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Embark on an Adventure in Ninh Binh – Discover the Enchanting Land of Ancient Capitals drawing millions of travelers with its picturesque landscapes. Let's delve into what Ninh Binh has to offer with Stour!
The Stunning Rice Fields of Tam Coc (Photo: FB. Lê Văn Phúc)
Where Exactly is Ninh Binh Located?
Located approximately 90km south of Hanoi in the northern plains of Vietnam, Ninh Binh province boasts not only breathtaking landscapes but also embodies the glorious historical significance of the nation. Thus, it attracts not only domestic tourists but also hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually.
The Serene Beauty of Ninh Binh (Photo: FB. Nguyễn Duyên)
Which Season is Best for Visiting Ninh Binh?
Spring Festival in Ninh Binh (Photo: FB. Nhung Luna)
From April to June: the weather in Ninh Binh is typically cool and pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot. Summer brings about refreshing scenery, lush vegetation, offering you the chance to admire the golden rice fields of Tam Coc or the diverse ecosystem of Cuc Phuong forest. With gentle sunlight casting a serene glow, it's the perfect opportunity for captivating and artistic photographs.
The Rice Fields of Tam Coc (Photo: FB. Lê Văn Phúc)
Furthermore, during other times of the year, Ninh Binh also presents travelers with stunning landscapes adorned with lilies and lotus flowers in the early autumn, along with delicate misty mornings in late winter, contributing to the creation of incredibly beautiful photos for visitors during this period.
Sen Flower Lake at Hang Mua, Ninh Binh (Photo: FB. Soo Soo)
How to Travel to Ninh Binh?
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is not too far, only 90km. Therefore, you can travel by passenger car, train, or personal vehicles such as cars or motorcycles. The travel time is about 2-3 hours.
From My Dinh bus station or Giap Bat bus station, there are many passenger buses for you to choose from. You can catch a passenger bus to Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, or Ha Tinh to reach the city of Ninh Binh. The ticket prices may vary from 50,000 to 80,000 VND. Additionally, you can consider some shuttle services like:
· Limousine Duy Khang. Phone: 19003086. The earliest departure is at 6 am and the latest is at 8 pm. This shuttle service provides door-to-door transportation so you don't need to travel to the bus station. However, the price will be higher than regular passenger buses.
· Limousine Trang An: Phone: 0327330336
Traveling by Private Vehicle
Since the distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is not too far, you can use private vehicles to visit Trang An.
· If you prefer using a motorbike: Starting from the city center of Hanoi, you can head towards Van Dien - Thuong Tien intersection, and then follow National Highway 1A to reach Ninh Binh city.
https://goo.gl/maps/Jvw3JjXqVmuSGGix8
· If you prefer driving a car: You can take the Phap Van - Cau Gie expressway, then continue onto National Highway 1A and head to Ninh Binh city.
https://goo.gl/maps/LTymE1BcKo5JjTg56
Top Must-Visit Destinations in Ninh Binh
Trang An, Ninh Binh
When visiting Ninh Binh, you must explore the scenic area of Trang An. Covering an area of over 6000 hectares, Trang An is dubbed as the “Halong Bay on land” with its natural cave system and unique limestone mountain range. You'll be amazed by this majestic natural masterpiece featuring a complex of 50 interlinked caves and 31 flooded valleys.
You can find detailed information about this location in the following article: Trang An Ninh Binh from A to Z
Trang An (Photo: FB. Nhung Luna)
Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area
Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area is another famous stop featuring a system of limestone caves and historical relics from the Tran dynasty. Covering a natural area of 350.3 hectares, Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district.
Tam Coc comprises three caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave). To admire the beauty of Tam Coc, you will sail along the Ngo Dong River through the mountains and mysterious caves. Concluding the journey to marvel at the majestic beauty of Tam Coc, you will visit Bich Dong Pagoda – a place combining romantic and grandiose landscapes. Location: about 7km from Ninh Binh City, within the Trang An Tourism Complex.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong Ticket Prices: 120,000 VND/adult, 60,000 VND/child. Boat ticket: 150,000 VND/ride.
Bich Dong Pagoda (Photo: FB. Vu Hue)
Mua Cave
Mua Cave is a captivating 'check-in' spot for young travelers when visiting Ninh Binh, offering impressive views from the mountain peak overlooking the entire beauty of Tam Coc area, from the vast golden rice fields to the expansive river scenery. Besides its rugged beauty and stunning landscape, Mua Cave also offers a challenging journey to conquer 500 stone steps, with the reward at the mountain peak being a breathtaking natural painting. Location: Located in the Tam Coc area, Hoa Lu district, 5km from Tam Coc and Bich Dong, directly down the road to Phat Diem Stone Church.
Mua Cave entrance fee is 100,000 VND/person
Mua Cave - Ninh Binh (Photo: Hoang Nam - Ky Thu Viet Nam)
Tuyet Tinh Coc
The original name of this scenic spot is An Tiem Cave, part of the cave complex in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
The water in Tuyet Tinh Coc has an emerald green color year-round, surrounded by majestic mountains. Small boats are arranged around the lake shore for 'Instagrammers' to capture stunning photos. Admission price to Tuyet Tinh Coc is 20,000 VND/person.
Tuyet Tinh Coc (Photo: FB. Vu Hue)
Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh is a unique historical and architectural complex, consisting of 3 main areas: the special protection zone, buffer zone, and other significant relics.
With over 1000 years of history, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital still preserves important relics from the Dinh - Le period. When visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you will relive historical events at the temples of King Dinh, King Le Dai Hanh, Co Am Pagoda, the tombs of Kings Dinh - Le, as well as other important historical and cultural relics such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Cave, East Gate, South Gate, etc.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Photo: FB. Soo Soo)
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Situated on Bai Dinh Mountain with a vast area of 539 hectares, including 80 hectares, Bai Dinh Pagoda is divided into 2 areas: the new pagoda area and the ancient pagoda area. Bai Dinh is a spiritual complex with the most magnificent and unique architecture in Vietnam. The main pagoda roof is designed with 3 floors and 12 curved roofs shaped like the blade of a sword, covered with traditional tiled roofs.
When visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, you will have the opportunity to admire many prominent spiritual relics and legendary sites. You will visit Sang Cave, where gods and Buddha are worshiped, and Toi Cave - where statues of the mother and fairies lie deep inside the cave, covered by magical stalactites. Location: located at the western gateway of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital heritage site, beside National Highway 38B, 15 km from Ninh Binh City.
Ticket Price: Electric car ticket 30,000 VND/person, tower sightseeing ticket 50,000 VND/person
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Photo: FB. Soo Soo)
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is a major tourist attraction in Ninh Binh. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit this famous ecological tourism area. With a total area of up to 26,000 hectares and a diverse animal ecosystem, you can organize fun activities, camping trips, and group parties here.
Cuc Phuong National Park always offers a cool and stunning natural landscape. Here, you can also explore and learn about the cultural history of the ethnic groups.
If you visit in May or June, it's the season of butterflies. There are millions of white sugar butterflies here, creating scenes reminiscent of Korean dramas.
Address: Cuc Phuong commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province
Ticket Price for Cuc Phuong National Park: Adults: 60,000 VND/person. Children from 6 to 15 years old: 10,000 VND/person. Elderly people (60 years old and above): 15,000 VND/person. Students: 20,000 VND/person.
Cuc Phuong National Park (Photo: FB. Nguyễn Duyên)
Thung Nham Ecotourism Area
Not only in the Mekong Delta are there vast bird gardens with peaceful natural scenery, but also in the majestic natural land of Ninh Binh, there is a special bird garden - Thung Nham. Thung Nham Bird Garden is the wild habitat of over 40 bird species and more than 50,000 animals. When you come to Thung Nham, you will admire flocks of birds flying, the pristine and peaceful natural scenery. Besides, you will also admire the beauty of moving banyan trees, thousand-year-old Ficus trees, Vai Gioi cave, But cave, Fairy Fish cave, Water Palace cave, Three Maids cave...
Thung Nam Ninh Binh - Photo by Thung Nam Resort FB
Ticket Prices for Thung Nam Ninh Binh:
Adults: 100,000 VND/person. Children from 6 to 15 years old: 50,000 VND/person. Elderly (60 years old and above): 50,000 VND/person.
Besides, there are many other beautiful places in Ninh Binh for you to explore such as Phat Diem Stone Church, Van Long Lagoon, Non Nuoc Mountain, ...
Travel itinerary reference for Ninh Binh
Here are some day tours for those who don't have much time:
Depart from Hanoi at 7 a.m. for Ninh Binh. If taking the expressway, it will take about 2-3 hours to reach Ninh Binh City. Around 9 a.m., you can start with the first destination, the scenic area of Trang An Ninh Binh, with a few itineraries such as:
- Trang An Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tuyet Tinh Coc (Hoa Lu and Tuyet Tinh Coc are very close to each other)
- Trang An Ninh Binh – Mua Cave
- Trang An Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh Pagoda
Day 1: Hanoi – Trang An – Tuyet Tinh Coc – Mua Cave
The itinerary is similar to a day tour. In the evening, you will return to the Homestay to enjoy with your family and friends and rest to prepare for the next day.
Day 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Hanoi
Around 8 AM, you can start moving to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. After lunch, continue the journey to Bai Dinh Pagoda, then return to Hanoi.
Alternatively, you can consider another option:
Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong
Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh – Hoa Lu – Trang An
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Van Long – Kenh Ga – Hanoi
There are plenty of options for you. If you're traveling independently, depending on your time constraints, you can choose various attractions to combine for the perfect Ninh Binh experience.
Tourist Map of Ninh Binh
Tourist Map of Ninh Binh
Tips for Traveling in Ninh Binh
Posted by: Dong Hoang
Keywords: Ninh Binh Travel - What to Do in Ninh Binh
