The top attractions in Ninh Binh are a must added destinations on your Vietnam travel bucket list.
Ninh Binh has several breathtaking views and sceneries to offer both local and foreign travelers. The main question is which top attractions in Ninh Binh should you see first?
Keep reading as we guide you to your travel in one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam!
Trang An Grottoes
The first on our list of top attractions in Ninh Binh is the Trang An Grottoes. These grottoes are composed of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest – a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These grottoes are nestled on a series of tantalizing limestone formations surrounded by lush greens.
To reach the grottoes, you will have to be on foot or be on your bike. Another notable way to explore this attraction is through cruising.
There are two routes that will surely allow you to see remarkable scenes along the area. One of these routes features 9 caves while the most recent route offers a view of 4 caves and the famous village where the Skull Island has been set.
If you’re someone who fancies doing adventure activities, then you’ve come to the right place! Some of Trang An’s signature activities are mountain hiking, biking, or try paddling a bamboo boat.
When your energy is low, recharge with street snacks while striking a conversation with the locals.
Mua Cave
One popular must-see attraction in Ninh Binh is the Mua Cave. Feast your eyes with a panoramic view of the captivating terrain of the Tam Coc as you ascend to the peak of the Mua mountain.
Aside from the breathtaking sweeping views, the peak of the mountain also features an altar devoted to the Goddess Quan Am.
The Mua Cave can be found surrounded by flourishing paddies however, the best treat lies at the peak of the mountain.
The summit can be accessed through a sculptured red dragon staircase with around 500 steps to conquer – expect a full blown grasping of air when you reach the top!
It will all be worth it when you then have a glimpse of the Tam Coc valley with several unique limestone formations that surround the land fields.
There are several instances wherein the sceneries are covered in mist but don’t fret as it doesn’t take long until you see a clearing of greenfields and rivers stretching towards the valley.
It is advised to wear proper trekking or climbing footwear to avoid slipping as the steps can be covered in slick wet during the rainy seasons.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Another top attraction to see in Ninh Binh is the Cuc Phuong National Park which is considered as the main national park of the country since 1962.
It is a safeguarded place for wildlife in the region which has taken its toll due to excessive poaching.
The Cuc Phuong National Park spans approximately 222 square kilometers filled with lush greens housing multiple wildlife.
There are 307 species of birds in counting and around 133 species of mammals and 122 species of reptiles that are protected in this park.
The park is also perfect for anyone seeking different species of plants as the park has over 2,000 to date!
Bai Dinh Pagoda
The Bai Dinh Pagoda is considered the largest Buddist temple in Southeast Asia. It is a notable pilgrimage site for Vietnamese Buddhists, especially on Buddhist holidays.
A day in this top attraction in Ninh Binh is never enough to explore the totality of this site. Aside from its astonishing 13-story watchtower, your eyes will also be stuck on examining its thousand Buddha statues with intricately carved bells.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda was built around 2014 and is close to the Ninh Binh town making it more accessible to travellers.
The entrance of the site is also a treat to the eyes as it has a series of lined 500 stone arhats leading you to the Phap Chu Pagoda.
You will also find a bronze Buddha that weighs approximately 100 tons and has a staggering height of 10 meters.
Hoa Lu Ancient Village
Situated around 20 minutes away from Trang An area is the Hoa Lu Ancient Village. It is considered the home of the country’s first ever capital city.
This ancient village was at its might around the 10th and 11th centuries ago. A notable feature that added to the strength of this village is the natural karst that protected the site from unwanted marauders.
As you enter, you will be amazed by how you can travel in time through this ancient citadel that had aeons of stories of resilience to tell.
