Ninh Binh is a highly appealing place to visit and is often included in the must-visit locations when exploring Vietnam. It offers a variety of natural and religious sites that are worth exploring. Given its captivating nature, you might wonder how long you should plan to spend in Ninh Binh? Additionally, it would be helpful to have some itinerary suggestions to assist in planning your trip to this destination. Read the Ninh Binh travel guide here to know how to plan your trip!
If you're planning a trip to Ninh Binh, here are some helpful tips for organising your travel itinerary. Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, offers a fascinating mix of historical relics and natural wonders. The region boasts stunning landscapes, including picturesque scenery, typical rural landscapes of the northern Delta, a nature reserve, a national forest with diverse flora and fauna, and a series of beautiful rivers and limestone mountains.
Many people ask how long you should plan to spend in Ninh Binh? It is worth staying in Ninh Binh at least 1 or 2 nights. Spending 1 day here, travellers only can visit just a few scenic landscapes and cultural sites.
Before diving into suggested itineraries, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with the most interesting and famous attractions in Ninh Binh. This Ninh Binh travel guide will provide you with essential information and make it easier to choose your favourite places to visit.
>> See more: What to see in Ninh Binh? Top unmissable places in Ninh Binh
If you have only one day in Ninh Binh, there are some popular itineraries you can choose from.
Option 01: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong Pagoda - Mua Cave
This is one of the classic Ninh Binh itineraries chosen by many tourists.
You can start your day by leaving Hanoi and heading to Ninh Binh. Once there, you can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which has two temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. Then, you can visit Mua Cave, located on Ngoa Long mountain, which offers a breathtaking view of Ninh Binh.
In the early afternoon, you can take a relaxing sampan ride on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. In May, the surrounding paddy fields turn yellow, creating a picturesque landscape. After the boat ride, you can visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a charming ancient pagoda nestled against a mountain. In late May and early June, you can also see blooming lotus ponds with a pleasant fragrance. This itinerary allows you to return to Hanoi around 7 PM. If you're unable to climb the mountain, you can skip Mua Cave as the steps there are quite steep.
Option 02: Trang An - Bai Dinh Pagoda
The trip to Trang An - Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most popular tours in Ninh Binh. If you're interested in visiting UNESCO-recognized sites or places with remarkable records, this itinerary is designed for you. Don't worry, it's not a dull and tedious trip, instead, it's filled with vibrant colours and wonders waiting to be explored. Upon reaching the Trang An area, you'll embark on a 3-hour bamboo boat ride. Please note that the boat can accommodate up to 6 people and only departs when there are enough passengers. If your group is smaller and you don't want to wait, you can purchase all 6 tickets. This trip is truly captivating! You'll experience the tranquillity of the natural surroundings, witness the beauty of moss beneath the water alongside the limestone mountains, all while listening to the rhythmic sound of the oars. It's an incredibly serene and poetic environment. Believe me, those 3 hours on the boat will fly by before you know it.
After the Trang An excursion, you'll reach Bai Dinh Pagoda. This temple is so massive that it boasts numerous impressive records, including its magnificent bronze Buddha statues and towering bronze bell towers.
Option 03: Van Long Nature Reserve - The rural countryside
If you want to find a place in Ninh Binh that is famous but not too crowded with tourists, this suggested itinerary is a good option. Van Long lagoon is a beautiful natural area and it was recognized as the 9th Ramsar area in Vietnam in 2019. With this itinerary, you can take a boat trip to the lagoon and have a chance to see various flora and fauna species, including the white-humped langur, which is listed in the world's red book.
Adjacent to Van Long lagoon, there is a delightful dike trail that offers a glimpse into the peaceful rural life of Ninh Binh. By following this itinerary, you will also visit Thung La Temple, a temple that embodies ancient Vietnamese beliefs and is surrounded by valuable medicinal plants. Afterward, you can enjoy a bicycle ride through the winding village streets and discover the traditional crafts that have been passed down through generations. Ninh Van village is particularly known for its skilled artisans in embroidery-making, making it an excellent choice for experiencing this craft.
Option 04: Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong, the first national park in Vietnam, has unique animal research and protection centres. It's also an important archaeological site in Northern Vietnam. During a 1-day visit, you'll explore the Prehistoric Cave, conservation centres for turtles and monkeys, and enjoy a leisurely trek through the tropical jungle. April is the ideal time to go to Cuc Phuong, as it's butterfly breeding season, and you'll be surrounded by thousands of beautiful butterflies. It's a delightful experience, perfect for nature enthusiasts and families with young children.
Option 05: Catholic Capital Phat Diem - Galaxy Cave
In addition to its beautiful natural scenery, Ninh Binh is famous for being one of the first areas where Catholicism was introduced in Vietnam. That's why I've included this trip in the list of the best 1-day itineraries in Ninh Binh. The Phat Diem Stone Church, considered one of the birthplaces of Catholicism in Vietnam, is an attraction in Ninh Binh known for its unique architectural style, blending Western church architecture with traditional Vietnamese religious architecture. If you're interested in distinctive historical buildings, make sure not to miss this place. Once you've visited the Phat Diem Stone Church, you can continue your journey to Galaxy Cave. Although it may not be as famous as Tam Coc, Trang An, or Van Long, the experience of taking a boat ride to Galaxy Cave is truly unforgettable.
Spending two days and one night there would be the best to explore the whole Ninh Binh. It allows you to explore popular tourist spots without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices like you would with a 1-day itinerary in Ninh Binh. You can find three different 2-day itineraries for Ninh Binh below.
Itinerary 01: Exploring the Rustic Countryside Beauty
The countryside landscape is one of the most impressive things about Ninh Binh, which enchants nature lovers. Experience the charm of traditional 3-room houses nestled among orchards, surrounded by expansive rice fields and narrow village streets. Especially in the afternoon, when storks fly over the fields creating a particularly scenic and peaceful atmosphere. If you crave a break from the busy city life and seek a unique and peaceful atmosphere, this itinerary is perfect for you.
Itinerary 02: A Trip Combining The Natural and Religious Beauty of Ninh Binh
If you're interested in both the stunning natural landscapes and religious sites, Ninh Binh is worth your experience. In just 2 days and 1 night, you can explore the unique religious landmarks like Phat Diem Stone Church and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Additionally, you'll have the chance to visit the extraordinary Galaxy Caves and experience the breathtaking beauty of Trang An's nature. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Itinerary 03: Discovering Nature and Wildlife
Ninh Binh is known as Vietnam's biosphere reserve that houses various nature reserves filled with flora and fauna. If you have a fondness for nature, you shouldn't miss the breathtaking landscapes of this place. We recommend a 2-day tour in Ninh Binh, starting with a visit to the Tam Coc area on the first day. There, you can enjoy a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, go cycling to the Bich Dong pagoda, and explore the Thung Nham bird garden. During the late afternoon, you'll witness a mesmerising sight as thousands of storks and black-crowned night herons fly back to their nests, especially captivating for children. On the second day, you can continue your adventure by visiting Cuc Phuong National Park.
If you can arrange 3 days in Ninh Binh, then congratulations! You'll have an amazing opportunity to explore and enjoy numerous exciting experiences that Ninh Binh has to offer.
Itinerary 01: Classic trip covering all the most famous landmarks in Ninh Binh
If you're wondering about choosing between Tam Coc, Van Long, or Trang An, which are the most important tourist attractions in Ninh Binh, don't worry. If you have 3 days for your trip, you can visit all three of them. However, spending three days just on boat tours might be too much. Fortunately, there are plenty of other interesting activities you can enjoy in Ninh Binh. You can visit pagodas, explore bird gardens, hike up mountains in Hang Mua Cave, take a bike ride, learn traditional embroidery, visit rural villages, and more. Ninh Binh has a lot to offer and will captivate your interest.
Itinerary 02: Authentic Ninh Binh excursion
Ninh Binh, a famous spot in Vietnam, attracts a lot of tourists. However, if you prefer a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience, this suggested itinerary allows you to explore the natural, cultural, and religious wonders of Ninh Binh. It's definitely worth a visit.
When you go to Ninh Binh, you have the option to use a private car or a taxi, depending on your schedule.
By motorcycle or private car: The sights and scenic spots in Ninh Binh are usually located quite close to each other, therefore, if possible, you should travel by motorcycle or private car to be more flexible.
By taxi: There are several cab companies in Ninh Binh, so if you don't have a private car, you don't have to worry much. Also, you can't use the app to call a tech cab like in other big cities. Here are the contact numbers for cab companies in Ninh Binh as a reference.
Taxi Ninh Binh: 0229 3 633 788
Taxi Mai Linh: 0229 6 25 25 25 - 0229 6 251 888
Taxi Hoa Lu: 0229 3 211 444
In Ninh Binh, the tourist hotels are mainly concentrated in a few main areas.
Tam Coc area: There are many local restaurants and restaurants serving international dishes in Tam Coc. When it comes to accommodation, there are many hotels available, especially rustic-style family accommodations.
Trang An area: This area also offers a variety of hotel options, but the restaurants here mainly serve Vietnamese cuisine and local specialties. Overall, this area is not as lively as Tam Coc, especially in the evenings.
Van Long area: Van Long area is home to one of the most famous hotels in Ninh Binh, the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh. The other accommodation options in this area mainly consist of homestays and villagers' houses, with limited choices of restaurants.
Ninh Binh City center: Despite having many hotels and restaurants in a city-style setting, is often less frequented by tourists due to its distance from the main attractions.
>> Read more information in this link: Where to stay in Ninh Binh? Bungalows or hotels?
Above is the Ninh Binh travel guide written by local travel experts. I hope you can choose from these wonderful itineraries and make a wonderful trip. In case you need more tips, please comment below. And don’t forget we are alway available on WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266 and email: sm@izitour.com.
Photo: Internet
To experience Ninh Binh, Vietnam in real, book one of those excellent guided tours:
>> Authentic Van Long Nature Reserve Tour
>> Best Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Boat Tour
>> Tam Coc Tour: Biking and Trekking Mua Cave
>> Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh Adventure Tour (5 days)
