10 Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh: The Ultimate 2026 Travel Guide

Welcome to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on Land”. If you are looking for dramatic limestone karsts rising from green paddy fields, ancient temples, and epic movie sets ( Kong: Skull Island), you have come to the right place.

But with so many attractions, planning a trip here can be overwhelming. Should you visit Trang An or Tam Coc? Is climbing the 500 steps to Mua Cave worth it? And importantly, how do you get to your next destination like Cat Ba Island?

As local travel experts, we have compiled the Ultimate Guide to the Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh (Updated 2026). Let’s dive in!

1. Conquer the Mua Cave Viewpoint (Hang Mua)

If you only do one thing in Ninh Binh, make it this one. Mua Cave is not really about the cave itself, but the mountain above it. It offers the most panoramic, Instagram-famous view in Vietnam.

• The Challenge: You need to conquer nearly 500 stone steps. It’s a steep climb, but the reward is breathtaking.
• The Reward: From the top of the Lying Dragon Mountain, you get a 360-degree view of the Tam Coc valley below.
• Pro Tip: Go at sunrise (around 6:00 AM) or sunset. Mid-day heat can be brutal in the summer.

2. Trang An Boat Tour (UNESCO Heritage Site)

Trang An is the crown jewel of Ninh Binh. The landscape here is more majestic and open compared to Tam Coc. The boat tour takes you through emerald waters and dark natural caves.

Which Route should you choose? There are 3 routes, but Route 3 is the most popular for a balanced experience. It takes about 3 hours and visits:

• The longest cave (1km long).
• Ancient temples.
• The famous Kong: Skull Island film set.

3. Tam Coc – Bich Dong (“The Green Bay”)

While Trang An is majestic, Tam Coc is poetic. The boat ride here takes you down the Ngo Dong River, flanked by rice paddies.

• Best time to visit: Late May to early June (Harvest season). The rice fields turn bright yellow – a photographer’s dream.
• Unique feature: The local rowers use their feet to paddle the boats!
• Don’t miss: Rent a bicycle after the boat trip and ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple built into a mountain cliff. The entrance gate is iconic.

4. Bai Dinh Pagoda

If you love culture and architecture, Bai Dinh is a must-visit. It is the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam. You will be amazed by the corridor of 500 Arhat statues and the massive bronze Buddha statue.

Note: The complex is huge. We recommend buying a ticket for the electric car to save energy.

5. Van Long Nature Reserve

Want to escape the tourist crowds? Head to Van Long. It is the largest wetland nature reserve in Northern Vietnam. The water here is as calm as a mirror. Keep your eyes open for the Delacour’s Langur – one of the most endangered primates in the world, living on the limestone cliffs.

Essential Travel Tips for Ninh Binh

📅 How many days do you need?

We recommend spending 2 days and 1 night. This gives you enough time to see the highlights without rushing.

Suggested Itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive – Trang An Boat Tour – Mua Cave (Sunset).
• Day 2: Tam Coc Boat Ride – Bich Dong Pagoda – Take the afternoon bus to Cat Ba Island.

🏨 Where to stay?

• Tam Coc Area: Best for nightlife, restaurants, and backpacker vibes.
• Trang An Area: Quieter, closer to nature, ideal for couples and families.

Conclusion: Ready for the Next Adventure?

Ninh Binh is truly a magical destination that combines nature, history, and adventure. But the journey doesn’t end here. After conquering the mountains, it’s time to head to the sea.

Most travelers combine their Ninh Binh trip with a visit to Cat Ba Island to experience the pristine Lan Ha Bay. Make sure to book your transfer in advance to secure the best seats.

🌟 Recommended Next Steps:

1. Secure your transfer: Book High-Quality Bus from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba.
2. Plan your island adventure: Check out our exclusive Cat Ba National Park Trekking Tour (Jungle-to-Sea).