Things to Do in Ninh Binh
10 activities and experiences for backpackers.
Culture
Explore Hoa Lu
Explore Hoa Lu — the 10th-century capital of Vietnam with two ancient temples
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda — Southeast Asia's largest pagoda complex (free entry)
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park — Vietnam's oldest national park (primates, caves, ancient trees)
Food & Drink
Try goat meat
Try goat meat — the local specialty of Ninh Binh
Nature
Climb Mua Cave
Climb Mua Cave (Hang Mua) — 500 steps to a dragon-topped viewpoint overlooking the entire valley (~$3 entry)
Tours
Cycle through the rice paddies around Tam Coc
Cycle through the rice paddies around Tam Coc — arguably the best cycling in Vietnam
Rent a motorbike and ride to Thung Nham Bird Garden
Rent a motorbike and ride to Thung Nham Bird Garden
Watch the golden rice harvest
Watch the golden rice harvest (late May–June and September–October) — the paddies turn stunning gold
Water Sports
Boat ride through Tam Coc
Boat ride through Tam Coc ("Three Caves") — a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and cave tunnels (~$3–5 for the boat)
Trang An boat tour
Trang An boat tour — a larger complex with more caves and routes, UNESCO listed (~$6–8)