Ninh Binh Vietnam - History & Best Thing to do

Location: 100 kilometers southeast from Hanoi, Ninh Binh province is a hidden gem that features plenty of less-visited attractions and beautiful untouched caves. The best Ninh Binh has to offer include mesmerizing limestone islands, the biggest pagoda in Southeast Asia and the oldest national park in Vietnam. Check out our awesome list of 11 things to do in Ninh Binh to make sure you don’t miss anything fun in this “Halong Bay in land”.
Hang Mua
Get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain. At the top, a lookout point offers a surreal vista of the river winding lazily among paddies and limestone outcrops.
Take a sampan tour
At the Tam Coc and Trang An boat docks, each sampan is guided by a boat person who rows with their feet, not their hands. You'll be expertly guided along gentle waterways, past towering karsts, and into dripping grottoes.
Visit the ancient capital
Today the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, but in the 10th and 11th centuries that honour was held by Hoa Lu. This small ancient city was naturally protected from invasions by karsts and rivers. Today, it’s a good place to get a history fix.
Go in search of wildlife
An exotic row boat experience is a must-do at the Van Long Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes open for exotic friends, such as the black-faced spoonbill and the Delacour's Langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Pay a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple
The largest complex of Buddhist temples in the country, Bai Dinh is a mix of old and new styles. Ancient temples are housed in caves you can only reach via a pretty climb of 300 steps, while the new temple area covers an area of 500 hectares.
Ninh Binh Weather
The temperatures in Ninh Binh are ideal from March to May and September to November. For the finest views, go during harvest season in October. If you visit in the hotter months from July to August, be prepared for random downpours and stormy moments.
Ninh Binh Transport
Regular buses depart to Ninh Binh from Hanoi every day. You can book a luxury van which includes transfer to Tam Coc, where plenty of charming accommodation options await. Private cars make the journey even quicker. For those with more time, several trains leave for Ninh Binh from Hanoi daily. The best way to get around Ninh Binh is by motorcycle tour or taxi. Cycling is a great option for visitors staying in Tam Coc.