Rainy Day Activities in Ninh Binh: What to do in Ninh Binh when it rains?

13/10/2025

Visiting Ninh Binh during the rainy season? Explore the best rainy day activities, indoor attractions, scenic spots, cultural sites, and travel tips to enjoy Ninh Binh in the rain.

Ninh Binh is worth trying even when it rains

One of the most important things to consider when travelling in Vietnam is the weather. The weather is different between the North, the Centre and the South of Vietnam. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast before you arrive for good preparation.

Is It Worth Going to Ninh Binh in the Rain?

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an idea place for inside activities in the rain

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an ideal place for indoor activities in the rain

Yes. it’s definitely worth visiting Ninh Binh in the rain. The light drizzle often makes the scenery look calm and dreamy, with mist floating over the limestone mountains and quiet rivers. The rain also makes everything greener and fresher, giving the whole area a peaceful charm.

The weather in northern Vietnam is usually quite similar from place to place. So if it’s raining in Ninh Binh, it’s likely raining in Hanoi or Halong Bay too. Instead of skipping your trip, Ninh Binh can actually be one of the best choices to enjoy nature in the rainy season.

The roads to Ninh Binh are safe to travel on, even in wet weather. You can still enjoy plenty of things to do in Ninh Binh in the rain — visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, take a Trang An boat trip in light rain, or relax in a cozy café watching the fog drift over the mountains.

While heavy rain might limit some outdoor activities like hiking to Mua Cave, most attractions remain open and enjoyable. Boat tours in Trang An or Tam Coc can still operate in mild rain, offering a unique way to experience the calm river landscapes under soft raindrops. Plus, fewer tourists visit during rainy days, so you can explore famous spots more quietly and take photos without the crowds.

Overview of the weather in Ninh Binh

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Ninh Binh weather changes by season

Ninh Binh is located in the north of Vietnam, where the weather is quite similar to Hanoi, the capital city. The province has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is during spring (March–April) and autumn (September–November) when the weather is mild, cool, and less humid.

Average Rainfall by Month in Ninh Binh:

January – March: 20–60 mm (cool and mostly dry)
April – June: 100–200 mm (rain starts increasing)
July – September: 250–350 mm (peak of rainy season)
October: 150–200 mm (gradually decreasing)
November – December: 30–80 mm (dry and pleasant)

The rainy season in Ninh Binh usually lasts from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall between July and September. During these months, rain can appear on 15–20 days per month, and the average monthly rainfall reaches around 250–300 mm. July and August are typically the wettest months, sometimes with short, heavy showers in the afternoon.

In contrast, the dry season from November to April sees much less rain — often fewer than 5–7 rainy days per month — and cooler temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C. Even though there may still be occasional light rain in winter, most days remain clear and suitable for travel.

Top 5 Activities for a Rainy Day in Ninh Binh

What to do in Ninh Binh when it's raining? See the top 5 things to do below:

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda - a great place during heavy rain.

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What to do in Ninh Binh when raining? Don't miss Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda on a Rainy Day - why not?

Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh is a large complex of Buddhist temples and shrines located in the peaceful countryside. It features both indoor and outdoor sections, making it one of the best Ninh Binh attractions on rainy days. Even when it rains heavily, there are still plenty of things to do in Ninh Binh in the rain, especially at Bai Dinh.

The pagoda has a long roof system and spacious covered corridors, so you can walk comfortably without getting wet. Inside the complex, there are many grand halls and large temples to explore — such as the Main Buddha Hall, the Three-Storey Tower, and the Hall of Arhats with hundreds of detailed stone statues.

Getting around is also easy, as electric cars are available to take visitors between sites, helping you save time and stay dry. Rainy days are actually a great time to admire the unique Vietnamese–Buddhist architecture, the peaceful golden light of the halls, and the calm spiritual atmosphere that makes Bai Dinh Pagoda so special.

Relax at a Local Spa in Tam Coc

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Spa is the best choice for a rainy day

If you find things to do indoors in Ninh Binh, why not find a local spa? Rainy days are the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. Many hotels and resorts in Ninh Binh offer spa services where you can enjoy massages, hot baths, and other treatment methods. A spa day is a fantastic way to unwind and forget about the weather outside.

See the 7 best Spa in Ninh Binh:

Huong Sen Ninh Binh Massage & Spa
Mai Spa
Shila Spa
Garden Spa Tam Coc
Tam Coc Lotus Spa
Massage Dr. Achi
The Reed Hotel Spa

Ultimate Guide to Massage in Ninh Binh: Top Spots, Prices, and Essential Tips

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital With Rain

The famous gate of Hoa Lu ancient capital - Happy guests - Happy journey

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is one of the most famous historical sites in Ninh Binh, and it remains a pleasant stop even on rainy days. Although there are no large pagodas or long corridors, the ancient temples here sit peacefully at the foot of limestone mountains and are surrounded by many green trees that offer natural shelter from the rain.

It’s easy to move around the area even when the ground is wet. You can comfortably visit the two main temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, both known for their quiet beauty and traditional Vietnamese architecture. The sound of rain falling on the tiled roofs and the misty backdrop of the karst mountains make the place feel especially peaceful.

For travellers looking for things to do in Ninh Binh in the rain, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a great choice. It’s close to Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave) - another beautiful spot that looks magical in light rain, with mist rising over the lake and mountains.

Relax at Cosy Homestays and Resorts in Tam Coc or Trang An

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Tam Coc and Trang An offer plenty of cosy homestays and hotels with great swimming pools

Tam Coc and Trang An offer plenty of cosy homestays and charming resorts, many of which come with beautiful swimming pools and lush garden views. If you encounter heavy rain or a long rainy period, staying at one of these places can be a wonderful experience.

Most Ninh Binh homestays and resorts are built close to popular attractions, often designed in a traditional Vietnamese countryside style surrounded by nature. The atmosphere is peaceful and refreshing — perfect for relaxing, reading a book, or enjoying a hot drink while listening to the rain.

Once the weather clears, it’s easy to reach nearby Ninh Binh attractions such as Tam Coc boat pier, Trang An, or Bich Dong Pagoda within just a few minutes. Spending a rainy day here is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh in the rain, as it allows you to enjoy the area’s calm beauty at a slower pace.

Enjoy local food and drinks - Ninh Binh Local Tastes

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A meal on a riverbank is one of the most peaceful things to do in Ninh Binh

Rainy days are the perfect time to slow down and enjoy Ninh Binh's local food. Sitting in a small restaurant or café while listening to the rain can be one of the most relaxing things to do in Ninh Binh in the rain. The province is famous for its warm, flavorful dishes that bring comfort on a cool, wet day.

You can try com chay (crispy rice) - Ninh Binh’s signature dish served with savoury goat meat or tofu in sauce. Another must-try is mountain goat meat, cooked in different styles such as steamed, grilled, or stir-fried with lemongrass. For something lighter, enjoy a bowl of vermicelli with goat or eel - a popular local comfort food.

Don’t forget to try local herbal tea or Vietnamese coffee at a cosy café in Tam Coc or Trang An, where you can sit under a roof and watch the rain fall over the karst mountains.

Top 5 Ninh Binh Outdoor Activities In The Rain

When visiting Ninh Binh on a rainy day, you can still enjoy a variety of outdoor activities that make the most of the unique weather conditions. Here are the top five outdoor activities you can do in Ninh Binh when it's raining:

Trang An Boat Tour Ninh Binh

The Trang An boat tour is still open if there is no heavy rain

Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning karst landscapes and waterways. Rain can add to the beauty of this place. Taking a boat tour through the caves and along the waterways of Trang An is a great rainy-day activity, as you'll be sheltered from the rain while still experiencing the breathtaking scenery. Remember to prepare an umbrella or a raincoat.

Which Trang An Boat Tour Route Is Best for First-Time Visitors?

Cave Exploration in Tam Coc

Tam Coc is not only famous for its caves but also for its rice fields

Tam Coc is another picturesque area in Ninh Binh with limestone karsts and caves. You can explore 3 caves and see rice fields in the little rain.

First Time in Tam Coc? A Complete Boat Tour Guide with Tips & Hidden Highlights

Mua Cave View Point

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From Mua Mountain, you have several peaks for panoramic views of Tam Coc

The Mua Cave offers panoramic views of the Tam Coc area. Although the climb to the top might be slippery in the rain, the view from the peak can be incredibly dramatic on a rainy day, with the mist and clouds adding to the mystique of the landscape.

Mua Cave Ninh Binh: A Complete Guide for a Day Trip from Hanoi

Biking in the Rain

Cycling from Tam Coc Boat Station to Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most favourite biking routes

If you're feeling adventurous and don't mind getting a bit wet, you can rent a bicycle and explore the scenic countryside of Ninh Binh. Riding through the rice paddies and rural areas in the rain can be a unique and refreshing experience.

Ninh Binh travel tips for rainy days

On sunny or rainy days, a happy guide makes the trip memorable.

Here are some tips for visiting Ninh Binh during the rainy season:

Be cautious when walking on wet and potentially slippery surfaces.
Use handrails when available, and take your time to avoid accidents.
Having an umbrella can also be handy for short walks between attractions.
Pack a waterproof jacket and rain boots.
Be prepared for some delays. Roads and transportation may be affected by the rain.
Be flexible with your plans. The weather may change unexpectedly, so be prepared to change your itinerary if necessary.

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So don't be scared of the rain - Let us make your perfect trip

Suggested itineraries for a Ninh Binh Tour

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi (best seller)

Despite the rain, Ninh Binh is still a beautiful place to visit. With its stunning scenery and rich history, you are sure to have a memorable time, even on a rainy day.

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