Ninh Binh is proud to be an attractive destination with wonderful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In 2024, get ready for an impressive adventure as you look forward to exploring this land. With the guide to independent Ninh Binh tours below, you will have a unique and memorable Ninh Binh travel experience.
Introduction to Ninh Binh – The Ancient Land
Ninh Binh, a land steeped in ancient history and rich cultural heritage, known affectionately as the “Ancient Capital,” has now emerged as one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations. It not only attracts domestic tourists but also serves as an ideal destination for millions of international travelers every year. The magical feeling upon setting foot in Ninh Binh stems not only from the breathtaking beauty of its famous landmarks like Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Non Nuoc Mountain, and Tam Coc – Bich Dong but also from the diversity and richness of its other attractions.
In addition to its magnificent natural beauty, Ninh Binh is also renowned for its diverse tourism services and amenities. From local tours to accommodation, dining, and shopping services, travelers will experience a perfect journey with comfort and convenience. The friendliness and hospitality of the people of Ninh Binh have become an indispensable part of travelers’ experiences.
Ideal Time for Traveling to Ninh Binh
When planning a Ninh Binh day trip, choosing the right time is a crucial factor that significantly influences your experience. Unlike some tourist destinations like Da Nang, where there’s a clear distinction between the rainy and sunny seasons, Ninh Binh can be explored year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
Springtime (From January to March)
The early days of the year, when spring is painting a fresh picture, are the ideal time to explore Ninh Binh’s famous landmarks. With pleasant weather, you can visit renowned tourist spots like Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, and the Stone Church, combined with traditional spring activities.
Summertime (From April to June)
The sunny and breezy days from April to June are the most suitable time for many travelers. Ecotourism destinations such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Trang An attract a large number of visitors. You can also enjoy the beauty of ripe rice fields in Tam Coc or marvel at thousands of butterflies fluttering in Cuc Phuong forest. These are perfect moments to capture unique and memorable photographs.
One-Day Itinerary for Ninh Binh – Suggested Itinerary 1
To fully enjoy a day in Ninh Binh, below is a detailed itinerary for you to explore multiple interesting sites without worrying too much about time. Explore Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Bich Dong
- Start from Hanoi or nearby provinces early in the morning to arrive in Ninh Binh on time and have enough time for sightseeing.
- Explore the historical site of Hoa Lu, where traces of King Dinh and King Le are still preserved, for about 3 hours.
- Have lunch in the Hang Mua area and enjoy the most famous specialty dish, Crispy Rice with Mountain Goat.
- Then, explore Hang Mua and the unique landscape from the mountain peak for about 4 hours.
- Continue the journey to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, explore the caves, and experience a boat trip on the river in the afternoon.
- Conclude the Ninh Binh exploration program in the evening; you can decide to stay overnight in Ninh Binh or return home if desired.
One-Day Itinerary for Ninh Binh – Suggested Itinerary 2
If you want to explore two main tourist spots in Ninh Binh tour in one day, below is an itinerary you can consider. Discover Trang An – Bai Dinh.
- Start from the city of Ninh Binh early in the morning to spend time exploring the Trang An tourist area.
- Experience the Trang An boat tour to explore the cave system and the unique natural landscape.
- After visiting Trang An, you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Continue the journey to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, and discover its records.
- End the day by exploring the attractions within the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex before returning.
Two-Day One-Night Itinerary for Ninh Binh – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Hang Mua – Tam Coc Bich Dong
After arriving in Ninh Binh from the earliest morning bus from Hanoi, you will move to the hotel for check-in and prepare for the upcoming trip.
Hang Mua
Mua Mountain, one of the limestone peaks located within the Trang An complex, boasts the enchanting beauty of Ninh Binh’s natural landscape. The journey to climb Hang Mua consists of 486 stone steps, but it’s worth the effort because from the mountain top, you can admire the panoramic view of this land. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND per person.
Tam Coc Bich Dong
The afternoon is the ideal time for you to explore Tam Coc Bich Dong by boat on the Ngo Dong River. The boat will take you through three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The entrance fee is 120,000 VND per person, and the boat ticket is 150,000 VND per trip for 4 passengers.
Day 2: Ancient Capital Hoa Lu – Am Tien Cave (Tuyet Tinh Coc) – Trang An – Return to Hanoi
Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
Start the second day by visiting the historical site of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, where many important historical values are preserved. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person.
Am Tien Cave (Tuyet Tinh Coc)
Continue the journey to Am Tien Cave, also known as Tuyet Tinh Coc, with its pristine and mysterious landscape. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person, and there is a parking fee if traveling by motorbike.
Trang An
Conclude the trip with a visit to Trang An, where nature has bestowed its pristine and magnificent beauty. The entrance fee for Trang An is 250,000 VND per person (including boat fee and fees for visiting scenic spots). Afterward, you can return to Hanoi to end the journey.
Three-Day Two-Night Itinerary for Ninh Binh – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Thung Nham Ecotourism Area – Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Begin the day by departing from Hanoi at 7 a.m. Hung has arranged the schedule to reach Ninh Binh after a 2-hour journey. After checking into the hotel, Hung enjoyed a delicious breakfast with Ninh Binh’s specialty dish, grilled pork with vermicelli, boasting the region’s distinctive flavors.
Around 10 a.m., Hung arrived at the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area, an intriguing destination with a natural bird garden. Then, Hung continued the journey to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, where he marveled at the stunning beauty of the mountains, caves, and the Ngo Dong River.
After the tour, Hung returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for dinner.
Day 2: Van Long Nature Reserve – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Ancient Capital Hoa Lu – An Tiem Cave
In the early morning, Hung explored Van Long Nature Reserve, a picturesque landscape resembling a painting. After the tour, Hung enjoyed local specialties such as banana fish, mountain snails, mountain goats, and sour soup with wild eggplant.
At noon, Hung returned to the hotel to rest before continuing the journey to Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam. Then, Hung visited the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and An Tiem Cave.
Day 3: Hang Mua – Return to Hanoi
Finally, on the third day, Hung spent time exploring Hang Mua and climbing to the top of Mua Mountain, where he had a panoramic view of Ninh Binh. After enjoying the scenery, Hung returned to the hotel to check out and prepare to return to Hanoi, concluding the trip with many memorable experiences.
