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Ninh Binh, located in Northern Vietnam, is known for the stunning Karst mountains made of limestone, lush rice fields, and winding rivers. It is an escape that perfectly blends peaceful scenery, natural beauty, and historical significance. Ninh Binh is one of our favorite places in Vietnam. This blog lists the 10 things to do to get the best out of Ninh Binh, along with some hidden gems that you must not miss on your visit.

11 Best Things to do at Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is in the month of April, when the lush rice fields are painted green by the hands of nature, and the still waters are adorned with beautiful lotus blossoms. Although Ninh Binh can be visited throughout the year, the second best time is from November to March, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploration. Ninh Binh received rainfall starting from June to October.

How to Reach Ninh Binh?

By Air

Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (IATA code: HAN, 131 km), is the closest airport. From there, you can take a bus or Limousine to Tam Coc. Tam Coc is a little over 2 hours away by car, while it takes anywhere from 3.5 to 4 hours by bus.

By Train

Ga Ninh Binh is the city’s nearest and major railway station. Overnight trains to Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An are available. Meter taxis are available from the railway station even at night.

By Bus

Buses are the most affordable option for reaching Ninh Binh. Overnight buses depart from many cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ha Long, Da Nang, and Hue.

If you’ve booked your accommodation at Tam Coc, ensure the bus stops there. From Ninh Binh, a grab ride will cost you around 100,000 VND.

Where to Stay?

Tam Coc, where all the prime attractions are located, is 8 km away from Ninh Binh. Foreigners prefer to stay in the Tam Coc region for its pleasant vibe and its distance from the bustling roads of the city. There are several hostels, homestays, and riverfront resorts in Tam Coc. We stayed at An Homestay. Here are a few other recommendations.

• Tam Coc Village Bungalow ($)
• An’s Eco Garden Resort ($$)
• Fairy Mountain Retreat ($$)
• Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa ($$)
• Amazing View Homestay ($$)

Where to Eat?

All the homestays and resorts have their own restaurants. There are also several eateries in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh. From the local Vietnamese cuisine to Indian and Italian, you can get various culinary options. Delicacies made from goat meat are popular in Ninh Binh. Do not miss it if you enjoy non-vegetarian food.

Languages Spoken

Vietnamese is widely spoken by the people of the region. Being a tourist destination, many people also speak English.

Commuting Around

All the prime locations are located close to each other. You can rent a bicycle or two-wheeler to cover almost all the places in a few days. Most homestays at Tam Coc offer bicycles for free or at a fee of 30,000 VND.

Note: Grab taxi service (only car) is available in Ninh Binh.

11 Best Things To Do in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

One-day package tours to the Mua Caves and Ninh Binh, organized from Hanoi, are available. However, the place has quite a lot to offer, and just one day wouldn’t suffice. So, plan your trip accordingly and give more time to this gem, and we promise it will be worth it. Here are 10 interesting things to do in Ninh Binh.

1. Paddle Boat Tour

Trang An and Tam Coc are well known for their paddle boat tours along the Red River Delta. One of the unique features of the tours is that the sailors use their legs instead of their hands to hold the paddles for rowing the boat. In a separate blog, we have shared the details of boating at Trang An and Tam Coc and another less crowded, offbeat location. Check it out and choose your own adventure.

2. Hike Up the Mua Cave

Unlike the name suggests, Mua Cave combines a small cave and an impressive viewpoint overlooking the Trang An River. Also known as Hang Mua, the cave is a must-visit spot at Ninh Binh. You have to climb about 486 steps to reach the top of the mountain, where the sunrise or sunset provides a stunning backdrop to the breathtaking aerial views of the fields, the picture postcard village of Tam Coc, the lotus setup, and more.

We have published a detailed guide about the Mua Cave, including how to reach it, the best time to visit, etc, for your reference. 

Did you know? The Trang An Landscape complex includes three protected areas: the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Cycle Along the Wetlands

Pedal through the lush green landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the wetlands at Tam Coc. Start from your accommodation and lose yourself in the beauty of simpler living. The scenic path allows you to slowly soak in amazing views and explore places that offer something more than the usual ones. A few of these places include 

• Den Voi
• Thung Sen Tam Coc
• Thung Nham Bird Valley – Houses 3 caves, including Dộng Thien Hà, Dộng Tiên Cà, and Hang Bụt Hiên (recommended in the evening hours during weekdays).
  

4. Visit Hoa Lu, the Ancient Capital

In the late 10th century, from 968 to 1009, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam. In the year 969, Đinh Bộ Lĩnh proclaimed himself emperor, and in 1010, Lý Công Uẩn moved the capital from Hoa Lư to Hanoi.

Hoa Lu was also an economic, political, and cultural center during that time. Located 19 km from Tam Coc today, it houses several monuments, including pagodas, tombs, and temples, that transport you back to when the city was thriving as the capital of Vietnam. If you’re a fan of podcasts such as Hardcore Historian or a history buff, you can also go on a guided tour to better understand the nuances of its history. 

The must-visit places at Hoa Lu include the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Hoan Temple, the temple of King Le Dai Hanh, Nhat Tru Pagoda, and Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb. You can also extend and visit Bao Thien Stupa and Bai Dinh Pagoda.

• Timings: 6 AM to 6:15 PM in summer and 6:30 AM to 5:15 PM in winter
• Entry Fee: 20000 VND per adult (only for entry. The fee doesn’t include the tour guide)

5. Spot Wildlife at Cuc Phuong National Park

Covering a sprawling 22,408 hectares, Cuc Phuong National Park is a tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife. Located 55 Km from Tam Coc, it offers a variety of activities for visitors, including guided night camping, both short and long hiking routes, wildlife rescue and reservation centers, a prehistoric cave, and so much more. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.

You can rent a motorbike, hike, or drive your car to the park center (20 Km), from where you can hike for about 6 Km on a circular trail, which is not challenging. However, we recommend you hire a guide at an additional charge for hiking longer distances. The receptionist will give you a map and explain the details. Information boards also display important details in the main spots.

• Cuc Phuong National Park Entry Fee: 60,000 VDN, No additional charges for hiking or visiting the wildlife rescue center.
• There are a few restaurants at the park center and the entrance.
• Carry enough water and fill enough fuel for the vehicle.

6. The Bich Dong Pagoda

Originally constructed in 1428 during the reign of Emperor Ly Thai To, Bich Dong Pagoda was a small pagoda nestled in Ngu Nhac Mountain. In 1705, two Buddhist monks named Tri Kien and Tri The discovered this pagoda and re-constructed it with three levels: Lower Pagoda (Ha Pagoda), Middle Pagoda (Trung Pagoda), and Upper Pagoda (Thuong Pagoda). Each of the three pagodas has a roof with four upward curving corners, resembling a phoenix’s tail.

Just a few steps beyond Trung Pagoda lies the Dark Cave, which you can reach by climbing about 21 steps. The cave features a huge bronze bell cast by the two monks in 1707. As you approach the cave entrance, you will see numerous Buddha statues that add to the cave’s mystic ambiance. Continue ahead, and you will be amazed by the stunning paintings and embossed images that decorate the cave’s walls.

• Entry Fee: Free. A parking fee is applicable.
• Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM. 
• Dress modestly, covering your knees and shoulders, or else you’ll have to grab a shawl at the entrance. 
• A free electric shuttle for Tam Coc boating ticket holders from Tam Coc boating area parking is available.

You can also visit the Thai Vi temple, which is located en route.

7. Tam Coc Viewpoints

Different viewpoints at Tam Coc offer different angles from where you can watch the boats floating on the river. Each of the below viewpoints offers a unique perspective and a unique experience.

• Tam Coc Bridge Viewpoint
• Ben Thach Bich
• Viewpoint Little Hang Mua – Near the Thung Sen Tam Coc Glamping & Restaurant
• Hang Mua or Mua Caves

8. Go for “I’m a Farmer Tour” at Buffalo Cave

The “I’m a Farmer Tour” happens twice daily, with the first tour starting at 9 AM and the second at 2 PM. Packed with 4:30 hours of activities, this allows you to experience the lives of local farmers. The activities include feeding buffaloes, bathing and riding on them, fishing with unique “nơm,” practicing traditional rice farming, buffalo cave exploration, and a traditional cooking class. The tour ends with you enjoying the scrumptious meal post-preparation. For other details, visit their official website.

As a visitor, you can enter the Buffalo Cave for free, experience the waterfalls at the cave entrance, and wander around the area on your own.

• I’m a Farmer Cave Tour costs: 1,100,000 VND per person.

9. Join the Evening Workout Session

Vietnamese people are very health-conscious. Every day, at around 5 PM, most local old ladies gather near the Tam Coc Binh Dong to indulge in physical activity. They play loud music and exercise for one hour. They have an instructor, too. Sometimes, some tourists also join them. It was a delightful scene to watch.

10. Taste Draft Beer at Homestays

Draft rice beer is a unique and refreshing beverage brewed primarily from rice rather than traditional barley. It is made from fermented rice and offers a slightly sweet and mildly tangy flavor profile. Ninh Binh’s draft rice beer is a must-try if you want to learn about the different brewing traditions and flavors. Most homestays with attached restaurants have their own draft beer.

11. Phố Cổ Hoa Lư Ninh Bình

The two stunning pagodas located in Phố Cổ Hoa Lư Ninh Bình, reflecting on the river, look straight out of a masterpiece work of art. Our descriptions will definitely make the artwork feel less majestic and soulful. We highly recommend visiting this place after sunset, especially on weekends. The whole place is lit with lanterns, and people play live traditional music. The pagodas turn golden when the lights are on. The street close by has numerous vibrant street food stalls. This place is a must-visit on your trip to Ninh Binh city.

Frequently Asked Questions

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