Don’t skip Ninh Binh, it is one of the best places in Vietnam

One of the main reasons we always suggest Ninh Binh is that it is easy to travel to, laid back and perfect for first timers in Vietnam.

Ninh Binh is the place where we found peace. It’s not a secret that is a favourite for budget travellers, and mainly because it’s easy to travel in and about.

Don’t skip it, as it’s one of the best places for first timers in Vietnam.

Within this guide we will help you get some of the best highlights of Ninh Binh, the best area and places to stay, how to get around and move to and from Hanoi easily.

Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?

Yes, Ninh Binh is worth visiting. While we suggest staying longer, even a short day trip from Hanoi might give you the essence of this small village. To be honest, the laid back atmosphere and unique landscape attracted us in the first place.

We confirm the saying that Ninh Binh is “Halong Bay on land”, the scenery resembles the same coastside (or even better!), with towering limestone rocks that will astonish you. During our second trip to Vietnam we travelled North from Da Nang (in the centre of the country).

Yet, what started as a pitstop turned into one of the most unexpectedly beautiful experiences of our trip.

Why should you include Ninh Binh in your Vietnam Itinerary?

A Laid-back Escape From the Bustle

If you’ve been hopping between busy Vietnamese cities like we had, Ninh Binh offers the perfect solution. The laid-back atmosphere feels like an exhale after days of high-energy travel. We spent so much time also in transportation, through night buses (noisy) and long train rides.

Arriving in Ninh Binh, we rented a scooter, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace. And honestly, there’s no better way to see the stunning landscapes than with the wind on your face and rice paddies stretching out on both sides.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down. We spent days just driving around, stopping whenever the scenery begged us to. And trust us, it did more than we planned.

Unexpected beauty around every corner

We didn’t expect Ninh Binh to be so pretty. In fact, it kind of blew us away. You might have heard of the beauty of Hanoi and Halong Bay, but not often people mention Ninh Binh or even Sapa (check our guides to this incredible mountain town in Northern Vietnam)

The centre of Ninh Binh doesn’t get the love it deserves, especially compared to the most famous spots like Tam Coc. But for us, it was a gem.

The two pagodas that sit peacefully by the lake are beautiful enough during the day, but at night, the magic happens.

We were lucky enough to visit during a local festival—lights and lanterns draped over the water, a concert echoing across the lake, and vibrant stands and performances adding a buzz to the atmosphere. It felt like we’d stumbled into a hidden treasure, one that most people miss.

Ninh Binh is cheaper than other destinations

As budget travellers, we love to find convenience and a lot of things to do. Ninh Binh ticks all the boxes. I mean, our guest house, tranquil and secluded but close to the centre and main attractions, cost us only £10 per night (The Blue Garden Homestay – 9.6 Rating with 200 Reviews) was perfect, with incredible hosts, and they deserve a 4.9 rating.

They also make excellent, tasty food, which was ideal when it was raining and we couldn’t go out food hunting. Eating out is cheap, too. Going to a local restaurant doesn’t get far more than £2 per person for a meal or in more touristy places £5. 

Compared to touristy places like Halong Bay or even Hanoi Centre, it sounds like a bargain.

Exploring Ninh Binh’s historical and spiritual Heart

We had a lot on our plate. Despite visiting Ninh Binh during the wet season, we were lucky enough to catch most of the sunny days available. So our scooter ran fast through all the pins on the map we had. You can’t visit Ninh Binh without digging into its rich history.

We found ourselves drawn to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam, and it was stunning. We loved it so much that we had to visit it twice. On the first visit, we wandered around, taking in the sights.

The second time, we hiked to the viewpoint and the panoramic views, which, to be honest, weren’t worth the effort. The place feels both monumental and serene, with its ancient structures standing quietly against the backdrop of rolling hills.

Bai Dinh Pagoda also deserves a mention. This isn’t just any pagoda—it’s one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia, and its sheer scale was overwhelming.

We spent hours exploring its vast courtyards and halls, and we left feeling both humbled and inspired. If spiritual exploration is your thing, you’ll find peace here among the statues, the corridors and the gardens.

Explore Tam Coc

We decided to get our accommodation away from Tam Coc, which is the most popular spot in Ninh Binh. The backpacker’s scene in Tam Coc is awesome, and even though not staying here, we enjoyed it during the day exploring and at night visiting restaurants and bars.

This side of Ninh Binh is different from day to night. In fact most of the tourists come here during the day with groups and hop on the boats, but leave after noon.

We still enjoyed the daytime adventures, of course. It’s hard to ignore the iconic beauty of Trang An and Bich Dong Pagoda, but knowing we had the nights to ourselves made it feel like we were experiencing a side of Ninh Binh that few others get to see.

Hiking and Adventure: Hang Mua Viewpoint and the Lying Dragon

For those of you looking to stretch your legs, Hang Mua Viewpoint is an absolute must. We did both hikes—one leading up to the famous lying dragon perched dramatically on a peak.

The climb is steep, and yes, you’ll feel the burn, but the views from the top? They’re nothing short of breathtaking. Maybe from here we got the cover photo from Ninh Binh, with the iconic limestone rocks and the river making its way in between.

Standing next to the dragon, with the jagged limestone karsts rising around you and the rivers snaking through the valley below, you’ll understand why it’s worth every single step.

The other peak also offers fantastic views, and we found it a bit less crowded, which added to the serenity of the experience. Hiking both gave us a full picture of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty. We suggest hiking this spot at sunset when the atmosphere gets pretty. Also, enjoy the lotus flower pond before starting the hike.

Heading to Ninh Binh soon? This is our quick 3-day Ninh Binh Itinerary

Day 1: Check in and start exploring

• Morning: Arrive in Ninh Binh, rent a scooter at the train station, and get your bearings. (We carried our luggages on the scooter – an extra large one, was fun, but dangerous)
• Lunch: Enjoy a local meal at Banh Mi Gion
• Afternoon: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. Explore its peaceful courtyards, massive statues, and stunning views of the surrounding area
• Evening: Head to Ninh Binh City and walk around the two pagodas by the lake. If you’re lucky, you might catch a local festival with lanterns, performances, and a vibrant atmosphere

Day 2: Adventure Around Tam Coc & Hoa Lu

• Morning: Start your day early at Trang An for a boat tour through the serene river and caves. Get there early if you don’t like crowds
• Lunch: Try a riverside restaurant in Tam Coc
• Afternoon: Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, wander the grounds of this historic site, and hike to the viewpoint if you feel (Nothing special, though)
• Evening: Take a quiet walk through Tam Coc village in the evening, or enjoy dinner by the river

Day 3: Hang Mua Viewpoint & Bich Dong Pagoda

• Morning: Hike to the top of Hang Mua Viewpoint early for a spectacular sunrise view. Climb both peaks to experience the famous lying dragon and the sweeping views of the limestone cliffs and rice paddies below
• Lunch: Take a break and eat locally at Banh Mi Hanoi
• Afternoon: Visit the tranquil Bich Dong Pagoda, hidden within the caves and surrounded by picturesque landscapes. End the day at Thai Vi Temple, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere
• Evening: Return to Ninh Binh City for your last meal before heading off, or return to Hanoi

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Ninh Binh

Rent a scooter: The easiest way to get around Ninh Binh and explore at your own pace. We rented ours right from the Ninh Binh Train Station, and it gave us the flexibility to roam freely. Highly suggested.

Avoid the crowds: Try visiting places like Tam Coc and Hang Mua during off-peak hours. We found early mornings or late afternoons to be quieter, and we had some of the most popular spots almost to ourselves.

Pack for hikes: If you’re planning on hiking Hang Mua or exploring the temples, make sure to bring good walking shoes and plenty of water. When we visited the viewpoint was in between rain, and the terrain was highly slippery, so we had to wear shoes, while other people were in Flip Flops and didn’t enjoy the way back down.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is a small town, but accommodations are scattered all around. The mood of your holiday must also dictate the location of your accommodation. When we visited Ninh Binh, we decided to stay away from Tam Coc, the most touristy area.

However, we visited Tam Coc every other day, as most of the attractions are around that. The place we chose was peaceful, with a friendly local family running it, and a very quiet side road.

Within a 10-minute scooter ride, we were in Tam Coc or, on the other side, in the centre of town (very underrated). These are some of the accommodations we suggest booking in Ninh Binh:

How long should I spend in Ninh Binh?

Plan for at least 3 days: You’ll want time to soak in the atmosphere, explore the sights, and relax. Rushing through Ninh Binh won’t do it justice.

How to include Ninh Binh in your Vietnam Itinerary?

While exploring the North of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is necessary. You must take Hanoi as a base, spend a couple of days in Ninh Binh, and then return to the Capital. After the short trip, think about a Cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Last but not least, there should be Sapa, one of our favourite places in the country. This tour will take care of everything for you, with transportation, food, activities, and accommodations all included.

Final Thoughts: Is Ninh Binh Worth For My Itinerary?

Yes, you must include Ninh Binh in your itinerary. Whether you’re looking to recharge, dive into history, or go on a nature adventure, Ninh Binh has something for everyone. Its combination of tranquillity, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery makes it a unique destination in Vietnam.

For us, Ninh Binh wasn’t just a stopover—it became a highlight of our trip. The scooter rides, the unexpected beauty, the peaceful moments by the lake—it all left us with a deeper appreciation for this quiet corner of Vietnam.

If you’re crafting your itinerary and wondering, “Is it worth including Ninh Binh in my Vietnam itinerary?” or “Is it worth going to Ninh Binh?“—we’d say don’t miss it. Give yourself a few days, take it slow, and let Ninh Binh surprise you as it did us.

FAQ | Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?