Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh map

Top 10 attractions in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a famous tourist city in Northern Vietnam with many beautiful landscapes. Here are the most famous places to visit in Ninh Binh.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the most famous tourist destination in Ninh Binh, which is a spiritual landscape located in the population of Bai Dinh – Trang An eco-tourism area. Bai Dinh Pagoda has a history of more than 1.000 years of age, which was associated with the land of many feudal dynasties such as the Dinh Dynasty, the Tien Le Dynasty, and the Ly Dynasty.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is located on Bai Dinh mountain in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien District, about 5km from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to the Northwest and 12 km from Ninh Binh City. It is one of the largest temples in Southeast Asia. With unique architecture and a long history, Bai Dinh Pagoda has become a famous eco-tourism destination in the North in general and Ninh Binh in particular. There have been 8 Vietnamese and Asian records recorded in Bai Dinh pagoda such as the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest Buddha statue in Asia, the most giant Buddha in the world, The largest bronze Maitreya statue in Southeast Asia, the pagoda has the most significant arhat corridor in Vietnam, the pagoda has the most Bodhi trees in Vietnam.

Once appeared in the blockbuster Kong Skull Island, Trang An landscape complex is a destination that attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Ninh Binh.

The Trang An complex covers an area of ​​over 6.000 hectares, including Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong and the ancient capital Hoa Lu. In particular, the centre of Hoa Lu ancient capital is in the north, Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area, is in the south, and Trang An eco-tourism site is in the centre. These three areas are linked together by Hoa Lu special-use forest on limestone mountains and systems of rivers, lakes, and swamps. This is the first and only dual world heritage site in Southeast Asia recognized by UNESCO with outstanding values ​​of the natural landscape, cultural history, and geological tectonics.

The ticket to visit Trang An is 200.000 VND for adults and 100.000 VND for children under 1.4 m, which includes a boat trip to visit Trang An across Sao Khe River. Each boat can accommodate about 4-5 people, which takes about 3-4 hours. Some places to visit in Trang An include Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, Phu Khong, Dia Linh Cave, Liquor Cave, and Ba Giot Cave.

Tam Coc – Bich Dong complex is still a destination that most tourists can not ignore when coming to Ninh Binh. Like Trang An, coming to Tam Coc, you will also be sitting on a boat watching the mountains close to each other along the Ngo Dong River.

With its poetic beauty and charming scenery, Tam Coc will surely captivate any visitor. Tam Coc has a system of 3 caves consisting of Ca cave, Hai cave, Ba cave. These three caves are all connected to the Ngo Dong River that people still liken to Ha Long Bay. The ticket price for the boat is about 150.000 VND for four guests.

Next to Tam Coc, Bich Dong is the most attractive tourist attraction of Ninh Binh. Bich Dong was an ancient temple built in a long Asian style. Around the pagoda is surrounded by beautiful and majestic mountains. If you want to see the beautiful panorama of Ninh Binh, you have to follow the path leading to the middle of the mountain, and climb to the highest peak of Bich Dong.

Located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu District, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is the most famous national monument complex in Vietnam. UNESCO recognized it as one of four core regions of the Trang An World Heritage site. Hoa Lu ancient capital is the place to preserve Vietnam’s thousand-year-old historical relics through the ages.

Hoa Lu was the first capital of Dai Co Viet, the central feudal state, as well as the capital of the kings of Dinh, Tien Le and Ly Dynasties. After Thang Long (Hanoi) was chosen as the capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu became the ancient capital. Although the Kings were no longer in Ninh Binh, they still renovated and built many more constructions here such as temples, palaces, communal houses, and tombs.

Hoa Lu ancient capital is an architectural complex, and each architecture has its characteristics. Historical vestiges remain in the diverse and vibrant complex, including the walls, citadel, caves, temples, tombs, and many other valuable architectural works that have high historical and cultural values.

Mua Cave is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune. Situated at the foot of the Dance Mountain, this is a place that many people visit in Ninh Binh. The road to Mua Cave is similar to the ancient structure of the Great Wall of China. You need to climb 500 stone steps stretching from the foot of the mountain to the top of the cave to see the whole picture of majestic mountains. On the two sides of the stair are beautiful stone sculptures with many unique art shapes such as the image of dragon and phoenix.

Mua Cave is located in the east of the mountain, visitors should climb to the cave in the early morning to enjoy the crisp, fresh. As soon as you reach the top of the mountain, you will be immersed in the vast natural space. The scenery below is so beautiful that you will not want to leave this fairyland.

Am Tien Cave is a national monument of Hoa Lu ancient capital complex, which is about 10km from the center of Ninh Binh City. Most parts of Am Tien Cave area is a flooded valley surrounded by rocky cliffs. To enter the cave, after going through the gate, you have to go down a path on the left-hand side; next to is the large lake with lotus and water lily. From the foot of Nua Mountain to the top of Am Tien, you will still have to walk about 4 km. The two sides of the way to the relic are covered with the deep green of old nacre trees, which is halfway up the mountain.

Cuc Phuong National Park is located 45 km northwest of Ninh Binh City centre. Cuc Phuong has an area of ​​25.000 ha, adjacent to 3 provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The forest is like a vast natural museum, home to the most abundant fauna and flora of limestone mountains in Vietnam. Coming to Cuc Phuong, visitors will admire the thousand-years ancient trees, the species of plants that exist from the third century, and the beautiful precious birds.

The dry season from December to May is the best time to explore Cuc Phuong National Park. The weather is cool, dry, which comfortable to go around. Especially in May, millions of colorful butterflies flock here, creating a magical scenery for this place. The entrance fee to Cuc Phuong National Park is now 40.000 VND/one.

Phat Diem Stone Church is one of the most beautiful Catholic church complexes in Vietnam, which is located on an area of 22 hectares in Phat Diem Town, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province. This ancient church is over 100 years old, which was built for 30 years. The work made entirely of stone and ironwood has been dubbed the “Vietnamese Catholic capital.”

Thung Nham ecotourism area is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, which is about 12 km to the west of Ninh Binh.

Thung Nham ecotourism area has a total area of ​​334.2 hectares. It is home to about 46 species of birds, including some of which are recorded in Vietnam Red Book, 109 species of plants, 150 animals including 58 species of fish, seven species of amphibians, ten species of animals, and other animals.

Travelling to Thung Nham on a small boat, you will have the opportunity to weave through the flooded forests, immerse in the beautiful natural scenery. Besides, you can also discover the wild beauty of caves such as Voi Gioi Cave, Tien Ca Cave, Aquarium Cave, But Cave, and Ba Co Cave.

Another famous ecotourism area in Ninh Binh is Van Long lagoon, which possesses wild beauty, attracting tourists to admire the diverse natural ecosystems. Coming here, you will be sitting on a boat watching the immense swamp, birds, and limestone mountains, the romantic natural scenery that makes everyone fall in love.

Located about 80 km from Hanoi, Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta. This reserve is located in the northeast of Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh. It is not only a habitat for many flora and fauna, but also a habitat for fish, birds, and storks, including more than 40 species of white-buttocks.

Top 5 must-try dishes in Ninh Binh

Coming to Ninh Binh, you not only admire the beautiful scenery but also enjoy the delicious specialties. Here are five specialties that you cannot miss in Ninh Binh.

Burned rice is a dish that attracts tourists every time visiting Ninh Binh, which is the most famous dish of Ninh Binh land because of its delicious taste. Ninh Binh Burned Rice is fried and processed in many different ways, but the rice grain still keeps it greasy and crispy. You can also buy it as a gift for friends and relatives after a trip to Ninh Binh.

Recommended restaurants to eat or buy burned rice:

• Thang Long – Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu
• Hoang Giang Restaurant – Hang Ca, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu 
• Duc De Restaurant – 446 Nguyen Hue, Hoa Lu

Goat meat has become one of 5 delicacies in Ninh Binh, which can be processed in 20 different dishes, each bringing its flavour to customers. Probably the most popular dish is the pale lime goat, grilled goat, fried goat roll, and goat wine cellar. Of which, goat meat with lime is still the most delicious and nutritious. Goats in Ninh Binh are raised naturally on the grasslands of the limestone mountains. So the goat meat is delicious and more nutritious than other goats.

Recommended restaurants to eat goat meat:

• Hoang Giang Restaurant – Hang Ca, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu
• Thang Long – Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu

Yen Mac fermented pork roll (Nem Yen Mac) is food not to be missed when travelling in Ninh Binh. This is a long-standing specialty dish in Ninh Binh that is sought by many people. Nem Yen Mac is made from thinly sliced shredded pigskin mixed with ground meat, marinated, and left to ferment for a long time. Yen Mac fermented pork roll served with garlic and chilli lemon sauce and vegetables. The delicious sour taste of this dish originates from the famous one of Hue city. Up to now, it has become a recognized specialty in Ninh Binh.

Recommended restaurants to eat Nem Yen Mac:

• No. 70, Street 11, Ward Van Giang, Yen Mo

Also made from vermicelli and eel, but traditional eel vermicelli in Ninh Binh is outstandingly delicious, different from other regions. Eel meat is rimmed according to a unique recipe. So the eel meat is sweet, fat without any fishy smell. Eel vermicelli here is always served with a plate of vegetables, such as herbs marjoram, basil, and sliced banana flowers, which is an indispensable accompaniment and also contributes to the uniquely delicious flavor for Ninh Binh eel vermicelli. 

Recommended restaurants to eat Ninh Binh eel vermicelli:

• Mrs Phan eel Vermicelli, 999 Tran Hung Dao Street, Van Giang, Ninh Binh
• Hoang Long Restaurant, Pho 10, Trang An Street, Ninh Binh

Xoi Trung Kien (sticky rice with ant eggs) is known to many people as an attractive dish in Ninh Binh. After being fragrant, the ant eggs are carefully wrapped into dried banana leaves to marinate with spices. Sticky rice is also cooked meticulously from round glutinous rice grains. When the sticky rice is cooked, sprinkle on the ant eggs. Then, stir well for sticky rice and eggs are mixed. When eating, diners can feel a taste of ant eggs with the fragrance of sticky rice.

Recommended restaurants to eat Xoi Trung Kien

• Nho Quan Town