HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaVietnamNinh Binh Ninh Binh: Karst Landscapes of Tam Coc & Trang An in Vietnam By Marcos Detourista on January 5, 2016. IN PHOTOS: Marcos explores the karst landscapes and heritage sites of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on a bicycle tour around Tam Coc, Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, and Trang An. Scenic view of the Mua Mountains from a tranquil pond at the eco lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Tranquil landscaped ponds at the eco lodgeTonkin village-inspired cottages with blooming lilies at Mua Caves Eco Lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Tonkin village-inspired cottages with blooming liliesView of blooming lilies and the steps to Mua Caves viewpoint, near my cottage at the eco lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Blooming lilies and the steps to Mua Caves viewpointView of Mua Caves Eco Lodge (bottom right) and Ninh Binh city center (back) on my way to the top of the viewpoint, in Vietnam, on September 2015View of Mua Caves Eco Lodge (bottom right) and Ninh Binh city ceSprawling rice paddies surrounding Mua Mountains, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Sprawling rice paddies surrounding Mua MountainsOverlooking the massive limestone mountains and winding river at Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, VietnamOverlooking Tam Coc, Ninh BinhCloser view of Tam Coc from the ledge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Closer view of Tam Coc from the ledgeTaking a shot, a bit farther, on the jagged rock cliff, in Mua Caves, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Taking a shot, a bit farther, on the jagged rock cliffOne of the best views in Ninh Binh, overlooking Tam Coc, from Mua Caves viewpoint, in Vietnam, on September 2015One of the best views in Ninh Binh, overlooking Tam Coc, from MuTam Coc's scenic mountains fading endlessly into silhouettes, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Tam Coc's scenic mountains fading endlessly into silhouettesA dragon statue built over the knife-like ridge at Mua Caves, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015A dragon statue built over the knife-like ridge at Mua CavesSublime sunset with the dragon on the peak, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Sublime sunset with the dragon on the peakEnigmatic shadows cast on an old house, on my way to Phat Diem Cathedral, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Enigmatic shadows cast on an old house, on my way to Phat Diem CFacade of Phat Diem Cathedral, located on the outskirts of Ninh Binh City, in Vietnam, on September 2015.Facade of Phat Diem Cathedral, located on the outskirts of NinhDetailed Wood Carvings at the Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015.Intricate wooden carvings at Phat Diem CathedralA small shrine found just outside the entrance gate of Mua Caves Eco Lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015A small shrine found just outside the entrance gateGlipmse of the beautiful countryside as I started my bike tour around Ninh Binh, in Vietnam, on September 2015Beautiful view outside Mua Caves Eco LodgeClose view of the blooming rice paddies, almost ready for harvest, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Blooming rice paddies, almost ready for harvestOn my bicycle tour through Ninh Binh's amazing coutryside landscapes, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015On my bicycle tour through Ninh Binh coutrysideA Vietnamese local makes her way through the rice paddies, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015A Vietnamese local makes her way through the rice paddiesTraditional costumes, music, and chanting, at Thai Vi Temple near Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Traditional costumes, music, and chanting, at Thai Vi Temple neaTour boats making their way down the scenic river at Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Row boats along the river at Tam CocTaking a break from my bicycle tour, on a ferry landing along the river, near Thai Vi temple, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Taking a break from my bicycle tour, on a ferry landing along thGoat grazing on a bush along the riverside, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Goat grazing on a bush along the riversideTour boat passing past the ferry landing, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Tour boat passing past the ferry landingTourists on a wooden row boat, guided by a Vietnamese local, at Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Tourists on a wooden row boat, guided by a Vietnamese local, atTowering tree-covered limestone mountains, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Towering tree-covered limestone mountainsMarcos enjoying the scenic riverside, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Marcos enjoying the scenic riversideMarcos at the ferry landing, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Marcos at the ferry landingEntrance to Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Entrance to Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam CocCave temple at Bich Dong Pagoda, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Cave temple at Bich Dong PagodaScenic view from a cave at Bich Dong Pagoda, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Scenic view from a cave at Bich Dong PagodaRiver tour boats near Thung Nham Bird Park and Resort, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015River tour boats near Thung Nham Bird Park and ResortBanh Mi snack break at a homey countryside stall, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Banh Mi snack break at a homey countryside stallDinh Tien Hoang Temple at Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, in Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Hua Lu Ancient CitadelMarcos with the lily-filled pond at Dinh Thien Hoang Temple, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Marcos with the lily-filled pond at Dinh Thien Hoang TempleDinh Thien Hoang Temple surrounded by limestone mountains, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Dinh Thien Hoang Temple surrounded by limestone mountainsTraditional stone houses in a small village at Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Traditional stone houses in a small village at Hua Lu Ancient CiLonely road at Ninh Binh countryside, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Lonely road at Ninh Binh countrysideLocal on a boat filled with gathered firewood, at dusk, at Trang An riverside, Ninh Binh, VietnamTrang An riverside at duskRiverside landscape at Trang An, daytime view, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Riverside landscape at Trang An, daytime viewMorning view of the riverside landscape at Trang An, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Morning view of the riverside landscape at Trang AnMy cottage at Mua Cave Eco Lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015My cottage at Mua Cave Eco LodgeCave cliff view from inside the bathroom of my room, in Mua Caves Eco Lodge, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Cave cliff view from inside the cottage bathroomMarcos having dinner at the restaurant, outside Hang But Cave, at Mua Caves Eco Lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Dinner at the restaurant, outside Hang But Cave, at Mua Caves EcDelicious goat meat dish served at the restaurant, in Mua Caves Eco Lodge, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Delicious goat meat dish served at the eco lodge's restaurantGoat blood soup in vibrant sanguine-red served at the restaurant, in Mua Caves Eco Lodge, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015Goat blood soup in vibrant sanguine-redDownhill path to Ban Gioc Waterfall, in Cao Bang, Vietnam, on September 2015Downhill path to Ban Gioc Waterfall Ninh Binh is a scenic place in Northern Vietnam where you could find soaring limestone mountains surrounded by equally amazing views of tranquil rivers, rice paddies, and temples. It’s known as “Ha Long Bay on Land,” because it is also filled with thousands of steep karst towers, but instead of being “on the sea,” it is encompassed and traversed by winding rivers, rice paddies, ancient settlements, and everyday life in the countryside. Several cultural and natural sites in Ninh Binh are included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. I didn’t expect Ninh Binh to be the highlight of my entire two-week trip in Central and Northern Vietnam, along with the caves of Phong Nha. I expected it to be quite the touristy destination being so near Hanoi, just a 2-hour drive south of the city. Some parts actually were, but they turned out to be minor annoyances, offset by the sublime natural and cultural scenery and a must-visit when seeking gorgeous inland karst landscapes in Southeast Asia. For three days, I found my way around Tam Coc, Trang An, and Hoa Lu, mostly by bicycle, and also made a detour to nearby Phat Diem Cathedral. Detourista Notes I’ll be writing more about my experience and travel tips in Ninh Binh on future updates. In the meantime, here are some quick notes you might find useful if you plan on going. Mua Cave Eco Lodge (website) — I stayed here for three days that I was in Ninh Binh. It’s situated on a secluded, yet accessible, corner of the Mua Mountains and is located in the same complex as the scenic Mua Cave Viewpoint, which is one of the must-visit places to visit in Ninh Binh. They have Tonkin-village inspired cottages that are well-appointed and offers excellent value for mid-range travelers. You can read more about my experience staying at Mua Caves Eco Lodge on this page. In addition to the scenic location, it was also a convenient base to explore Ninh Binh since it sat between, the major tourist spots including Tam Coc and Trang An. You can view reviews and room rates at Mua Caves Eco Lodge on TripAdvisor, Agoda, and Booking.com. Best River Tour in Ninh Binh — Not all travel agencies in Vietnam mention Ninh Binh in their tours, because the place is packed as “Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Day Tours.” Tam Coc is an area in Ninh Binh, popular for its river row-boat tours. While Hoa Lu is a village in the Trang An area that is famous for its ancient citadel in addition to its own row-boat route. I enjoyed Trang An more than Tam Coc. The karst mountains were simply more impressive and compact, plus it was near Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel. In contrast, the landscapes in Tam Coc were, in a way, more subdued, but had more views of scenic rice fields. If your itinerary allows it, I highly recommend visiting both Trang An and Tam Coc because each offers spectacular views worth seeing even on their own. DIY bicycle tour — You can see a lot of Ninh Binh on a cheap rented bicycle by following the riverside paths, and village roads through the rice paddies. I really enjoyed going my own way because it made the experience less touristy. The central location of Mua Caves also made exploring the area by bicycle more convenient. Truth be told, I didn’t go on any of the boat tours in Ninh Binh, and I regret it a lot! I planned to do it on the latter part of my trip, because I thought I had plenty of time and started with my bicycle tour. Unfortunately, it rained heavily on my last days in Ninh Binh. I decided not to go through with the boat tour. I should’ve done it on the day that I arrived. Don’t miss Bai Dinh — When I was at the end of my trip in Hanoi, my friend mentioned the massive temples and pagodas at Bai Dinh as one of the highlights in Ninh Binh. I didn’t go there because I didn’t know about it then. If you are visiting, do check it out! Packaged tours are quite reasonable — If you’re pressed on time, you can visit Ninh Binh as a day tour from Hanoi. Book one that includes Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh. If you’re staying in Ninh Binh, you can do the same tour above. Then, go your own way (or book another tour) around Tam Coc and Bich Dong. Previous Destination — Phong Nha, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang. Next Destination — Cao Bang (Ban Gioc Waterfall), Hanoi, Ha Long Bay. For new posts and updates, you may visit my 2-week trip in Central and Northern Vietnam series page, the Vietnam page, or follow Marcos Detourist on Facebook. Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 11 Places to Visit in Ninh Binh + Things To Do Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Ninh Binh VietnamSoutheast AsiaAsia See all places Find more posts about:Mua Caves Eco Lodge Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments Mary says August 16, 2017 at 6:17 pm Hi! I’m also planning on a trip to Vietnam soon. I just want to ask as to how much your overall costs for your 2 week trip there. Thanks! Reply Marcos Detourist says August 19, 2017 at 10:10 pm I didn’t keep track of my total budget but it’s possible to travel with around USD20-40 per day. Reply
Mary says August 16, 2017 at 6:17 pm Hi! I’m also planning on a trip to Vietnam soon. I just want to ask as to how much your overall costs for your 2 week trip there. Thanks! Reply
Marcos Detourist says August 19, 2017 at 10:10 pm I didn’t keep track of my total budget but it’s possible to travel with around USD20-40 per day. Reply