Best Ninh Binh Tours & Trips

How Many Days Are Enough for Ninh Binh

A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is a popular choice, but one day will be quite rushed, covering only one or two main attractions. We recommend spending two days, allowing you to comfortably explore the two main river areas, Tam Coc and Trang An.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from February to May and September to October each year. During these periods, the rice paddies display vibrant shades of emerald green and golden yellow, and the cool weather makes it ideal for hiking and boat tours.

Transportation Options in Ninh Binh

Departing from Hanoi: Take a local train, a limousine van, or a sleeper bus. This is the most common way to travel, with the bus journey taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Moving in the City: Upon arriving in the city, the most convenient way to explore Ninh Binh's tourist attractions is to rent a motorcycle, hire a private taxi, or rent a bicycle.

Must-See Ninh Binh Tourist Attractions

The major draw of Ninh Binh travel is its unique landscape. Focus your time on these key areas:

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: This is one of Ninh Binh's most famous boat tours. Longer and less crowded than Tam Coc, it winds through caves and temples.

Tam Coc: Here you can experience local guides pedaling you through three natural caves by foot-powered boat. Along the riverbanks, you'll also see lush green rice paddies.

Mua Cave: While it features a cave, the main attraction here isn't the cave itself. Instead, it's the climb up 500 steps to the Lying Dragon Viewpoint. From there, you can take in panoramic views of Tam Coc, with the clearest vistas appearing at sunrise or sunset.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: The ruins of Vietnam's capital city during the 10th and 11th centuries, featuring numerous temples and fortress sites.

Which Ninh Binh Boat Tour Is Right for You?

Ninh Binh offers several major boat tour destinations, allowing you to choose based on your schedule and interests:

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Features three routes with total touring times ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Offers more extensive infrastructure, ideal for families or nature enthusiasts.

Tam Coc: Starting points vary, with tours lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Ideal for first-time visitors to Ninh Binh or those on day trips.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve: Least crowded and most pristine. Focused on spotting rare wildlife, tours last about 1 hour. Perfect for birdwatchers and eco-tourists.

Day Trip from Ninh Binh

For those planning to spend more time in Ninh Binh, these attractions can be added to your itinerary.

Bai Dinh Pagoda: A 30-minute drive from Ninh Binh. This is Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist architectural complex, housing Vietnam's largest indoor bronze Buddha statue and a golden pagoda.

Cuc Phuong National Park: Located one hour and fifteen minutes by car from Ninh Binh, this is Vietnam's oldest national park, ideal for ecotourism and birdwatching.