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Vietnam Travel Guide
Ninh Binh Tours
Ninh Binh tours take you through limestone landscapes, river caves, and ancient temples. Explore Tam Coc by boat, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, or discover historic Hoa Lu and the scenic Trang An complex.
View tours >>The Best Ninh Binh Tours & Local Experiences
Not sure what Ninh Binh tour to choose?
Whether you’re looking for the best group tour, private experience, a custom made tour or just a private driver to bring you around, we’re here to help. Our local team knows Ninh Binh inside out and can give you honest, expert advice—no pressure, just good suggestions.
About Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a peaceful province in northern Vietnam, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone mountains rising above rice fields and winding rivers. It’s known for boat rides through cave systems in Tam Coc and Trang An, as well as the spiritual complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The area combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, making it ideal for short getaways from Hanoi. Most tours include rowing boat trips, cycling through the countryside, temple visits, and panoramic viewpoints like Hang Mua. Ninh Binh is compact and easy to explore in one or two days, either with a guide or independently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa tours
Is Ninh Binh worth a day tour from Hanoi?
Yes, Ninh Binh is one of the best day trips you can take from Hanoi. It’s only 2 hours away and offers boat rides, pagodas, and beautiful landscapes. That said, staying overnight gives you time to explore more peacefully, especially at sunrise or sunset when tour crowds are gone.
How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh?
One day is enough to see the highlights, but two days gives you time to slow down and enjoy the countryside. With two days, you can do a boat trip, hike Mua Cave, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, and cycle through quiet villages without feeling rushed.
What are the best sights to visit on a 1-day Ninh Binh tour?
If you only have one day, choose Trang An for the boat ride (more scenic and less touristy than Tam Coc), Mua Cave for panoramic views, and either Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu for culture. This combo gives you a nice balance of nature, history, and local life.
When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from late February to early May and September to November. These months offer mild weather, green rice fields, and clear views. June to August is lush but hot and humid, while winter months are dry but can be misty and cool.
What happens if it rains during a Ninh Binh tour?
Rain is usually light and short in Ninh Binh, so tours often continue. Boat trips still operate, and the mist can add a mystical feel to the landscape. Bring a light raincoat and waterproof shoes, especially if hiking or biking. Heavy rain may cause short delays.
Do I need a tour to explore Ninh Binh?
You can visit Ninh Binh independently by train or bus from Hanoi, then rent a bike or motorbike to get around. However, a guided tour can save time and hassle, especially if you want to see multiple spots in one day or prefer not to arrange your own transport.
10 Highlights in Ninh Binh Tours
1. Boat Trip in Trang An
Glide through caves, temples, and limestone valleys on a two-hour rowboat journey in Trang An — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic scenery and calm waters.
2. Boat Trip in Tam Coc
Sail between rice fields and towering cliffs as a local rows you through Tam Coc. It’s a peaceful, scenic ride through one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.
3. Mua Cave Viewpoint
Climb 500 steps to reach the best view in Ninh Binh. From the top, you’ll see the river winding through rice fields, with limestone peaks all around.
4. Cuc Phuong National Park
Vietnam’s oldest national park offers jungle trekking, ancient trees, and rare wildlife. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center or stay overnight in a Muong village.
5. Cycling the Countryside
Cycle along quiet roads lined with rice fields, lotus lakes, and limestone hills. It’s the best way to explore Ninh Binh’s rural charm at your own pace.
6. Van Long Nature Reserve
A quiet, less-touristed wetland area where you can spot langurs and rare birds during a rowboat ride. The peaceful scenery is perfect for slow travel.
7. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Once the capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu is a compact historical site with royal temples, pagodas, and mountain surroundings that hint at its former grandeur.
8. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Explore Vietnam’s largest temple complex, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues, massive towers, and panoramic views over the surrounding hills.
9. Bich Dong Pagoda
Climb past mossy stone gates and cave temples built into the mountainside. Bich Dong blends spiritual beauty with one of the region’s most photogenic entrances.
10. Thung Nham Bird Garden
Visit in late afternoon to watch flocks of birds return to their forest nests. Boat trips and walking trails let you explore this quiet nature spot at your own pace.