Top 11 Amazing Tourist Destinations in Ninh Binh Province

Despite being newly developed in recent years, Dong Chuong Lake in Ninh Binh has been attracting many tourists with its pristine beauty, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and pine-covered hills stretching endlessly like a painted picture. Dong Chuong Lake is a freshwater lake located in the eco-tourism area of Dong Chuong Lake, bordering between Phu Loc and Phu Long communes, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province. The lake covers an area of about 45 hectares, with a circumference of nearly 6 km, winding along the surrounding pine-covered hills. The pine trees around the lake cast shadows, reflecting on the water's surface, creating a natural picture with a refreshing, romantic, and serene atmosphere. The scenery is quite wild, tranquil, and serene. Ba Tua Waterfall and Chinh Suoi Stream near Dong Chuong Lake, with a height of nearly 40m, during the rainy season, the water flows from above, creating a magnificent and fascinating view.

Additionally, there is Ao Troi, a freshwater pond that never runs out of water. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, admire the picturesque and idyllic natural scenery, and enjoy moments of relaxation. Next, visitors can stroll along the pine-lined lake, savoring the dreamy, pure beauty of the sky and water. This vast and picturesque space, surrounded by charming nature, will help visitors immerse themselves in nature and enjoy moments of comfort. Dong Chuong Lake - a peaceful and picturesque place, is an interesting resort when you visit Ninh Binh. The eco-tourism area of Dong Chuong Lake also has entertainment areas for children, sports and fitness areas, outdoor camping areas, golf courses, and more, promising to provide visitors with exciting experiences.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual landmark nestled within the Bai Dinh - Trang An ecological tourism complex. With an expansive area of 539 hectares, it boasts 1001 Arhat statues, a gold-plated statue of Quan Am, and a towering stupa that offers panoramic views of the entire pagoda. With a history spanning over 1000 years, Bai Dinh Pagoda has coexisted with the feudal dynasties of Dinh, Early Ly, and the beginning of the Ly dynasty.

Every year, as Tet approaches and spring arrives, Bai Dinh Pagoda organizes temple festivals, attracting numerous locals and pilgrims to pay homage to the Buddha. Therefore, this period is ideal for visiting Bai Dinh, enjoying the scenery of the pagoda, and seeking blessings for peace and luck in the new year. However, this is a peak season, so the number of people visiting the pagoda is much higher than usual, leading to crowded conditions and overloading. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, it's advisable to avoid Bai Dinh during this time.

A serene and enchanting ecological wetland, renowned for its dreamy skies, no less than the famous Tam Coc - Bich Dong, is none other than Van Long Lagoon. Van Long is the largest natural reserve of flooded land in the North Delta region, located in Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Van Long holds two records recognized by the Vietnam Record Center in 2010: 'The place with the most white-cheeked gibbons' and 'The place with the largest natural painting.' When traveling to Ninh Binh, visiting the jewel of Van Long allows tourists to explore the incredibly diverse ecosystem. Van Long has 457 high-level plant species, including 8 listed in the Vietnam Red Book such as bauhinia, kiến, broadleaf dock, and rattan...

The location also hosts 39 mammal species, 72 bird species, 32 amphibian reptile species, 44 fish species, 39 aquatic species, and 79 insect species. Among the 12 rare animals residing here is the white-cheeked gibbon, with a population of 72, the largest in Vietnam. If you take a tour to Van Long lagoon in the late afternoon, you will have the opportunity to see gibbon troops swinging from trees, clinging to rocks, and gracefully drinking water from the lagoon.

Described as a 'Like an oil painting,' the natural scenery blends the elements of sky, clouds, wind, land, and water. This creates a picture of nature that is both pristine, rustic, and intimately familiar. Visiting the Van Long conservation area allows tourists to experience the picturesque and tranquil nature, rejuvenating the spirit for a fresh start to the day. Boating on the lagoon, visitors will encounter a water surface as smooth as a giant mirror. Hence, this place is also known as the 'bay without waves.' Drifting along on a small leaf boat, you are surrounded by vast wetland areas, various bird species, gibbons, and limestone mountains with names fitting their shapes like Cat Scratch Mountain, Rice Cake Mountain, Fairy Book Mountain, and Fairy...

With its pristine beauty, Thung Nham Ecotourism Area in Ninh Binh is becoming a captivating destination for tourists, attracting not only domestic but also international visitors. Thung Nham Ecotourism Area is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Surrounded by limestone mountains, valleys, and caves, these are the main ecological types. Here, there is a harmonious blend of grass, flowers, leaves, and various animals. With an area of 34.2 hectares, Thung Nham Ecotourism Area is developed with a comprehensive ecological architecture: fishing tourism, garden ecotourism, mountain climbing, wetland forest exploration, primeval forest exploration, caves, and wild bird gardens. The most outstanding feature that tourists find fascinating when visiting Thung Nham is the journey to explore the lives of around 50 thousand birds belonging to nearly 40 different species.

The best time to observe the birds is at sunset when they return to their habitat. The sight of flocks of white storks flying, occupying a large area of the sky, and densely landing on the water surface, allows visitors to feel the unique and amazing beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. Tourists can explore Thung Nham Ecotourism Area through the most attractive points: Vai Gioi Cave - But Cave - Mermaid Cave - Aquarium Cave, moving Banyan tree - Thousand-year-old Ficus tree, Valley of Love. Thung Nham is an excellent tourist destination for visitors to admire and explore nature, enjoy the fresh and comfortable air. The Thung Nham picture is a synthesis of majestic beauty and exquisite charm. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in cultural tourism and the spirituality of the local people, as well as wander through the mountains and waters with the magnificent landscape and diverse and beautiful biodiversity.

The mystical beauty of Thien Ha Cave unfolds with its evolving system of limestone formations, both dry and wet, creating a dazzling and enchanting allure within Thien Ha Cave. Often likened to the “Milky Way inside the mountain” in Ninh Binh, this natural wonder is situated in Dong Tam hamlet, Son Ha commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province. Nestled amidst the towering walls of Tam Diep mountain, standing approximately 200m tall, it served as a natural fortress safeguarding the ancient Hoa Lu citadel throughout history. The cave is in close proximity to historical and cultural sites such as the Le Dynasty's boat landing, Sword Lake, and Buddha Head Mountain, making Thien Ha Cave inseparable from the 10th-century historical period of the Vietnamese people.

With a total length of 700m, the cave consists of a 200m dry section and a 500m wet section. Although the entrance is not particularly wide, approximately 3m to 4m in height, the deeper you venture into the cave, the more opportunities you have to admire the natural artworks that time has bestowed upon it. Discovered in 2007, the cave's entrance was hidden beneath a dense canopy of vegetation for an extended period.

To reach the cave, one must travel by boat for nearly 1km along the winding river of the Ben Dang wharf. Upon reaching the boat dock, visitors must walk an additional 500m along the base of Tam Diep mountain. The narrow path, flanked by lush foliage, provides a sense of wandering through a wild and ancient forest. Exploring Thien Ha Cave is a delightful journey of unexpected wonders. The various limestone formations take on different shapes, creating a surreal and magical world. A 'Stone Castle' illuminated by beams of light from above enhances the dreamlike and enchanting nature scene, evoking curiosity and a desire for further exploration from visitors. Subsequently, visitors board a boat along the Milky Way strip, winding and captivating, continuing to marvel at each detail of this meticulously crafted masterpiece by nature. The shimmering limestone blocks, resembling the Fairy Island, Mother's Milk... in a tranquil space, occasionally accompanied by the sound of falling water like a musical composition, collectively leave visitors in a state of utter fascination and enjoyment.

Trang An Tourism Complex stands as the most renowned tourist destination in Ninh Binh today. With its pristine and breathtaking natural scenery, Trang An, Ninh Binh, has been recognized by UNESCO as a world natural and cultural heritage site. The landscape is formed by meandering rivers flowing through limestone mountains, creating numerous enchanting and mysterious natural caves that captivate visitors. To explore Trang An, visitors embark on a boat ride to admire the surrounding mountains and nature. Differing from the hustle and bustle of urban areas or the lively atmosphere of coastal regions, Trang An nestles itself in gentle beauty amid the verdant mountains. The serene and timeless beauty, coupled with the passage of time, has enticed many to Trang An; a visit here once will beckon return visits.

Situated nearly 100 km south of the capital Hanoi and 7 km west of Ninh Binh city center along Trang An Avenue, the Scenic Complex of Trang An spans over 2,000 hectares. It includes the central Trang An Eco-Tourism area, Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourism area 8 km to the north, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu 3 km to the south. The interconnected areas feature specialized forests, winding valleys, and rivers seamlessly blending into each other. Only by witnessing the panoramic view here can visitors truly appreciate the comparison of Trang An to an on-land Halong Bay. Additionally, this tourist area is in close proximity to other popular tourist destinations such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave, and Van Long Lagoon...

Mua Cave is located in Khe Dau Khe, Ninh Luan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, right at the foot of Mua Mountain. The cave earned its name from a legendary story passed down by elders. According to the tale, King Tran used to establish Am Thai Vi and frequently visited the cave to watch and listen to beautiful maidens dancing and singing. Hence, locals named it Mua Cave. It is renowned as the 'Muse of Tam Coc' or the 'Vietnam's Great Wall' for its majestic scenery of mountains, the romantic golden rice fields, and mysterious towers atop the peaks. The cave has a bell-shaped structure, covering an area of about 800m2. Consecutive stone steps adorned with carved dragons, phoenixes, and other majestic creatures lead up to the mountain. At the summit stands a statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva. From the mountaintop, visitors can admire the panoramic view below, creating unforgettable moments.

When visiting Mua Cave, you'll test your endurance by climbing 486 stone steps to the mountain's peak. From there, one can marvel at the entire beauty of the Tam Coc region, with its vast and lush green rice fields. The centrally located man-made green moss-covered lake, surrounded by large trees, even some ancient ones with roots reaching down into the lake, creates a serene and picturesque water surface, enhancing the beauty of the area. Mua Cave is, in fact, a beauty spot within the Mua Cave tourist area, part of Tam Coc, Hoa Lu. Despite its proximity to the renowned attraction in Ninh Binh, Trang An, Mua Cave has never been overshadowed; on the contrary, it is a favorite destination for international tourists. You'll find many Western tourists checking in here at any time of the year.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a remarkable architectural complex in Ninh Binh province, recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core zones of the Trang An World Heritage site. This site is also classified by the state as an extremely important national architectural complex and historical monument that needs to be preserved with great care. With a history of over 1000 years, this place has witnessed numerous ups and downs of the nation, preserving historical relics through various eras, becoming historical evidence for our country for centuries. Despite the passage of time, Hoa Lu still retains its historical traces, including robust city walls and two temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, replicating the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

You can visit Hoa Lu at any time of the year. However, spring is the most beautiful time with many festivals organized, making it an ideal period to experience the lively and bustling atmosphere of these events. If you prefer tranquility and want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this place, you can choose to visit on other days. From the past, Hoa Lu was a majestic and magnificent imperial city. The surrounding hills formed a solid wall like a fortress. The Hoang Long River meandered, and the vast fields of Nho Quan and Gia Vien were extremely favorable natural conditions.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong, known by various titles such as the 'Second beautiful cave in the South' or 'Halong Bay on land,' indicates that this destination encompasses many breathtaking landscapes, captivating the hearts of people. The Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area covers an area of 350.3 hectares, located 2 km from National Highway 1A, 7 km from Ninh Binh city. The majority of the area is in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, part of the Trang An scenic complex, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Throughout the ages, with its picturesque beauty, Tam Coc - Bich Dong has always been an attractive and famous destination for both domestic and international tourists. To immerse themselves in the beauty of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, visitors must travel by boat, spending 3 hours along the Ngô Đồng River, where the water is clear to the bottom. On both sides are winding stretches of rice fields, and in the distance, there are rugged mountains with various shapes, creating a majestic and poetic scenery unmatched by many places.

To explore Tam Coc, tourists board boats from the central pier. The boatmen begin the journey along the peaceful Ngô Đồng River, navigating through each mountain wall, passing through caves, gliding across fields, and admiring the rich aquatic life beneath the clear water. The most distinctive feature here is the rice fields on both sides of the Ngô Đồng River. The changing colors throughout the seasons turn Tam Coc into a colorful painting, touching the hearts of visitors. Tam Coc is the first boat tour route developed in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area. Not inferior to Tam Coc, Bich Dong brings a different and enchanting beauty that leaves many tourists in awe of the masterpieces bestowed by Mother Nature on the ancient capital area of Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh.

Cuc Phuong National Park covers an area of 25,000 hectares and is Vietnam's first national park. Characterized by tropical rainforests, it stays green throughout the year with an incredibly diverse and abundant flora and fauna. Many endangered species have been discovered and preserved here, with the black-and-white langur standing out as the symbol of Cuc Phuong Forest. The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is during the dry season (from December to May), when the weather in the forest is cool. Avoid going during the rainy season when the roads are slippery, and there are many mosquitoes and leeches, which may affect the travel experience.

Especially, visiting Cuc Phuong National Park in May is when butterflies in Cuc Phuong Forest are most abundant. With millions of individuals racing to display their wings, it turns the place into a stunningly beautiful 'butterfly forest' resembling a fairyland. The ancient people named it 'Dang Cave,' a place that preserves the traces of prehistoric residence and burial, a precious heritage of Cuc Phuong Forest. Additionally, you will explore Con Moong Cave, where outside the cave, a large rock protrudes, resembling an animal shape, hence named Con Moong Cave (prehistoric animal cave in the Muong language). It was both the residence of the ancient people and an important archaeological site classified as a national monument.

Located about 10km from the center of Ninh Binh city, Am Tien Cave Ninh Binh is a historical site in the complex of Hoa Lu ancient capital, Ninh Binh. Formerly just a small lake with a blue color nestled among the steep cliffs, creating a space imbued with martial arts spirit. Visiting the breathtaking scenery of Ninh Binh, you will be captivated by the majestic mountains, towering cliffs that reflect on the lake's surface, enhancing the cave's mysterious and dreamy atmosphere. Positioned 500m away from the water's edge, the climate here is always refreshing and cool throughout the year. You will feel a cool breeze spreading, bringing a refreshing sensation.

This can be considered the most impressive point at Am Tien Cave Ninh Binh, where in the middle of the cave, an intense blue lake appears, remarkably tranquil. The entire water surface is an incredible deep and clear green, allowing visibility of moss under the water. Surrounding it are towering stone mountains, creating a mystical and serene space. Alongside is a path winding under the mountain, where visitors can stroll to admire the scenery and capture beautiful photos in the midst of the pristine mountainous space. The stone gate can be seen as a place preserving clear imprints of a glorious historical period. The sturdy stone walls, along with the ancient architectural style, open up a space full of nostalgia.