What Is Ninh Binh Famous For? 10+ Amazing Must-Dos

What is Ninh Binh famous for? Ninh Binh is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including impressive limestone mountains and tranquil rivers. This beautiful region is known as the “Halong Bay on land” because of its scenic views. Visitors love exploring the lush rice fields, ancient temples, and fascinating caves. With its unique combination of culture and nature, Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination in Vietnam.

What Is Ninh Binh Famous For?

Ninh Binh is famous for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Let’s dive into some of the top activities that make this destination truly special.

Enjoy A Scenic Paddleboat Tour in Trang An or Tam Coc

To truly appreciate Ninh Binh’s stunning beauty, you need to explore it by boat. A paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc is a must-do experience. You’ll be guided by a local boatman or woman who will paddle you through tranquil waters, past towering, jungle-clad karsts. Along the way, you’ll visit temples and glide beneath enchanting grottoes, making for an unforgettable adventure.

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda with a temple trek

Nestled at the base of a towering mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda is one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic spots. Its elaborate gate leads to a serene courtyard and a classic Buddhist temple. A stone bridge crosses a vibrant lotus pond, which blooms beautifully in summer. Climb the stairs up the mountain for amazing views and discover two more ancient temples carved into the rock from the 18th century.

Try the Local Specialties for a Taste

• Goat Meat (Dê Núi):  Ninh Binh is famous for its delicious goat meat, often grilled or stewed. Tender and flavorful, it’s typically served with fresh herbs, rice, and local dipping sauces. 
• Rice Vermicelli with Goat Meat (Bún Dê): This delightful dish features rice vermicelli topped with stir-fried goat meat, fresh greens, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a comforting and refreshing meal, perfect for any time of day. 
• Grilled Pork with Rice (Cơm Thịt Nướng): Grilled pork served with rice is a local favorite in Ninh Binh. The marinated pork is cooked to perfection, giving it a smoky flavor. Paired with pickled vegetables and a tangy sauce
• Fermented Lean Pork (Nem Chua): Nem chua is a unique fermented pork dish that offers a delightful tartness. Made from minced pork, garlic, and spices, it’s often wrapped in banana leaves.
• Banh Goi (Pillow Cake): These tasty pillowcakes are filled with minced meat, mushrooms, and spices, then wrapped in a thin dough. Deep-fried until crispy, they make for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Wander around the historic Hoa Lu village

Just a 20-minute drive from Trang An, this site was Vietnam’s first capital. In the 10th and 11th centuries, its karst landscape protected it from invaders. Today, you can explore two historic structures from the old citadel, with their charming leaning archways, banyan trees, and brick courtyards, giving you a real sense of history.

Reach the summit of Hang Mua

The Mua viewpoint sits atop a steep mountain, but the climb and 200,000 VND tickets are worth it. After climbing 500 steps, you’ll be treated to stunning 360-degree views of Tam Coc Valley. Sometimes mist covers the area, but once it clears, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of lush rice fields and winding rivers surrounded by ancient karsts.

Explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda at leisure

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a massive complex and the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. It attracts many Vietnamese Buddhists, especially during religious holidays when it’s bustling with visitors. Take your time to explore the site, where you’ll be amazed by thousands of Buddha statues, beautifully carved bells, and a stunning 13-story tower that provides breathtaking views of the countryside.

Hike through the scenic Cuc Phuong National Park

Just an hour from Ninh Binh City, Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam’s oldest national parks, and entry only costs 20,000 VND. Inside, you can visit rehabilitation centers for reptiles and primates, and hike trails to see ancient trees that are over 1,000 years old. Spend half a day exploring the forest and enjoy a local lunch afterward!

Discover the beauty of Van Long Wetlands

Nestled at the base of a huge limestone mountain, the Van Long Wetlands is a stunning marshland. It’s a favorite spot for bird watchers, featuring a diverse range of birds. Take a boat tour to explore the tranquil scenery and get a unique view of this peaceful and beautiful area.

Visit Tam Coc Bich Dong 

Tam Coc Bich Dong is a beautiful paradise for nature lovers, featuring stunning limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies and the peaceful Ngo Dong River. Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” it’s especially breathtaking during the rice season when fields turn golden. You can explore the “three caves” by boat, enjoying scenic views of the countryside. Don’t miss the historic Bich Dong Pagoda, built into a mountain, offering a serene spot for reflection and worship.

Witness Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden is a must-visit spot in Ninh Binh for bird lovers and nature fans. Spanning around 334 hectares of stunning limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands, it’s home to a wide variety of bird species like storks, herons, and flamingos. You can take a boat ride through the wetlands to see the birds, hike, explore caves, and enjoy local food.

Admire Phat Diem Stone Church’s splendor

Phat Diem Stone Church is a must-see when in Ninh Binh. This beautiful structure showcases a blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles, featuring a bell tower, main cathedral, and smaller chapels. Built by Father Tran Luc, it is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics. The entrance is free in a charming rural area, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate its intricate design and rich history.

Explore the captivating Am Tien Cave

A trip to Ninh Binh isn’t complete without visiting the magical Am Tien Cave. This stunning spot features majestic limestone mountains, a peaceful lake, and lush greenery. As you enter the cave, you’ll be amazed by the crystal-clear Ao Giai Lake at the entrance, perfectly reflecting the surrounding landscape. Inside, you can marvel at beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. While it used to require a mountain climb to reach, you can now easily access the cave through a tunnel and enjoy its breathtaking beauty.

Stroll in Galaxy Grotto (Thien Ha Cave)

The paddle boat tour here takes visitors to three distinct caves. While the scenery may not match the famous Tam Coc or Trang An tours, Galaxy Cave offers a unique experience due to its low visitor numbers, making it possible to explore mostly alone. The first cave features colorful lights, the second is explored on foot, and the third remains dark and natural.

How to get from Hanoi City to Ninh Binh?

Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is easy and quick. You can take a comfortable train or a bus, both of which offer scenic views along the way. For a faster option, you can hire a private car or grab a taxi. The journey usually takes around two to two and a half hours. For more detailed information on how to get there, you can read our guide here on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh!

Conclusion

In conclusion, what Is Ninh Binh famous for? Ninh Binh is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From dramatic limestone peaks to tranquil river cruises and ancient temples, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm. If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience in Vietnam, Ninh Binh should definitely be on your travel list!

FAQs

Why is Ninh Binh famous?

The landscapes in Ninh Binh are lush and vibrant, with beautiful green rice paddies. This creates a stunning backdrop for exploring the impressive karst mountains, caves, and rivers that make the area so famous.

What are some interesting facts about Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh, often called “Serenity” for its peaceful charm, is a fascinating place. It’s home to 23 different ethnic groups, including the Viet, Dao, Hoa, H’Mong, and Tày. Covering about 1,384 square kilometers (534 square miles), the province offers a rich mix of cultures and beautiful landscapes.