Off the Beaten Path in Ninh Binh: Lesser-Known Scenic Spots

Beyond the well-known sites like Trang An and Tam Coc, Ninh Binh hides secret trails, remote villages, and untouched natural beauty waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for a more peaceful and authentic experience, here are some of the best lesser-known scenic spots in Ninh Binh. 

Thung Nham Valley: A Hidden Paradise

While many tourists visit Tam Coc, few venture to nearby Thung Nham Valley, a peaceful eco-tourism area with lush forests, serene lakes, and diverse bird species, you can take a boat ride through the Bird Park, explore the mysterious caves, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere far from the crowds.

Thung Nham Bird Park, located about 12 km west of Ninh Binh City and 100 km south of Hanoi, is a stunning ecotourism site within the Trang An landscape complex. It is home to a vast bird garden with around 50,000 birds from 40 species, including rare ones on Vietnam's red list. The best time to visit is at sunrise or around 5:00 PM, when birds return to their nests, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The park also features scenic limestone mountains reflecting on the water and three fascinating caves: But Cave, with Buddha-shaped rock formations and an underground lake; Vai Gioi Cave, accessible via 400 stone steps and divided into three sections—World, Paradise, and Hell; and Tien Ca (Mermaid) Cave, known for its underground river and well. 

Thung Nham Bird Garden in Ninh Binh: Top Highlights and Travel Guide

Hang Mua’s Secret Viewpoints

Hang Mua is popular for its panoramic viewpoint, but most visitors stop at the main peak. For a truly unique experience, take the less-traveled trails around the area, leading to hidden rock formations and alternative viewpoints with equally stunning landscapes, without the crowds.

Hang Mua Ninh Binh: Tour It Right and Stay on Budget

Khe Coc: A Remote Cultural Gem

Nestled deep within the Trang An heritage area, Khe Coc remains one of Ninh Binh’s best-kept secrets. This remote village offers a glimpse into local life, surrounded by untouched nature. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking cultural immersion and peaceful countryside landscapes.

Khe Coc in Ninh Binh, once a filming site for Kong: Skull Island, is now a captivating cultural and natural destination. Khe Coc Island vividly recreates prehistoric life, showcasing ancient activities like cooking, hunting, and gathering through lifelike mannequins and artifacts. Visitors can rent prehistoric costumes, take photos, and engage with interactive displays, making for an immersive cultural experience. Beyond its artistic appeal, Khe Coc Island highlights early human innovations in Trang An, illustrating how ancient civilizations adapted to their environment and contributed to human progress.

Khe Coc, Ninh Binh: A Unique Cultural Space in Trang An Heritage

Dong Thai Lake: A Serene Escape

Far from the usual tourist routes, Dong Thai Lake is a pristine body of water surrounded by rolling hills and quiet rural life. This hidden gem is perfect for cycling, picnicking, or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of Ninh Binh’s countryside.

Peaceful Boat Trips on Kenh Ga

If you love boat rides but want to escape the busy Trang An and Tam Coc routes, Kenh Ga Floating Village is the perfect alternative. Kenh Ga is a unique floating village where life revolves around the river. 

It is famous for Kenh Ga Hot Spring, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural mineral springs. The water maintains a stable temperature of around 53°C and is rich in minerals that are beneficial for health.

Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as soaking in the hot spring, taking a boat tour along the Hoang Long River to admire the floating village, and exploring the peaceful rural lifestyle of the locals. Food lovers can savor Ninh Binh specialties like mountain goat, crispy rice, and raw fish salad. The destination is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer or the rice harvest season. 

The Secret Trails of Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is well-known, but few visitors explore its hidden trails. Venture beyond the main tourist spots to discover ancient trees, hidden waterfalls, and diverse wildlife along the park’s lesser-known hiking paths.

Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park, is located in Ninh Binh, about 130 km southwest of Hanoi. Established in 1962, it spans 22,200 hectares and is home to diverse plant and animal species. The park lies between the Truong Son Mountain Range and the Red River Delta, making it a key ecological area. It also has historical significance, with prehistoric human remains dating back 7,000-12,000 years found in its caves. Visitors can enjoy trekking, hiking, wildlife watching, and cave exploration. The park also features a Primate Rescue Center, a botanical garden, and overnight camping spots.

Cuc Phuong National Park: Highlights, Detailed Guide And Suggested Itinerary

Chau Son Monastery

Chau Son Monastery was established in 1936 by Cistercian priests. Its construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1945. Surrounded by lush nature, the monastery is often compared to a "paradise garden," offering visitors a tranquil retreat with breathtaking scenery and spiritual serenity.

The monastery is renowned for its unique architecture, blending European Gothic style with traditional Asian elements. Built entirely of unplastered red bricks, Chau Son Monastery features towering arches, thick walls, and stained-glass windows, creating a solemn yet elegant atmosphere. The vast, tree-lined grounds provide a peaceful and serene environment. The main church is the most striking structure, showcasing intricate Gothic details. Other highlights include an artificial stone garden, an ancient well, and beautifully sculpted grottoes.

Discover Khe Coc Island & Chau Son Monastery: Ninh Binh's New Attractions

Ninh Binh has so much more to offer beyond its famous landmarks. By stepping off the beaten path, you’ll uncover hidden gems, experience local culture, and find peaceful escapes in nature. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, or boat trips, these lesser-known scenic spots will make your Ninh Binh adventure truly unforgettable.

Check our daily tour to Ninh Binh:

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thung Nham National Park

Ninh Binh 2 Day 1 Night Tour: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong