Quarter.

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What people are saying about Ninh Binh

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,176 reviews

Our trip was in January, so the weather was cold and windy, that’s why I thought a day trip should be enough, and it was, but you can easily spend more time there, because the place is beautiful. We were there at the time of Tet, so there was a huge crowd everywhere. Our tour guide was excellent, lunch was plenty and okay. The cycling was amazing, I would definitely would have continued for like another 30 minutes. Overall a good experience, maybe with a little luck there won’t be such a big crowd when you decide to go there.

The guide, Mr. Vu, was great and I learned so much about Vietnamese history. The cycling was through lovely scenery and not too tiring. Boat ride was idyllic. The tour is long and you do a lot, so make sure to get a good night sleep the night before. That being said, if you only have 1 day to see the sights, this is the tour for you.

I enjoyed great tour conducted by Oanh with perfect time management. It was better if our bus was larger and more comfortable, but it didn't take long for the transportation, so not a really big problem.

so very friendly. Great value for money. friendly tour guide. so many wonderful stops. very well organised. I would highly reccomend this company and this tour. March 2023

Brilliant day, great tour guide and an added bonus was the use of cycles through the rice fields