Top 12 Most Popular Tourist Spots in Ninh Binh Province

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first national park, located 120 km southwest of Hanoi, spanning the borders of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces. This vast nature reserve is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The park features ancient trees, exotic bird species, and is an ideal destination for outdoor excursions. The park's tropical rainforest is lush year-round, supporting a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the white-headed langur, a symbol of Cuc Phuong's forest.

Cuc Phuong's ecosystem is incredibly diverse, home to rare and precious plant and animal species. While exploring the park, visitors can spot rare birds like the black squirrel, red-bellied tree creeper, and a variety of unique vines and wild orchids. If you journey through the forest, you will also have the opportunity to visit a local Muong ethnic village, where you can immerse yourself in their fascinating cultural traditions. The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is during the dry season (from December to May), when the weather is cool. It is advised to avoid the rainy season due to slippery roads and the presence of mosquitoes and leeches, which could affect the overall experience.

Address: Nho Quan, Ninh Binh

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is considered one of the most captivating tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. Known for its tranquil and picturesque scenery, this destination is often referred to as the 'Halong Bay on land.' Tam Coc - Bich Dong is an unmissable stop when visiting Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc, meaning 'three caves,' consists of Cave 1, Cave 2, and Cave 3, all formed by the Ngo Dong River cutting through the mountains. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river, admiring the stunning limestone cliffs and caves. If you visit during the rice-growing season, you’ll also get to see the golden rice fields and flocks of white storks, adding to the poetic atmosphere of the area.

After visiting Tam Coc, you can head to Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple located about 2 km from the Tam Coc pier. Nestled into the mountains, this pagoda blends the stunning natural beauty of the area with the artistry of its architecture, creating a unique site with historical, cultural, and aesthetic significance.

Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

If you are a fan of design or architecture, you should definitely visit this unique cathedral. Phat Diem Cathedral is located about 120 km south of Hanoi and was built between 1875 and 1898. The cathedral's construction took 24 years, and considering the technical capabilities and transportation limitations of the late 19th century, transporting thousands of tons of stone, some weighing up to 20 tons, and hundreds of timber logs to Phat Diem was an extraordinary feat.

This is an Eastern architectural complex that includes ponds, the Phuong Dinh, the main church, three artificial caves, and a stone church. Phat Diem Cathedral is an incredibly unique structure, blending traditional Eastern architecture with natural surroundings to create a magnificent yet harmonious design. The distinctiveness of this architecture has become a major draw for tourists and is an ideal spot for couples looking for a picturesque wedding photo shoot.

Address: Phat Diem, Kim Son, Ninh Binh

Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in Northern Vietnam, located about 80 km from Hanoi. It is a popular destination for a relaxing one-day trip where visitors can freely explore the area. The reserve is rich in biodiversity and is home to several species, including the white-headed langur, red-face monkeys, and wide-leafed trees.

In addition, Van Long Wetland boasts a breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful landscape. You can explore the stunning mountains and caves, and as you drift along the calm waters on a boat, you'll be enchanted by the stillness of the water, clear enough to see the moss-covered rocks below, as well as the unique shapes of the mountains and caves surrounding you.

The best time to explore Van Long Wetland depends on how much you want to paddle. It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the reserve. A one-day visit is ideal, and if you go in the afternoon, you may even witness the graceful flight of storks and the playful langurs.

Address: Gia Vien, Ninh Binh

Thung Nham Tourist Area is renowned for its pristine and fascinating beauty, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. Situated in the heart of the renowned Trang An scenic complex, it is also very close to Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

At Thung Nham, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as fishing, mountain climbing, village tourism, exploring the flooded forests, primary forests, caves, and wildlife bird sanctuaries. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when you can witness a variety of bird species, from storks and herons to kingfishers and magpies. In addition, the majestic mountain landscapes and limestone caves are also a must-see experience.

Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Mua Cave is a tourist attraction located within the core area of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh. This cave boasts geological and topographical features characteristic of the region's millions-year-old limestone mountains. With its stunning and unique scenery, Mua Cave is widely regarded by the media as one of the top photography spots in Vietnam.

The cave's architecture is modeled after the Great Wall of China, with nearly 500 steps carved into the mountainside, offering a magnificent natural backdrop. Sculpted figures along the steps add intricate royal cultural details. At the peak, a statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva gazes over the ancient capital region. Legend has it that this was a retreat for King Tran and his courtiers, who would come to rest and sing, which is why the cave is called Mua Cave.

Address: Khê Đầu Hạ Village, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình

Am Tien Cave, also known as 'Tuyet Tinh Coc' in Ninh Binh, is located halfway up a mountain and was once used during the reign of King Dinh to house tigers and punish criminals. The large lake at the heart of the site is called Ao Giải, where the king kept crocodiles to dispose of condemned prisoners.

The cave offers a mystical, serene atmosphere surrounded by majestic mountains. The once ominous setting is filled with a sense of melancholy, as if it still carries the remnants of the past. To reach the cave, visitors must climb 205 stone steps that lead to a cavern shaped like a dragon’s mouth, which is also known as Dragon Cave.

Inside, you will find formations of stalactites resembling rice stalks, gold coins, Buddha’s hand, and lotus flowers, all gently dripping with water. The path to the site is lined with ancient banyan trees, which further enhance the pure, solemn ambiance. All these elements combine to create a mysterious and haunting beauty that is unique to Am Tien Cave.

Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình

Châu Sơn Monastery (also known as Châu Sơn Holy Mother Monastery or Châu Sơn Church) was built in 1939. This contemplative monastery is designed in the Gothic style, using raw red bricks, which gives it a warm, distinct beauty. It is part of the Cistercian order and is located about 35 km from Ninh Binh City and 100 km from Hanoi.

With its old Western architecture, visiting here feels like stepping into a quiet, ancient Western world. Its picturesque design, Châu Sơn Monastery is often compared to a flower blossoming amidst the mountains of Nho Quan (Ninh Binh). The Gothic architecture, constructed with exposed brick, gives the church a timeless, classical charm, similar to that of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon and other historic churches in Vietnam.

Address: Phú Sơn, Nho Quan, Ninh Bình

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual landmark located within the Bai Dinh – Trang An eco-tourism complex, with a history spanning over 1000 years. This site is tied to several dynasties, including the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties. It is the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 539 hectares, with both an ancient and a new pagoda section. Located 95 km from Hanoi, the area combines both natural beauty and rich historical significance.

The ancient pagoda sits quietly on the mountainside, where visitors can explore caves, temples, and shrines such as the Cao Son Temple, Nguyen Saint Temple, and the Jade Well. Many architectural features and artifacts from the Ly dynasty are preserved here. The new pagoda features grand architecture influenced by traditional Vietnamese crafts and is home to numerous meticulously crafted statues of Buddha and Arhats, making it a major attraction for visitors to Ninh Binh.

Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình

Trang An Eco-tourism Complex spans an area of 2,168 hectares. Located between limestone mountains, this ecotourism site features diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests atop limestone peaks, and numerous historical sites linked to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Situated 96 km south of Hanoi, it's a must-visit destination.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the mountains, crystal-clear waters, and majestic limestone cliffs reflected in the tranquil waters. The biodiversity at Trang An is impressive, with rare species of both flora and fauna. Additionally, travelers can explore a wide array of natural caves and historical sites from the Le and Tran dynasties, such as the Trình Temple and Suối Tiên Temple. When visiting Ninh Binh, don't miss the chance to take a boat tour through this captivating area.

Address: Spanning 8 communes, Hoa Lư, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình

The Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu is home to many historically significant architectural sites and traditional festivals that have been passed down through generations, making it an intriguing destination for visitors. It has become an important national historical site, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Trang An World Heritage Site core area.

With a history spanning over 1,000 years, Hoa Lu preserves many relics from various dynasties. The area features ancient architecture, including temples, village halls, and preserved steles. Notable among these are the temples dedicated to King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and King Lê Đại Hành, which reflect the ancient capital's architectural style.

Hoa Lu is also home to many valuable and unique artifacts, attracting numerous visitors. The Hoa Lu historical site is a testament to the efforts of past generations to preserve and protect the nation's heritage. A visit here offers a chance to reconnect with Vietnam's glorious historical past.

Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình