ninh binh tour is one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam that offers amazing limestone caves and stunning natural landscapes. It’s also home to many temples and pagodas with historic values.
The best way to explore Ninh Binh is by bicycle. Most hotels offer bikes, and there are bike rental shops throughout the city.
Tam Coc
Unlike the major tourist draws of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Halong Bay, the region of Tam Coc is untouched and undeveloped. Visitors will find a tranquil scene of rice fields and local villages, dotted with river-surrounded limestone mountains.
Tam Coc is famous for the 3 grottoes that are a symbol of the area, called Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The grottoes are formed by historical rainfalls and water flows, creating stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
The grottoes are easily accessible by bike, although you may wish to hire a driver/guide for convenience. You can also get around on foot, as many homestays are positioned in the countryside and away from the main roads. Be sure to have a Vietnamese SIM card and an online map of the country handy for navigation (we recommend downloading Google Maps). Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees in the temples inside the caves. Otherwise, you will be refused entry.
Hoa Lu
The first Capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and Le dynasty, Hoa Lu has many sanctuaries, temples and tombs to visit. It is also the place to see the famous Yen Tu mountain and the temples on it. You can go up 265 steps to King Dinh Temple and enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains in the area.
The best time to travel to Hoa Lu is in spring around April (solar calendar). This is the season when there are a lot of traditional festivals held.
Some must-try foods here are Rice crust with a crispy and yellow color dipped into a special sauce, the sweet mountain snail processed in numerous ways and the steamed goat meat. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride around Tam Coc lake which is known as Halong bay on land. It is a great way to explore the area while relaxing. You can also try to climb the 486-step stone stairs to admire the fabulous view of the lake.
Trang An
The Trang An Complex, also known as Halong on land, is a renowned landscape of the region shaped by mountains and curve streams. It is also a sacred place with many mysterious and enchanted karst caves that inspire people through ages. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour here to get a closer look at the mystical places.
The most popular way to visit Trang An is by taking a guided tour, which can be booked online or in person. These tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, with many offering lunch to keep you fueled for the day’s activities.
The best time to take a Trang An tour is from January to March when the weather is milder. However, this is also the peak season for the site, so expect to be surrounded by crowds of tourists. Alternatively, you can go on route number 2 for a longer trip that includes visits to four caves and three temples.
Mua Cave
Often overlooked by travelers, Mua Cave is a hidden gem of the Ninh Binh region. With a stunning mix of natural hues, fanciful stalactites, and emerald lakes, the cave has become an important part of local culture and heritage. It also shows visitors the value of pristine landscapes and the power of nature.
The view from the top of Hang Mua is breathtaking, and it’s worth the climb to see this hidden gem. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, plenty of water, and a camera. You can take a tour from one of the many travel agencies in Hanoi, or you can explore on your own.
The best time to visit Mua Cave is from May to July or September and October. This is when the rice fields are at their greenest and the lotus flowers are blooming around the area. The weather is warm but not stifling. There are a few places to stay near Mua Cave, including the Mua Ecolodge and Chez Beo homestay.
