Best places for day trips in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Trang An Landscape Complex

The Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks and caves which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage. Trang An is only accessed by water on a rowing boat and there are many caves to explore. Along the way, travelers can get on land to visit beautiful ancient temples and pagodas. The whole area is surrounded by green nature that creates a great serenity for tourists to enjoy. If possible, get to Trang An early before 9 a.m. to have the best experience of the area.

Tam Coc and Bich Dong

Tam Coc is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh which is regularly recommended in typical Vietnam customized tours. A boat ride in Tam Coc will take you through 3 different caves along the river in around 2 hours. The scenery of Tam Coc is quite similar to Trang An with limestone cliffs, rivers, caves and rice paddy fields but travelers can see more local life on the way.

About 4 km from Tam Coc boat dock, Bich Dong is an ancient Buddhist pagoda that was built into a cave and has three storeys. A leisurely cycling through the villages and rice fields after Tam Coc boat ride is the best way to get to Bich Dong.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu was the capital of an early and independent Vietnamese kingdom called Dai Co Viet in 10^th century. It is the top historical attraction in Ninh Binh that can make another perfect excursion for the day. Though the royal palaces once were there are now just reduced to archeological remains, the two 17^th century temples dedicated to Dinh and Le Kings are still worth visiting. They located in a narrow and quiet valley surrounded by beautiful limestone hills.

Van Long Nature Reserve

Despite being opened for tourism since 1998, Van Long is still primitive and beautiful like a painting. It is also the largest wet land natural reservation in Northern Vietnam. The experience is similar to that of Trang An and Tam Coc, but more authentic, tranquil and peaceful because Van Long is a bit far from Ninh Binh City center and less tourists visiting this place. On a lucky day, travelers can also see the Delacour Langur, a rare species only remain at Van Long Reserve and has been named in the Red List.

Hang Mua Peak

Hang Mua peak is a must see destination of any Ninh Binh tours and the best place to have the elevated view of the area. You can easily combine Hang Mua peak after the boat ride in Tam Coc, Trang An or Van Long. Climbing 400 steps and you are rewarded the magnificent view for the best photo shots of your Vietnam private tours. The best time to have the great view is from late April to late May when the rice fields are looking the most striking.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong is the first national park in Vietnam which was established in 1962, containing over 200 square kilometers of tropical evergreen rainforest. Cuc Phuong national park is a perfect place for hiking day-trip from Hanoi and it can make a good active day for both parents and kids on the Vietnam family tours. Cuc Phuong is well set up for tourism and the best time to fully appreciate the natural beauty here is between October and February when it comes to the cool and dry season. The most common activities to join at Cuc Phuong national park are: visiting the primate rescue center, cycling to the park center and hiking to the forest for seeing the most impressive ancient trees.

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