Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2025: What to See, Where to Go, and How Long to Stay 🌿🛶

Thinking about visiting Ninh Binh in 2025? This Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2025 covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip, from the best things to do in Ninh Binh to how many days you should stay. Known for its stunning limestone mountains, ancient temples, and peaceful boat rides, Ninh Binh is often called the “Ha Long Bay on Land” — and it’s easy to see why.

Whether you're putting together a quick one-day Ninh Binh itinerary or planning a longer adventure, this guide highlights the top attractions in Ninh Binh including Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Hang Mua. Find out why Ninh Binh is worth visiting, how to choose between a private tour or DIY travel, and the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

If you're looking for the best travel tips for Ninh Binh in 2025, It's a good job you found our Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2025.

📖 A Quick History Lesson

Ninh Binh isn’t just beautiful – it’s historic too. It was once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties (around the 10th century). The ancient capital Hoa Lu still stands today, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s early royal life.

The region has long been celebrated as a spiritual heartland, home to countless pagodas, temples, and cultural landmarks, blending natural beauty with deep-rooted history.

🖼️ Best Places to Visit in Ninh Binh (And What They’re Known For)

Place	Best For	What To Expect
Trang An	Scenic boat rides, UNESCO beauty	Row through magical caves and limestone valleys
Tam Coc	Rice fields, relaxed vibes	Quieter boat rides through golden fields
Hang Mua (Mua Cave)	Epic Instagram photos	Hike 500 steps to a dragon viewpoint
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital	History buffs	Temples and ruins of Vietnam’s first capital
Bai Dinh Pagoda	Spiritual seekers	Vietnam’s largest pagoda complex
Cuc Phuong National Park	Adventure lovers	Jungle trekking, ancient trees, wildlife rescue
Van Long Nature Reserve	Bird watchers, quiet explorers	Lesser-known wetland boat rides
Thung Nham Bird Park	Nature & eco-tourism fans	Birds, caves, orchards, and boat rides

📸 Where to Go for the Best Instagram-Worthy Views

• Hang Mua Viewpoint: The classic “dragon mountain” photo overlooking Tam Coc’s rice fields and river.

• Trang An Boat Ride: Drift through emerald waters under towering limestone cliffs.

• Bai Dinh Pagoda: The sweeping stairs and giant golden Buddha statues are seriously photogenic.

• Thung Nham Bird Park: Especially at sunset when flocks of white storks return to roost.

  
  

🧗‍♂️ Best for Adventure Seekers

• Cuc Phuong National Park: Trek through one of Vietnam’s oldest jungles, spot endangered langurs, and see trees over 1000 years old.

• Hang Mua Hike: 500 steep steps, but the views are 100% worth the sweat.

• Boat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc: Some boat tours offer a chance to kayak yourself through caves!

  
  

👵 Best for Older Travellers

Ninh Binh is surprisingly gentle if you pick the right activities:

• Trang An boat ride: Calm, no strenuous walking – you just sit back and enjoy.

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Flat, easy to explore, manageable distances.

• Bai Dinh Pagoda (with electric cart): You can avoid the big hill walk by using the electric carts onsite.

• Tam Coc boat ride: Very relaxed – you’re rowed through the scenery, no effort needed.

Tip: If stairs or uneven paths are an issue, skip Hang Mua due to many steps.

🕐 How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh?

Trip Length	What You Can Realistically See
1 Day Trip	- Trang An boat ride or Tam Coc boat ride  - Quick visit to Hang Mua (if you want to hike)  - Drive past Hoa Lu ancient capital
2 Days, 1 Night	- Trang An boat ride  - Hang Mua hike at sunrise or sunset  - Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital  - Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda  - Optional: Thung Nham Bird Park or Van Long boat ride
3 Days, 2 Nights	- All of the above, at a slower pace  - Full day at Cuc Phuong National Park  - Option for cycling tours, rural villages, extra boat rides in Tam Coc or Van Long

🎟️ Ticket Prices & Entrance Fees (Updated for 2025)

Attraction	Entry Fee (per adult)
Trang An boat ride	250,000 VND per person
Tam Coc boat ride	250,000 VND per person
Hang Mua (Mua Cave)	100,000 VND per person
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital	20,000 VND per person
Bai Dinh Pagoda	Entry: Free; Electric cart: 30,000 VND one way or 80,000 VND round trip; Bao Thien Stupa visit: 50,000 VND
Cuc Phuong National Park	60,000 VND per person
Van Long Wetland	Entrance: 20,000 VND; Boat ride: 50,000 VND per person
Thung Nham Bird Park	150,000 VND per person

Note: Boat rides usually charge per person; you can pay extra if you prefer a private boat.

Please note: While these prices are accurate as of 2025 when researching, they are subject to change. It's advisable to check the latest fees before your visit to ensure up-to-date information.

🚐 Private vs Group Tours (And DIY Options)

Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Private Tour	Families, photographers, relaxed travellers	Total flexibility, choose your timing, avoid crowds, custom itinerary	Higher cost compared to group tours
Small Group Tour	Solo travellers, budget-friendly trips	More affordable, transport included, meet other travellers	Fixed schedules, less flexibility
Self-drive motorbike	Adventurous travellers, confident drivers	Freedom to explore hidden corners, very cheap	Riskier roads, weather-dependent
Private car with driver	Comfort-focused travellers	Door-to-door convenience, flexible stops	Slightly pricier than motorbike or group tours

🔔 Tip: Private tours are brilliant if you want to hike Hang Mua early for sunrise or have a private boat. Group tours are great for ticking off the main sights in a day.

🌿 Hidden Gems and Super Hidden Gems

Hidden Gems:

• Van Long Nature Reserve: Calm, mirror-like water. Stunning at sunset.

• Thung Nham Bird Park: Walk and boat through massive bird colonies.

• Bich Dong Pagoda: A small temple tucked into a cliff – straight out of a movie.

  
  

Super Hidden Gems:

• Galaxy Grotto (Thien Ha Cave): Tiny underground river cave, almost no tourists.

• Kenh Ga Floating Village: Traditional river life. Best reached early morning by boat.

• Dong Chuong Lake: A peaceful freshwater lake rarely visited by tourists – bring a picnic!

  
  

🍜 Best Restaurants and Food in Ninh Binh

Restaurant	Why It’s Great	Must-Try Dishes
Chookie’s Beer Garden	Fun atmosphere, good for Western food lovers	Craft beer, burgers, salads
Minh Khoi Restaurant	Local specialty goat dishes	Grilled goat (dê nướng), crispy rice
Thuy Linh Restaurant	Cheap and cheerful	Rice plates, spring rolls
Father Cooking Restaurant	Family-run, home-style cooking	Bun cha, fried noodles
The Banana Tree Hostel	Social vibe, good cocktails	Banh mi, cocktails

🍲 Local Dishes to Try:

• Com chay: Crispy rice with toppings.

• De nui: Mountain goat served grilled or steamed.

• Mien luon: Eel noodle soup – surprisingly tasty and light.

• Oc nui: Wild snails (seasonal delicacy).

  
  

🍻 Where to Grab a Drink

• Bamboo Bar: Laid-back riverside bar.

• Tam Coc Garden Bar: Beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

• Chookie’s Beer Garden: Craft beer and good music.

• Tam Coc Bungalow Bar: Pool, cocktails, relaxed backpacker vibe.

  
  

🚲 Bonus: Cycle Routes in Ninh Binh

Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside around Tam Coc!It’s mostly flat and stunning — you’ll pass through tiny villages, rice fields, and alongside rivers.

Top cycle route:

• Tam Coc → Bich Dong Pagoda → Thung Nham Bird Park

  
  

🛏️ Where to Stay

Area	Good For	Vibe
Tam Coc	Easy access to food & tours	Social, convenient
Trang An	Nature lovers, quiet stays	Boutique hotels, eco-resorts
Ninh Binh City	Budget travellers	Practical, not scenic
Cuc Phuong Park Area	Adventure travellers	Lodges, ecolodges in the jungle

🛶 Boat Ride Routes Breakdown

Boat	Best For	Time Needed
Trang An Route 1	Best caves, adventure lovers	~2.5 hours
Trang An Route 2	More temples & scenic	~2 hours
Tam Coc Ride	Rice fields, peaceful	~1.5 hours
Van Long Wetland	Birds, quiet rides	~1–1.5 hours

🛵 Practical Tips

• Bring cash: Card payments rare outside hotels.

• Wear comfy shoes: Even boat rides can involve wet landings!

• Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.

• Start early: Mornings are cooler and less crowded.

• Bug spray: Essential for rural or jungle areas.

  
  

🗺️ Quick Sample Itineraries

1-Day Blitz (from Hanoi)

• Early pickup → Trang An boat ride → Quick lunch → Hang Mua viewpoint → Return

  
  

2-Day Relaxed

Day 1: Trang An boat ride → Hoa Lu visit → Bai Dinh Pagoda

Day 2: Hang Mua sunrise hike → Tam Coc boat ride → Return via Van Long

3-Day Adventure

• Trang An boat ride, Mua Cave hike (Day 1)

• Full day trekking Cuc Phuong National Park (Day 2)

• Van Long boat ride and village cycling (Day 3)

  
  

🌏 Final Thoughts

Ninh Binh isn’t just a sightseeing stop — it’s somewhere you can slow down, soak in the beauty, and reconnect with nature.From rowing through secret caves to hiking limestone peaks, every corner feels like stepping into another world.

If you're ready to start planning your adventure, feel free to explore our website for more ideas, or connect with us on Facebook for travel updates and inspiration.Need a hand putting together the perfect itinerary? Chat with us directly on WhatsApp — we'd love to help!

Take that extra day. You’ll thank yourself for it. ❤️