Here are 10 suggested experiences to try when traveling to Ninh Binh for the first time, helping you fully explore the beautiful scenery, culture, and local cuisine.
1. Experience a boat trip to explore Tam Coc - Bich Dong.
Taking a boat trip to explore Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the most unforgettable experiences when traveling to Ninh Binh. Sitting on a small boat gently gliding along the Ngo Dong River, visitors can admire the spectacular scenery.
The boat weaves through three natural caves: Fish Cave, Sea Cave, and Three Caves. Each cave possesses its own mysterious and captivating beauty. Sparkling stalactites hang from the cave ceiling, sculpted by nature over thousands of years.
2. Climb Mua Cave and admire the view from above.
The journey to conquer Mua Cave is a memorable experience. Located at the foot of Mua Mountain, within the Trang An ecological tourist area, Mua Cave attracts visitors with its winding stone staircase of nearly 500 steps.
Upon reaching the summit, all fatigue seems to vanish. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, where the Ngo Dong River meanders through limestone mountain ranges. Atop the mountain stands a majestic statue of Quan Am (Guan Yin), overlooking the vast plains.
3. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was once the capital of Dai Co Viet during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th century. In Hoa Lu, visitors can explore the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hành.
In addition to exploring history, visitors can stroll along the ancient city walls surrounded by rolling mountains and lush green fields.
4. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda, located within the Trang An scenic complex, is a must-see destination when traveling to Ninh Binh. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists visit the pagoda to pray and admire the scenery.
Visitors will be impressed by the vast and solemn space. It boasts a remarkable collection of colossal Buddha statues. A long corridor is lined with hundreds of Arhat statues and other exquisitely carved structures made from stone and rosewood. Surrounding the temple is a stunning natural landscape, with majestic limestone mountains and lush greenery.
5. Discover Trang An
Trang An was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site thanks to its perfect combination of mountains, rivers, and caves. Cruising along the winding rivers around the limestone mountain ranges, visitors can admire mysterious caves and towering peaks. Each cave has its own unique beauty, with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
6. Enjoy the local cuisine.
A trip to Ninh Binh will be even more complete if you sample the local cuisine. Ninh Binh's food harmoniously combines local ingredients, skillful cooking techniques, and rich flavors.
One of the most famous specialties is crispy rice. The rice is fried until crunchy and then served with dipping sauce. Another characteristic dish is mountain goat meat. The goats are raised freely on the limestone hills of the region. Mountain goat meat is lean, firm, and sweet, and can be prepared as steamed goat, grilled goat, stir-fried goat with lemongrass, etc.
7. Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first national park. It's an ideal destination for nature lovers.
In Cuc Phuong, visitors can hike through dense, pristine forests. It's home to many rare and endemic species of flora and fauna.
One highlight not to be missed is the White-headed Langur Rescue Centre, which protects and cares for endangered primate species.
8. Cycling to explore the Ninh Binh countryside.
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Ninh Binh is by bicycle. Along the narrow village roads, you'll see lush green rice fields or golden yellow rice paddies during harvest season. This journey also allows visitors to learn about the daily lives of the locals.
9. Taking photos of Tam Coc during the rice harvest season.
If you visit Ninh Binh between April and June, you will have the opportunity to admire Tam Coc during the harvest season. This is the most beautiful time of year, when the fields are bathed in golden hues.
Sitting on a small wooden boat, visitors can leisurely admire the sky, river, mountains, and rice fields. This is also the perfect time to take photos, as the summer light brings clarity to every frame.
10. Discover Van Long Lagoon
Van Long Lagoon is known as the "bay without waves" because its surface is as calm as a mirror. Beneath the tranquil water lies a rich aquatic ecosystem. Above, the sky is bright with egrets, herons, white storks, and wild ducks soaring in the air.
Van Long is also home to many rare and endangered animal species. Particularly noteworthy is the Delacour's langur, an endemic primate species that is under strict protection.