10 Must-sees when you are in Ninh Binh
Trang An Complex
Recognized by UNESCO as a world natural and cultural heritage in 2014, Trang An landscape complex has always been on tourists’ travel list when visiting Ninh Binh for not only charming limestone mountains, alluring caves with a mysterious beauty, aesthetics winding rivers and valleys but also unique historical sites.
Tourists are highly recommended to contemplate the scenic destination by waterway with captivating activities of kayaking and boat riding. The boat will take tourists on an intriguing journey to explore dazzling caves and admire breathtaking mountains; it usually takes around 3 hours to visit 6 - 9 caves. For a meaningful cultural expedition, travelers can also pay a visit to Tran Temple, Tu Tru Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam, and so on.
Concerning the ticket price to visit Trang An, please check the current prices (boat ride included) as follows:
- Adults: VND 200,000 per person
- Children (under 1m high): VND 100,000 VND per child
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
Tam Coc - Bich Dong is among the most popular attractions in Ninh Binh province for its dazzling paddy fields, impressive limestone karsts, along with jaw-dropping caves. This is the perfect place to be close to nature as well as explore Vietnamese history and culture with a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda - first built in 1428, reflecting the extraordinary architecture and time-honor traditions.
To fully enjoy this spectacular attraction, it is advisable to go on a 2-hour boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, cherishing chill moments with friends and families while admiring the gorgeous scenery of Vietnamese nature.
Regarding the boat ticket, it normally takes VND 150,000/ turn/ boat and a boat can contain up to 4 Vietnamese or 2 foreign tourists.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
In Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple holding the most records for its sacred spirituality, impressive architecture, and magnificent culture-exploring experiences.
Besides magnificent designs of emerald Ngoc Well with captivating historical stories, Thanh Nguyen Temple embracing ancient architecture, the unique Arhat Corridor with 500 arhats, etc., tourists will also learn various meaningful religious traditions. The ideal time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda is from February to March when there are many special festivals held to celebrate the lunar new year as well as to wish for good things.
Although there is no fee for the Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance, tourists have to buy tickets for VND 50,000 per person to visit Bao Thap.
Besides, the tour guide service providing fulfilling knowledge relating to the complex costs VND 300,000/ person. Tourists should also be noted to dress properly when visiting this religious destination and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, leggings, and the like.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Embracing not only splendid architecture but also a rich history and culture, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a perfect place for travelers to freely discover Vietnamese time-honored traditions and values.
To be the first capital of Vietnam, this attraction preserves extraordinary ancient structures of historic temples and relic complexes surrounded by majestic mountains and rivers, creating a poetic picture. Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, tourists can come across One Pillar Pagoda - with many antiquities dated back to the 10th century along with sacred spiritual activities, several palaces, temples, as well as tombs built in different dynasties, and other striking designs.
- The entrance ticket only costs VND 20,000 per person.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Covering a rich ecological system with astonishing natural landscapes, Van Long Nature Reserve is nature lovers’ perfect choice for an alluring expedition filled with satisfying experiences.
Besides several species of fish, storks, and birds, this place is also home to more than 40 kinds of Delacour’s Langur and other precious endangered flora and fauna. In addition to its dominant areas of wetlands and forests, Van Long also covers fields and grasslands, making it a great habitat for various plants and animals. In addition to the priceless value of its rich biodiversity, the destination itself is a poetic picture, ideal, and preferable for serene sightseeing and contemplating.
- The entrance ticket to the nature reserve costs VND 20,000 per person and the boat ride fee is VND 60,000 per boat (2 people for each boat).
Mua Cave
On a traveling trip in Ninh Binh, climbing to the top of Mua Cave is a delightful must-try experience for tourists to grasp the breathtaking panoramic scenery of the province. The nature here remains its pristine look, especially when reaching the top of the mountain, tourists will be immersed in the vast wild mountains and forests, admiring jaw-dropping nature while listening to the sounds of the birds singing, feeling the pleasant breezes, etc. With 500 stone steps stretching from the foot to the top of the mountains, the structure resembles the famous historical architecture of the Great Wall of China, promising an adventurous journey filled with art.
- The entrance fee to this lovely attraction is VND 100.000 per person.
Cuc Phuong National Park
If you seek a true wildlife adventure escaping from the daily hustle and bustle, Cuc Phuong National Park is the perfect choice for you for not only its rich biodiversity but also the picturesque natural landscapes it offers.
As Vietnam’s first and largest national park, Cuc Phuong successfully conserves and protects a mixed variety of endangered species ranging from mammals, reptiles, colorful birds, and butterflies to a diverse flora world. Tourists will enter a whole new world filled with amazing activities to discover the park such as trekking through the forests, bird watching, visiting conservation centers, and so on. Besides the splendid nature, visitors will also learn more about the Muong ethnic minority here with their unique culture and history.
Please be noted the following information on the park’s opening hours and ticket price as follows:
- Daily opening hours: 9:30 am - 11:30 am and 1:30 am - 4:30 pm.
- Price ticket: VND 60,000 per adult, VND 10,000 per child, VND 20,000 per student
Thung Nham Bird Park
Thung Nham Bird Park is one of a few nature reserves that retain their original pristine beauty with impressive tropical forests, sparkling caves, and elegant jade rivers, creating a rich ecosystem.
Coming to Thung Nham Bird Park, tourists will enjoy a slower pace of life with only chill and pleasant moments immersing in nature while enjoying a boat trip to explore poetic landscapes. Birds singing in harmony, breezes gently blowing, calming water, and whispering trees, all create a romantic scenery. In addition to this unique nature experience, Thung Nham also offers visitors a fulfilling unique culture expedition with the captivating experience of living in a stilt house, enjoying rustic local dishes such as hill chicken, lake fish, wild vegetables, etc., and so on.
The entrance ticket price (boat rowing included) to the attraction is as follows:
- Adults: VND 150,000 per person
- Children (1m-1.3m): VND 100,000 per person
- Children under 1m: Free
Phat Diem Cathedral
In addition to its delicate designs embracing a harmonious blend between oriental arts and Western church architecture, Phat Diem Cathedral is also well-known as an honored Vietnamese cultural and historical relic with its intact rustic beauty.
Over a period of 24 years of construction, the structure was built mainly of stone and wood sculpture with meticulous attention to every small detail, creating an outstanding architectural masterpiece with the harmony of nature. The complex contains a wide range of eye-catching monuments, and plenty of soothing ponds, lakes, and caves, calming people’s minds and souls. To fully explore the timeless beauty of Phat Diem Cathedral, some amazing sites that should not be missed for a great sightseeing and contemplating trip are Phuong Dinh (Bell Tower), Stone Church, Lo Duc Grotto, and so on.
- Visiting this destination is free of charge, and there is no entrance fee.
Tuyet Tinh Coc
Tuyet Tinh Coc in Ninh Binh, also called Am Tien Cave, embraces not only charming scenery but also intriguing historical stories dating back to the time of King Ly Thai To.
Coming to Tuyet Tinh Coc, tourists enter an utmost alluring world with a complex of jaw-dropping limestone mountains, serene lakes, and ancient pagoda architecture. After wandering and enjoying the tranquility of dazzling caves, tourists can visit the rustic time-honored Am Tien Pagoda and discover the unique history and culture of this lovely land. Another site that should not be missed for great memories and chill moments is the picturesque Giai Lake - carrying clear emerald waters surrounded by lush mountains all year round.
- Entrance: Ticket only costs VND 20,000 per person to visit this aesthetic attraction.
