Since Ninh Binh was the filming location for the famous movie ‘Kong: Skull Island’, it’s such an unnecessary thing to mention how beautiful and dramatic the landscape of Ninh Binh are. Recognized by UNESCO as a natural AND cultural world heritage, Ninh Binh is a place where the drastic beauties of karst formations meet the idyll of floating paddy fields and visitors must go on an expedition to visit the well-hidden and sacred temples. With immense beauties in culture and nature, there’re a lot of things to do in Ninh Binh Vietnam, of which some shouldn’t be missed such as boat ride, caving and visit Bai Dinh pagoda. Our article will show you in details what to do for your trip to Ninh Binh and how to get the most of it.
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Top Things to do in Ninh Binh in 2019
Area | Main attractions |
Trang An | – Trang An Grottoes |
– Hoa Lu Temple | |
– Bai Dinh Pagoda | |
– Thung Nham Bird Garden | |
– Kong: Skull Island Movie Set | |
Tam Coc | – Tam Coc Rice Fields |
– Bich Dong Pagoda | |
– Hang Mua Temple | |
Van Long | – Van Long Nature Reserve |
– Mermaid Cave | |
Cuc Phuong | – Cuc Phuong National Park |
1. Trang An
There are hundreds of limestone islands, islets and river caves constructing by Sao Khe and Ngo Dong rivers. Some of them you can’t miss: Dia Linh cave, Sinh Duoc cave and May cave. Each cave is different in beauty and has its own legend. Dark Cave has wide and narrow parts while Light Cave is adorned with magnificent sparkling stalactites.
Covering such a vast area Trang An is a biological treasure trove obtaining over 350 species of plants, animals and many other rare species. Taking a boat through 9 caves of Trang An complex and visiting some historical and cultural places on the way are highly recommended.
From Trang An, visitors shouldn’t miss Bai Dinh pagoda – the largest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam with impressive architecture.
2. Tam Coc
The first cave, Hang Ca, is the largest cave and the most beautiful one with the total length of 127 meters, lying under a limestone mountain towering on the water.You can’t help to feel the trills when you are going the most beautiful and mysterious tunneling water cave in Ninh Binh. It’s like you’re on a hunt for treasure.
Only 2 km away from Tam Coc Whalf, Bich Dong Pagoda is a solemn place where the pagoda entrance was built on a limestone island. Visitor will walk on a thin stone bridge to pass the gate to come deep into the chambers of Bich Dong Grotto – ‘the second nicest grotto’ in Vietnam. Come and find out if the grotto’s beauties really live up to its given title.
3. Van Long Nature Reserve
4. Mua Cave
From there, not only you can see a giant dragon stone statue but also can take in the whole view below of rice field being surrounded by limestone cliffs.
5. Boat Ride in Tam Coc
6. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest religious complex in Vietnam covering a total area of 539 hectares, featuring the most dramatic and beautiful backdrop of limestone cliffs and rivers. Bai Dinh is dedicated to the worshiping of ancestors, Buddha, Genie Cao Son. Two caves here are Bright Cave and Dark Cave which are also dedicated for worshiping. Inside the pagoda, you can find some really valuable worshiping monuments including a 10m high Buddha Sykamuni statue made of bronze.
Each year, Bai Dinh Pagoda temple is also held on the sixth day of lunar first month which is considered one of the most important cultural event in Vietnamese culture.
7. Discover Wine Making Cave in Trang An
8. Hike your way to the temples of Trang An
Other temples in the area that worth your visit: Tran Temple, Tu Tru Temple, Dia Linh Temple…
*Tips when visiting temples and pagodas:
– Wear clothes that cover from your shoulders to knees. Be respectful at the scared worshiping places.
– The temples can be crowded, choose something comfortable to wear.
– Mind when you speak and walk – talking too loud and making noises while walking are also not appreciated.
9. Visit Kong: Skull Island Movie Set and Tribal Village
You’ve watched the filmed and would love to see the film set of this hollywood blockbuster, wait no longer and visit Trang An to live in the movie’s alternative universe. The tribal village you’ve come alive with the rattan huts, tribal people with all the decorative items just like in the film.
At this site, you can also find the models of ship and airplane mimicking the movie. Tribal villagers are role-played by the locals and you can take photographs or selfies with them. With the magnificent backdrop of Trang An landscape, this village makes a unique places to produce impressive photo for your Instagram posts.
Location: Route 2 of Trang An Scenic Landscape Heritage
Admission: Free of charge
10. Trek Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is home to a biodiversity of flora and fauna, including 97 species of mammals, langurs; 300 species of birds, 11 species of fish; 2,000 species of vascular plants, and thousands of species of insects.To visit Cuc Phuong National Park, you’ll have to pay 40,000VND for admission. Firstly you’ll come to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center which is responsible for rescuing individual animals of rare primates and home to over 140 creatures and 100 offsprings in all from 15 species of gibbon (long-armed, fruit-eating ape), languor (long-tailed tree-dwelling monkey) and Lories (smaller nocturnal primate with large eyes).
The second stop is Prehistoric People Cave – the place where ancient people were living 7500 years ago. The most special feature of the park is the 1000-year-old Cho Tree with a diameter of 5.5m.
Son Cung Cave and 648-m Silver Cloud Mountain are the slightly more challenging options for your trek.
A visit to this nature paradise offers you chance to see a wide range of flora and fauna, caves and hot springs. You’ll be surrounded by a quiet atmosphere, fresh air – it’s literally the best escape from city life.
*What to bring for your trek to Cuc Phuong National Park:
– Hiking shoes which is best water resistant and shouldn’t be slippery
– Bug repellent for your exposed skin area
– Enough water for your long trek
– Food – there are places you can eat
If you want to camp, rent in advance (from Hanoi) tents and necessary equipment.
11. Soak up the countryside’s atmosphere
12. Watch Birds at Thung Nham Garden
Thung Nham is located near to Tam Coc, often missed in the list of tourists to Ninh Binh. Come to the garden, not only birds here that you’ll have chance to see but also an impressive hidden Mermaid Cave and peaceful landscapes. Mermaid Cave or Dong Tien Ca is a flooded cave deep under the ground. A beautifully made stone stair will lead you down and around the cave.
13. Admire the masterpiece of architecture Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is considered the Catholic capital in Vietnam, well-known for its very special fusion of Western and Vietnamese architecture styles. The construction of Phat Diem Cathedral took total 24 years, with the stones of the cathedral were taken from the very limestone mountains in the region.Phat Diem cathedral is a complex included a cathedral, a stone church, a lake, a bell house, and 3 artificial grottoes. The bell house which in Vietnamese is called Phuong Dinh is a 3-level building and completely made out of stone.On four towers of the bell house stand 4 statues of 4 historical saints which are imprinted of Vietnamese architecture characteristics. The cathedral and the bell house are designed with much similar to traditional Vietnamese pagodas and temples.
Ninh Binh Specialties
Com Chay (Rice Crust or Burnt Rice)This is the national-wide famous Ninh Binh food which is loved from north to south. This dish is mostly made from burnt rice topped with Rousong (meat floss), or pork, beef or onions. Larger rice crust is cut into smaller pieces.
To make this dish, the chef will prepare dried rice rounds and when orders come, he will just fry them until crispy with sesame oil. Lastly, vegetables, beef or pork will be put on the rice; and bowl of sauce will be made to use with this dish.
Day Trip From Hanoi
Day Trip From Hanoi
- By train, you can reach Ninh Binh city with 3 southbound trains available which are SE5, SE7, SE19.
- Hanoi buses to Ninh Binh depart at Giap Bat bus terminal , with prices starting at 70,000VND. It takes about two hours.
- Or you can drive a motorbike by yourself which is considered most dangerous and time-consuming. If you’re not experienced with riding a motorbike, we recommend you not doing so.
- If you prefer even more convenient transportation options, you can book tour with a travel agency or a tour operator. It’s safer, faster and more enjoyable.
We’ve shown you all the worthy things to do in Ninh Binh together with all practical information to help you get the most out of your Ninh Binh experience. Need more?
Sources: asianwaytravel.com