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Halong Bay, Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the top countries to visit in Southeast Asia. With its lush landscapes, rich history, and lovely local culture it pleases both nature lovers as well as conscious travelers who like to immerse themselves in all things Vietnamese.
Stretching over 1600 kilometers (1000 miles) from north to south, the landscapes vary from lush rice terraces and forested mountains in the north to fertile deltas and beautiful beaches in the south. Vietnam’s history is influenced by the Chinese, French, and Americans and you can witness this in its colonial architecture and delicious cuisine (Banh Mi!).
Hanoi, the capital, is famous for its chaotic Old Quarter, where narrow streets are arranged by trade, and the lovely Hoan Kiem Lake where locals do aerobics in the early morning. A key historical site is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument dedicated to the nation’s beloved founding father.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the south is the country’s economic hub, known for its dynamic energy and skyscrapers alongside French colonial landmarks. The nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War, and the War Remnant Museum are activities you can’t miss out on.
Central Vietnam is home to natural wonders and historic sites, including the ancient town of Hoi An, with its well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port dating back to the 15th century, and the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ninh Binh is located in the north of Vietnam, just about two hours south of Hanoi. Here is everything you need to know to prepare yourself for your visit to this wonderful region!
First of all, this post is about the Province of Ninh Binh and not the city. Although the city is the main economic and administrative center of this region, it’s not a great place to base yourself. I found the city rather dusty and unpleasant and there are far more beautiful locations to kickstart your adventures! I’ll get into the best places to stay in Ninh Binh later in this post.
The Ninh Binh Province is located in the northern part of Vietnam and is about a two-hour drive south of Hanoi. It is characterized by a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and historical places, offering an escape into a landscape that feels almost untouched by time.
It is often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” and it lures visitors in with its stunning limestone karst formations that rise majestically out of emerald rice paddies and winding rivers. Although Ninh Binh has become a tourist hotspot in recent years, it has been able to retain its charm and you won’t be disappointed adding this region to your Vietnam itinerary!
Yes, Ninh Binh is worth visiting! The landscapes you find in this region seem to be out of this world and the activities you can undertake are plenty! I stayed in this region for two weeks and this still wasn’t enough to cover everything there was to see.
Aside from the main attractions, there are hundreds of hidden corners to discover where you can find an off-the-beaten-path restaurant or a secluded homestay in a wonderful location.
Here are 16 things to do in Ninh Binh in the north of Vietnam. It’s a mix of the absolute highlights, combined with personal insider tips and more remote places that definitely deserve more attention. Here we go!
Trang An scenic landscape complex, Vietnam
Scrolling through the web, you have probably marveled already at the gorgeous photos of the Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh which is surrounded by rice fields and limestone mountains. While they are indeed very beautiful, be sure to pick the right boat tour when you travel to Ninh Ninh.
What to do in Tam Coc: Trang An scenic landscape complex
In Ninh Binh, there are boat tours on offer in three locations: Tam Coc, Trang An, and Van Long. Most people who make a quick stop in Ninh Binh opt for the Tam Coc boat tour because it is conveniently located in the center of Tam Coc, a popular place to base yourself.
Unfortunately, the boat tours in Tam Coc are actually a tourist trap in which you’ll be asked for a ridiculous amount of tips for the boatmen and be tricked into paying completely outrageous prices for snacks and drinks during your boat ride.
The best boat trips into the most beautiful parts of the landscape are the Trang An boat tours. These tours are operated by a private company and are the gateway to the UNESCO-world Heritage Site of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Trang An is another rural area in Ninh Binh province and from there you can easily reach the boat wharf on foot, however, it’s also just a 10-kilometer taxi or bike ride from Tam Coc.
Compared to Tam Coc, which only takes you back and forth to three caves, at Trang An, you can choose from three different routes that take you to various caves, temples, and pagodas located in the scenic landscape.
Van Long is another boat ride in the area but I’ll get into that one later in this post!
Location: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Opening hours: 7 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Ninh Binh things to do: Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Often referred to as the Bai Dinh Pagoda, this location is not just one pagoda but a huge complex of Buddhist pagodas covering a total area of 539 hectares.
It is considered the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam and it is a pilgrimage destination for many Vietnamese residents. The complex consists of a temple area that dates back to the 12th century and a new temple that was built in 2003.
The entrance to the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is free of charge but, because of its large size, you will need to rent a golf cart to take you around.
Location: Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Opening Hours: can vary due to seasonality but it will surely be open between 7 A.M. and 6 P.M. every day of the week.
Cuc Phuong National Park holds the title of being Vietnam’s oldest national park. Located just an hour’s drive from Ninh Binh, it offers an excellent opportunity for a day trip, providing a break from the more crowded spots in the area.
This ancient forest is home to an impressive array of wildlife, featuring 336 bird species, 122 reptile and amphibian species, and 135 mammal species. Among the mammals found here are Asiatic black bears, civet cats, clouded leopards, and the critically endangered Delacour’s langur.
As a visitor to the park, you can make a pick from several well-marked trails that lead to age-old trees, prehistoric caves, and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is also the site of a primate rescue center focused on endangered species and a center dedicated to turtle conservation (further details below).
Exploring the park will require you to rent a car or engage a private driver for the day, as it’s not accessible by public transportation from Ninh Binh.
Walking from the main entrance to explore the park also isn’t feasible. Given its vast size, the attractions and trails are spread out, requiring a car to access the various sites and paths within the park.
Website: Cuc Phuong National Park
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 7 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Ninh Binh what to do: Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary
The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is an extraordinary destination in the Ninh Binh region. It’s a brief journey from Cuc Phuong National Park, making it a perfect addition for a day excursion.
At this sanctuary, you have the opportunity to observe and learn about Asiatic Black bears and sun bears in a responsible manner. The bears housed here have been rescued from the cruel practice of bear bile farming, which unfortunately continues in Vietnam.
Most of these bears have spent their entire lives in confined spaces and because of that require rehabilitation. The persistent demand for bear bile and rampant wildlife poaching means that releasing them back into the wild is currently unsafe, though there is hope for such possibilities in the future.
For more insights about the Bear Sanctuary in Ninh Binh and the importance of ending bear bile farming, consider reading my detailed article on the subject.
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Things to do Ninh Binh: Mua Viewpoint
Among all the attractions in Ninh Binh, the Mua Caves and Hang Mua Viewpoints certainly hold a top spot!
The caves themselves are not the main highlight here, the true gems are the viewpoints. From these spots, you’re treated to stunning vistas of the area’s rice paddies, rivers, and limestone mountains. As a traveler, you can choose between two main vantage points, the Dragon viewpoint and the Pagoda viewpoint, both accessible by a challenging ascent of 500 steps up the mountain.
The Hang Mua caves and viewpoint area has turned into a highly sought-after spot for Instagram photos, making it one of the pricier places to visit by Vietnamese standards. Admission is set at 100,000 VND per person.
Location: Directions
Opening hours: 8 A.M. – 5 P.M.
→ Also read: A complete travel guide to Cat Ba National Park
The rice paddies surrounding Ninh Binh may not rival the stunning beauty found in Pu Luong or Mai Chau, yet they contribute significantly to Ninh Binh’s picturesque scenery in their own unique way.
Observing the rice fields’ beauty in Ninh Binh is most spectacular from the Hang Mua viewpoint towards the end of May. During this period, the paddies transform into a rich, yellow-gold hue, just before harvest time.
Ninh Binh things to see: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital near Tam Coc
Hoa Lu holds significant historical value for the Vietnamese, serving as the nation’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Most of the ancient structures and city of Hoa Lu are now in ruins. Nevertheless, within the complex, several temples remain, dedicated to commemorating the emperors and princes from the Dinh and Le dynasties.
Another notable feature near Hoa Lu is the ascent of the 300-step stairway leading to the summit of Ma Yen Hill. At the peak, visitors are rewarded with a splendid panorama of Hoa Lu and its magnificent landscape.
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 7 A.M. – 5 P.M.
The most scenic place to stay in the Ninh Binh region is without a doubt Tam Coc. Both the center and the countryside surrounding Tam Coc is beautiful. It is full of small streets and back alleys that lend themselves well for great walks and bicycle rides in the region.
The best way to explore these narrow streets and paths is to switch off your phone and allow yourself to wander aimlessly. This approach led me to stumble upon an incredible restaurant in Ninh Binh, tucked away amidst limestone mountains and lush rice fields.
I’ll share more details about this restaurant in the restaurant section!
Tam Coc-Bich Dong Pagoda
The Bich Dong Pagoda is a magnificent three-tiered pagoda complex constructed in the Ngu Nhac mountains near Ninh Binh. It’s a mere half-hour walk from the town center of Tam Coc to reach the pagoda.
This pagoda is split into three levels. The first level was established around 600 years ago, while the middle and top levels were added in the 18th century. The three levels are known as Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda).
From the Middle Pagoda, you are treated to a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. A unique aspect of this pagoda is that half of it is constructed inside a cave.
Entry to the Bich Dong Pagoda is free of charge. However, be aware that there may be individuals attempting to sell fraudulent tickets or charge for parking. It’s important to avoid these scams.
Location: Directions
Opening hours: There are no official opening hours but visiting between 9 A.M. and 6 P.M. seems to be a safe bet.
Thai Vi Temple, Tam Coc, Vietnam
The Thai Vi temple is a relatively hidden ancient temple nestled among the limestone mountains and rice fields in Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. Constructed by King Tran Thai Tong in 1258, it continues to serve as a site of worship for many Buddhists to this day.
One of the best aspects of the Thai Vi temple is its tranquility, away from the throngs of tourists at other nearby attractions. During my visit in December, I found myself to be the only visitor there. A few monks were present, crafting decorative items for an upcoming celebration.
The temple’s peaceful and serene ambiance provided a perfect setting for some quiet reflection. Sitting there, you can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and observe the monks as they go about their daily tasks. There is also no admission fee!
Location: Directions
Opening hours: There are no official opening hours but you will be able to enter between 9 A.M. and 5 P.M.
There is no better way to explore Ninh Binh and its surroundings than by bicycle! A great feature about Ninh Binh is that, in between the mountains, the terrain is completely flat which makes it very easy to cycle around, even if your fitness level is not that good.
Cycling is not only positive for your health but also better for the environment. Using a bicycle instead of a motorbike will result in less air pollution. A lot of travelers hire a motorbike in Ninh Binh but this only adds to the surroundings of Ninh Binh becoming noisier and kind of destroys the peaceful atmosphere.
A lot of guesthouses in Ninh Binh offer bicycles that you can use free of charge or for a small fee!
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and pristine nature reserves. It’s a great place to experience local landscapes and Vietnamese culture in Ninh Binh without the crowds you’ll find in Trang An.
Ninh Binh activities: Van Long Wetland Reserve
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the largest wetland in northern Vietnam, stretching out over 3000 hectares. It features a breathtaking landscape that includes towering limestone cliffs, winding waterways, and extensive marshlands.
The scenery will remind you of Ninh Binh and Trang An, but Van Long stands out because it offers an opportunity to observe wild animals, such as storks and herons, as well as the critically endangered Delacour’s langur.
Exploring Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve by boat is the most effective way to see its beauty. For more details, check out my guide on everything you need to know about Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve.
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 7 A.M. – 5 P.M.
If you’re keen on discovering more about endangered monkey species in Vietnam, you definitely shouldn’t skip the primate rescue center situated within Cuc Phuong National Park.
Initially, the sight of monkeys in relatively small enclosures at the primate rescue center might be startling. However, it soon becomes clear that these enclosures are scientifically designed to meet the monkeys’ needs effectively.
Endangered primate rescue center, Vietnam
Many of the monkeys housed here cannot be released back into the wild due to injuries that would compromise their survival. When you look closely you can see round marks on the monkeys’ fur, which are actually scars from bullet wounds inflicted by poachers seeking their skin, bones, and organs for use in traditional medicine.
The primate rescue center is home to a diverse group of gibbons, langurs, and slow lorises. Tickets are available at the entrance of Cuc Phuong National Park for 50,000 VND per person.
It’s important to note that tours of the facility are limited to 20 minutes and must be conducted with a guide. This short visit duration ensures that the monkeys do not become overly accustomed to human presence.
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Around 25 kilometers from Ninh Binh City lies the Phat Diem Cathedral. This cathedral is a remarkable architectural marvel that mixes European Catholic and Vietnamese architectural elements. It was constructed between 1875 and 1899 under the direction of Father Six, a Vietnamese priest,
The cathedral complex includes the main church, several chapels, a bell tower, and living quarters for the clergy, all spread over a large area of more than 22 hectares. One of the most striking features of the Phat Diem Cathedral is the use of stone and wood. The interior is supported by massive ironwood columns, and the altar is beautifully carved from marble.
The cathedral was damaged significantly during the Vietnam War but has since been restored and continues to serve as a place of worship and pilgrimage for Catholics in Vietnam. The entrance to the cathedral is free.
Location: Directions
Opening hours: 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Ao Giai Lake
Tuyet Tinh Coc is a captivating mountain canyon featuring a lake and a Buddhist temple, situated near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The only access to this hidden gem is through a tunnel carved directly through a karst mountain. Historically, this secluded spot served as both a prison and a location for the punishment of criminals.
Upon entering, you have the opportunity to cycle around the lake, explore the Am Thien cave, and visit the Pagoda. Additionally, there’s a scenic viewpoint that offers fantastic photo opportunities. The admission fee is 50,000 VND and bicycle rentals are available if you wish to take a leisurely ride around the lake.
Location: Directions
Opening Hours: 8 A.M. – 6 P.M.
In the area surrounding Ninh Binh, one of the local specialties is a vegan dish known as “Com Chay”. This dish features crispy yet flavorful rice. It is made from leftover rice that is fried until it becomes slightly charred.
Following the frying process, the rice must be dried in the sun or with a special drying machine to enhance its preservation. The final result is a crispy rice cracker, which can be garnished with a variety of sauces and additional toppings for extra flavor.
Ninh Binh, as a province, covers a large area of Vietnam. As mentioned before, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Ninh Binh City. Although it comes in handy, with supermarkets, telecom shops, and everything you might need, the city lacks charm.
There are however two rural areas nearby that deserve your attention when it comes down to finding a place to base yourself for your explorations in Ninh Binh. They are called Tam Coc and Trang An.
While Tam Coc is equipped with all modern amenities and even has Western-style restaurants, The area around Trang An offers a more peaceful escape with only a few restaurants and a traditional Vietnamese market in town.
After spending two weeks in Trang An and Tam Coc, here is a selection of what are, in my opinion, the best places to stay!
Tam Coc is a haven of cozy homestays, and guesthouses offering a variety of budget-friendly accommodations. Here are three places I personally stayed at and can recommend for those looking to explore the area:
For those willing to splurge a bit more, Tam Coc Garden Resort offers stunning bungalows and villas. This resort is known for its commitment to sustainability, providing a luxurious yet environmentally-conscious option for travelers.
The center of Trang An mainly consists of budget accommodation options. You will have trouble here finding an option that costs more than 20$ but they are out there, especially out of center. Here are some great options in Trang An.
If you fancy staying at an ecoresort in Trang An, consider staying at Trang An Ecolodge. It’s out of the center of Trang An in a more remote location but it is the ideal escape if you are looking for tranquillity!
Best restaurant Tam Coc: “Thung Sen”
While Ninh Binh is large in size, I wouldn’t bother too much going of the areas of Tam Coc and Trang An to find good food.
Tam Coc is home to some great restaurants and a lot of them cater to vegans. If you’re a vegan, you won’t have trouble finding tasty vegan food in Vietnam. Here is a list of my favorite restaurants in Tam Coc and Trang An!
Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:
Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside
12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam
GRAB: for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vietnam
Eatwith: Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience
Withlocals: Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!
Viator and Get Your Guide: For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general
Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.
Rice fields around Hang Mua
Reaching Ninh Binh is quite straightforward, regardless of your starting point. Given its proximity to Hanoi, it’s conveniently situated on the tourist route. Moreover, numerous day-long excursions are available from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and its nearby attractions.
Ninh Binh is accessible via daily bus services running from Hanoi directly to Ninh Binh. Booking these buses is straightforward with platforms like 12GoAsia. It’s important to verify your bus’s final stop, as some may leave you at various locations within Ninh Binh, requiring a taxi for further travel to your exact destination in the area.
For those pressed for time, numerous Ninh Binh excursions head out from Hanoi as well.
As of last year, a new bus service has started operating between Pu Luong and the beautiful area of Ninh Binh. I utilized this bus service from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh, and it conveniently stopped right at my accommodation. The price for a bus ticket is €14, and bookings can be made through your accommodation.
Alternatively, booking a private vehicle via Bookaway is a viable option, particularly for those traveling in a group and looking to share expenses. This method not only speeds up the travel time to but also offers the flexibility to pause at Cuc Phuong National Park en route to Ninh Binh.
Daily buses leave from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh in the early morning and just after lunch and they take three hours. You can book your seats in advance on the website of 12GoAsia.
Alternatively, a private car costs around 70$.
Traveling by bus is the most recommended option to travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh. Tickets can be bought on 12GoAsia and prices can range from 7$ to 20$ depending on whether you opt for a regular bus or a luxury minivan.
Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to ply the route which will cost around 70$.
If you get carsick easily, there is also an option to travel to Ninh Binh by train. This will however require you to take a train to Hanoi first and change to a train there to Ninh Binh. This route takes much longer than traveling by bus or taxi.
→ Also read: How to Get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
Overnight buses depart from Phong Nha in the evening and reach Ninh Binh at the crack of dawn. For those seeking a bit more comfort, you have the option to catch a bus to Dong Hoi, and then transfer to a sleeper train heading to Ninh Binh.
While the train offers cozier sleeping arrangements, it’s worth mentioning that the train station is located in Ninh Binh City, and you will need to take a taxi if you are staying in Tam Coc or Trang An. Both train and bus tickets can be bought through 12GoAsia.
There are various options to get round ninh binh, one slightly more expensive than the other.
Many tourists choose bicycles to explore Ninh Binh, especially for shorter distances within areas like Tam Coc. It’s an eco-friendly way to enjoy the scenic beauty at your own pace. Bicycles can be rented from many hotels and guesthouses and are often free.
I solely relied on bicycle hire during my stay in Ninh Binh and it was a wonderful way to explore the region, both the attractions concentrated around Tam Coc as well as location further afield like Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve.
Alternatively, you can hire a motorbike or a driver for the day to take you around. Multiple tour agencies in Tam Coc also offer day tours with minibusses.
Ninh Binh is a destination that can be visited year-round. It has two distinct seasons and tends to be hot and humid during the summer months, while the winter months are dry and can be a bit chilly with temperatures ranging between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius during the day.
Tam Coc, Vietnam
To snap some pretty photos, the best time to visit Ninh Binh is just before the harvesting season. At the end of May and in early June, the rice paddies in the area will change color, from lush green to golden yellow.
Do note that this will also be the busiest time to visit Tam Coc. And, even though this is probably very beautiful, Ninh Binh is amazing year-round!
Traveling in Ninh Binh can be quite affordable, with costs varying depending on your travel style, preferences, and the type of experiences you seek.
Budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses can range from $5 to $15 per night for a dorm bed or a private room while mid-range hotels and homestays cost between $20 and $50 per night for a private room. Luxury accommodations can go upwards to $100 per night for more upscale options.
Street food and local eateries offer meals from as low as $1 to $5. A Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for instance will only cost 1 to 1,5$. Dining in more touristy or mid-range restaurants, like Chookie’s Beer Garden, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 per meal. High-end dining experiences will cost a lot more.
Renting a bicycle for a day can cost around $1 to $3 and is the cheapest mode of transportation aside from walking, while motorbike rentals are approximately $5 to $10 per day. Taxi fares and private car hires will vary depending on distance but expect to pay a lot more for these conveniences. We paid 850.000 VND (around $35) for a day trip to the ninth Binh Bear Sanctuary and Cuc Phuong National Park.
Entrance fees to attractions like Trang An and other natural and historical sites can range from $1 to $10. Some activities and guided tours may cost more if they are part of a tour package.
Traveling in Vietnam, or Ninh Binh in particular can raise a lot of questions concerning safety, travel time, transportation, and more. Here are the answers to some questions you might still have after reading this guide to Ninh Binh.
The duration of your stay in Ninh Binh entirely depends on your travel preferences, but for those who favor slow travel, like me, a minimum of one week is advisable. The region is rich with sites to discover, and a longer stay means you can take in the sights at your own pace, without feeling hurried to move from one spot to the next.
Opting for more relaxed transportation methods such as walking or cycling rather than going for a motorbike rental or hiring a car will only add to the overall experience.
For those with only a limited amount of time in Ninh Binh, it’s essential not to miss out on the Trang An Boat Tour, the panoramic views at the Mua Caves, the serene Van Long Wetlands, and the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary. These spots were my favorite experiences during my stay in Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh is generally considered safe for travelers. It is relatively free of violent crime, but you should always be aware that petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded places can occur.
Furthermore, local people in Ninh Binh are known to be friendly and welcoming to tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to be respectful of the local customs.
Ninh Binh has a warm climate for much of the year, but it gets much cooler during the winter months, especially in January and February. Temperatures can drop to around 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit) during this time of the year and it can be cloudy during the day.
If you’re visiting Ninh Binh during the winter, you will definitely need a warm sweater for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Ninh Binh has become a popular tourist destination in Vietnam in recent years. But, fortunately, despite its growing popularity, you can still find areas in Ninh Binh that offer tranquility and unspoiled natural beauty.
Compared to more famous tourist destinations in Vietnam like Halong Bay or Hoi An, Ninh Binh offers a somewhat quieter, more serene experience. The rural countryside, with its beautiful rice fields and limestone karsts mountains, offer plenty of opportunities for exploration away from the crowds.
While you can see limestone karst landscapes at both destinations, Ninh Binh offers a more diverse range of activities compared to Halong Bay. These experiences on land and the karst mountains, interspersed with rice paddies and rivers, make it distinct from the marine setting of Halong Bay.
Both are extraordinary in their own right though and absolutely worth visiting for anyone traveling through Vietnam.
While there are rivers and lakes in the area, they are not generally used for swimming due to safety concerns, the nature of the waterways, and the lack of designated swimming areas. The main point of traveling to Ninh Binh is to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage by foot or bicycle rather than water activities like swimming.
However, a huge amount of the accommodation options in Ninh Binh have a swimming pool, so yes, in that regard, you can swim in Ninh Binh.
Grab exists in Ninh Binh but I would venture too much out of Ninh Binh City relying on one to take you home. In my experience, they are easy to find in the city but, once you get into the countryside, finding a Grab Car becomes much harder.
As mentioned earlier, the boat rides in Tam Coc are rather scams and do not visit the UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Furthermore, my experience at Thung Nham Bird Park was equally disappointing. Marketed as an ecotourism spot and touted as one of Vietnam’s prime locations for bird watching, the entry fee is quite steep by Vietnamese standards, costing 150,000 VND per person.
I was prepared to pay this amount, believing it supported an eco-friendly initiative. However, upon entering the park, I was shocked to discover that it wasn’t the conservation-focused sanctuary I expected. Instead, I found an entertainment complex complete with a hotel and restaurants, along with noisy tourist boats disturbing the lakes.
Note that this park has little to do with bird conservation efforts.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
I hope this Ninh Binh guide was helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below or drop me a message through my contact page!
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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