1. Visit Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda
3. Visit Ancient Vietnamese Village – Co Vien Lau
4. Explore Phat Diem Stone Church
5. Discover Cuc Phuong National Park
6. Admire beautiful scenery at Thung Nang
7. Visit Dinh King Temple
8. Explore Trang An
9. Experience Tam Coc Bich Dong
10. Visit Mua Cave
11. Visit Van Long Nature Reserve
12. Check-in at Gia Hung Sheep Field
13. Explore An Tiem Cave, Tuyet Tinh Coc
14. Visit Non Nuoc Mountain
15. Experience Kenh Ga Hot Springs
1. Visit Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu Hoa Lu was the capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties from 968 to 1010. There are many unique historical and architectural relics here, such as temples dedicated to Kings Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Dai Hanh, Le Long Dinh, and various princesses and princes. You can visit, learn about history, culture, and the life of ancient people, as well as admire the majestic scenery of mountains and rivers around.
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Temple, located in Ninh Binh province of Vietnam, is a complex of Buddhist temples renowned for its size and beautiful architecture. It holds several records such as the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and the longest Arhat corridor in Asia. The temple is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including mountains and forests, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere. It’s a significant pilgrimage site during the Lunar New Year and a must-visit for those interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture.
3. Visit Ancient Vietnamese Village – Co Vien Lau
Co Vien Lau is an ancient Vietnamese village built in the traditional architectural style of feudal dynasties. It has old houses, village communal houses, pagodas, mirror bridges, village gates, and ancient utensils. You can participate in cultural activities such as watching water puppetry, playing folk games, or trying on traditional Ao Dai and conical hats.
4. Explore Phat Diem Stone Church
Phat Diem Stone Church is a famous religious architectural work, built from 1875 to 1899. It harmoniously combines the Gothic style of Europe and the traditional style of Vietnam. You can admire the statues, paintings, and patterns exquisitely carved on stone, as well as listen to the melodies of the large bells.
5. Discover Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first nature reserve in Vietnam, established in 1962. It covers an area of over 22,000 hectares, including many types of primary forests, diverse flora and fauna, and many cultural and historical relics. You can walk, bike, climb, or camp in the forest, visit wildlife rescue centers, or explore prehistoric caves.
6. Admire beautiful scenery at Thung Nang
Thung Nang is an ecological tourist area, located within the scenic complex of Tam Coc – Bich Dong. It has a small lake, surrounded by lush limestone mountains, and golden rice fields. You can take a boat on the lake, visit caves such as Vong Cave, But Cave, Cam Cave, or visit Bich Dong Pagoda on the mountain top.
7. Visit Dinh King Temple
Dinh King Temple is an ancient architectural work, built to commemorate King Dinh Tien Hoang – who unified the country after a period of chaos. It has many historical relics, such as the doctoral stele of Ngo Si Lien, the cultural stele of King Le Thanh Tong, or the bronze statue of King Dinh Tien Hoang. You can visit, worship, and feel the solemnity and majesty of this place.
8. Explore Trang An
Trang An is an ecological tourist area, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It has a system of caves, mountains, rivers, and cultural and historical relics. You can take a boat on the river, visit caves such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Nau Ruoi Cave, or visit temples and pagodas such as Trinh Temple, Bai Dinh Pagoda, or the ancient capital relic of Hoa Lu.
9. Experience Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is an ecological tourist area, located within the scenic complex of Trang An. Tam Coc means three caves, which are Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave, formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through the limestone mountains. Bich Dong means green cave, which is a system of pagodas built on the mountain. You can take a boat on the river, visit the caves, and visit the pagodas on the mountain.
10. Visit Mua Cave
Mua Cave is an ecological tourist area, located near the Tam Coc Bich Dong tourist area. It has a mountain about 500 m high, shaped like a zither. You can climb to the top of the mountain, visit Mua Cave, and enjoy the panoramic view of Tam Coc Bich Dong from above. This place also has a flower garden, a fish pond, and a resort.
11. Visit Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Nature Reserve is a wetland area, covering more than 3,000 hectares, located in Gia Vien district. It is home to many rare species, especially the Asian elephant, with only about 15 individuals left in the world. You can take a boat on the water, visit caves such as Ca Cave, Turtle Cave, Chieng Cave, or visit ancient villages like Me Linh Village, Van Trinh Village.
12. Check-in at Gia Hung Sheep Field
Gia Hung Sheep Field is a sheep farm, located in Gia Hung commune, Gia Vien district. It has more than 100 sheep, raised in a large grass field. You can take photos, interact, and feed the sheep, as well as enjoy dishes made from sheep meat, such as grilled sheep, steamed sheep, stewed sheep.
13. Explore An Tiem Cave, Tuyet Tinh Coc
An Tiem Cave, Tuyet Tinh Coc is an eco-tourism area, located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. It has a jade-green lake, surrounded by towering limestone mountains. You can take a boat on the lake, visit An Tiem Cave, which is related to the legend of King An Duong Vuong and his daughter My Chau. You can also visit Tuyet Tinh Coc, where there is a mountain shaped like a cup.
14. Visit Non Nuoc Mountain
Non Nuoc Mountain is a limestone mountain, located in the south of Ninh Binh city. It has many caves, pagodas, and historical relics. You can climb to the top of the mountain, visit caves like Ngoa Van Cave, Am Tien Cave, Legend Cave, or visit pagodas like Non Nuoc Pagoda, Linh Coc Pagoda, Nang Pagoda. You can also admire the panoramic view of Ninh Binh city from above.
15. Experience Kenh Ga Hot Springs
Kenh Ga Hot Springs is a resort area, located in Gia Thinh commune, Gia Vien district. It has a natural hot spring, with temperatures from 37 to 53 degrees Celsius, which has healing and beauty benefits. You can bathe in the hot water, relax, and enjoy spa services, massage, steam bath. You can also stay in luxurious rooms, with a view of the hot spring.
Ninh Binh is an unmissable destination when traveling to Vietnam. You will have exciting and meaningful experiences exploring the things to do in Ninh Binh introduced above. You will get to admire beautiful landscapes, learn about cultural heritage, enjoy delicious food, and interact with friendly locals. Ninh Binh will surely leave unforgettable impressions in your heart.