Located just 60 miles south of Hanoi in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on land" due to its towering limestone karsts and scenic rivers, offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and nature. In this blog, we’ll be sharing the top 7 things to do in Ninh Binh based on our visit to this beautiful area!
Before we get into the meat of this guide, I want to share some quick tips that will make your time in Ninh Binh much more enjoyable:
Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: As native English speakers, we knew going into our Vietnam trip that the language barrier would be a challenge, but learning a few simple phrases goes a long way. We recommend using a language learning app like Rosetta Stone or Babbel to familiarize yourself with the language before traveling, but here are a few to get you started...
▪️ Xin chào: Hello
▪️ Cảm ơn: Thank you
▪️ Vui Lòng: Please
▪️ Xin Lỗi: Excuse me or I'm sorry
Pro Tip: Download Google Translate on your phone and download the Vietnamese language.
Understand the Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) as its currency, and while credit cards are accepted in many places, Vietnam is a cash heavy culture, so it's a good idea to have cash on hand. That said, ATMs can be found in more populated areas. And if you do use a credit card make sure that it has a 0% foreign transaction fee. >>Click here to see our favorite travel credit card<<
Stay Connected with an eSIM: To ensure you have reliable cell phone service during your stay, consider purchasing an eSIM for your smartphone. This digital SIM card can be easily activated and often provides better rates for data, calls, and texts compared to international roaming plans or local SIM cards. We’ve personally used a handful of different eSIM providers but the two that we recommend the most are Airalo & Holafly.
⬇️ For the best Tours, Tickets, & Experiences, check out GetYouGuide ⬇️
⬇️ Looking for the perfect stay in Ninh Binh? Check out these options! ⬇️
⭐⭐⭐ Fairy Mountain Retreat (where we stayed)
⭐⭐ Lys Homestay
1. Explore Mua Caves and Viewpoint
Known locally as Hang Mua, this park offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region. Located at the top of a 465-foot tall peak, the Hang Mua viewpoint, AKA Lying Dragon Mountain, rewards visitors with panoramic views of lush rice paddies and the winding river below… That is unless you visit in the rain like we did! Regardless, the park isn’t just pretty views, it’s also rich in cultural significance with its name "Hang Mua" meaning "Dancing Cave," which was inspired by the legend of ancient Vietnamese kings who would come here to enjoy music and dance performances. And while yes, there are caves on sight that are worth a quick visit, the viewpoint is the real draw here. And if you’ve never been to Hang Mua before, be prepared for a challenging hike up more than 480 steep steps, but the reward is well worth the effort! Along the way, you'll pass stone dragon sculptures and be greeted by the sight of the majestic limestone karsts that define the area. The cost to enter the park is 100,000 Vietnamese dong (VND) per person which is around $4 USD and if you’ve seen other videos on this place, you know that it can get really crowded which is why we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds and midday heat. Or you can hike it in the rain like we did and you don’t get the crowds or the views! Lol
2. Visit the Area's Many Pagodas
Ninh Binh is home to stunning pagodas offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich spiritual heritage. As you wander through the tranquil courtyards and intricate stone carvings, the peaceful atmosphere invites reflection and awe. Some of the area's most notable pagodas are the Hoa Lu Temple, the Bich Dong Pagoda, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Since our time was limited, we chose to visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda which is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. This sprawling site is home to more than 500 Buddha statues, including the massive 32-foot-tall bronze Buddha, and features an impressive bell tower housing a 36-ton bell. The ancient section of the pagoda dates back over 1,000 years, while the newer structures were built in the early 21st century, blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with modern craftsmanship. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere by exploring beautiful courtyards, taking in the panoramic views from the top of the 325-foot-tall Bao Thap Tower, and even getting a relaxing herbal foot bath (which we thoroughly enjoyed)! While entrance to Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is technically free, pretty much anything other than walking around the complex will cost extra. We chose to go with the 250,000 VND (around $10 USD) ticket which gives you hop-on/hop-off privileges for the shuttles as well as entrance to the Bao Thap Tower, and an herbal foot bath. You’ll want to set aside at least 3 hours for a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda and be sure to dress modestly, keeping your shoulders, chest, and knees covered when inside any temples.
3. Take a Boat Tour
There are three main boat tours offered in Ninh Binh… the Tam Coc, the Van Long Nature Reserve, and the Trang An. Each tour presents a unique perspective of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty and I would imagine that you can’t go wrong with any of them. During our visit, we chose to do the Trang An Boat Tour which takes you on a journey through one of the country’s most breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage sites. We made the mistake of visiting on a Sunday which resulted in a 2-hour wait, but once we boarded our boat, we enjoyed gliding along the serene rivers passing through towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, and mysterious caves—some of which were once ancient dwellings for Vietnamese kings. It’s worth noting that there are 3 routes to choose from for this tour all offering a slightly different experience (Route 1 – 9 caves, 3 temples; Route 2 – 4 caves, 3 temples; Route 3 – 3 caves, 3 temples). We opted for route 3 because it goes through the longest cave of the 3 routes, but no matter which one you choose, you’ll get a great mix of caves, temples, and breathtaking scenery. The boat ride lasts 2-3 hours and costs 250,000 VND per adult which is about $10 USD. Each boat can hold 4 people, but we decided to spend the extra 250,000 VND per person to have the boat to ourselves. And I’m sure our boat driver didn’t mind not having to row the 2 extra people!
4. Visit Tam Coc
The town of Tam Coc is without a doubt the tourist hub of Ninh Binh and serves as a gateway to all that Ninh Binh has to offer. Surrounded by rice fields and dramatic limestone karsts, Tam Coc offers a slower pace of life compared to bustling cities like Hanoi. Historically, the area played a crucial role in Vietnam’s ancient history as part of the Hoa Lu ancient capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Today, Tam Coc is often referred to as the “international village” due to the influence that international tourism has had here, and is known for its mix of authentic Vietnamese culture and Western flair. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy homestay or a modern hotel, a traditional Vietnamese meal, or pizza and burgers, Tam Coc has you covered! Our time in Tam Coc revolved mostly around food, and we personally enjoyed Chookies Beer Garden where we had delicious pizza and local beer while hanging out with some other travelers that we met during our stay, and the homemade cakes, coffee, and tea at Brick Coffee were outstanding as well!
5. Experience a Homestay
Unlike traditional hotels, homestays offer an authentic and enriching way to experience this rural region of Vietnam by allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. The homestay experience can range from staying in a guest room in someone's home with shared spaces to having your own private bungalow on property. We opted for the latter option and truly enjoyed the immersive experience while still having our privacy. We’ll put a link to where we stayed in the description of this video. No matter which option you choose, there are a couple of guaranteed amenities… warm hospitality and tasty food. Additionally, many homestays are located in scenic areas surrounded by the famous karst landscapes, rice paddies, or rivers, providing a peaceful retreat while still being close to the area’s top attractions. When staying at a homestay you’re not only supporting local communities but also gaining a deep, personal connection to the area that can't be replicated by other accommodations. Our homestay even had a resident goat that acted as our alarm clock each morning!
6. Try the Local Food
Ninh Binh is a hidden gem for food lovers. One of the region’s most famous dishes is cơm cháy, a crispy rice crust, which dates back centuries to when it was served to royalty. This crunchy, savory delight is often paired with goat meat, another local specialty, as the rocky terrain of Ninh Binh is ideal for raising mountain goats. The food in Ninh Binh reflects the area's agricultural richness, with fresh ingredients sourced from rice paddies, rocky mountainsides, and rivers. In addition to the local specialties, you’ll find a variety of other national dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, fresh spring rolls, Egg Coffee, and more. Some of our favorites from our time in Ninh Bin were the cơm cháy and coconut coffee and the 82 cent beers were a nice touch as well! Here are some of the places that we enjoyed and/or recommend eating when visiting Ninh Binhh:
Vietnamese:
▪️ Ngọc Linh Restaurant (Đội 3, Ninh Bình)
▪️ An Phong Restaurant (Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District)
▪️ Linh Linh Bar & Restaurant (Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư District)
Western:
▪️ Chookie's Beer Garden (Tam Coc Rd, Ninh Hải, Tam Coc)
▪️ T-Pub Restaurant (Tam Coc Rd, Bích Động, Hoa Lư)
▪️ Pig Family Cafe & Restaurant (Đội 3 - Văn Lâm, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư)
Coffee/Breakfast:
▪️ Brick Coffee Shop (Thôn Tuân Cáo, xã Ninh Thắng, huyện Hoa Lư)
▪️ + Xanh Coffee (Unnamed Road, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư)
▪️ Coffee Cat (Văn lâm, Hoa Lư District)
7. Meet the Locals
The people of Ninh Binh, are known for their warmth, hospitality, and strong connection to their land and traditions. Living in a region rich in natural beauty and history, many locals are farmers, working in rice paddies, raising livestock, or fishing the rivers. Despite the increasing popularity of tourism, Ninh Binh residents maintain a humble and welcoming demeanor, eager to share their culture with visitors. Whether you're visiting a bustling market or staying at a local homestay, you're likely to be greeted with a genuine smile and a willingness to share stories about the area’s rich history. The people of Ninh Binh offer a true reflection of Vietnam's rural charm and cultural heritage, making any visit feel deeply personal and unforgettable. From our taxi driver sharing one of his favorite snacks with us to having a conversation via Google translate with local kids to being given fresh papaya from a restaurant owner’s garden, our experience with the local people in Ninh Binh was so special.
We hope that this guide has helped you make the most of your time in Ninh Binh, and if it has, we hope you’ll consider following us on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube Channel for more travel content!
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