Located just 2 hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh feels like a world lost in time. It is home to the Trang An Landscape Complex, the only site in Vietnam to be honored by UNESCO as a Dual World Heritage for both its cultural and natural significance.
Imagine limestone towers rising abruptly from emerald green rice fields, connected by a network of subterranean rivers and ancient pagodas. Ninh Binh is where nature and history embrace in perfect silence.
The quintessential Ninh Binh experience is a traditional sampan boat ride, rowed by local experts (often local women who have done this for generations).
Subterranean Wonders: You will drift through a series of “water caves,” some hundreds of meters long. Duck your head as you pass under glittering stalactites that hang just inches above the water.
Kong: Skull Island Film Set: Visit the mystical landscapes that served as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters, where the raw beauty of the valley feels like a prehistoric world.
Tam Coc, meaning “Three Caves,” offers a more intimate river experience along the Ngo Dong River.
The Golden Harvest: If you visit in late May or early June, the entire valley turns into a brilliant sea of gold as the rice ripens. It is arguably the most photographed landscape in Northern Vietnam.
Bich Dong Pagoda: Often called the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in Vietnam,” this ancient cluster of three pagodas is built into the side of a mountain, surrounded by lotus ponds—a perfect spot for quiet reflection.
Don’t let the name “Cave” fool you; the real magic is at the top. Challenge yourself with a 500-step climb up a stone staircase modeled after the Great Wall of China.
The Reward: From the summit, near the iconic stone dragon, you get a 360-degree panorama of the Tam Coc valley and the winding river below. It is the ultimate spot for sunset.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: This was the first capital of an independent Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Walk through the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le to feel the weight of a thousand years of history.
Bai Dinh Pagoda: A massive complex of Buddhist spirituality holding several national records, including the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia. It’s a place of grand architecture and serene spirituality.
Ninh Binh’s cuisine is rustic, earthy, and unforgettable:
Mountain Goat (De Nui): The local specialty. Because the goats graze on the limestone cliffs, the meat is firm and flavorful, typically served “Tai Chanh” (lightly cured with lime) or grilled with sesame.
Crispy Rice (Com Chay): Savory, golden crusts of rice topped with shredded pork—the perfect snack for a day of exploring.
Jan – Mar (Festive Season): Cool weather and vibrant spring festivals. Ideal for visiting pagodas.
May – June (The Golden Season): The best time to see the yellow rice fields in Tam Coc.
Sept – Oct: Pleasant temperatures and the season of blooming water lilies on the rivers.
We specialize in connecting the dots of your Northern Vietnam adventure. Ninh Binh is the perfect bridge between the bustle of Hanoi and the serenity of the sea.
The Ninh Binh ↔ Cat Ba Connection: Don’t waste time going back to Hanoi. We provide direct, high-quality transfers that link the “Ha Long on Land” to the “Ha Long at Sea” (Cat Ba Island) in just 4.5 hours.
Curated Homestays: We handpick accommodations nestled among the karst peaks, allowing you to wake up to the sound of birds and the view of the mist over the paddies.
Expert Guides: Our guides help you skip the tourist traps and find the quietest routes through the caves.
Ninh Binh is not just a stop on the map; it’s a breath of fresh air for the soul.
[ Explore our 2-Day “Heritage & Nature” Ninh Binh Tour] [ Book Direct Transfer: Ninh Binh ↔ Cat Ba Island] [ Customize Your Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Cat Ba Itinerary]
