Top 6 Things To Do For The Best Tour To Ninh Binh

If you dream of peaceful landscapes, dramatic limestone cliffs, and ancient culture, Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is your perfect destination. Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is a top getaway for nature lovers, history fans, and curious travellers alike. But how do you make the most of your time here?

This guide shows you the top 6 things you should do for a Ninh Binh best tour. Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or staying for a few nights, these activities will help you experience the true beauty and charm of this magical place.

Join a Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Tour

No best tour to Ninh Binh is complete without a boat ride through Trang An Landscape Complex — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll sit on a traditional sampan rowed by a local as you float through a maze of riverways, limestone cliffs, and hidden caves.

Each route takes you through multiple caves such as Dai Cave, Dot Cave or Nau Ruou Cave. Along the way, you’ll also see ancient temples like Trinh Temple and Tran Temple, located peacefully among the mountains.

If you're looking for a shorter but equally scenic alternative, Tam Coc Boat Tour is another top pick for the best tour to Ninh Binh. Tam Coc offers a peaceful boat ride through three famous caves — Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba — surrounded by towering karst mountains and lush rice paddies. 

What makes Tam Coc unique is the chance to see rural life up close. As you glide along the Ngo Dong River, you’ll pass by local farmers working in the fields, flocks of ducks swimming near the banks, and breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons. The best time to visit is in late May to early June, when the rice fields turn golden and reflect beautifully on the water.

Trang An or Tam Coc boat trip is a must-do activity because of the unforgettable views, peaceful and relaxing moments, cultural value and affordable price. You will capture thousands of amazing photos here. 

All About Boat Tour in Ninh Binh: Tam Coc vs Trang An Boat Tour?

Visit Hang Mua (Mua Cave)

If you’re up for a bit of a workout with a huge reward, don’t skip the Hang Mua viewpoint. After climbing around 500 stone steps, you’ll reach the top where a majestic dragon statue watches over Tam Coc valley. The panoramic view from here is one of the most iconic scenes in Vietnam.

From above, you can see the Ngo Dong River winding through rice fields and karst formations — especially stunning during harvest season (May to early June).

Why it’s a must-do:

• Best panoramic view in Ninh Binh
• Great photo opportunity
• A physical challenge with a big reward
• A large lotus pond and waterfall to discover

You should bring water, wear good shoes, and avoid the midday sun.

Mua Cave Ninh Binh: A Complete Guide for a day trip from Hanoi 

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

To explore the roots of Vietnamese history, head to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the country’s royal capital in the 10th and 11th centuries. Though most original structures are gone, two well-preserved temples honour King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

Surrounded by green hills and a peaceful river, this quiet site offers a peaceful look at Vietnam’s early dynasties and their contributions to the country's identity. When exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you have a chance to learn about the historical and cultural value, admire beautiful temple architecture and fun facts of Vietnamese elements, each of the items ínide the temple symbolising special meanings. It is advisable to hire a local English-speaking guide for better historical understanding.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - A Must-Visit Place in Ninh Binh: Detailed Guide and Itinerary

Cycle Through the Rice Fields of Tam Coc

Nothing beats the freedom of riding a bicycle through Ninh Binh’s countryside. Tam Coc is especially perfect for this, offering flat, quiet roads surrounded by green (or golden) rice fields, limestone cliffs, and charming local homes. 

You can rent a bicycle in Tam Coc town and explore on your own or join a guided tour that includes stops at hidden temples and small villages. It helps you get close to local life. This activity is suitable for all ages and physical levels. 

Cycling Tours in Ninh Binh: Guide for All Levels

Discover Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam. Spanning 700 hectares, it features hundreds of statues (including a 10-meter bronze Buddha), long rows of carved stone Arhats, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. 

It’s a place of spiritual peace and architectural wonder, whether you’re Buddhist or just curious. Remember to wear comfortable shoes cause there’s a lot of walking. Also, dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered).

Things To Do In Bai Dinh Pagoda: Highlights, Price, Time and Activities

Enjoy Local Cuisine in a Family-Run Homestay

Food is an essential part of any tour, and Ninh Binh specialities are both unique and delicious. Some must-try dishes include:

• Goat meat with lemongrass (thịt dê)
• Crispy rice (cơm cháy)
• Eel noodles (miến lươn)
• Mountain snails (ốc núi)

The best way to try them? Have a meal at a local homestay or countryside restaurant where everything is fresh, homemade, and full of flavour. The local people are warm and hospitable, they will serve you the best authentic taste of Ninh Binh. You can let your tour operator know if you want a cooking class or a local meal included in your itinerary. 

Guide for Ninh Binh's Local Cuisine: what and where for local food 

When & How to Plan the Best Tour to Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor activities like boat rides, hiking, and cycling. For stunning scenery, plan your trip around late May to early June, when the rice fields in Tam Coc and Trang An turn golden and create breathtaking views.

To plan the best tour to Ninh Binh, consider booking a guided day tour from Hanoi or staying overnight for a more relaxed itinerary. Aloha Vietnam Travel also offer full-day or 2-day packages that include transportation, entrance fees, meals, and knowledgeable guides. 

Whether you prefer a private tour or a small group experience, make sure your itinerary includes highlights like Trang An or Tam Coc boat rides, Mua Cave, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. Early booking is recommended during holidays or the rice season, as these are the most popular times for both local and international tourists.

If you plan a tour by yourself, stay in Tam Coc or Trang An for great access to attractions and stunning natural surroundings.

Let us help you plan the perfect Ninh Binh itinerary.

Ninh Binh Day Trips from Hanoi

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave- Trang An 

Ninh Binh overnight tours with local stays

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

Ninh Binh is a destination that truly has it all: rivers, caves, temples, history, and food. By including these 6 must-do experiences, you can be sure your trip will be unforgettable. From the peaceful boat rides of Trang An to the grand views at Hang Mua, every moment in Ninh Binh connects you with nature and culture. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an adventurous journey, this travel gem in Northern Vietnam will never disappoint.

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