Ninh Binh is one of the can’t-miss destinations in Northern Vietnam, an ideal destination for those who love to explore majestic natural beauty. To enjoy a memorable trip, join Karst Plateau and immediately explore the list of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. A place famous for its natural beauty, rich history, and exciting activities suitable for all ages.
Ninh Binh, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 2014, is an indispensable stop in the journey to explore Vietnam. This place has a diverse terrain including majestic limestone mountains, a rich river system, and many long-standing historical relics. Ninh Binh is also famous for scenic spots such as Tam Coc, Trang An, and Mua Cave.
Ninh Binh is not only beautiful in its natural landscapes but also has significant cultural tourism potential. Ancient pagodas such as Bai Dinh Pagoda or the ancient capital of Hoa Lu all carry profound historical stories, helping visitors have a comprehensive view of ancient Vietnamese culture. Furthermore, culinary specialties are also a highlight not to be missed when you come here with rich and diverse dishes.
2. Explore natural wonders
Ninh Binh possesses many beautiful natural wonders, which remind us of the pristine and majestic beauty of Vietnam. From the rocky mountains and lush green fields to the winding river, every angle here brings captivating beauty, making visitors unable to take their eyes off.
Tam Coc
Tam Coc is famous for its magical cave system and golden rice fields
Tam Coc is one of the places on the list of Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh. This place is known as “Ha Long on Land” with three picturesque caves. Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave are all part of the boat trip on the Ngo Dong River, where visitors can not only admire the beautiful scenery but also immerse themselves in a peaceful space.
The image of tourists rowing boats in the middle of vast green fields, with clear blue skies and majestic limestone mountains standing tall next to the river, creates a dream-like scene. During the ripe rice season, from May to June, the rice fields here become bright yellow, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos.
Trang An scenic complex
Located next to Tam Coc, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is not only recognized as a World Natural Heritage but also among the top Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh thanks to its breathtaking landscape and unique historical value.
Trang An is an ideal place to explore by boat, where visitors can roam among green fields, and visit famous caves such as Bright Cave, Dark Cave, and Ba Giot Cave. The whole space here seems to blend water, rocks, and plants, creating a lively and relaxing picture.
Mua Cave
Mua Cave, one of the next prominent places in the journey to discover Ninh Binh, is located in Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district. With 486 stone steps leading to the top of the mountain, this place offers a challenging and exciting climbing experience for visitors.
When you reach the top of Mua Cave, you will have a beautiful panoramic view of Tam Coc and its green rice fields. Images of mountains, rivers, and rice fields blend together to create a poetic natural picture that fascinates people.
3. Visit historical cultural sites
In the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, visitors can explore ancient relics and understand more about Vietnam’s feudal history
After admiring the majestic beauty of nature, it is impossible not to take the time to explore Ninh Binh through its unique cultural and historical heritage. The relics here are not only beautiful but also contain profound stories from ancient times, reflecting Vietnamese history and culture.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh, and you should not miss it. With impressive architecture, this is a place that brings a feeling of serenity and peace.
This pagoda is considered the largest and most famous pagoda in Vietnam with unique architecture and long history. Located in Gia Vien district, the pagoda was built during the Dinh Dynasty and is a very sacred place to worship Buddha. With an area of more than 1,100 hectares, Bai Dinh is not only a pagoda but also a beautiful architectural complex, with many works of spiritual significance.
The highlight of the pagoda complex is the Phap Chu Palace and the largest bell tower in Vietnam, along with the longest Arhat corridor in Asia. Visitors will admire the majestic beauty, as well as learn about Vietnamese customs and beliefs when visiting this place.
Hoa Lu ancient capital
Not far from Bai Dinh Pagoda, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu was once the political center of the country during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. With unique relics, Hoa Lu attracts many tourists to admire the beauty and learn about the nation’s heroic history. The temples serving the worship of Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh are still preserved intact, creating a sacred space, and bringing a sense of peace to those who visit.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral, located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, is one of the outstanding works combining Catholic architecture and Vietnamese folk art. Built in the late 19th century, the church not only has religious value but is also a unique historical and cultural attraction.
With a harmoniously designed surrounding space, the church has many impressive architectural works such as the cathedral, bell tower, and artificial stone caves, all of which are exquisitely carved from wood and natural stone. Visitors will be fascinated by the strange beauty of the project, along with the peaceful atmosphere here.
This Cathedral is not only a unique architectural work but also one of the Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh for tourists passionate about culture.
4. Experience local life
With a series of attractive attractions, a trip to Ninh Binh also gives you profound experiences about the daily life of the people here. You can learn about culture and customs through practical and close activities.
Cycling through the countryside
Cycling through peaceful villages, you will see the green fields and feel the fresh air
Cycling through Ninh Binh countryside is one of the Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh because it brings a feeling of relaxation and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the simple life. Depending on the route you choose, you can see lush green fields, endless bamboo rows, and the simple activities of the people here.
Walking on the village roads, immersing yourself in the fresh air, visitors will feel the peace of rural life. You can stop for a short rest on the side of the road to take beautiful photos and create more memories with the children or local people in the village.
Stay at a homestay
Staying at a homestay in Ninh Binh is an easy experience for those who want to find relaxing moments in the quiet green forest. Homestays are close to nature, often built with natural materials such as wood, creating a feeling of closeness for visitors.
Not only is it a place to rest, but staying at a homestay is also an opportunity for you to explore local culture through traditional meals prepared from fresh ingredients. You can participate in activities such as cooking with the host, learning about making delicious specialties, or participating in traditional festivals.
5. Outdoor activities
Ninh Binh is truly a paradise for outdoor lovers. With rich natural scenery and interesting activities, this place promises to bring you exciting experiences.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Nature Reserve is one of the Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh with the opportunity to explore pristine nature and biodiversity. Van Long is famous for its rich freshwater ecosystem and majestic natural landscape, where cool breezes from the river below, bring a sense of peace.
Here, visitors can participate in activities such as rowing boats across bamboo bridges, watching rare birds, and learning about animal life in the wild.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is an ideal place for trekking and wildlife viewing
Cuc Phuong National Park, with an area of thousands of hectares of primeval forest, is an ideal place for those who love trekking and experiencing nature. This is the first and largest national park in Vietnam, which preserves hundreds of rare plant and animal species.
When visiting Cuc Phuong, you can trek through primeval forests, admire ancient trees thousands of years old, and learn about the diverse ecosystem here. Not only trekking, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in the night wildlife viewing program, where you can follow nocturnal animals.
If you are a nature lover, add Cuc Phuong National Park to your list of Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh.
6. Unique experiences
Ninh Binh is not only notable for its natural scenery or cultural relics but also for its unique experiences that you can participate in during your trip.
Watch the sunset at Thung Nham Bird Garden
Thung Nham Bird Garden, one of the impressive tourist destinations, is not only famous for its diversity of bird species but also offers wonderful experiences when the sun goes down. On the calm water’s surface, the image of thousands of birds flying back to their nests creates a vivid and beautiful picture.
The sunset in Thung Nham is not merely a peaceful image but also a beautiful moment that gives you deep emotion, helping you forget stress and fatigue in everyday life.
Visit handicraft villages
Besides natural landscapes, Ninh Binh is also famous for its traditional craft villages, imbued with local cultural identity. Visitors can visit a number of craft villages such as pottery villages, wicker villages, or paper-making villages.
Participating in pottery-making activities or creating handmade products yourself is a great way to better understand the traditional craft as well as the enthusiasm of the artisans here. These sophisticated products not only have artistic value but are also memories of your trip.
Exploring traditional craft villages is an important part of the list of Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh, where you can learn the production process and shop for souvenirs.
7. Specialty cuisine
Each dish has a strong flavor of Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh’s delicious dishes
With the richness and diversity of cuisine, Ninh Binh possesses many unique specialties that you cannot miss. Dishes made from fresh ingredients, imbued with regional identity, will surely satisfy all diners.
Ninh Binh Crispy rice: The dish is made from crispy fried rice, often served with shrimp and goat meat, bringing a unique flavor to those who enjoy it.
Mountain goat meat: A famous and delicious specialty, can be processed into many dishes such as grilled goat, steamed goat, or scorched rice with goat sauce.
Fish salad: A typical dish from the Kim Son region, elaborately prepared and retains the sweetness of the fish, served with a special dipping sauce.
Local market and food tour
To experience culinary specialties in Ninh Binh, you can visit local markets such as Ninh Binh Market, where many special dishes such as scorched rice, sour spring rolls, and fresh fruits are sold. The bustling atmosphere here will bring you a sense of excitement and the diverse colors of daily life.
Furthermore, participating in culinary tours organized by travel companies is also a great way to explore dishes in Ninh Binh, from ingredients to processing processes. You will directly experience the dishes vividly and better understand the culinary culture in this land.
Local markets are always on the list of Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh thanks to their culinary diversity and bustling atmosphere.
Ninh Binh is an ideal destination with many rich experiences, from nature, and history to cuisine. Make plans today to explore all the Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh and enjoy the best trip. For more information and travel tips please visit the Karst Plateau website.
