What is Ninh Binh in Vietnam - Thing to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh – the land of “human spirit is depleted” was once the capital of Dai Co Viet for 42 years (from 968 to 1010) during the reign of the first three kings of the Dinh dynasty: Dinh Tien Hoang, Dinh Phe De and Le Dai Hanh.

Say it here in the Red River Delta region, located in the north of Vietnam, famous for its majestic natural beauty, with limestone mountains, lakes and endless rice fields!

Geographical location of Ninh Binh

Located about 90 km south of Hanoi with an area of 1.392,3 km², Ninh Binh has 1 side bordering the sea and the remaining 3 sides bordering other provinces:

• North: Bordering Ha Nam province, you can move to Tam Chuc, Phat Tich Pagoda,…
• East: Bordering Nam Dinh province, you can move to Hai Hau, Con Noi,…
• Southern: Bordering the East Sea, you can move to Kim Son, Quat Lam,…
• West: Bordering Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces, you can move to Cuc Phuong National Park, Thung Nham, Pu Luong,…

Ninh Binh province There are 8 district-level administrative units, including 2 cities and 6 districts:

1. Ninh Binh City:

• Area: 48.33 km²
• Population: 282,344 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 10 wards and 5 communes

2. Tam Diep City:

• Area: 14.05 km²
• Population: 151,087 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 6 wards and 2 communes

3. Gia Vien district:

• Area: 241.8 km²
• Population: 237,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 2 towns and 23 communes

4. Nho Quan District:

• Area: 547.4 km²
• Population: 123,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 1 town and 21 communes

5. Kim Son district:

• Area: 147.7 km²
• Population: 220,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 1 town and 17 communes

6. Yen Mo District:

• Area: 116.7 km²
• Population: 123,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 1 town and 15 communes

7. Hoa Lu District:

• Area: 110.6 km²
• Population: 107,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 1 town and 10 communes

8. Yen Khanh District:

• Area: 207.3 km²
• Population: 144,000 people (2022)
• Administrative division: 1 town and 15 communes

History of formation of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has diverse terrain, including:

• Limestone mountains: Limestone mountains occupy most of the area of ​​Ninh Binh, concentrated in Hoa Lu, Tam Diep, Nho Quan, Yen Mo districts. Limestone mountains in Ninh Binh were formed from the Devonian to Triassic periods, undergoing complex tectonic processes that have created majestic and magnificent landscapes.
• Delta: The coastal plain is located in the East of Ninh Binh, including Kim Son and Yen Khanh districts. The delta was formed by the accretion of the Day River and Hoang Long River.
• Low mountainous area: Low mountainous area located in the west of Ninh Binh, including Gia Vien and Binh Luc districts. Low mountainous areas were formed due to the erosion of rivers.

The land of Ninh Binh has had traces of the residence of ancient Vietnamese people since prehistoric times. In which, at the archaeological site of Cu Van (Gia Vien), archaeological experts have discovered many relics of ancient Vietnamese people of the Dong Son culture.

Having gone through many stages of development both geologically and socio-culturally, today, Ninh Binh is known as one of the most tourist attractions in Vietnam because of its advantages in scenic spots. Natural landscapes.

Moreover, many tourist destinations in Ninh Binh also have the beauty of a combination of scenery, history and religion, helping to create unmissable destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and culture in Ninh Binh

Famous landscapes in Ninh Binh

Referring to Vietnam tourism, it is impossible not to mention Ninh Binh tourism with countless beautiful scenes of nature and people combined with very unique historical and religious beauties that are found nowhere else. Coming to Ninh Binh, immediately make a list of tourist destinations that cannot be missed below!

Trang An scenic complex

Trang An scenic complex is one of the famous tourist destinations and is recognized by UNESCOWorld Cultural and Natural Heritage in Vietnam. Located in the east of Ninh Binh city, Trang An complex includes a rich system of caves, lakes, and canyons, creating a beautiful and majestic natural scene.

• Majestic cave system: Trang An has more than 30 different caves, each cave has its own name and has its own unique beauty. These caves were created over millions of years by the process of flowing water and eroding limestone. Some famous caves include Diep Cave, Sang Cave, Nui Cave and Ca Cave.
• The vast, clear blue water of some famous lakes such as Diep Lake, Dai Lake, and Vang Lake reflects the scenery of the surrounding trees and mountains, creating a picture of Son Thuy Huu Tinh in Trang An.

Current ticket prices to visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (as of April 2024) are as follows:

• Adults: 250,000 VND/person
• Children from 1m to 1.3m tall: 120,000 VND/person
• Children under 1m tall: Free ticket

Ticket price includes:

• Boat tour tickets
• Tickets to visit monuments in the area

In addition, you can also choose other services such as:

• Hire a tour guide: 300,000 VND/tour
• Kayak rental: 250,000 VND/boat/2 hours

To visit the Trang An scenic complex, the most popular means of transport is to take a boat down the rivers, which will take you to experience all the unique beautiful scenes in Trang An!

Bai Dinh pagoda complex

Bai Dinh pagoda complex is not only one of the important spiritual attractions in Vietnam but is also known as “the largest temple in Southeast Asia” with many records established.

With a large area and solid architecture. The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex includes many works such as temples, Buddha statues, towers, and other architectural items imbued with traditional Vietnamese architectural styles.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous for the largest Buddha statue in Vietnam – the Maitreya Buddha statue of Bai Dinh is about 100 meters high, the statue is carved from limestone and is an important spiritual symbol of the pagoda complex.

Besides religious architecture, Bai Dinh pagoda complex is also known as a scenic area with majestic natural scenery – a unique and harmonious combination of nature and man-made structures. This will be an ideal “spiritual tourism” destination for those who are looking for a trip to help soothe and calm the soul!

Ticket price to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex Currently as follows:

1. Tram tickets:

• Adult: 60,000 VND/person/round trip
• Children from 1m to 1.3m tall: 30,000 VND/person/round trip
• Children under 1m tall: Free of charge

2. Tickets to visit the Stupa:

• Adult: 50,000 VND/person
• Children: 25,000 VND/person

3. Tickets to visit the tram and Stupa:

• Adult: 100,000 VND/person
• Children: 50,000 VND/person

4. Tickets to visit the tram, Stupa and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital area:

• Adult: 250,000 VND/person
• Children: 150,000 VND/person

In addition, you can also choose other convenient services such as:

• Hire a tour guide: 300,000 VND/tour
• Bicycle rental: 50,000 VND/bike/day

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park or Cuc Phuong National Forest is one of the most famous and important natural tourist destinations in Vietnam.

• 1994: Cuc Phuong National Park is recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
• Year 2000: Cuc Phuong National Park is recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an ASEAN National Park.
• 2010: Cuc Phuong National Park was awarded the First Class Labor Medal by the Prime Minister of Vietnam.
• 2018: Cuc Phuong National Park was voted Asia’s Leading National Park by World Travel Awards (WTA).

Located at Cuc Phuong district, Ninh Binh province, about 45 km southwest of Ninh Binh city. With its location near Ninh Binh tourist center, the national park attracts thousands of tourists each year biodiversity with more than 2,000 plant species including ancient trees and rare species; More than 300 bird species and 200 other animal species. This is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to explore a diverse ecosystem.

Not only diverse in flora and fauna,Cuc Phuong is also famous for its unique natural caves, such as Dau Go Cave, Van Son Cave, and Tien Cave, which have beautiful landscapes and are also hiding places for many rare animal species.

In addition, Cuc Phuong forest It is also a center for research and nature conservation on environmental ecology and rare and endangered flora and fauna, playing an important role in protecting and maintaining the region’s precious ecosystem.

Ticket prices to visit Cuc Phuong Forest 2024 are specified as follows:

• Adult: 60,000 VND/person
• Student: 20,000 VND/person (with student ID card)
• Children: 10,000 VND/person (From 6 to under 12 years old)
• Free of charge: Children under 6 years old

The above ticket price will include the following services:

• National forest entrance fee.
• Travel insurance fee.

If you want to visit the ecological location Inside Cuc Phuong forest, you will have to buy separate tickets to enter each point

• See more: Cuc Phuong Jungle – travel guide from A-Z

Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Is Tam Coc – Bich Dong beautiful? Try to come here once and enjoy majestic and magnificent natural landscape with mysterious caves, towering limestone mountains and the poetic Ngo Dong river.

NLocated in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, about 7 km southwest of Ninh Binh city. This is one of the most popular and loved tourist destinations in the area.

However, consider choosing to travel to Tam Coc – Bich Dong during the ripe rice season, from May to June or from September to October, when the rice fields begin to turn bright golden yellow. On light boats floating between banks of ripe rice will definitely be a memorable feeling like no other.

Tickets to visit Tam Coc:

• Adults: 120,000 VND/person
• Children from 1m to 1.3m tall: 60,000 VND/person
• Children under 1m tall: Free

Tickets to visit Bich Dong:

• Adults: 20,000 VND/person
• Children from 1m to 1.3m tall: 10,000 VND/person
• Children under 1m tall: Free

Tickets to visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong (combo package):

• Adults: 140,000 VND/person
• Children from 1m to 1.3m tall: 70,000 VND/person
• Children under 1m tall: Free

Ticket price includes:

• Boat tour tickets
• Tickets to visit monuments in the area

In addition, at Tam Coc Bich Dong there are also additional convenient services that you can choose such as:

• Bicycle rental: 50,000 VND/bike/day
• Motorbike rental: 150,000 VND/motorbike/day
• Hire a tour guide: 300,000 VND/tour

Hoa Lu ancient capital

Cabout 100 km south of the capital Hanoi – Hoa Lu ancient capital Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, creating a magnificent natural scenery. This place also preserves many important historical and cultural relics such as:

• Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
• Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
• Temple of two princesses
• Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang
• Tomb of King Le Dai Hanh

• Non Nuoc Pagoda
• Thien Ha Cave

Hoa Lu ancient capital is an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists and is also a testament to the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.

Ticket price to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in 2024:

• Adult: 20,000 VND/person
• Children, students, the elderly: 10,000 VND/person

Other convenient services:

• Bicycle rental: 50,000 VND/bike/day
• Motorbike rental: 150,000 VND/motorbike/day
• Hire a tour guide: 300,000 VND/tour

Mua Cave Ecological Area

Mua Cave is a beautiful cave located on the slopes of Mua Mountain. To reach Mua Cave, visitors must climb hundreds of steps out of a total of 486 mysterious stone steps stretching to the top of Mua Mountain. From the top of Mua Mountain, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Coc – Bich Dong and the romantic Ngo Dong river.

Ticket prices to visit Mua Cave in 2024 are updated as follows:

• Ticket price for adults and children over 1m: 100,000 VND/person/turn
• Ticket price for children under 1m: Free
• There is an additional electric car rental service to move from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain (ticket price 150,000 VND/person/trip)

Tourists often choose to travel to Mua Cave in late spring because the weather is mild, with little rain, so it is easy to participate in outdoor sightseeing activities such as taking a boat along Ngo Dong River, conquering the highest peak of Mua Mountain. Go for a ride or ride a bike around to admire the scenery.

At the same time, spring is also the season when hundreds of flowers bloom – one of the unique natural advantages at Mua Cave ecological area.

See more:Everything about the Mua cave in Ninh Binh

Tuyet Tinh Coc ecological area

Tuyet Tinh Coc ecological area Located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This place is known as “Ha Long on land” with majestic, wild and poetic natural landscape.

Located in the middle of the Tuyet Tinh Coc ecological area is Tuyet Tinh Lake with an average depth of about 20-30m. The lake is about 2 hectares wide with the water. It’s so clear that you can see schools of fish swimming around. Surrounding the lake are rows of green trees whispering in the wind, creating an extremely peaceful and poetic scene.

In 2024,Sightseeing ticket prices in the Tuyet Tinh Coc ecological area were adjusted to increase from 20,000 VND to 50,000 VND.

In addition, you can also rent bicycles or cyclos to get around the area at the following prices:

• Single bicycle: 50,000 VND
• Double bicycle: 100,000 VND
• Cyclo: 50,000 VND

See more: Everything you need to know when traveling to Tuyet Tinh Coc

Ninh Binh travel guide from A-Z

As a bright choice for trips with nature lovers, Ninh Binh tourism welcomes thousands of visitors each year, but not everyone can enjoy all the beauty and enjoyment. Complete culinary culture of Ninh Binh.

Join Bookingtourvietnam to discover all the beauty of Ninh Binh with the book “Ninh Binh travel guide from A-Z below (reveal: click on each chapter to see detailed instructions!)

• Chapter 1: How to transfer to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, Sapa or anywhere else? What is the fastest, cheapest and most convenient way?
• Chapter 2: Where should stay when travel to Ninh Binh? Do you like cheap, luxurious or close to nature?
• Chapter 3: The cuisine in Ninh Binh – the good restaurant – the best food
• Chapter 4: Weather in Ninh Binh – what is the best time to travel to Ninh Binh?
• Chapter 5: What’s new in Ninh Binh tourism in 2024?

In particular, if you are looking for a simple, economical and professional choice – encapsulating all Ninh Binh travel experiences in each experience, refer now to:

• Ninh Binh full-day tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
• Ninhbinh 3Days 2Nights – Trang An, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh Pagoda

See you again in Ninh Binh and wish you the best experiences with this land full of cultural identity – beautiful nature!