Things to Do

1. Cruise on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc. The best sceneries in Ninh Binh can only be accessed by boat. Your own boatman will paddle you and stop at temples and glide underneath grottoes along the way. Buy Here.

2. Temple trekking at Bich Dong Pagoda. Bich Dong Pagoda's ornate gate is one of the most iconic sight in Ninh Binh. Follow the stairs up and around the mountain for stunning views. Remember there is a dress code that you need to cover up your shoulders and knees.

3. Visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. There are thousand of Buddha statues, elaborately carved bells and 13-storey watchtower that offers you sweeping views of the countryside. 

4. Mua Cave Viewpoint. The favourite tourist attraction in Ninh Binh. You will really spend a lot of time and energy to reach the top of the limestone mountain, but it will definitely worth it. What awaits you up there are the breathtaking and photographable view and sweeping view of Tam Coc. Tam Coc is one of the filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.

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Accommodation

Definitely not a place for luxury. Mostly are locally-owned backpacker hostels, hotels and boutique hotels. There are still many decent hotels in the town as there are many expatriates and business people especially Korean companies that have many factories built in Ninh Binh. 

Recommended Length of Trip 

2-3 nights will be ideal and sufficient. You can finish the must-do in Ninh Binh within two days so 3D2N is really enough for Ninh Binh trip, unless you want to spend more time to relax or do more outdoor activities in the city.

Transport

It is easier to go from and back to Hanoi. There are six trains daily connecting Ninh BInh city and Hanoi at very affordable price. Buy here. Travelling by train is easy and convenient. You may opt to go by bus and it will cost around 100k - 160k per person. The journey is about 1.5 - 3 hours depending on the traffic. But the bad thing is the driver will always only set off after he tried to fill up the bus with passengers. Remember to confirm with the driver that it is going the Ninh Binh city. If you have enough budget, a taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh will cost 60-100 USD one way. You can organise this through your accommodations in either city. Within the city itself, you may rent a bicycle or motorbike to wander around, or you can just get a taxi if you are not going to too many different places.

Best Time to Travel

February, March, November, December are the best months to visit Ninh Binh where weather is good with pleasant average temperature. The wet season takes place in May, June, July, August, September, October.