Ninh Binh short getaway Itinerary for Groups of friends and Families

11/11/2023

With individual preferences and travel styles, it can be hard to choose places for groups of friends or families with multiple generations. Planning for a trip can be a challenge or even cause conflicts. However, Ninh Binh stands out as an exception. It’s an ideal destination for families and groups of friends seeking a memorable getaway. With plenty of activities catering to shared experiences, this countryside is for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In this blog post, we provide the perfect Ninh Binh short getaway itinerary tailored for groups of friends and families. Plus, we'll share tips for families with toddlers.

Ninh Binh is on the list of the most favourable destinations in Vietnam due to its natural beauty and rich historical values. However, you may not know, that one special factor that helped Ninh Binh become popular among international tourists is it has something for all. Ninh Binh is suitable for people of all ages and preferences, from solo travellers to couples, families, and groups of friends.

Why Ninh Binh is a place for Family and Groups of Friends

Ninh Binh makes a great destination for groups of friends and families because of its diverse attractions and family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're looking for stunning scenery, historical sites, or cultural experiences, Ninh Binh has something to offer everyone.

Natural beauty

Ninh Binh is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its towering limestone mountains, lush rice paddies, and tranquil rivers. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Take a boat tour through the scenic Tam Coc River and Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of three cave temples nestled into the limestone mountains.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An, a vast network of limestone caves, grottoes, and rivers that you can explore by boat.

Thung Nham Bird Valley

This is a wetland sanctuary that is home to a variety of bird species, including storks, herons, and egrets. Visitors can take a boat tour of the valley, go birdwatching, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest national park in Vietnam and is home to a variety of plants and animals, including monkeys, langurs, and pangolins. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or camping in the park, or visit the Cuc Phuong Primate Rescue Center to learn about the endangered primates of Vietnam.

Historical sites with ancient legends/stories

Ninh Binh is also home to a number of important historical sites, including:

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visit the ruins of the ancient capital of Vietnam, which dates back to the 10th century.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the largest pagoda in Vietnam, home to over 500 statues of Buddha.

Phat Diem Cathedral

Visit the unique Phat Diem Cathedral, which combines elements of traditional Vietnamese architecture with Catholic design.

Cultural experiences

Ninh Binh is a great place to experience traditional Vietnamese culture. Visit a local market, try some of the delicious local cuisine, or take a cooking class. You can also learn about the history and culture of Ninh Binh at the Ninh Binh Museum.

Family-friendly atmosphere

Ninh Binh is a generally safe and family-friendly destination. There are a number of hotels and resorts that cater to families, and the locals are very welcoming. Besides, Ninh Binh is a relatively affordable destination, with a variety of budget-friendly accommodation and dining options. If you have small kids, you can easily reach Ninh Binh without tiredness. Last but not least, this place offers a range of activities for all ages, including boat tours, hiking, biking, and sightseeing.

Suggested Itineraries for Families with Toddlers

Ninh Binh with toddlers, why not?

You should choose a schedule with light and relaxing activities. For toddlers, it's advisable not to select an itinerary with too many destinations as it can easily lead to exhaustion. Approximately 2-3 points of interest per day would be more suitable.

1-day Itinerary in Ninh Binh for a family with small kids

Morning:

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Am Tiem Cave for panoramic view (Tuyet Tinh Coc)

Afternoon:

Take a relaxing boat trip on Trang An Landscape

See detailed itinerary: Hoa lu - Tuyet Tinh Coc- Trang An

Another option: If your family still can do hiking ( around 500 stairs) to reach the Mua Cave, see this itinerary:

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

Additionally, if you have the time, consider a 2-day, 1-night itinerary. This way, you can visit the highlights of Ninh Binh, and have ample time to relax and enjoy without feeling exhausted. Moreover, spending a night in Ninh Binh will make for a wonderful experience.

2-days Itinerary in Ninh Binh for a family with small kids

Day 1:

Hoa Lu Ancient Captial
Am Tien Cave
Sampan boat trip on Tam Coc
A bike/motorbike trip to Bich Dong Pagoda

Day 2:

Bai Dinh Pagoda
Trang An Boat Trip

See detailed itinerary: Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night: Hoa Lu - Am Tien Cave- Tam Coc- Bich Dong- Bai Dinh- Trang An

Other options:

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thung Nham National Park

Ninh Binh Overnight Tour: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bai Dinh- Trang An

Here are some travel tips for a trip to Ninh Binh for families with toddlers:

Choose accommodation that is family-friendly. Many hotels and resorts in Ninh Binh have family rooms with amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and swimming pools.
Take breaks throughout the day. Toddlers have short attention spans, so it's important to take breaks throughout the day so that they don't get too tired or cranky. Find shady spots to rest, or bring along snacks and drinks to keep them hydrated and energized.
Be prepared for the weather. Ninh Binh can be hot and humid, so be sure to dress your child in comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If you're visiting during the rainy season, bring raincoats and umbrellas.
Bring along essential items. In addition to diapers, wipes, and formula (if needed), be sure to pack a change of clothes, a first-aid kit, and any other essential items for your child.

Suggested Itineraries for Group for Friends

If you travel to Ninh Binh with a group of friends or people of similar age, let's try the unique features of Ninh Binh, such as climbing to the top of Mua Cave for stunning photos, cycling to explore local villages and ancient temples, relaxing on a boat to admire caves and crystal-clear waters, as well as enjoying activities like swimming together and witnessing the sunset to create memorable moments in a peaceful homestay.

1-day Itinerary in Ninh Binh for a group of Friends

Morning:

Visit the ancient Dinh King temple
Visit Mua Cave and climb up 500 steps on Lying Dragon Mountain

Afternoon:

A sampan boat trip on Ngo Dong River at Tam Coc
Cycle to visit the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda

See detailed itinerary: Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

Other options:

2-day Itinerary in Ninh Binh for a group of Friends

Day 1:

Dinh King temple
Mua Cave - Lying Dragon Mountain
Tam Coc by sampan boat ride
Swimming in a local bungalow

Day 2:

Bai Dinh Pagoda
Trang An boat trip

See detailed itinerary: Ninh Binh Overnight Tour: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bai Dinh- Trang An

Other options for Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night:

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thung Nham National Park

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong

Here are some travel tips for a trip to Ninh Binh with your group of friends:

Plan Ahead: Coordinate and plan the trip together, considering everyone's preferences and interests.
Decide on the duration of the trip and create a rough itinerary.
Accommodation: Choose accommodation that suits the group's needs and budget. Consider booking homestays for a more immersive experience.
Transportation: Arrange transportation in advance, especially if you plan to explore multiple destinations. If you're using public transportation, be aware of the schedules and routes.
Consider the energy levels of the group and plan accordingly.
Bring cameras and smartphones to capture the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh.
Climb viewpoints, explore caves, and capture the moments with your friends.
Remember, the key to a successful trip is good communication, flexibility, and a positive attitude.

In conclusion, with its stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, Ninh Binh is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your friends and family.

Enjoy your adventure in Ninh Binh with Aloha Vietnam Travel.