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The tourist attractions in Ninh Binh are always appealing to both domestic and international tourists because of their majestic and poetic beauty. The pristine nature, charming landscapes, and rich historical significance have made Ninh Binh a famous destination for Ninh Binh tours.
Introduction to Ninh Binh
The province of Ninh Binh is known as a miniature Vietnam with diverse terrain ranging from high mountains, plains to coastal areas. With just one nickname, it adequately describes the charming and magnificent beauty of Ninh Binh's nature. Ninh Binh's area consists of three-quarters of hills and mountains, with diverse limestone formations formed over millions of years. The advantageous terrain has enabled the province to develop many tourist sites and natural reserves such as Trang An, Thung Nham, or the famous Cuc Phuong National Park.
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The majestic nature is further glorified by the historical colors of Ninh Binh - once the ancient capital of our country through the dynasties of Dinh, Early Le, and Ly. The traces from thousands of years ago are still preserved on the land of Ninh Binh and have become invaluable assets of the Vietnamese people. The unique marks of Ninh Binh are also recognized by the world through the title of 'World Cultural and Natural Heritage' awarded by UNESCO in 2014, making Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia to possess this mixed heritage title.
Not stopping there, Ninh Binh also attracts tourists from all over the world with its vibrant festivals, rich traditions, and profound Vietnamese soul. This is also the birthplace of Xam singing, Cheo singing with rich melodies in the artistic background. Ninh Binh is also the homeland of hundreds of talented artisans with unique traditional craft villages. In summary, Ninh Binh is one of the most prominent destinations in Vietnam that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime.
When to Visit Ninh Binh's Attractions?
Ninh Binh is blessed with favorable weather and beautiful scenery all year round, each season having its own unique charm, so you can visit Ninh Binh at any time. According to Ninh Binh travel experience, the best times to fully admire the beauty of Ninh Binh are:
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Spring: In spring, the weather here is not too cold, and it coincides with the beginning of the year, so there are many festivals taking place at temples. You can combine sightseeing with visiting temples for blessings at the beginning of the year.
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Summer, Autumn: From late May, early June, and September to October are the best times to visit Ninh Binh because the already beautiful scenery here is further embellished with purple lilies blooming in valleys, blending into a picturesque scene with golden ripe rice fields.
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Must-visit famous destinations in Ninh Binh
1. Trang An Eco-tourism Complex:
Trang An Eco-tourism Complex is a part of the renowned Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and also one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. Trang An Eco-tourism Complex gathers the most outstanding elements with mysterious caves, lush green valleys, and winding rivers embracing the foot of the mountains. It can be said that Trang An Eco-tourism Complex includes the most unique spots, contributing significantly to earning the title of World Cultural and Natural Heritage for Ninh Binh province.
As you drift along the emerald river exploring Trang An, you will admire the vibrant green rice fields and a series of ancient relics, resembling a land forgotten by time. The most famous tourist spots in Trang An include:
Trinh Temple:
The majestic temple is closely associated with the four National Founders of the Đinh Dynasty during the suppression of the 12 warlords, establishing the golden history of Ancient Đại Cồ Việt at that time. With its strategic location 'Leaning on mountains, facing the waters', Trinh Temple stands as a historical witness of the Trang An land through the various changes of history over more than a thousand years. Today, visiting Trinh Temple, tourists will admire its exquisite architecture harmonizing with the beautiful natural scenery of rivers and lush greenery.
Địa Linh Cave:
Địa Linh Cave stretches nearly 300m and is one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Vietnam. It was once favored with the name Precious Jewel Cave, because of the sparkling beauty of the stalactites inside the cave resembling a treasury of gems that people have always longed for. This is one of the favorite check-in spots in Ninh Binh where tourists can take a boat ride on the emerald river and explore the mysterious cave.
Dark Cave:
True to its name, the Dark Cave remains devoid of sunlight throughout the year, exuding a mysterious allure that beckons travelers to explore. Thanks to modern lighting systems, visitors can now easily admire the unique rock formations inside the cave. The interior of the Dark Cave narrows unexpectedly, so only by sitting on the boats of local residents can you fully explore the cave without fear of getting lost.
Dark Valley:
Upon traversing the Dark Cave, you'll encounter the Dark Valley, a watery area where the waters converge between the entrances of four caves: Seo Cave, Ba Giọt Cave, Sáng Cave, Dark Cave. The panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and waters often leads many travelers to liken standing in the Dark Valley to experiencing all four seasons and cardinal directions simultaneously. It's considered a place where you can fully appreciate the beauty of the land and skies, capturing the essence of the entire country.
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Sun Cave:
Sun Cave, stretching up to 112 meters in length with a spacious entrance, is conducive for boats carrying visitors to explore and admire the hidden natural wonders within. Upon entering Sun Cave, you'll witness stalactites hanging from the ceiling like gigantic curtains, astonishing in their beauty. Each stalactite in the cave bears folk-inspired names, intertwined with mysterious legends and fairy tales.
Wine Brewing Cave:
Named for its historical use in brewing wine for the royal court, Wine Brewing Cave is believed to have been a site where water was extracted for royal wine-making. Archaeologists have discovered numerous jars, vases, and utensils for brewing wine in this cave area. With a length of nearly 250 meters, today you can explore Wine Brewing Cave and admire the ancient wine-making vessels displayed within the cave by the management of the tourist area.
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Tran Temple:
As a prominent historical site in Trang An, Tran Temple is closely associated with the history of the Dinh and Tran dynasties. The temple was built during the Dinh dynasty and was named Ngoi Lam Temple because it was surrounded by perennial lush forests. During the Tran dynasty, the temple was renovated as a place of worship for close relatives of King Tran Thai Tong. Visiting Tran Temple, you will admire its unique architecture and don't forget to pray for peace as this is a famous sacred temple in Ninh Binh.
Sính Cave, Si Cave, Three Drops Cave:
These three caves are famous for the legend of a tragic love story between a young man and a princess from ancient times. It is believed that due to this sad love story, the stalactites in these three caves do not dry but drip water all year round, mourning for their love. It is said that when visiting Three Drops Cave and catching three drops of water, all your wishes for love and life will come true.
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Khống Palace:
Khống Palace is built in the traditional architectural style of temples and pagodas in Vietnam, but it is a must-visit destination in Ninh Binh because of the story behind it. The palace is where seven court mandarins of the Đinh dynasty are worshipped, with mysteries surrounding the hidden location of the tomb of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng to this day. It is also a place to admire the breathtaking scenery that every tourist loves when visiting Trang An Ecotourism Area.
2. Tam Cốc - Bích Động Tourist Area:
Tam Cốc:
Floating along the picturesque Ngô Đồng River, you will arrive at Tam Cốc and admire the harmonious beauty of the rocks and water along with various-shaped mountains, lined up one after another. Exploring Tam Cốc, every tourist can enjoy the serene yet mysterious beauty, feeling as peaceful as returning to the embrace of Mother Nature of the land.
Tam Cốc comprises three waterway caves, formed over millions of years by the Ngô Đồng River flowing tirelessly through the mountains. The caves in the Tam Cốc cluster are Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. The best time to visit Tam Cốc is from mid-May to June each year, during which you can admire the charming landscapes of mountains and the mesmerizing beauty of Tam Cốc in the 'golden season.'
Each cave in the Tam Cốc cluster has its own unique charm. Ca Cave is the longest cave of the three, renowned for its beautiful stalactites in various colors. Hai Cave boasts stalactites in countless shapes, sparkling brilliantly when illuminated. As for Ba Cave, although it is the shortest, its spacious interior and breezy atmosphere make visiting Ba Cave an experience of feeling the gentle breeze brushing through your hair, bringing a refreshing and pleasant sensation as if standing on a high plateau.
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Bích Động:
Bích Động Pagoda is a temple built on the limestone cliffs of Truong Yen and is one of the must-visit attractions in Ninh Binh. For history and architecture enthusiasts, visiting Bich Dong will leave them in awe of the meticulous construction of the temple complex dating back hundreds of years. Bich Dong Pagoda consists of 3 small pagodas built in tiers on the mountainside: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, Upper Pagoda.
Standing at Bich Dong Pagoda, you will understand why the temple is named 'green' in such a way, as green hues cover the entire space of the pagoda. Casting your gaze afar, you'll see the towering mountains, the deep blue Ngô Đồng River, and vast expanses of rice fields. The three pagodas nestled among the mountains blend harmoniously with nature, making every visitor feel serene and peaceful during their visit.
Sunshine Valley:
Just a 5-minute motorbike ride from Bich Dong Pagoda, you can explore a newly emerging Ninh Binh tourist destination - Sunshine Valley. Because it has only recently been developed for tourism, visiting Sunshine Valley allows you to experience the pristine environment with minimal human intervention. Sunshine Valley is a fantastic 'check-in' spot thanks to its backdrop of mountains and vast shimmering lakes.
Ancient people named the landmarks in Ninh Binh in a very simple way. For Sunshine Valley, it's simply because this is where the sun's rays dance everywhere, from the gaps between leaves to the bottom of the crystal-clear water. Thanks to the sun, Sunshine Valley seems even more radiant, shining like a bright blue gem amidst the land of Ninh Binh.
Places you'll check in when visiting Sunshine Valley include Ba Doi Mountain, Coc Mountain, Mang Mountain, Vang Mountain, Thung Nang Temple,... The dazzling scenery at Sunshine Valley will surely help you capture beautiful photos and moments of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
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4. Mua Cave:
If you're someone who enjoys conquering challenges and finds the above destinations too serene and romantic, then dare yourself with Mua Cave - dubbed as the “Great Wall of Vietnam' with its 486 steps that will surely make you breathless as you climb, but then leave you in awe once you reach the top, beholding the breathtaking beauty of Ninh Binh.
From the cave's peak, you'll overlook the path leading to Tam Coc - Bich Dong, glistening golden in the late-year ripe rice fields, blending into the stunning natural landscape of towering mountains. All together, they create an irresistible romantic scene. In recent years, Mua Cave has also become a favorite 'Instagrammable' spot for many young travelers, thanks to the incredibly 'cool' photos taken by tourists both domestic and foreign who check in every time they visit Ninh Binh.
5. Thung Nham Eco-tourism Area:
Thung Nham Bird Garden:
One of the renowned tourist attractions in Ninh Binh is the Thung Nham Bird Garden, home to approximately 40 bird species with a population of up to 50,000. Dusk is the most beautiful time in the bird garden, with the sight of flocks of storks flying, covering a vast area of water, truly a pristine beauty rarely found elsewhere.
At Thung Nham Bird Garden, you can also participate in camping activities, stay in interesting bungalows or tents. Thung Nham Bird Garden is also an ideal place for groups of friends or large groups to organize team-building activities, fostering teamwork.
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Mermaid Cave:
Ranked among the most beautiful underwater caves in Ninh Binh, Mermaid Cave also entices tourists with ancient stalactites and the story of a mermaid turning into stone. Unlike other caves in Trang An, when visiting Mermaid Cave, you won't take a boat but walk on a nearly 700m long floating bridge to explore the enchanting stalactites.
Heaven Gate Cave:
Heaven Gate Cave is believed to be where the predecessors worshipped the heavens and earth since ancient times, imbued with spiritual significance with three levels: earth, hell, and heaven. Each level in the cave is adorned with stalactites associated with names and stories reflecting the Vietnamese folk culture. This is definitely an interesting tourist destination in Ninh Binh where nature intimately connects with the cultural and folk beliefs.
Hidden Garden:
It can be said that Miet Garden is one of the most unique destinations in Ninh Binh within the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area and the Northern Delta region. Miet Garden is a large fruit garden often seen when traveling to provinces in the Southwest. When visiting Miet Garden in Thung Nham, you can freely pick and taste a variety of delicious fruits right in the garden.
Wandering Banyan Tree:
Wandering Banyan Tree is an ancient banyan tree over a thousand years old located in the Thung Nham area. The term 'wandering' refers to the extraordinary vitality of the banyan tree. Each time a hollow root appears, the tree grows another main root that attaches to the ground to sustain its life. According to scientists, the wandering banyan tree has changed its roots for the third time, every 300 years the tree's base shifts to a new position but still surrounds the temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang's central deity.
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6. Historical Relic Complex Hoa Lu Ancient Capital:
When it comes to cultural and spiritual tourism, let's explore the land of Hoa Lu together. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a particularly important national relic complex of Vietnam, including: King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple and many other historical sites. If you love history, want to explore and learn more about the country's history as well as participate in lucky festivals, then you cannot miss the historical land of Hoa Lu.
Visiting the ancient capital, you will feel like stepping back in time to ancient times when admiring the ancient architecture still standing strong until today. In addition to the two prominent structures, King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital also owns special ancient pagodas: Ngan Xuyen Pagoda, Nhat Tru Pagoda. Exploring and taking photos at these locations will be like scenes from ancient costume dramas amidst modern life.
7. Tuyet Tinh Coc - Am Tiem Cave:
With its rustic and romantic scenery akin to the martial arts movies we often watch, An Tiem Cave has been affectionately dubbed the alluring name “Enchanting Gorge” by young people. Let's set aside the hustle and bustle of life and immerse ourselves in this picturesque and serene natural setting, completely detached from the outside world.
When you visit An Tiem Cave, don't miss checking in at the ancient city gate - once the only entrance to this secluded area. The ancient city gate, though not large in scale, has stood firm through the ups and downs of time. This is a favorite tourist destination in Ninh Binh for many young people and even couples who come here for wedding photoshoots.
8. Bai Dinh Pagoda:
Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous as a sacred place for blessings and is also one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh visited by all tourists. This temple has achieved numerous records such as being the largest temple in Vietnam, known for its many records including the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, the largest bronze bell in Southeast Asia, and the corridor with the most Buddha statues...
With its grandiose and splendid architecture, Bai Dinh Pagoda stands out even more thanks to its majestic landscape: nestled against the mountains and meandering along the river. The statues at Bai Dinh Pagoda are also remarkable, crafted with great delicacy and meticulousness, contributing to creating a serene spiritual space that makes every step of visitors' journey feel like a quest for Virtue - Goodness - Beauty.
Not only renowned for its spiritual significance, but the scenery at Bai Dinh Pagoda is also a 'hot spot' for photography enthusiasts both domestically and internationally. The photos taken at Bai Dinh Pagoda often create a buzz on social media thanks to its beautiful backdrop resembling a fairyland.
9. Cuc Phuong National Park:
A beloved destination in Ninh Binh, especially favored by adventurous souls and nature lovers, is Cuc Phuong National Park. This special national park spans across three provinces: Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, and Hoa Binh. Most of the park's area belongs to Ninh Binh province, covering over 22,000 hectares with diverse ecosystems, preserving the pristine natural beauty along with the cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.
Here, you'll explore vast forests with free-roaming wildlife. A special feature at Cuc Phuong National Park that captivates young travelers is the butterfly trekking adventures in late spring to early summer. During the butterfly breeding season, thousands of butterflies flutter through the forests, attracting enthusiastic visitors who eagerly transform into Princess Butterflies for stunning photographs.
10.Van Long Nature Reserve:
This is a nature reserve and eco-tourism destination that rivals the Tam Coc - Trang An - Bich Dong complex in beauty. With an area of 3000 hectares, it's considered the largest wetland conservation area in the Northern region. Drifting on a boat around Van Long Nature Reserve, visitors feel incredibly serene and relaxed amidst the crystal-clear, tranquil waters, like a vast mirror.
Surrounded by vast marshlands teeming with wildlife such as birds, langurs, and limestone mountains with various shapes like Mam Xoi Mountain, Meo Cao Mountain, Fairy Mountain, each name corresponding to the mountain's unique shape. The enchanting nature here has the power to captivate even the most indifferent souls, and for young photography enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly an unmissable destination.
11. Kenh Ga - Van Trinh Tourist Area:
Kenh Ga Hot Spring:
Kenh Ga Hot Spring is a renowned mineral hot spring recognized as one of the top 5 hot springs attracting tourists in Vietnam. Dive into the refreshing mineral-rich hot water with temperatures reaching up to 53°C at Kenh Ga Spring, and you're sure to experience moments of pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
Kenh Ga Floating Village:
Located at the confluence of three rivers, Kenh Ga Floating Village is a quaint fishing village amidst the river, yet it still exudes an extraordinary charm. Drifting along the river to the floating village, you'll witness the picturesque scenery of the fishing village where diligent fishermen catch fish and savor the flavors of the Northern countryside.
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Van Trinh Cave:
Van Trinh Cave is one of the most beautiful caves in Ninh Binh yet not heavily visited compared to the caves in the Trang An area. This means you'll get to witness the most pristine creations of nature. To reach the cave, you'll have to trek up a mountain peak over a hundred meters high. Despite the effort, the reward is indulging in the fresh mountain air that will surely dispel all fatigue.
Nham Hao Cave:
Nham Hao Cave is a recently discovered cave with the longest length in Ninh Binh. Inside the cave, there are many large and small chambers that local residents have yet to fully explore. Many tourists are eagerly awaiting to explore this mysterious cave when the Ninh Binh authorities open it for tourism.
12. Phat Diem Cathedral:
Phat Diem Cathedral was constructed from 1875 to 1898 with architecture built from stone and wood. It is also known as Phat Diem Main Cathedral, a Catholic church complex covering about 22 hectares, located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh.
Despite being a Catholic church, the architecture here mimics the traditional Vietnamese temple architecture, creating a unique charm that no other church can compare to. Thanks to this, Phat Diem Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals, the capital of Catholicism in Vietnam.
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13. Dong Chương Lake:
Explore North Da Lat right at Dong Chương Lake with its tranquil blue waters and whispering pine forests. Dong Chương Lake is a newly popular tourist destination in Ninh Binh due to its poetic scenery and cool climate, perfect for camping or outdoor photography. You can also relax in the stilt houses, visit natural wonders near the lake like King Pond - a pond atop the mountain, or the majestic Ba Tua Waterfall amidst the lush forest.
14. Rocky Mountain:
As a prominent landmark of Ninh Binh province, Rocky Mountain is a must-visit destination. Climbing over 100 steps, you will be able to admire both the 'Rock' and the 'Water' of Ninh Binh. The scenery here is so beautiful that historical figures like Truong Han Sieu, and Le Thanh Tong have described it in poetry and left valuable stone carvings for the mountain and the temple on its summit.
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15. Traditional Craft Villages:
Not only exploring nature, you can also seek a new perspective on the simple life in the traditional craft villages of Ninh Binh. These unique craft villages, from woodworking and pottery to weaving, are like colorful dots on the lush green canvas of Ninh Binh. Visiting these villages, meeting talented artisans, and shopping for unique products in the ancient capital is definitely an experience you shouldn't miss.
16. Ninh Binh Museum:
If you have fallen in love with the green land of Ninh Binh, then you should visit the Ninh Binh Museum. At the Ninh Binh Museum, artifacts are displayed according to themes such as prehistoric Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh through feudal dynasties, and outdoor exhibits. Each area will make you feel like you're traveling through time in Ninh Binh's history, sometimes accompanying birds in the fields, sometimes immersed in the smoke of war during the colonial period.
17. Kim Son - Con Noi Beach:
A surprising point for many travelers is that Ninh Binh boasts long coastlines and pristine islands. The coastal area of Ninh Binh is recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve due to its diverse and vibrant ecosystem. For those seeking to experience rural life or explore the natural world, the Kim Son - Con Noi Beach area is the perfect check-in spot in Ninh Binh.
With the Ninh Binh tourist destinations mentioned above, you've probably got some ideas for planning an exciting itinerary. The beauty of Ninh Binh must be experienced firsthand to truly feel its essence, so why hesitate? Gather your friends and family and visit Ninh Binh now. If you need further advice on other affordable domestic tours, don't hesitate to contact the hotline of Mytour at Mytour for assistance with cheap flight tickets, tours, and hotels. We're always ready to support you.
