11 Places to Visit in Ninh Binh + Things To Do

For people who are not very keen on the noise in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, a city in a state of the same name, makes a good alternative. It is a place of unspoiled beauty; and of peace and quiet.

Ninh Binh is a haven for nature lovers. Its prized attractions are splendid sceneries of limestone formations, mossy pagodas, and untainted landscapes. What’s the best way to experience all those natural wonders? It is through a paddleboat. Traversing Trang An in a paddleboat allows you to appreciate the jungle-covered karsts all over the place. Paddleboats also stop by temples, so you do not miss the city’s captivating culture and history.

There are not so many attractions within Ninh Binh city itself. But it is a fantastic starting point for exploring Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Van Long, which keep even more of Vietnam’s natural wonders. Plus, it is accessible from Hanoi, a two-hour ride by bus or train, where international flights come in.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Ninh Binh travel essentials

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1. Hang Mua Peak (Mua Caves Viewpoint )

Hang Mua Peak (Mua Caves Viewpoint) – Overlooking Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Dragon Statue at Hang Mua Peak (Mua Caves Viewpoint), in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: thôn Khê Đầu Hạ, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

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2. Tam Coc River

Tam Coc River Cruise in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: Tam Coc Ninh Binh Đội 2 văn lâm, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

3. Trang An

Trang An in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: Tràng An, Trường Yên, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Dinh Tien Hoang Temple at Hua Lu Ancient Citadel, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

5. Bai Dinh Pagoda

Location: Xã, Gia Sinh, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

6. Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc

Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province 430000, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

7. Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Park & Resort in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Location: Thôn Hải Nham, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

8. Thai Vi Temple, Tam Coc

Traditional costumes, music, and chanting, at Thai Vi Temple near Tam Coc, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015

Location: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

9. Explore Ninh Binh by Bicycle

Bicycle along Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Bicycle along the rice fields in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

10. Mua Caves Ecolodge

Tonkin village-inspired cottages with blooming lilies at Mua Caves Eco Lodge, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, on September 2015

Rooms & rates at Mua Caves Ecolodge

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Location: Khê Hạ, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province 430000, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

11. Phat Diem Cathedral

Facade of Phat Diem Cathedral, located on the outskirts of Ninh Binh City, in Vietnam, on September 2015.

Location: TT. Phát Diệm, Kim Sơn District, Ninh Bình Province 430000, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Where to go near Ninh Binh & beyond

Hanoi

Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Location: Northern Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Hanoi Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

See more: Hanoi travel tips

12 Places To Visit in Hanoi

Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Location: Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Halong Bay Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Phong Nha Caves

Location: Bố Trạch District, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Phong Nha Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

See more: Phong Nha Caves travel tips

5 Places To Visit in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Ninh Binh that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh tourist spots, things to do in Ninh Binh, where to go in Ninh Binh & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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