Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh For An Unparalleled Experience

As you travel through this wonderland, you’ll discover an almost limitless number of things to do in Ninh Binh Island. Ninh Binh will captivate your spirit, whether you’re an adventurer looking for thrills, a history buff eager to unearth ancient tales, or a nature lover looking for tranquil moments.

This unique corner of the world, often overlooked among the more famous places to visit in Vietnam, is an absolute must add to your travel bucket list. The spellbinding splendour of Ninh Binh offers a rich tapestry of experiences, each more unforgettable than the last.

Things to do in Ninh Binh range from exploring magnificent limestone mountains and tranquil rivers to discovering the secrets of majestic temples. This inviting haven is a vibrant testament to Mother Nature’s wonders and the enduring allure of human history. Embrace the magic of Vietnam as you discover the unforgettable things to do in Ninh Binh on a journey that will captivate you.

10 Best Things To Do In Ninh Binh Island 

1. Enjoy A Scenic Cruise In Trang An

It’s like stepping into a postcard, a peaceful and awe-inspiring moment. Ninh Binh paints such a grand picture that you’ll wonder if it’s real. Rowing gently under natural stone bridges connects you to the world in an unusual way. A visit here can quickly become a treasured memory.

Looking for things to do in Ninh Binh Island? Don’t miss this cruise. It captures the essence of Vietnam’s beauty and charm. It’s more than just one of the many things to do in Vietnam. It’s an experience that breathes life into your travel dreams.

Cost: VND 200,000 per boat

2. Day Excursion At Bai Dinh Pagoda

The tranquillity seeps into your bones the moment you step into this sprawling Buddhist complex. Towering stone statues, peaceful courtyards, and monks’ rhythmic chants tell stories of heritage and culture that span centuries.

But it is the natural beauty of Bai Dinh Pagoda that sets apart it among other honeymoon destinations in Vietnam. This location, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush green landscapes, provides the ideal setting for romantic moments.

Exploring Ninh Binh through the mystical Bai Dinh Pagoda is an experience full of serenity, love, and a true sense of Vietnam’s enchantment.

3. Explore Cuc Phuong National Park

Imagine trekking in Vietnam, your path intertwined with vibrant green leaves beneath a soft, sunlit sky. As melodious birds sing from the canopy and insects conduct their daily orchestra, the park’s heart echoes with life. Footpaths wind through timelessly beautiful forest groves, with each turn revealing exotic wildlife, ancient trees, and mysterious caves.

Bathe in the golden sunset that paints Ninh Binh in breathtaking hues as twilight approaches. Then, under the sparkling mantle of stars, listen to the nocturnal world’s symphony.

Cuc Phuong National Park, a nature lover’s paradise offering unparalleled serenity and exploration, captures the true essence of Ninh Binh.

Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM

Entry Fees: VND 60,000

4. Enjoy Viewpoint At Mua Cave

At the summit, a panorama that whispers tranquility greets you. Your eyes widen, tracing the serpentine paths of the waterways below, the rice fields – a patchwork quilt in shades of emerald. Ninh Binh, seen from Mua Cave, feels like a hidden gem, your own slice of paradise. 

Mountain goats dance on the distant peaks, their grace accentuating the raw beauty around. Time slows, the world softens and all that remains is you, basking in the extraordinary spectacle of Ninh Binh, under a sky brushed with hues of the setting sun.

Best Time To Visit Mua Cave: September to November

5. Cycle Through The Countryside

The rhythm of the pedals is like a heartbeat, pumping life into your Ninh Binh exploration. Every turn is a surprise, unveiling quaint villages where locals share warm smiles and wave enthusiastically. They add a beautiful human touch to the stunning backdrop, making your journey even more memorable.

Looking for things to do in Ninh Binh Island in Vietnam? Remember to pack a sense of adventure. Engage your senses as you wind past ancient temples, fragrant orchards, and vibrant markets, all the while accompanied by the gentle clucking of chickens and the whimsical melody of distant pagodas.

Cycling in Ninh Binh’s countryside is more than an activity; it’s an immersive, humbling experience, a unique way to appreciate the beauty Vietnam has to offer. So, buckle your helmet and let the adventure unfold.

Best To Time For Cycling: September to November

6. Relish The Local Cuisine

Imagine entering one of the best places to eat in Vietnam, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of Ninh Binh’s local cuisine. The dishes here are a symphony of flavours that provide a sensory feast.

Rice bowls come to life with succulent meats and spices from the region. Each bite is a window into the traditions of the region. The freshness of mountain goat meat, a specialty of Ninh Binh, adds a distinct flavour that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Dishes To Eat In Ninh Binh: Rice bowls, goat meat

7. Bird Spotting At Thung Nham Bird Garden

You’re transported to an avian paradise the moment you enter the garden. Hundreds of birds sing heartwarming melodies as flashes of colour flit among the lush trees. Each chirp and flutter contributes to a symphony of life that reverberates across the vast wilderness.

An afternoon spent here is a thrilling adventure that includes spotting and identifying a wide variety of bird species. The variety is truly astounding, ranging from local favourites to rare visitors. This bird watcher’s paradise offers moments of peace and discovery at every turn.

When considering things to do in Ninh Binh, keep Thung Nham Bird Garden in mind as a captivating retreat, providing an unforgettable encounter with nature at its purest.

Timings: 24 Hours 

Entry Fees: VND 100,000 per person

8. Visit The Phat Diem Cathedral

Imagine walking through massive stone pillars, your eyes meeting exquisite carvings. Your footsteps echo on the tiled floor as the cathedral whispers tales from another era.

Now, think of the moment when you ring the 19th-century bronze bell. The sound, a harmony of past and present, resonates in the air. It’s more than just a place; it’s an experience.

When you’ve had your fill of awe, take a leisurely stroll around the cathedral grounds. Lush greenery cradles serene ponds, an invitation to peace and tranquillity.

Looking for more things to do in Ninh Binh? Start with Phat Diem Cathedral, and let its charm guide you through the city’s treasures. In Ninh Binh, every stone has a story to tell.

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fees: Free

9. Visit Dinh and Le Temple

The temples, relics of ancient Vietnamese kings, possess a divine aura. The moment you step onto the stone-laid path, the distant past feels within reach. You can almost hear the whispers of time, unfolding tales of valor and wisdom.

At the Dinh temple, the intricately carved stone lions guard the entrance. As you pass through, their stone eyes seem to assess your spirit. The scent of incense fills the air, mingling with the musty smell of aged stone.

A short distance away, Le Temple beckons. The serene ambiance makes you pause, breathe, and simply exist. At its heart, the ancestral tablet of King Le strikes a sense of awe. It’s a hallowed silence, an intimate conversation with history.

And as you leave, these timeless guardians of history seem to bid a silent farewell. You carry a part of their story within you, a rich tapestry woven into your memory.

Timings: 6 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fees: VND 20,000

10. Enjoy Nature In Tam Coc- Bich Dong

You’re surrounded by towering limestone karsts as you row gently down the winding river forming a breathtaking natural fortress. The river reflects the emerald heavens above, creating a peaceful reflection that will capture your heart.

You glide into the caves that line the riverbank, their cool mystical aura enveloping you in an ancient story. When you emerge, you are greeted by the playful calls of exotic birds, a symphony that only nature can create.

When you step off the boat, walking through the verdant rice fields feels like stepping into a soothing green carpet. As the sun sets, it drenches the landscape in a warm glow, a sight to behold and a memory to cherish.

Visiting Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a beautiful dance with nature that leaves you enriched and yearning for more. You’ll soon realize there’s no shortage of things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, where every moment is a chance to connect deeper with the natural world.

Timings: 7 AM to 4 PM 

Entry Fees: VND 200,000 per person

When the sun sets on your Ninh Binh adventure, you’ll take more than just memories with you. Rowing down tranquil rivers, exploring ancient caves, and wandering through lush rice fields all instill a deep appreciation for nature’s grandeur. 

Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s charming blend of cultural heritage and stunning landscapes is nothing short of magical. The spirit of this place lingers with you, reminding you of mankind’s harmonious dance with nature.