DESCRIPTION
Just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh welcomes you with breathtaking landscapes of limestone mountains, winding rivers, and ancient cultural treasures. Join our tour to explore Trang An – UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the serene beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong, uncover the history of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and feel the spiritual atmosphere at Bai Dinh Pagoda. Along the journey, indulge in Ninh Binh’s famous specialties such as crispy rice and mountain goat meat. This unforgettable trip is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and authentic Vietnamese flavors.
ITINERARY
Ninh Binh, known as ‘Halong Bay on land,’ dazzles with its limestone karsts, serene rivers, ancient temples, and authentic northern Vietnamese culture. Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey through its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures with our detailed itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Trang An Scenic Landscape
Morning:
-
Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Stop en route for a short break.
-
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, exploring the temples of King Dinh and King Le from the 10th century.
-
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
- Board a traditional sampan boat at Trang An Ecotourism Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
-
Cruise along emerald waterways, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush greenery.
-
Pass through a series of magnificent caves including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Dai Cave, each with its own unique beauty..
- Stop to visit sacred sites nestled in nature: Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and the historic Vu Lam Royal Palace of the Tran Dynasty.
Evening:
-
Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
-
After dinner, take a leisurely walk around Hoa Lu Old Quarter, or explore the vibrant local life of Ninh Binh city at night.
-
Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.
 Trang An Ecotourism Complex |
 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |
Day 2: Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Thung Nham
Morning:
-
Breakfast at hotel.
-
Take a sampan boat ride along Ngo Đong River, passing through rice fields and limestone mountains.
-
Explore the three famous caves of Tam Cốc (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba), known as “Halong Bay on land”.
-
Visit the Thai Vi Temple, a spiritual site dedicated to Tran Dynasty kings.
-
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with Ninh Binh specialties.
Afternoon:
-
Discover Thung Nham Bird Garden, Northern Vietnam’s largest natural bird park, home to over 40 species of birds.
-
Explore impressive caves: Vai Gioi Cave, Buddha Cave, Mermaid Cave.
-
Visit spiritual landmarks: Thousand-Year Banyan Tree, Goi Dai Temple, Linh Than Shrine.
Evening:
-
Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.
-
Free time to relax or explore the city at night.
 Tam Coc Caves |
 Thung Nham Bird Garden |
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Hanoi
Morning:
-
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out.
-
Depart for Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, famous for its monumental architecture and spiritual significance.
-
Take an electric cart ride into the complex and explore iconic highlights such as:
-
The 500-Arhat Corridor, the longest in Asia.
-
The Great Bell Tower with a 36-ton bronze bell.
-
The Giant Bronze Buddha Statues and the 10-meter-high Maitreya Buddha.
-
-
Learn about the thousand-year-old history of this sacred site, which is closely linked to the dynasties of Dinh, Early Le, and Ly.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Arrive in Hanoi and transfer back to the original meeting point.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
NINH BINH CUISINE HIGHLIGHTS
- Mountain Goat Meat: A renowned specialty of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, mountain goat meat is prized for its firm texture and natural aroma. Raised on rocky hills, the goats yield lean, flavorful meat. When cooked with local spices, it becomes tender and richly savory. Each bite offers a subtle, satisfying fattiness that delights the palate. This dish is a must-try for anyone exploring the culinary heritage of Ninh Binh.
Mountain Goat Meat
-
Crispy Rice: A famous specialty of Ninh Binh, Com Chay is made from fragrant sticky rice cooked in traditional pots. The rice is sun-dried and then fried until perfectly golden and crunchy. It is usually topped with scallion oil, dried shrimp, or a touch of spice for extra flavor. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of crunch and savory taste. This simple yet irresistible snack has won the hearts of both locals and visitors alike.
Ninh Binh Crispy Rice
- Ant Egg Sticky Rice: A distinctive delicacy of Ninh Binh, Ant Egg Sticky Rice features rare brown ant eggs harvested from the limestone mountains of Nho Quan. The plump, creamy eggs are sautéed with fried shallots, pork fat, salt, and pepper, then sprinkled over warm, fragrant sticky rice and wrapped in banana leaves. Each bite offers a rich, nutty flavor, accompanied by a satisfying pop of texture. This unusual dish provides a truly unique culinary experience, though those with allergies to insects should exercise caution.
Ant Egg Sticky Rice
- Ninh Binh Mountain Snails: A rare delicacy from the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh, mountain snails are at their best during the rainy season from April to August, when their meat is plump, sweet, and aromatic. These snails dwell deep in rocky crevices, with long bodies, hard shells, and tender, chewy white meat. What makes them truly unique is a subtle herbal fragrance, as they feed only on wild leaves, including many medicinal varieties. Typically, the snails are steamed, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, or boiled and served with salt and lime or ginger fish sauce, accompanied by fresh herbs and a sip of spicy Kim Son rice wine. Together, these flavors create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ninh Binh Mountain Snails
TOUR COST
Please contact us for the best offer!
TRAVEL TIPS:
-
Wear comfortable shoes for walking and cave visits
-
Bring sunscreen, hat, and camera
-
Dress modestly when visiting pagodas and temples
-
Best time to visit: March – May or September – November (pleasant weather, rice fields at their most beautiful)
