10 Best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Heading to Vietnam? We share the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, so you can plan the perfect trip to Ninh Binh. 

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations — and somehow still feels wonderfully under the radar. Just a couple of hours south of Hanoi, this peaceful region is packed with dramatic limestone karsts, winding rivers, ancient temples, and lush rice paddies that change colour with the seasons. It’s a place where you can drift through caves on a small wooden boat in the morning, climb to panoramic viewpoints by afternoon, and explore centuries-old pagodas before sunset.

Today we have a guest post from Chris who tells us about the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

Where is Ninh Binh?

Situated around 90 km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh province contains one of the most majestic natural landscapes in South East Asia. Here, karst limestone pinnacles jutting out of still waters where boats float lazily by and cranes wheel overhead.

Many day trips run to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, mostly involving boat rides along Tam Coc. However, I would recommend at least spending a couple of days here to truly soak it up and, if possible, longer. We stayed for 4 days and, even then, we didn’t feel it was enough. Also, compare the best times to visit Vietnam so you can experience the true beauty of the place.

The area is so beautiful that it contains two UNESCO world heritage sites: Trang An Grottoes and Tam Coc. But there are also plenty of smaller sites to explore and it’s easy to get off the beaten path.

Best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

1. A Ninh Binh boat tour

Probably the most popular best things to do in Ninh Binh are the boat tours. These typically run a couple of hours and might take you through water caves and onto islands with some gorgeous pagodas, which is why they make it to many Vietnam itineraries.

There are three major areas in Ninh Binh province for boat rides.

Tam Coc is probably the major one of these. This is famous for the rowers maneuvering the oars with their feet (apparently good for the back). Tours last 1.5 hours and will take you underneath 3 famous caves. You’ll likely visit pagodas on islands en route.

The Trang An boat ride is longer than Tam Coc, totaling 2 hours and one of our favourite things to do in Ninh Binh. Here, you can choose from 3 routes. While Tam Coc takes you along the rice paddies, Trang A weaves through the karst landscape with the peaks rising dramatically above you. Choose the right route and you might also find yourself on Skull Island, one of the filming locations for the recent King Kong film. The plane wreck is still there.

Van Long is quieter than the other two boat rides and takes you through a wetland nature reserve. This is great for bird watching and you may see spoonbills and crakes. If you’re lucky, you might also see an endangered (and protected) Delacour Langur monkey here, although these aren’t easy to spot.

Also, a quick tip. Be wary about doing any of these tours during festival times. We visited during Tet (Lunar New Year) and we ended up queuing for 3 hours for Trang An. Take an umbrella for shade as you queue, as well as these queues, are often in direct sun.

2. Hang Mua Viewpoint

The view you often see on Instagram of the things to do in Ninh Binh is from Hang Mua viewpoint on top of a limestone peak that looks over Tam Coc and the surrounding rice paddies. Often, in these pictures, you’ll also see the stone wall and perhaps a glimpse of one of the 500 steep steps that lead up here.

It’s well worth the climb, for the views at the top are simply stunning. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see Ninh Binh city in the distance as well as the Tam Coc valley and the layered limestone peaks that fold into each other behind this.

Somewhere around step 300, the path upwards forks. Most take the route to the left up to the main pagoda, but there’s another layered pagoda off to the right. If you have the energy, it’s perfectly fine to do both.

Like the boat tours, Hang Mua can get pretty busy, especially during festival times. It’s a good idea to arrive earlier, to avoid queues. Unfortunately, however, the place doesn’t open for sunrise.

3. Visit the Largest Pagoda in SEA

For many Vietnamese Buddhists, Bai Dinh Temple is a pilgrimage site and another one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh.

In fact, this is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam and (reputedly) in Southeast Asia. It’s situated on a hill which means plenty of steps to climb. It has multiple temples, a corridor of 500 Arhat statues made of local stone, grottoes and caves, a towering pagoda, and a 60-ton giant bell.

Bai Dinh pagoda looks particularly spectacular when viewed from across the lake to the northeast.

4. Cycle between the Rice Paddies

The valleys through Ninh Binh’s karst landscape are rather flat, making them one of the wonderful, breathing things to do in Ninh Binh. There are plenty of roads here that see little traffic, some of which pass between rice paddies, others which run by streams, rivers, or lakes.

The road to Bai Dinh pagoda (above) is an especially beautiful place to explore by bike. There’s a lake just northeast of the pagoda which takes around an hour to cycle around and offers some stunning views of Bai Dinh pagoda from a distance. Dotted around this lake are several smaller pagodas also well worth visiting and which make great subjects for landscape photography.

5. Visit the First Ever Capital of Vietnam

Hoa Lu may seem a small place, but interestingly it was the original capital of Vietnam before Emperor Ly Thai To moved it to Hanoi (then Thang Long) in the 11^thcentury. The surrounding towering limestone peaks provided natural barriers, and the inhabitants only needed to build walls between them to create an impenetrable enclosure.

There’s parking for motorbikes and bicycles inside Hoa Lu, so ignore anyone who wants you to park outside the gate. Inside, you’ll find a temple dedicated to Đinh Tiên Hoàng, the first emperor of Vietnam.

6. Eat Slightly Rare Goat

One of the local delicacies of Ninh Binh is a goat and trying it is one of the must things to do in Ninh Binh. Traditionally Ninh Binh locals serve this slightly undercooked, with the skin and meat grilled.

You’ll find this at virtually all of the restaurants at the tourist sites, but you can also find plenty of smaller inexpensive restaurants serving this as you drive or cycle around. The word for goat is dê so look out for that on the signs outside the restaurants.

7. Van Long Nature Reserve – Serene Wetland Boat Ride

Van Long Nature Reserve is one of Ninh Binh’s quieter, lesser-visited gems — a peaceful wetland ecosystem dotted with emerald water channels, towering limestone karsts, and abundant wildlife.

Floating silently in a traditional bamboo boat through this “bay without waves,” you’ll glide past reed beds and cliffs reflected perfectly in the calm water. Early morning and late afternoon are particularly magical for the soft light and chance of spotting birds like kingfishers, herons, storks, and (with luck!) the rare Delacour’s langur clinging to the limestone slopes. 

Unlike the more bustling boat rides at Tam Coc or Trang An, Van Long feels like a retreat into nature — simple, authentic, and slow-paced. The boats here are often smaller and operated by local families, giving you a very personal, intimate experience on the water.

Many visitors also enjoy walking or cycling along the dikes around the reserve before or after their ride, soaking up peaceful countryside views and great photography opportunities.

8. Cúc Phương National Park – Jungle Trekking & Wildlife

Cúc Phương National Park is Vietnam’s first national park and one of the country’s most biologically diverse natural areas. Spread over lush tropical forest, the park is a haven for nature lovers, offering jungle trekking routes that range from short walks to multi-hour hikes through dense vegetation and alongside streams. Of course, this makes it one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh, that needs to be on your Vietnam itinerary.

As you explore, you’ll encounter massive ancient trees, prehistoric caves with archaeological significance, and a riot of birdlife and wildlife that make every trail feel alive. 

One of the park’s most fascinating attractions is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where rescued primates — including langurs and other rare species — are rehabilitated and cared for. This gives visitors a powerful educational experience alongside the adventure of the forest. There are also night wildlife tours, chance sightings of fireflies, and opportunities to summit May Bac Peak for sweeping panoramic views over the forest canopy and toward Ninh Binh’s surrounding landscapes.

9. Explore Ninh Binh by Bicycle or Motorbike

One of the best ways to experience Ninh Binh is by exploring it on two wheels; one of our favourite ways of getting around Vietnam.

Renting a bicycle or motorbike allows you to move at your own pace and discover the region’s rural charm beyond the main attractions. Quiet country roads wind through emerald rice paddies, limestone karsts, lotus ponds, and small villages where daily life unfolds slowly. It’s an incredibly scenic and immersive way to travel, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and the temperatures are cooler.

Cycling is particularly popular around Tam Coc, Trang An, and Bich Dong Pagoda, where distances are short and views are constantly changing. Motorbikes are ideal if you want to cover more ground or reach places like Van Long Nature Reserve or Bai Dinh Pagoda independently. Along the way, you’ll find roadside cafés, local food stalls, and hidden viewpoints that many tour groups never reach, making this one of the most rewarding experiences in Ninh Binh.

10. Try Local Food and Experience Ninh Binh After Dark

One of the biggest things NOT to do in Vietnam, is stick to western food. Sampling local cuisine is an essential part of any visit to Ninh Binh, and the region is known for several unique dishes you won’t find easily elsewhere in Vietnam. The most famous specialty is com chay, a crispy rice dish often served with savory toppings or sauces, as well as goat meat prepared in a variety of traditional styles. Many restaurants around Tam Coc and Ninh Binh City specialise in these local dishes, offering an authentic taste of the region.

While Ninh Binh is quieter than cities like Hanoi, evenings still have a relaxed charm. After sunset, you can stroll along riverside paths, explore small night markets, or enjoy dinner with views of the illuminated karst mountains. The calm atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing, whether you’re enjoying a laid-back meal, a drink at a local bar, or simply soaking up the peaceful countryside vibes.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

The area around Trang An has a lot of hostels and guest houses, many of which offer rooms in thatched roofed bungalows in idyllic locations. These places tend to have bicycles and motorbikes for hire, and so serve as great bases for exploring Ninh Binh province.

If you need to catch an early train out or a late train in, you can also choose to stay in Ninh Binh city itself. It’s an industrial city, but there are some pretty areas around the river. Ninh Binh also has a Big C supermarket if you need to get hold of any supplies.

Vietnam is the perfect place for new travelers, with options for everyone, no matter what your budget in Vietnam is.

Things to know before you got to Vietnam

Best things to do in Ninh Binh FAQ