Ninh Binh Overview

Ninh Binh, a small northern province in the Red River Delta, is renowned for having some of country’s most beautiful sites. Striking limestone caves and mountains dot the province’s topography. The province is home to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s former capital from 968 to 1010 A.D. Here, visitors will see a historical town containing a palace and citadel hidden within the mountains and Hoang Long River. On a journey either north or south through Vietnam, Ninh Binh is the perfect stop to catch one's breath and see some spectacular - and not overcrowded - sites.

Experience it firsthand
Tam Coc & Bich Dong pagoda
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.
Hoa Lu Ancient capital
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.
Trang An Grottoes
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
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.
Cuc Phuong National Park
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.
Van Long Nature Reserve
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.

Places to go

Travel Tips

Best time to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is famous with the combination between river and moutain, between historical stories and many festivals in the spring. So the best time to travel Ninh Binh is between March and...
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How to get to Ninh Binh ?

Ninh Binh can be considered as a bridge linking Northern provinces with Southern ones and it is located on the trafic life-line including National Highway 1A and trans-Vietnam railway. It is...
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Top Attractions

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous for its great size and is a cluster of Buddhist architectural structures, consisting of new, giant and imposing temples of the newly-built Bai Dinh pagoda area which...
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Trekking Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s largest national park and one of the most important sites for biodiversity in the country. Trekking Cuc Phuong National Park is a great opportunity to...
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Food Culture

Com Chay (Burned Rice)

Com chay (burned rice) is a simple but very crispy and yummy dish of Ninh Binh province. It is one of the most famous food in Ninh Binh .
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Goat Meat

Traveling far and double-quick with poetic and fascinating landscapes in Ninh Binh without enjoying speciality of Ninh Binh goat meat is synonymous that you have not yet arrived in the Ancient...
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