Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations in Ninh Binh (Updated!)
Trang An Complex – One of the Most Renowned Destinations in Ninh Binh
Trang An tourist area is among the most popular destinations in Ninh Binh. With the spectacular and pristine natural scenery, the attraction is recognized as Natural Heritage and World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The landscape is a perfect combination of a winding river passing through limestone mountains, forming numerous fanciful natural caves. The best way to explore Trang An is to get on a boat drifting along the current.
Opening time: 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every day
Entrance fee (including the boat fare):
Adults: 250.000 VND per ticket
Children: 120.000 VND per ticket
Guide hiring: 300.000 VND per tour
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is so popular that no visitor wants to miss during their trip to Ninh Binh. Coming to the site, you will have a chance to sit on a boat along the dreamy Ngo Dong River, as well as witness layers of green hills and golden-yellow rice paddies. The poetic view will make you fall in love with the place at first sight. Additionally, you can discover Bich Dong, consisting of a dry cave in the middle of the mountain and a flooded cave. The ancient Bich Dong temple spreads through three layers of the hill, welcoming countless travelers to incense and pray.
Fees:
Boat fare: 150.000 VND per boat (two people)
Entrance fee to Bich Dong Temple:
Adults: 120.000 VND per ticket
Children (under 140cm): 60.000 VND per ticket
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The ancient capital is an essential national relic of Vietnam. The complex comprises a pagoda worshipping kings under the Dinh and Le dynasties and other sacred buildings. At present, the ancient capital is a favorite attraction of many visitors, especially those who intend to learn more about Vietnamese history and pray for luck.
Opening time: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day
Entrance fee: 20.000 VND per ticket
Mua Cave
Situated in the footage of Mua Mountain, Mua Cave belongs to Ninh Xuan Commune. Although it is not as renowned as other places in Ninh Binh are, the spot attracts a considerable number of visitors due to its magnificent pulchritude and less touristy alternative.
From the foothill, you can see stone steps leading to the summit like a miniature version of the Great Wall in China. Once you conquer the top, a delightful scene of ripe rice fields and boats moving on the river will appear in front of your eyes.
Entrance fee: 100.000 VND per ticket
Bai Dinh Pagoda
About 15 kilometers from the city center, the pagoda has the most massive scale among temples in Vietnam, with plenty of records. It is also one of the preferred pilgrimage destinations in Ninh Binh. The paradise-like scene makes guests feel serene and calm.
Opening time: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
Fees:
Electric cars: 30.000 VND per ticket
Entrance fee to the stupa (Bao Thap): 50.000 VND per ticket
Guide hiring: 300.000 VND per tour
Other attractions in Ninh Binh
- Experience The Retreat at Bai Dinh Pagoda
- The largest temple in Vietnam viewed from a height of 100m
Am Tien Cave – an Attraction for Peaceful Moments
Being a national relic of Hoa Lu relic complex, Am Tien Cave is in the list of the right destinations in Ninh Binh for visitors who are searching for a tranquil and romantic natural view. Everything here looks gloomy and old, which brings travelers a strange feeling.
Entrance fee: 20.000 VND per ticket
Thung Nham Bird Park
Thung Nham Bird Park boasts of being one of the most attractive places in Ninh Binh, which possesses all the features of culture, spirituality, and biodiversity. Surrounded by tropical forests on limestone hills, the zone has plenty of caves and valleys, in harmonic with lush plants.
Notably, you will have an opportunity to explore the living environment of more than 40 bird species with a number of up to 50.000. As the sun goes down, flocks of white storks fly all over the wetland, creating an exotic beauty that is hard to find.
Opening time: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day
Fees:
Entrance fee: 100.000 VND per ticket
Entrance fee to the bird sanctuary: 20.000 VND per ticket
Entrance fee to But Cave: 20.000 VND per ticket
Van Long Lagoon
Together with Tam Coc – Bich Dong, another ecotourism site with dreamy landscapes is Van Long Lagoon. With an area of 3.000 hectares, it is the most significant wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta.
When you travel by boat on the lagoon, you will see the flat surface resembling a giant mirror. Therefore, the spot is called a bay without any waves. The ship will pass by birds, langurs, and rock formations in various shapes of a kitten, fairy, and so on.
Opening time: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day
Fees:
Entrance fee: 20.000 VND per ticket
Boat fare: 50.000 VND per boat (two people)
Cuc Phuong National Park
Owning a total area of 25.000 hectares, the national park is a famous attraction in terms of ecotourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Arriving at the land, you will have a chance to discover the diverse fauna and flora, admire spectacular nature, participate in ecotourism activities. Besides, you can pay a visit to the park within a day, or spend two to three days exploring more fascinating things. According to experienced travelers, when coming to the site in June and July, you can see plenty of butterflies all over the land.
Opening time: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day
Entrance fee:
Adults: 60.000 VND per ticket
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem cathedral, or Phat Diem Stone Church, is a cluster of Catholic churches in a width of 22 hectares. Many tourists believe it is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Vietnam with the nickname ‘Catholic capital of Vietnam.’
The construction is entirely made from stone and woods from 1875 to 1898. Although it is a Catholic building, it is inspired by the architecture of traditional Vietnamese temples, creating an exclusive pulchritude.
Opening time: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every day
Fee: free of charge
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