Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, Vietnam: Tours, Attractions & Things to Do
Limestone peaks, river caves, rice fields and ancient temples, two hours south of Hanoi.
- 1 tour
- 16 places to visit
- Tours from $130
- Best time to visitApril, October–November; late May–early June for golden rice
- Recommended stay1 day from Hanoi, or 1–2 nights
- Getting thereAbout 90–95 km from Hanoi: 2 hours by limousine van, 2–2.5 hours by train
Tours with local guides
All tours in Ninh Binh
Explore the soul of the north
Top places to visit in Ninh Binh
Iconic landmarks, bustling craft quarters and hidden cultural gems handpicked into authentic journeys.
More places in Ninh Binh
Why visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh province, about 90 km south of Hanoi, is a landscape of steep limestone peaks rising out of rice fields and rivers – often called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Its heart, the Trang An Landscape Complex, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, and the area was Vietnam’s capital in the 10th century, at Hoa Lu.
Most visitors come for the boat trips through river caves at Tam Coc and Trang An, the view from Hang Mua, and the temples of Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Bich Dong and Thai Vi.
The best way to see Ninh Binh
The sights are spread across the countryside, and the lanes between them are the best part. Our full-day tour from Hanoi combines a limousine transfer, two hours by open-air vintage jeep through the villages, the Tam Coc boat and the climb to Hang Mua, with lunch and tickets included.
When to go
Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are the most comfortable. The rice in Tam Coc turns gold in late May and early June, and the lotus at Hang Mua flowers in June and July. Winters are cool and misty; summers are hot with short heavy showers.
Good to know
Ninh Binh: questions & answers
Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, easy to reach from Hanoi, and combines boat trips, temples and countryside in a day.
Can I visit Ninh Binh in a day from Hanoi?
Yes. Our full-day jeep tour leaves Hanoi at about 06:40 and returns at about 19:00, with Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Thai Vi Temple and Hang Mua.
How many days do I need in Ninh Binh?
One day covers the highlights. With one or two nights you can add Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh and quieter places such as Van Long.
What is the difference between Tam Coc and Trang An?
Tam Coc is a shorter river trip through three caves and rice fields; Trang An is a longer loop with more caves and temples on the water.
