Ninh Binh Travel – A Journey to a Fairyland

Ninh Binh is one of the top travel destinations in Vietnam, attracting visitors with its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich historical heritage. If you are still wondering where to go, what to see, or how to plan a well-balanced itinerary to explore this beautiful land, don’t worry. In the article below, Phu Minh Quang Travel will suggest a detailed and enjoyable 2-day 1-night Ninh Binh itinerary for you.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

Located at the southern edge of Vietnam’s Red River Delta, Ninh Binh enjoys a four-season climate, with each season offering its own unique charm. To fully experience the beauty of this destination, travelers are highly recommended to visit during the following two periods:

Introduction to the Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

• Spring (January – March): Spring is the most pleasant season in Ninh Binh, with cool weather and a slight chill in the early months of the year. Visiting during this time also allows travelers to participate in many traditional local festivals, offering a deeper cultural experience.
• Summer (April – June): During summer, Ninh Binh becomes warmer and sunnier. This is also the season when rice fields along the rivers bloom and ripen, creating picturesque golden and green landscapes that are perfect for sightseeing and photography.

Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions in Ninh Binh

If you’re traveling to Ninh Binh, choosing the right destinations is key to fully appreciating its beauty. Below are three must-visit attractions you should not miss when exploring this former ancient capital of Vietnam.

Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Park is one of the most attractive destinations in Ninh Binh. Here, visitors can sit on a small boat drifting along the river while watching thousands of white storks flying across the sky. The journey also includes passing through Buddha Cave and admiring sparkling stalactites, promising an unforgettable exploration experience.

• Entrance fee: Approx. 150,000 VND/person
• Children (0.8m – 1.3m): 100,000 VND/person

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An is a must-visit destination in Ninh Binh and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2014. Nature has blessed this area with a stunning combination of majestic limestone mountains, caves, rivers, and valleys interwoven in perfect harmony.

Visit Trang An in Ninh Binh 

The best way to explore Trang An is by boat, gently gliding along its crystal-clear waterways.

Entrance fee: 250,000 VND/person (including boat ride and sightseeing).

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an essential stop on any Ninh Binh journey. It was the first centralized feudal capital of Vietnam, associated with the Dinh, Early Le, and early Ly dynasties. Today, it is a national special heritage site and one of the four core zones of the Trang An Complex recognized by UNESCO. Visitors will be fascinated by its ancient architecture, historic walls, and relics that reflect the glorious past of Vietnam.

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person.

Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Ninh Binh Itinerary

Ninh Binh is home to some of Vietnam’s most famous natural and cultural landmarks. Below is a detailed 2-day 1-night itinerary suggested by Phu Minh Quang Travel.

Day 1: Journey Begins

The journey starts from Hanoi, where travelers can fuel up with local specialties such as sticky rice with mung beans, pho, bun cha, or egg coffee before departure.

Ninh Binh Travel Itinerary – Day 1

• 07:00 – 10:30: Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, check in at the hotel, and prepare for sightseeing.
• 10:30 – 12:30: Visit Am Tien Cave, famous for its majestic mountains and a stunning jade-colored lake with crystal-clear water. This spot is perfect for photography. Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/child.
• 12:30 – 13:30: Lunch and rest.
• 13:30 – 15:00: Explore Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland nature reserve in Northern Vietnam, home to the rare Delacour’s langur. Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person; children under 1m and seniors (60+) pay 10,000 VND
• 15:00 – 17:00: Visit Cuc Phuong National Park, recognized as one of Asia’s leading biosphere reserves (2019–2021). Ideal for nature lovers with ancient forests and diverse wildlife. Entrance fee: 60,000 VND/adult; students 20,000 VND; children 10,000 VND; free for children under 5.
• 17:00: Dinner with Ninh Binh specialties and return to the hotel for rest.

Day 2: Exploring Ninh Binh’s Majestic Beauty

Day 2 of your Ninh Binh travel itinerary will begin as follows

Ninh Binh travel: Exploring the majestic natural beauty - Day 2

• 08:00 – 11:00: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, featuring highlights such as the Arhat Corridor, Jade Well, Three Buddha Halls, and the largest bronze Bodhisattva statue in the country.
• 11:00 – 13:00: Lunch and rest.
• 13:00 – 15:00: Visit Mua Cave, one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh. From the mountain peak, you can admire panoramic views of Tam Coc’s rice fields and river. Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person.
• 15:00 – 17:00: Explore Tam Coc – Bich Dong, a highlight of the Trang An Scenic Complex. Enjoy a boat ride through rice fields and limestone mountains, visiting three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Entrance fee: 120,000 VND/adult; 60,000 VND/child.
• 17:00: Dinner in Ninh Binh and return to Hanoi, ending the 2-day 1-night journey.

Conclusion

Above is a complete and detailed guide to exploring Ninh Binh in 2 days and 1 night shared by Phu Minh Quang Travel. We hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable journey filled with beautiful scenery and memorable experiences.