Ninh Binh Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Ninh Binh. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi

• Ninh Binh Day Tour from Hanoi with Tam Coc Boat Trip & Mua Cave

• Ninh Binh Highlight and Hidden Gem from Hanoi with Skip-the-Line

• Ninh Binh Heritage Full-Day Tour with Buffet Lunch and Limousine

• Ninh Binh Full-Day Small Group of 9 Guided Tour from Hanoi

Ninh Binh is a province with a town of the same name, and neither have entry fees, though some of the area’s landmarks do. For example, the fee to visit the ancient capital city of Hoa Lu is around 20,000 dong (less than USD$1), so bring some cash if you visit on your own.

Yes. The classic North Vietnamese landscape of karst mountains and green rice paddies is encapsulated in Ninh Bihn, and if you want to fill your camera reel with these sights, then this is "the" place to come. It's also tourism focused, with guides and tours to showcase the region's history.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour From Hanoi,"Ninh Binh was one of our favorite tours from the trip! Our guide, Nien, was really informative and ended up being like a friend by the end of the tour. He really engaged us with the knowledge of each location and the general history of Buddhism. The hike at the first stop was amazing, even if you only make it to the first part. The boat ride was a highlight, you got to see so much going down the river (we even saw a monkey!) Then lunch was delicious."

Ninh Binh is located 58 miles (94 kilometers) south of Hanoi, which takes around 1.5 hours to drive. Most travelers visit as part of a full-day tour from Hanoi, which typically includes round-trip transport. Public buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh take about 2.5 hours and leave from Giap Bat bus station. Hanoi to Ninh Binh tickets cost around US$10 per person.

There are plenty of things to do around Ninh Binh Province, and many day tours combine multiple activities. Popular excursions include a boat ride to Tam Coc Caves, a bike tour through the Tam Coc Valley, and the uphill hike to Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave where your reward for climbing up 500 steps are stunning views of the river below.

Trekking at Cuc Phuong National Park is also popular as is going for a traditional boat trip at Van Long Nature Reserve. Finally, if the weather isn’t cooperating, consider taking a cooking class taught by a local chef. Most cooking classes include a guided shopping trip to a local market in Tam Coc.

Staying in Ninh Binh City can be convenient—it’s the region’s main transport hub and has a range of accommodation options—but there’s not much to see. For a local experience, try one of the homestays or family-run guesthouses in the small towns of Trang An or Tam Coc.

Ninh Binh also has several resorts, although they’re nothing fancy like you’ll find in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Expect four-star service and accommodations. For the best availability, especially during the annual Hoa Lu Festival, book at least one month in advance.

The cuisine in Ninh Binh is typical of the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, but there are also some unique regional dishes to try. Look out for goat meat with ginger, crunchy rice snacks (com chay), mountain snails (oc nui), and sticky rice with ant eggs (xoi trung kien).

While it’s possible to see the highlights of Ninh Binh during a day tour, 2-3 days allows you to explore further. You’ll want to visit Trang An and Tam Coc where you can join a boat tour or explore by bike. Don’t miss the ancient capital of Hoa Lu which has many historical sites and ancient temples. You can also escape the crowds at Cuc Phuong National Park, home to majestic limestone mountains.

If your schedule only allows for a day visit, it’s best to book a tour which includes door-to-door transportation. Having a local guide, and driver, will ensure you don’t waste precious time getting lost or waiting in lines.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Ninh Binh. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Northern Vietnam:

• Ha Long Bay

• Lan Ha Bay

• Hanoi Old Quarter

• Tam Coc

• Surprise Cave

View Viator's guides to all the best attractions in Northern Vietnam.