Things To Do in Ninh Binh (From Tam Coc Center)

Ninh Binh Province

South of Hanoi, Ninh Binh province is blessed with natural beauty, cultural sights and the Cuc Phuong National Park. Highlights include boat trips amid karst landscapes at Tam Coc and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Trang An Grottoes.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh

Thousand years ancient capital of Ninh Binh was called Hoa Lu. It was during the time of the great breakaway from Imperial China. After Vietnam got independence, the land was separated into 12 states. It was Emperor Dinh Bo Linh who created the idea of the first Viet state. This was called Dai Co Viet and was the Dinh Dynasty.

Trang An Grottos – Boat Tour

Trang An – Ninh Binh

The scenery here is truly inspiring. King Kong has visited this place. Well, they filmed King Kong: Skull Island here anyway. He trekked through the limestone hills rising out of the river. A lot of animals live in these parts.

Mua Cave Mountain and Temple

Mua Cave – Ninh Binh

Mua Cave has some amazing over-the-top views of Trang An and Tam Coc. You can see Ninh Binh Town from here as well. It’s a bit of a sideroad trek to get here, but worth it. You are really standing on the shoulders of the Ninh Binh mountain giants on Hang Mua

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Full Moon Travel

This is the largest religious complex in Ninh Binh, Southeast Asia. It is a Buddhist temple showing over 500 finely carved and sculpted Buddha statues. People come to visit from all over the world.

Tam Coc Boat Ride and the Tam Coc Rice Field

Tam Coc water-Rice Season

The ride through the Ngo Dong river is pleasant. You travel through the Tam Coc Valley. Early morning is the best time to ride Tam Coc, to avoid the tourist trail. This is by far one of the most popular tourist spots in Ninh Binh. Go in, take the two-hour boat tour, then leave.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Ninh Binh Motorbike Tour

Bich Dong pagoda is an old pagoda. The experience is unforgettable. Ever seen a banzai garden, with miniature temples in it? This is the real-life version.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong Butter Fly

This is a bit far out from Ninh Binh. At around 40-45km, it is a wonderful park full of tropical forest. Some very ancient trees are in Cuc Phuong National Park, in addition to excavated caves. Some old homes of cavemen can be explored in this area.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

The bird watchers amongst us will love this first courtyard with this display of our feathered friends. There’s a range of birds in these parts. Flocks of different birds can be seen grazing and lazing on the various limestone karst hilltops around. You’ll see cranes and teals. The odd flamingo if you’re lucky! Get those binoculars on the ready guys!

Phat Diem Cathedral

This was built around 1891, with Vietnamese architecture styles placed on Christian gothic foundations. The stone walls are western in look. This 15-acre building has 52 wooden pillars. These are 11-meter’s tall. The Chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary is built completely in stone. The Bell Tower has Christian carvings yet has appeared like an imposed East Asian gate.

Ninh Binh Transport

full-moon-bus

Regular buses depart to Ninh Binh from Hanoi every day. You can book a luxury van which includes transfer to Tam Coc, where plenty of charming accommodation options await. Private cars make the journey even quicker. For those with more time, several trains leave for Ninh Binh from Hanoi daily. The best way to get around Ninh Binh is by motorcycle tour or taxi. Cycling is a great option for visitors staying in Tam Coc