A must-see during your time in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc, a marvelous site of limestone cliffs, rising majestically out of rice paddies. On a hired boat, visitors navigate their way down the river, marvelling at the expense of rice paddies on either side of them, shadowed by the incredible cliffs. After visiting the area’s numerous limestone formations, it is highly recommended to visit Bich Dong, a 15th century hillside stupa. This pagoda, with its finely decorated bell tower, is highly regarded by the Vietnamese and houses several Buddha statues. Visitors can also enjoy Bich Dong’s magnificent view of the area.

Once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, this ancient capital holds an annual festival in the streets to celebrate its rich history. If you are a cycling lover, explore this city on two-wheel and visit its temples: Dinh Tien Hoang, Nhat Tru Temple and Le Dai Hanh. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel.

Situated near Tam Coc, Trang An is a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc, however far less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). An ‘eco-tourism’ area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal-clear river. A visit to Trang An Grottoes will have visitors navigating in their hired boat by expansive cliffs, but also through a series of natural caves of all different sizes, many of which give way to secret green and blue grottos.

Phat Diem Cathedral is another site worth visiting while in Ninh Binh Province. Unlike other churches and cathedrals in Vietnam, this one was designed by a Vietnamese known as Father Sau. He incorporated certain Vietnamese elements (such as multi-tiered curling roofs and dragons) into the church’s design, distinguishing it from European style churches in the country.

Welcome to the rainforest: just an hour from Ninh Binh is Cuc Phuong National Park, a rainforest housing an endangered primates rescue centre, a botanical garden and a turtle center. Visitors may motorbike, drive, cycle or walk through the 12 miles of jungle trails, where they can see an incredible amount of flora and fauna, including thousands of butterflies.

This wetland area is home to diverse plant and animal species. There are hundreds of plant species, colorful birds are everywhere, including a few endangered species.

The area is also one of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Halong Bay. Take a sampan trip among dozens of caverns dotting the landscape, some expansive and others unnervingly narrow. Locals have imaginative names like 'Shadow', 'Bat' and 'Tortoise'. A visit to Van Long Nature Reserve can take in a few cultural relics as well. Visitors can visit secluded pagodas, temples, a 600-year-old fig tree and cave paintings at Meo Cao Mountain.