Ninh Binh province is located 100km south of Hanoi. It has evolved into a major travel center in recent years.

Its sudden transformation from sleepy hamlet to tourist magnet has little to do with Ninh Binh itself, but rather with its proximity to nearby Trang An ecological tourist site (7km), Tam Coc - Bich Dong (9km), Hoa Lu ancient capital (12km), Van Long wetland nature reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park (45km), Phat Diem stone cathedral and Bai Dinh pagoda. Although it is certainly possible to visit some of these sights as a day trip from Hanoi, many travelers chose to overnight in Ninh Binh or the national park to appreciate the scenery at a more leisure pace. 

Sightseeing spots are included:

TRANG AN SCENIC LANDSCAPE COMPLEX

It includes Trang An ecotourism site, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, and Bai Dinh pagoda, and is well-known as the first UNESCO World's Mixed Natural and Cultural Heritage site of Vietnam. In 2016, this complex was chosen as a shooting location of the blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.

Tràng An ecotourism site

A complex of charming landscapes - historic relics called as an "outdoor geological museum" with numerous caves, mountains, water valley, rare trees, temples and pagodas. Travelers will have a slow row on simple boats to explore this site. 

Hoa Lư ancient capital

Hoa Lu used to be the capital of Vietnam in 1020 when Dinh Bo Linh took his crown after he defeated 12 regional armies and pacified the country. Mountains, rivers and old citadel make the scenery wonderful. The two temples dedicated to Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh offer tourists a glimpse of Vietnam image in the 10th century.

Tam Coc

Some million years ago, Halong Bay used to connect with these limestone mountains. Vestiges of the ocean still remain through the erosion of the mounts-caves can offer an adventurous tour to many curious tourists. Boat trips on the rice fields to three mountains with caves are very interesting. Two tourists on one small boat ride through the mountains on the rice fields with lotus flowers. An interesting walk through the rice fields to the temple in memory of the Kings of Tran Dynasty. The bell tower is prominent in the front yard. The temple seems small but the heroes worshipped here used to defeat Kublikhan's army for three times. Perhaps very few world figures could do the same ever.

Tam Coc-Bich Dong is dubbed as "Nam Thiên Đệ Nhị Động”, which means the second best cave of ancient Vietnam kingdom. The whole area concerns “hành cung Vũ Lâm” – a military base under Trần dynasty.

Bich Dong

A nice pagoda built quite long time ago is situated at a scenic area. There are many statues of Buddha. The bell tower is well decorated. The incense and the sound of the bell seem to transfer tourists to the holy world of Buddha

Bai Dinh pagoda
It's the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, including two parts:

* The Old Temple: It's located in the foothills 800 meters from the new temple. Ascending a series of over 300 stone steps, the path passes under an ornamental gate to reach the entry. Formerly it was a gathered ground of troops so it used to be called as "Bãi Lính", and now verified into "Bái Đính".

* The New Complex: It encompasses an area of 700 hectares, constructed from 2007 and completed in 2010.  

VAN LONG NATURE RESERVE

 Located north-east of Gia Vien district, Vân Long is a legendary land, a beautiful marsh, and the largest wetland natural reserve in Red River Dela. The marsh features charming beauty of magnificent limestone mountains, magical caves and tranquil water surface. The water is pure and turquoise and actually it’s possible to see clearly masses of moss and weed at the bottom. It is one of best place for boat trip in Ninh Binh.

CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK

It  was Vietnam's first national park and is the country's largest nature reserve. As the most important sites for biodiversity in Vietnam, it is home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, including rare speices like loris, gibbon, langur, pangolin, turtle and even the famous thousand-year-old tree. Trekking through the jungle is a great way to discover rich fauna and flora of the park. 
 

PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL

Settled in Kim Sơn District, the architecture of Phát Diệm church is a blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles (or the "eclectic architectural style"). Although a church, it was built with pagoda-typed roofs in traditional Vietnamese temple architecture.
Phát Diệm was first constructed in 1892 by the priest Father Tran Luc. Until now, the cathedral still makes an impression on visitors thanks to its original architecture.

 
Adventures to Ninh Binh:

• Trekking in Cuc Phuong national park
• Taste of Ho Chi Minh trail
• Biking in Ninh Binh