Top 11 Majestic Tourist Destinations in Ninh Binh

Am Tiên Cave is a national monument located within the Hoa Lư historic site, about 10 km from the city center. This destination draws visitors with its serene and poetic natural beauty. It is a stunning green oasis straight out of a wuxia film, making it a must-visit spot on your journey to explore the ancient capital of Ninh Binh. The majority of this area is a water-filled valley, surrounded by towering, majestic cliffs, harmonizing with the lush greenery of nature.

The water in the lake remains a crystal-clear emerald green year-round, so transparent that you can see all the way to the bottom, with towering green mountains encircling it. Visitors can also visit the ancient Am Tiên Pagoda here. The landscape is both poetic and mysterious, and the best part is that tourists can enjoy the site for free. Am Tiên Cave is often compared to Vietnam's version of 'Tuyệt Tình Cốc,' a popular spot for young travelers to take pictures and couples to capture unforgettable wedding photos.

When talking about Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Hoa Lư is an iconic destination that attracts both local and international tourists with its stunning landscapes and impressive architectural structures. Each building carries its own unique charm, contributing to the timeless and heroic atmosphere of this historical site. The rich array of historical remnants still preserved in the complex speaks volumes about the past. Therefore, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital stands as a monumental symbol of the remarkable history that our ancestors have diligently protected and maintained through the ages.

As one of the four core regions of the UNESCO-listed Tràng An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lư has a history spanning over a thousand years. It is home to relics from various historical periods. Visitors to Hoa Lư can explore the temples of Kings Đinh and Lê. You can visit Hoa Lư at any time of the year, but spring is especially beautiful with numerous festivals taking place, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Vân Long Wetland, located in Ninh Binh, just over 80 km from Hanoi, is the largest natural wetland reserve in the Red River Delta. It boasts a rich and unique ecosystem, and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers to visit and immerse themselves in its poetic landscape.

What makes a trip to Vân Long Wetland even more exciting is the opportunity to explore a picturesque water landscape while visiting stunning caves with shimmering stalactites in all shapes and forms. The limestone mountain ranges and eroded caves, with their fascinating shapes, are also home to many interesting and rare species of animals. Some notable caves to visit include: Fish Cave, Shadow Cave, Turtle Cave, and Lemon Cave.

Cuc Phuong National Park covers an area of 25,000 hectares and is Vietnam's first national forest. Known for its lush tropical rainforest that remains green year-round, it is home to a rich and diverse range of wildlife and plant species. Many endangered species have been discovered and protected here, including the famous white-headed langur, which is considered the symbol of Cuc Phuong.

Cuc Phuong National Park is a renowned eco-tourism destination, attracting visitors to explore its abundant wildlife, admire the stunning landscapes, and participate in various eco-tourism programs such as nature walks, camping, adventure tours, research, and cultural history activities. It is also the first national park established in Vietnam, playing a crucial role in the conservation of rare and endangered species.

Located within the Tràng An landscape complex, Thung Nham Bird Park is a must-see eco-tourism destination that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Situated in Ninh Hải commune, Hoa Lư district, Ninh Bình province, this park is part of the renowned Tràng An heritage area and is very close to the famous Tam Cốc Bích Động.

Spanning over 334 hectares, Thung Nham Bird Park is home to many beautiful and picturesque landscapes that you cannot miss. If you’re short on time, be sure to visit at least three key spots: the Buddhist Cave, the Heaven’s Gate Cave, and the Bird Garden. Additionally, you should explore other remarkable places within Thung Nham Bird Park, such as: the Fish Fairy Cave, the Village Garden, the Aquarium Cave, the Moving Banyan Tree, and the Love Valley.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large-scale temple located 15km from Ninh Binh city. To get here, you can choose from various modes of transport, including buses, trains, or motorbikes. This temple is famous for setting several records, such as the largest bell in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest bronze Buddha statue in the country, the largest set of Three Buddhas statues, the largest well, and the most stone statues of Arhats in Vietnam.

With its long history, Bai Dinh Pagoda serves as a spiritual destination for those who come to worship. Upon arriving, visitors can sense the rare tranquility and peace that surrounds the place. The temple is nestled within towering limestone mountains, harmonizing beautifully with the landscape, creating a grand and serene setting. As a spiritual site, it’s important to dress respectfully and modestly when visiting.

Trang An Scenic Area covers an area of 2,168 hectares and is renowned as an exciting tourist destination attracting both local and international visitors. The entire ecosystem is a magnificent mountainous landscape, with bizarrely shaped peaks casting reflections in winding streams that connect caves and secluded valleys, creating an unexpectedly beautiful and mystical environment. The natural beauty of Trang An will surely surprise you at first sight and provide you with many stunning photo opportunities.

Except during the rainy season, Trang An is a great place to visit year-round, with the best time being from January to March when the weather is cool, neither too hot nor too cold, and there is less rain, making it ideal for boat rides. As the area is mostly water, the primary mode of transport here is by boat. This is the perfect way to explore the entire ecosystem, drifting along the water while taking in the majestic natural surroundings.

Tam Coc is a famous destination in Ninh Binh, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its limestone caves and rock formations rising above the water. Each season at Tam Coc brings its own charm. In spring, the riversides are lined with lush green rice fields, while in April, the fields turn a golden yellow. In summer, visitors can enjoy the sweet scent of blooming lotus flowers amidst the serene landscape.

As you glide along the Ngo Giang River, locals share historical tales and legends tied to the names of the surrounding mountains and cliffs. Unique names are given to the peaks based on their shapes, such as Kim Quy Peak (shaped like a turtle) and Ham Rong Mountain (shaped like a dragon's head). While drifting on the boat, you'll not only marvel at the stunning rock formations but also spot various aquatic species thriving beneath the clear waters.

Mua Cave, located in the Khê Đầu Hạ village of Ninh Xuân commune, is a popular spot for tourists to visit and take photos. It's one of those places that generates viral pictures, flooding social media with stunning shots. The area offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, blending seamlessly with the majestic natural surroundings. Mua Cave is situated about 10 km southwest of Ninh Binh city and roughly 100 km from Hanoi.

At this breathtaking location, the towering cliffs and mountaintop views provide a refreshing sense of space and tranquility. Mua Cave has become one of the must-see attractions in Ninh Binh. A staircase leads visitors up the mountain, step by step, until they reach the summit. From here, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lush, verdant mountains, the distant sky, and fields of golden rice. This is one perspective that showcases the grand beauty of Ninh Binh’s nature.