The 33 best sights in Ninh Binh

Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful and sacred temple complex with a long history and calm atmosphere. There are three pagodas built on different levels of the mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, lotus ponds, and cool fresh air — a perfect place to find peace and quiet. You can see a few monks and local people praying, as well as elderly ladies keeping the temple clean and selling small souvenirs nearby. The entrance is free, and parking costs only 20,000 VND. Next to the pagoda, there’s a path leading up to “Hanh Phuc Lake” (Happiness Lake) — try climbing up for a lovely view of the mountains and countryside! A truly authentic and spiritual stop in Tam Coc, perfect for those who love culture, nature, and tranquility.

A place worth visiting, an ancient pagoda first built in the 15th century nestled in a serene tropical hill/ mountain. As part of the journey to the 3rd level you move through a cave that has amazing structures. Surrounding the ancient structure were calm waters of water lilies which unfortunately bloom mainly in the morning. We drove to Ninh Binh from Hanoi which is roughly a 1 hour 45 drive. The pagoda is then only a few mins drive from Tam Coc. On a Sunday the crowd was decent. No entry tickets required and as always, be respectfully quiet visiting a sacred place for locals. When we arrived it started drizzling - if you do hit wet weather, so be careful as the stone steps are slippery.

Beautiful temple - the best bit is along the path through the 'Parking Area'. There is a short climb up some steps and then it opens out onto a lake, which is absolutely stunning. Very few people head this way - had it all to myself even when the pagoda was busy. Free parking at the cafes / restaurants - DO NOT park in the 'Parking Area' as you will have to pay.

Went to Bich Dong Pagoda with a tour guide and was good explaining that history of this place. There are 3 temples to visit, the walk to the temple can be steep and may be slippery during raining season. You will have to walk into a bat cave to get to the second temple. The view from the top temple is awesome well worth the walk up. Not too high just a moderate climb up.

BE AWARE OF SCAMS the entrance is totally free! We were forced to park in this area. The man in the picture behaved very nicely and asked us to pay 50,000 per person as a ticket fee, offering free parking. Later we discovered that the entrance was indeed free. Together with another couple we confronted him and got our money back. This situation taught us to learn the rules and entrance fees before visiting any places of interest.

Really scenic space, with water bodies around it. It was a good workout climbing the stairs. It can be quite steep for some. At the top, it can be slippery because of algae due wet conditions.

The pagoda's ok, but alone I didn't think that worth a visit. It's the climb up the hill that makes this worthwhile. Great views from the top of the hill, but it's a strenuous climb with fairly uneven stairs.

Amazing place. Very beautifully maintained and peaceful. We took the electric caddy option but realised it's way more beautiful if you walk around instead. The old monastery short hike was great as well. Needs 4-5 hours to visit properly and soak-in the surroundings and the temple environment.

This Pagoda has the tallest tower and largest gold coated Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Place is huge, you need mimimum 3 hours if not more to see most of the things. It's not worth to go to point 27, the rest is very interesting and worth seeing. There's an elevator in the tower so it's very easy to go to the top, to 12th floor. The view of the entire complex is magnificent.

It seemed to me like Vatican but for Buddhists :) its very extensive, beautiful and impressive, its a lot to discover and for proper discovery you would need like almost whole day but you can do quicker more shallow tour in like 2-3hrs ...its very tourist friendly ...close to No.13 - herbal soak bath - is a great cafe not to be missed but many other refreshment stations and nice clean restrooms are all around the area. Definetely buy ticket option for 300k dong. It totally worths it and you ll appreciate taking a ride by buggy ...important info: when we visited THERE WAS NO RESTAURANT with warm meals at the visitors center...we expected there would be restaurant at such a big tourist spot but they only had filled dumplings:( if that happens to you and you are there hungry go to Family organic restaurant which is like 5 mins away by scooter...its very good and cheap meal...you can thank me later:)

Very beautiful template and pagoda. You can easy spend several days here. Be aware that there some steep walking areas so if you have mobility issues you should know. We went on a weekend day during off season and almost no one was there.

If you don’t do your research in advance, prepared to be surprised by this sprawling complex spanning hundreds of acres of land. There’s ancient stone temples over 1000 years old and a newer temple complex completed fairly recently. A visit will take easily 2 hours or more, but it’s the most relaxed, tranquil setting with lush gardens.

Beautiful! So many temples and pagodas. The complex was clean, well manicured and easy to navigate. Unfortunately, we were visiting as part of a tour and we were too rushed and didn’t get to explore on our own terms. If/when we come back to Vietnam, I’d love to spend more time here and get a chance to see up close, the ancient pagoda that is an icon here.

Beautiful place with lots to see, totally worth the ticket. Get the package which includes all shuttles, foot soak, and trang an. If you don't get the shuttles, prepare to walk for hours and hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, and sunglasses.

This National park is purely amazing. Take a scooter (or a bike) and ride through it, enyoing the nature and jungle in its purest form! I came up from Ninh Binh and can only recommend doing so if you are in the area it is a quite relaxing drive with the scooter without any traffic. Make sure to visit the prehistoric human caves and the ancient tree. The tree might not sound too spectacular, but it was probably my favorite thing to do! You have to take a small path into the jungle and you can continue on this path deeper into the jungle if you want (a guide i met on the way told me it goes on for 10km). It is really amazing to experince the jungle this way and no worries, you cannot get lost, the path is quite easy to follow. At the end of the road through the park you can find a restaurant for lunch. There is also a monkey reservatory but i was too late to visit (it is only open from 13:30 to 16:30). I highly recommend visitinf this park if you are in the Ninh Binh area!

We stayed here for five nights. The highlights were the beautiful forest setting, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere. The scenery was stunning, and we had an excellent hiking experience with rangers guiding us through the trails. However, there were some challenges. The insect bites took weeks to heal, and leeches were abundant, we counted around 35 in a single day of hiking, fall down several times as we got a bit of rain and wet.. Outch :). It was still an adventurous and memorable experience, but proper boots and leech socks are essential. Even with those, we were bitten quite badly. We didn’t encounter any large wildlife, but the night safaris were still a highlight. Thousands of fireflies lit up the forest, a beautiful sight. We also observed a few snakes chasing frogs, birds settling into the leaves for rest, and a variety of fascinating insects and bugs. Toward the end, we were lucky to come across a group of deer. The food at the restaurant was generally good, though there is room for improvement. Overall, a rewarding stay for nature lovers, but be prepared for the elements.

Nice experience. We went there after the floods so the road was a bit slippery but we managed to get to get to the Preshistoric man cave and it was great. The whole route through the jungle is also very impressive.

Any national park, anywhere in the world needs to be protected. Cuc Phuong is beautiful and wild and should remain that way, however the running of the park is terrible. The government are simply not doing enough to protect or police the boundaries of the park from poachers and logging. There are NO ANIMALS here, not a bird in the sky. If you come to view wildlife you can pay separately to see rare monkeys in tiny cages which cannot be released here because they will be poached again for food, exotic pet trade or the madness of chinese medicine. The same for the pangoling and most primates and mammals here. We did not pay to go to the 'rescue center' (glorified zoo) after seeing images and reading reviews about the small cages and the conditions of the animals. We stayed for 4 nights, which is far too long here. We did 1 hike which is at the end of the park (we had a motorbike but if you dont have transport you can either walk the 20km or hire a guide for 1,000,000dong) you don't need a guide and the trail is nice through the jungle. This seems to be the only hike and the only maintained trail in the entire park. We have visited hundreds of national parks in both developed and developing countries and this is by far the most neglected. There is just no investment in the guest experience at all. The staff are rude and abrupt, as though you are an inconvenience to them if you want to buy some food in the restaurant. There's really very little to do apart from travel the long 20km road. We tried the botanical garden but there isn't much in there apart from a long road through the jungle and the mosquitos were literally unbearable in there. If you want to go in there someone has to unlock the gate and then they lock you inside and you message them when you're finished - but there's no signs or information or map or anything, just a tarmac road through the forest. We tried the observation tower but the trail is not maintained, there are small landslides and trees blocking the path, the path is slippery and dangerous along the side of a rock face (we did persist and made it to the tower which was actually cool but you have to be fit and agile otherwise it's super dangerous). The problem again is when you get to the top, theres no animals or birds to see anyway but the view is nice. Now to talk about the accommodation. We booked into the Bong Substation because it says its remote and we wanted to be in the jungle. The website says 'far from civilisation' which sounds great for an adventure in the national park! We arrived and were pointed to different people, no one spoke any english (thats okay, we dont expect that) but it was as though no one was expecting us, they hurriedly grabbed some bedsheets and rushed off on a motorbike whilst trying to make us wait in the restaurant and eat something. We left and followed on the bike and the cleaner was frantically trying to change the sheets in what is the most disgusting room we have ever seen (and smelt) we left the room and allowed her to clean for 1 hour, hoping it would get better. When we got back the room was absolutely disgusting. The bathroom floor was filthy as well as all the taps and sink, there were rat droppings all over the floor and the smell of rats urine made our eyes water. The walls were covered in streaks and mould and all the sheets and towels were full of holes and stains. The lamp didnt work, and we didnt have a curtain on the door so anyone could see in. By this time there was no one around to ask for a different room as the reception was closed and no one spoke english, and theres no internet or signal in this area. We decided to try to get some sleep and deal with it in the morning however we didnt sleep because of the foul smell and there were live rats running around the room and on our clothes. The smell triggered asthma and was really awful. In the morning we were exhausted and hoped to try to hear some birds singing or listen to the jungle before arranging a habitable room but for some strange reason a man was outside with a petrol leaf blower

Beautiful nature, but inconsistent visitor experience We stayed overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park to enjoy its landscapes and wildlife, and while the natural setting is worth visiting, our overall experience felt confusing and poorly managed. The park itself is stunning — ancient forest, unique biodiversity, and decent rescue centers (EPRC and Turtle Conservation). These are the real highlights and worth your time. However, the organization around accommodation and activities leaves a lot to be desired. Prices were unclear and seemed to vary depending on who you asked. For example, we were charged 800,000 VND for a second-class room (quoted as $37 USD, which doesn’t match the official rate), and transport plus a night safari guide were quoted by a lady at reception at $75 USD — far above the normal local rate. All while snickering and laughing with co-workers in Vietnamese. Felt like we we're being ripped off with a smile, especially seen as there was no option tot pay electronically. Staff were unpolite and communication was limited, and rather than offering clear options when weather made night tours difficult, they simply discouraged us from joining. It felt as if the visitor experience wasn’t really prioritized. Overall, Cuc Phuong’s beauty speaks for itself, but management and hospitality could be improved significantly — especially with clearer pricing, consistent information, and better guest engagement. Tip: pay in VND only, confirm prices in advance, and focus on the rescue centers and short hikes, which are genuinely rewarding. For good jungle experiences, go to Pu Luông.

There are a bunch of walking trails that start along the main road. In each trail we took we saw a wide diversity of animals.

Awesome. Can't recommend it enough. The hike and the prehistoric caves are definitely worth the ride from the city. (60k VND per person to enter the park btw. The first prehistoric cave is roughly 10km away from the ticket counter. The parking lot where you can start hiking is 20km away.)

The place was nice, clean, and the pleasant weather added to the experience. There wasn’t much to see in terms of ruins, but we appreciated the well-maintained environment and could imagine the rich history behind the site. Maybe we didn’t have enough time, or perhaps not much of the ruins remain. But overall, it was a great visit. Would love to explore more of the surrounding area if given the chance!

Lots to see here, including a small museum and awesome pools and gardens. People were friendly and there were lots of tour groups but it wasn’t too crowded. Bike definitely sped up the trip but not as much as advertised.

Beautiful and peaceful place full of history. I visited on a rainy day, and even then the scenery was still stunning — ancient temples surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic limestone hills. A great stop to explore Vietnam’s first capital and feel its timeless atmosphere.

Pretty cool spot! Visited during a day trip to Ninh Binh, so my tour guide was able to explain the historical importance of the temples and their symbols. Tickets were managed by the tour guide, but I noticed that it was just a staff at the entrance, so entrance is quite simple

Very cool to see the old temples and architecture. The historical significance of this area is worth the visit. I'd recommend not renting a bike. Find free parking, walk through the temples, and up the 50m steps to the first emperors tomb. Great view point from the top.

A truly beautiful and peaceful ancient temple in Vietnam. The architecture reflects deep history and culture, and the surroundings are calm and serene. A perfect place to experience spiritual energy and traditional Vietnamese heritage.

Probably didnt help that we visited on a wet day but felt the site lacked maintenance for such an important historical site. A must for those with an interest in history but on arrival younger swamped with street sellers. Interesting but not gripping

Sitting in a boat in full sun exposure without any shadow cover (they should really add one), on an uncomfortable seat - a wooden plank - to see a not very varying landscape while being rowed by ladies who don’t speak any English … the pictures taken are beautiful but this felt like paying for suffering if you can’t stand direct sun burn. As concerns animals, we saw a bird, a dragonfly, some snail eggs, some cows and dead fish, nothing spectacular and none of the species in the pictures with which they attract visitors. Unless you have plenty of time, I would not recommend.

If you want a quiet and serene boat ride, make sure to come here! It’s a beautiful and serene nature area that is quite big. We came here at midday and we only saw a handful of people and the rest of the time we were alone. The nature is gorgeous and it is so peaceful!! It is 200k per boat with a maximum of 2 people per boat.

It's a great trip! We where all alone for the whole trip, something that really added to the tranquility of the experience. We got to see Delacour's langur up close, several unique birds and a trip inside the cave, even if it was high water. It was very hot, but we had hats and a good sunscreen which is a must, as well as water. We had our private guide that helped us in explaining what the boat rower had of knowledge. No tipping needed, but we added a bit anyway at the end. For us, this was a must do and a highlight.

If you are looking for a truly peaceful and authentic experience in Ninh Binh, look no further than the Van Long Nature Reserve boat tour. This trip was an absolute highlight of our journey! The Van Long wetland, often called the "Ha Long Bay on Land" offers an escape from the crowds. The entire experience was incredibly nice and calm. The silence was only broken by the gentle sound of the paddle moving through the water, allowing us to fully soak in the tranquility of this vast wetland. The views are simply outstanding. The majestic limestone karst mountains rise dramatically from the clear water, creating mirror-like reflections that are breathtakingly beautiful. Drifting through the reeds and under the cliffs felt like entering a secluded paradise. We even passed through a cave, which added a sense of adventure to the serene setting. A special mention must go to the very kind woman who drove our boat. Her friendly demeanor and careful rowing made the journey feel personal and comfortable. It's clear that the local people running these tours take pride in preserving this beautiful environment. This is a must-do trip for anyone seeking stunning natural landscapes combined with complete serenity. Highly recommended for a quiet, visually spectacular morning or afternoon!

So peaceful and quoted, especially compared to other natural boat rides in the area. We saw lemurs. It was raining so we didn’t get to see many birds like we had hoped, but the 1000s of lotus floors in bloom made up for it.

Worth going to for sure! They ride you along to the beautiful mountains and caves!

Just a wonderful one hour row boat experience. Very nice scenery, and very calm

It was a beautiful boat ride of around 1.5 hrs.When I went there was a typhoon so cave 3 & 4 were not functional otherwise it is a 2.5 hr boat ride.The view and the scenery is breathtaking.The lake is filled with roses and water lilies.They paddle the baot with their legs so that's fascinating. If you are planning to go for a baot ride at tam coc plan in the morning or evening otherwise it becomes very sunny and hot.carry loads of sunscreen,water and your camera

A must do to experience the beauty and tranquility of Mother Earth. This absolutely awesome boat ride was manned by amazing women who use their feet to row the boat. The entire experience takes about 2 hours - be prepared with sun block, hat or umbrella and water because it gets hot. Soak in the majestic landscape of hills and mountains well known as the “inland ha long bay” amidst the tranquility of gliding along the calm waterways lush with water lilies in bloom if you get there early. The ride takes us into narrow caves with very low ceilings. We had to lower our heads to avoid bumping into the cave structures which are centimeters within reach. The expertise of our females rowers navigating through the extremely narrow passages were nothing more than astounding. Before the return journey starts we are offered aplenty local handicrafts to buy. Do bring cash along with you if you want to support the local community and also to tip them at the end of the ride. We took a day trip from Hanoi to Tam Coc; We left Hanoi at 645 and arrived at 830am, perfect timing as the weather was still cool. The cost per pax for the boat ride is 100k VND which was bought when we arrived. There were no queues and was very quick. We had to then choose our life jackets and straight to the boat from there.

Very beautiful boat trip through the valley and several caves. The nature here is just stunning. When it started raining, our boat driver kindly gave us an umbrella. For us, the trip was just the right length, although I can imagine some people might prefer it shorter. There was some queuing to get on the boats, but it was reasonable. The swimming vests were a bit worn out.

I did this around 3 PM and it was very chill and not crowded. The views are beautiful. I have also done Trang An and I like that slightly more, they offer a bit different views though. Worth a visit for sure

A 💯% must see and is mandatory to be on every bucket list. Fantastic row on a flat bottomed punt through magnificent vistas and through watery tunnels carved by the water over millennia. It is spectacular to watch the boats men and women propel the punt along using oars controlled by their feet. One can only imagine the stress and strain in the hips.

Visiting Tam Cốc – Bích Động is truly like stepping into another world. The beauty here is breathtaking and carries a sense of peace that is very hard to find elsewhere. The landscape of limestone mountains rising beside the calm Ngo Dong River creates a picture that feels both dramatic and serene. Taking a boat trip through the caves, with the gentle sound of paddles moving through the water, makes you feel as if time slows down. It is one of those rare places where you can completely relax and reconnect with nature. For Vietnamese visitors, the experience feels almost like traveling abroad. There are so many international tourists here that sometimes you might think you are in a foreign country. This unique atmosphere makes Tam Cốc Bích Động stand out compared to other destinations in Vietnam. You can see people from all over the world enjoying the scenery, taking boat rides, and cycling around the rice fields. It gives the place a very international vibe while still keeping the authentic charm of the Vietnamese countryside. The food scene here is also quite interesting. Because of the large number of Western visitors, many restaurants and homestays serve mainly Western-style dishes such as pizza, pasta, and grilled meat. This is convenient for foreign travelers, but for Vietnamese people who want to enjoy local cuisine, the options can feel a bit limited. There are still some traditional Vietnamese dishes available like cơm niêu, goat meat, or simple rice with local vegetables, but the variety is not as rich as in other regions. If you are specifically looking for authentic Vietnamese flavors, you might have to spend some time searching. Overall, Tam Cốc Bích Động is absolutely worth visiting. It is a perfect place if you love peaceful landscapes, slow travel, and cultural exchange. The blend of natural beauty, the feeling of being part of an international travel hub, and the calm countryside atmosphere make it unforgettable. Whether you come here for a day trip or stay longer, the memories will stay with you for a long time. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Vietnam!

​🛶 Tam Cốc - Bích Động: A Charming and Serene Morning Trip ​We decided to take this boat trip early on a (Saturday) morning to avoid the crowds, and it worked perfectly. The route is lovely and significantly shorter than the more famous Trang An, but it is equally captivating with noteworthy and beautiful landscapes. After leaving the boat an electric car (like a bigger golf car) will take you to visit tre more pagoda and a cave (they drop you there and you can walk around). ​I'm only giving it four stars and not five because, at the end of the boat ride, the woman who rowed the boat kept insisting on a tip, as if it were mandatory. ​We had initially planned to give her a tip of 100,000 VND. However, due to her persistent and almost demanding attitude, we almost decided not to tip her at all. We only ended up giving her 50,000 VND because we wanted to buy a small embroidered artwork she showed us during the ride, and this amount covered the tip plus reduced the artwork to half price. ​P.S. We visited Trang An two days later, and none of the boat drivers there asked for a tip. You are free to leave one without any pressure and with genuine pleasure.

I was expecting another church, but it was interesting and not like other churches I've seen in Vietnam or elsewhere. Designed by Vietnamese. Inside is all teak wood, and some of the wooden pillars are massive!! The carvings were detailed. Nice bluestone gatehouse at the front. There was a church service starting when we arrived, so could only have a brief look inside.

Intriguing looking Church - a blend of Vietnamese and French architecture. There are several chapels and grottos around the main Church as well. Have not seen a Church like this before - would recommend popping by from Ninh Binh if you have time to spare / if you have your own transportation.

Stunning place that really worth the travel. The architecture is a beautiful mix of traditional Vietnamien and European styles. The wooden inside structure is fantastic, feeling being in church, and in a pagoda. Definitely a place to visit

A very beautiful and ancient place. Highly highly recommend for people who travel to Ninh Binh to visit. You can ask for nun to show tou around the church and explain about structure and its history also.

The Phát Diệm Cathedral (Vietnamese: Nhà thờ chính tòa Phát Diệm) is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phát Diệm, located in Kim Sơn District of Ninh Bình Province in Vietnam. The architecture of the church – built in stone and wood in 1891 – is an eclectic blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. It was mainly built in traditional Vietnamese architecture, similar to historical palaces and temples. It was bombed in 1972 and later restored. In addition to the cathedral itself, the Phát Diệm complex consists of five chapels, three grottoes, a memorial house, and the recently built pastoral center of the diocese. The cathedral is located in Phát Diệm township of Kim Sơn District in Ninh Bình Province.[1][2] It is about 29 km southeast of Ninh Binh and 121 kilometres (75 mi) from Hanoi.[3][4] Phát Diệm Cathedral was built by the priest Father Trần Lục (Père Six in French, or cụ Sáu in Vietnamese).[5] Père Six's tomb is in the frontyard of the cathedral.[1] The wooden statues in the cathedral were all carved by Pho Gia, a Vietnamese artisan.[6] The novelist Graham Greene described the cathedral as "more Buddhist than Christian"[7] in his novel the Quiet American.[8] After the 1954 Geneva Conference, many of its parishioners and clergy moved to safer places in South Vietnam. The cathedral is still functioning as a place of worship, and there are many more churches in the district.[3] On 15 August 1972, the cathedral was bombed, resulting in the collapse of its entire west wall, the convents and two of the schools. But now, after restoration, there are not even tell-tale marks of this destruction.[4] The overall size of the cathedral is 210 feet (64 m) in length, with a width of 60 feet (18 m).[10] The nave of the cathedral is built over 52 pillars, of which 16 are 11-metre tall (36 ft), carved from large ironwood trees. In the front worship area, the altar is made of a single slab, ornamented in "orthodox-style" and is made of "lacquered and gilded woodwork". Above the altar, there are portrait paintings of about 30 missionaries, most of European origin. The vaulted ceiling has paintings of angels in Vietnamese style.[1][4] The interior walls are decorated with Catholic iconography, but particularly have paintings of Eastern religious symbols like dragons, unicorns, tortoises and phoenixes.[9]

Unique architecture and the people are very nice, from the lady selling bánh gai outside the church to the library guy

This church is very historical. Very unique build in ancient way. Doubt modern technology can build in similar way. Have big solid tree trunks column which is very heavy to support the structure of the church. Firmly built and aesthetic. Visiting the church perhaps gives you many blessings, peace and love. A small quiet town.

The view from the top of Mua Cave is absolutely stunning — especially if you go to the left side once you reach the peak. Truly breathtaking! That said, be prepared for lots of tourists. The lotus lake at the bottom is also incredibly beautiful and peaceful, definitely worth a stroll before the climb.

Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of steps, some very large. I would recommend taking a water with and a hat. Best time is first thing in the morning as it was heaving with tourists when went. The weather was humid and 34 degrees at times I wondered if someone had to fall or faint if it would create a domino effect 😳 the view at the top is worth it. Absolutely beautiful!!! When we visited there was a queue to climb the last bit to the actual dragon. You do need a bit of physical strength and ability to do the very last few steps to the top. Some people take risks. There are places to buy food and drink at the entrance area. Parking for cars is 20 VND and motorcycles 10VND. If you stay after sunset you can get images with the lights on of the temple at the top and balloons at the bottom.

Come here if you love a good exercise with a scenic ending followed by another exercise in careful descent. The so-called 500 steps are uneven in size and height. But my watch said at least 2000 steps at the end of the descent. Nothing interesting aside from the scenery and the fat burn.

Honestly, this is so worth it the hike was actually quite challenging. The steps are very steep to take this into consideration if you struggle with this. I would recommend to go up the side with the dragon as it is higher if you were only gonna do one side and you get a good view of the other side which I thought made a great photo. We did this around sunset time so it wasn’t too hot.

Suggest taking the left path as it goes higher up the mountain for better view and view of the river. You can also climb along the dragon if you have the courage. Cost 100,000 dong to enter.

This will save you a day doing legs at the gym due to the steep stairs (and high humidity). Lovely views, it got terribly crowded at the top. Try go very early to avoid the congestion of people. It got a bit uncomfortable at the top with people pushing in while people were queuing to get to the top, causing lots of annoyance and upsets. To reach the actual dragon you will need to do a bit of climbing for the last few metres. Late afternoon/early evening gives lovely sunset views and at sunset everything is lit up. There was a fabulous restaurant we visited afterwards on the same road called Moc coffee (drink & restaurant) great food, decent prices and wholesome hospitality can definitely recommend.

Pretty views but wake up early to actually have an enjoyable experience due to the temperature and the crowds. We went in august and arrived at around 6am (official opening time) but other people were already climbing by that point, so a good bet that you can go earlier still. Park through the main gate, right next to the ticket office- do not fall for the aggressive scammers telling you to park further up. We paid 5K per bike in the official car park. 100K entrance fee. Be warned, on the top of all of the peaks/viewpoints there are lots of hornets as there are nests. Also lots of mosquitoes so bring proper repellent/ be covered

This was such a nice tour! Highly recommend route 1 if you‘re looking for nature and don’t care to much about the water temple. We did go around 9am and had almost no tourist in sight wich was super calming and peaceful! Our boat rider was super funny and very welcoming!! If you go also please leave a nice tip! They hustle all day in the sun, what should be appreciated!

This is such a nice place in Ninh Bhin..it will be remembered for your life time. It's scenic all the way you row the boat. There are 3 routes covering the water ways. We have chosen 2nd route which is for 1.45 hours and you have option to stop at 2 temples. There are multiple temples enroute and enhances the experience. I was thrilled with their natural beauty. I visited this place during drizzling and my experience is great. I seriously suggest pay some decent tip to the farmers who row our boats. They had to do a lot of hardwork and they don't row it like everyday. Optionally there are paddlers in each boat and you can also row the boat. The cave experiences are unique. I would say this is a great and unforgettable experience . There is king kong shaped hill you can see where these movies are shooted.

Amazing place for boat ride. Although the caves were closed due to flooding but otherwise great scenic views. Nice 1.5 hrs of boating. Remember to wear your sunglasses, hat and take your umbrellas. Coz its going to be super hot when its sunny. Although the boat also has umbrellas but you could also bring yours. You have to hold the umbrellas yourself for 1.5 hrs which can be tiring.

It was a fascinating ride, i choose option 3, the total time was about 3hr-ish. The ticket is 250,000VND for a person. 1 boat can carry 4 people so it’s best to travel in group of 4. I traveled alone so i have to wait for a group of 3. Along the ride, they will let you stop at different stops so you can visit.

This is a lovely activity to do. We were a party of 2 so we had to wait for another couple before we could get in a boat. The earlier you can go the better as it gets incredibly busy, with hundreds of boats on the river. We got off the boat twice at temples, used the bathroom at the first one. A couple misjudged their foot on another boat and slipped getting back into their boat, getting slightly wet. Recommend easy, flat shoes (high heels not really a good idea). Bring water with to drink as it’s a long trip. Our boat had umbrellas for us to use together with compulsory life jackets to wear. If you have toddlers/babies I would suggest you bring your own life vest as we didn’t see small toddlers wearing anything. We were advised to do route 3 but couldn’t as the water level was too high. We loved seeing all the carp and koi.

Even on an overcast day the river trip down the Trang An was amazing. 2 and a half hours through three caves on a punt rowed by a pleasant local lady (they must be very fit) Scenery is stunning with three if four stops to visit temples which were well maintained. 250000Đ well spent.

Beyond incredible. A silent 3 hour boat trip through amazing scenery and peace. This is a must do activity when in Vietnam. No words can explain this experience

Hang Mua is absolutely worth a visit! The climb is a bit challenging with around 500 stone steps, but once you reach the top, the panoramic view of Ninh Binh’s limestone mountains and rice fields is breathtaking. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Vietnam! Go early in the morning or near sunset for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water — the climb is steep but the reward at the top is totally worth it.

Very worth the climb! But i really recommend wearing your hiking shoes or anything similar because the stone steps are quite steep and can get slippery, especially when there is just a slight rain. Aside from the climb, you can walk around and watch the scenery. I wandered around and met this kitten sleeping!!!!!!!

6 Mar 2024 The weather was okay and in Lotus Lake, the lotuses were not blooming. So we walked ahead and went to the cave. The cave was short, and later we went up to the dragon lying, and we were amazed at the view. We were at the top on only one side, and on the other side, we didn't go there. I am a travel agent and traveller you can contact me on Instagram ID Personal ID: mystry_scrt Business ID: mercijourney

When I came back to Mua Caves, I didn’t climb Dragon Mountain because it was too exhausting. I just hung around the lotus lake — it was lotus season, so the flowers were blooming beautifully. GG didn’t approve my photos🌶️

The 600+ steps to the top are absolutely worth it! The views from the summit are breathtaking — and so is the climb itself. 😅 But once you reach the top, the panoramic view of Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks and rice fields is unforgettable. Bring water, wear good shoes, and take your time — it’s a must-do! 🫶

Loved this place! A definite highlight of our trip to Ninh Bình. There are many photo spots and scenic areas to explore. If you have the endurance, climbing up the mountain is totally worth it—the view at the top is stunning and absolutely Instagram-worthy. Of the three spots we visited today, this is the one I’d recommend the most. It has a good mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Come and enjoy!

I did it!!! 500 humongous steps to the top of this small mountain that’s overlooks the city. Here’s a tip, walk up the steps in a zig zag fashion, takes a lot less out of you, it’s a physics thing.

Our trip lasted about 3 hours and passed through 4 caves, some with low hanging stalactites so we need to watch our heads. Unfortunately, we were paired with an elderly woman as our rower who couldn’t help take photos, so most of our pictures turned out poorly. The first 1.5 hours were fun, but the second half felt never ending, so we ended up helping paddle in order to reach the finish sooner.

So, you pay money to sit in a wobbly little boat that makes IKEA chairs look ergonomic. Some poor soul rows you around, doesn’t speak a word of English, and you both just silently accept the mutual suffering. Your butt goes numb, your knees lock, and you start rethinking life choices. The ride itself is basically Netflix autoplay. Caves, temples, caves, temples. Just when you think, “ah, maybe now it’s something new,” nope, another damp tunnel or shrine. It’s like a greatest hits album where the band only had two songs. The scenery, though? Absolute banger. Jagged mountains, rocks, and trees that look like someone hacked into the Matrix and turned up the beauty settings. Every view is postcard-perfect, if you can still feel your hands enough to take a photo. Survival tip: bring water. Otherwise, you’ll be that sweaty tourist corpse they have to paddle back mid-route. Final verdict: 4/5. Uncomfortable boats, repetitive playlist, but the views slap hard enough to save it. Instagram will thank you, your spine won’t.

Tràng An is truly an amazing and unforgettable experience that should be at the top of every traveler's list when visiting Ninh Bình. I absolutely loved my time exploring this breathtaking natural wonder. ​🏞️ The Experience ​Scenery: Prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning, lush green mountain scenery that surrounds you throughout the journey. It feels like stepping into a movie. ​The Boat Ride: The entire trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours, offering ample time to soak in the beauty. The ride is wonderfully unique, taking you inside caves, which adds an exciting, almost adrenaline-pumping dimension to the tour. ​Unique Feature: I was fascinated watching the local boat operators, many of whom skillfully row the boats using their legs! It's a testament to their strength and a memorable part of the cultural experience. ​Historical Stops: Along the way, the boat stops at various spots, allowing you to explore many beautiful temples nestled within the landscape. ​👍 High Recommendation & Worth the Effort ​This experience is absolutely worth it and is a must-do in Ninh Bình. I was completely in love with the place and the journey. ​⚠️ Practical Tips for Visitors ​Weather: Try to avoid the peak heat of the day. The sun is burning hot, and the exposure during the 2.5-hour ride can be intense. ​Hydration & Refreshments: Bring plenty of water and fresh snacks to keep refreshed and comfortable throughout the long journey. ​Solo Travelers: Be aware that the boats typically require four people to depart. If you are a solo traveler, you may have to wait for others to fill the spots, and it can sometimes take a long time and try to avoid crowds going early

It is registered as a World Heritage Site, so we 2 adults & 2 kids went there. We spent 4 hours relaxing on a boat. She lent me an umbrella to replace my parasol. It was full of nature and we enjoyed a relaxing time.Be sure to bring a raincoat as it will get wet. The weather changes rapidly, with sunny spells and thunderstorms, so it can get hot and cold, so think about what to wear. The tour is not bad but we liked Tam Coc's better, although they are different. This one is more complete, you visit many more things and make stops. But we found it much more touristy and very long (2h 30 min or so). It is quite crowded, at times the only thing you saw around were boats everywhere (I know you can not be alone, and I am aware that we were also in one of those boats). When we did that there was only one route available which was a mixture of route 2 and route 3, because it had rained a lot and there were things that you couldn't visit. In some caves you couldn't enter. The boatmen row with their hands. Ours was very friendly, took many pictures and was watching all the time. Moved by nature. It was more than I could have imagined. We spent 3 hour and a half on a rowboat, visiting the shores of lakes, mysterious caves and temples in the mountains, and were very healed. A place worth coming to. It just feels like there are too many tourists.

I was reading some older reviews about this place, like couple of years old or so and I must say that many of the negative issues tourists mentioned were probably delt with because my visit was super smooth! I came in lower season, at parking there were no scams, i bought ticket at the counter...you have 3 routes to choose and all of them cost the same - 250k dong...you can decide which one you want right at the boat dock that is across the street. There is a big waiting room, souvenir shop, cafes, bakery, everything very pretty and clean, bathrooms of good standard at no extra cost, i was alone and paired with another couple for a tour no.2 which was very beautiful. We didn t wait for 4th person. ..trip was very enjoyable and included three stops at temples and four passages in cave tunnels. Our rower was nice lady...she didn t speak english but she smiled and offered to take a pic of us ...in the end she didn t ask for trip but we of course gave her one...I think min.50k dong per person is appropriate and also a help with rowing will be very appreciated...at each of our three stops there was a bathroom and opportunity to buy water...the boat also had two umbrellas for visitors...everything felt very good organised and arranged for tourists...no hassle at all just a beautiful peaceful experience

If you are deciding between Trang An and Tam Coc boat rides, pick Trang An! Views are better and no touts hassling you. Go with route 2 for a good mix of caves and temples and to see king kong island.

Among the must-visit spot when you arrived Ninh Binh. Just spend 3 hour chilling on a little boat ride in the cool autumn breeze. Perfect day-out!

Updated and corrected: It's okay. 5/10. Nice views. Tourist prices, but that was to be expected. The entrance fee is 150k (it was increased by 50% from last years price. The boat ride to the buddha cave that is located close to the betrance is apparently free (I was just spooked by the entrance fee sign that was not clear if I need or don't need to pay. Would be nice if the entrance lady could mention it or put it on the physical map that you give out to the visitors. I am unaware if the boat to the Bird Valley is extra or not. Mermaid cave was greate and the viewpoint of the bird valley as well as the flower gardens were stunning. You can spend here easily 2-4 hours.

One of the best place that we have had here. Yes, we will certainly come back again. The entrance ticket is vnd 150k for an adult, and vnd 40k for eletric vehicle to go back and forth. It is totally worthy traveling this amazing natural area. We spent almost a day to visit Buddha Cave, Flowers Parade, and Bird Island, try local foods (jack fruit and mango) and take pics here. Although in a summer day, it is not really hot. Bringing water and sun screen are suitable for this trip. Staffs here are quite friendly and helpful although sometimes they are a little bit talkative 🥴

Beautiful place, really great care for the environment and nature there. Great views, birds and some caves. 2 cruises included in a 150k price tag for entry. If you ok with a bit of an accent tge first cave on the right worth the view from the top. I would recommend coming with a bicycle or motorbike but a walk is more than nice to take a slower approach.

Pretty cool, boat tours are included in the ticket and tip may be asked but is not necessary. There were plenty of birds inside the “bird valley” area despite being not migration season. Your driver might offer to buy the tickets for you, as long as you check it’s the same price this should be fine. They get commission for bringing people there and getting tickets for them so you’re just helping them out a little.

Boring boring boring, useless cave with some rocks that look like animals if you are on shrooms. Bird tour was more of a “look at the white Guys tour” I got more fingers pointed at me and pictures taken than the unimpressed birds. I had to wait 20min because apparently I can’t get on a boat first even when I arrived first, just because I don’t speak Vietnamese. Swing was fun though but not worth 160k (10k for parking????????????????? Just include it in the price how stupid is this). Don’t get the buggy, it’s an even bigger scam than this uninteresting boring place. Just save the time and go ANYWHERE else

Really really beautiful way to spend the afternoon. 150k to enter , includes two boat rides, one to caves and one to see the bird sanctuary. Really fun. Tranquil nature trails and beautiful flower gardens. Parts of the place were full of crowded busses full of Vietnamese kids, a little rowdy. But as you made your way through it got more and more tranquil. Highly recommend. Pretty around sunset.

We picked our bikes and went to the Bird Sanctuary, it’s was 9 km ride from our home stay, and we were exhausted when we reached there. However the place is magical and very unique. Its peaceful and very well maintained. Lots of signage and directions available. We trekked up to the high point and then saw the birds nesting. You can also visit the 2 caves here: Buddha Cave and the Mermaid Cave. Boat rides are included in the ticket. Tickets cost Viet đ150k/ person. It was a long day but worth the 4-5 hours of your day we spent there. 😊

I was truly amazed that just two hours away, there's a place so filled with natural beauty and comfort. Surrounded by endless greenery, trails, bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, electric ca rides around the property, and more, it offered a peaceful retreat. Although we only spent one day there, we deeply appreciated the warm hospitality and exceptional service, which made our brief visit truly memorable.

Beautiful scenery and boat rides. 150,000VND for a ticket, including 2 boat rides (1 for visiting But cave and 1 for the boat ride to see the birds). You can walk (about 3km in total i guess), or buy electric shuttle ticket (40,000VND), ride your own bike (additional fee but idk the fee). There are many other stops where you can take good scenery photos. The birds will fly back to their nesting place around 4:30pm 5:00pm so it’s best to ride the boat at this time. 1 boat can carry 10 people so you have to wait until there are enough people on your waiting queue. I visit at weekend so it’s a bit crowded.

Thung Nham is such a chill spot, fresh air, stunning views, and a super peaceful vibe. Loved the boat ride to see the birds and the caves, plus the local food was surprisingly tasty. Definitely a place I’d go back to and brag with the photos later!

Loved the area. Real tropic feel. I think I paid like 150k vnd per person. For that you get to chill at the pool for as long as you want and get 1 free drink (non alcoholic). Definitely a good break from all the hiking and sitting all day.

I don’t understand the low ratings of this place. It feels like a giant amusement park for adults, with endless spots designed for great lighting and visuals. As a photographer, I was impressed by how many premium photo ops there are here and I’m surprised it’s still flying under the radar. I have ZERO doubt it will be overrun by influencers soon. I originally came for the birds, and that section was underwhelming since it’s only a small part of the park, but the sheer number of other photo spots more than made up for it.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the super kind security guy. Unfortunately, that was the last positive part of our visit. We wanted to go swimming, and the woman at the reception, with a sour face, told us it was 220,000 dong per person. When we pointed out that the sign clearly said 100,000, she just rolled her eyes at her colleague, who then told us that it’s more expensive on weekends because you get “access to everything.” They were extremely arrogant, and even if their price had been correct, the way they spoke to us and treated us from the very start was shockingly unprofessional. We felt that 8 euros was far too much just to go swimming, and the fact that they were so unfriendly and arrogant made us decide to leave. Very disappointing, because it actually looked like a beautiful place.

A place mostly for taking pictures. Wouldn’t really recommend to nature enthousiast as most of the things you will see here are fake. In the middle of the bird sanctuary was a ceremony going on (again for tourist to take fake pictures). Sanctuary zones should be for protecting and conserving wildlife and not as a model for making money.

Very good, they love their primates here. We got to see plenty of Monkeys and learned lots of monkey facts. The animals were all very lively and happy.

Twenty species of rare and valuable primates are protected here. Monkeys rescued by rangers from illegal poachers are being cared for. Each monkey undergoes a careful rehabilitation process lasting from one to five years, during which they gradually recover their health and are gently reintroduced to a natural environment. Even the golden-cheeked gibbon, which originally inhabits southern Vietnam, is being raised here — a reflection of how its habitat is shifting northward due to global warming.

I had to wait a long time for a guide and the tour was rushed, but it was amazing to see these rare and beautiful primates. Definitely a special experience. I was the only visitor at the time too!

Something different to the usual touristy activities, great to see locals being educated and willing to teach the young ones too about the environmental conservation. The surrounding areas are also worth the visit.

Rehabilitation center for primates of Vietnam. Looks like they're being treated very well. They have gibbons, various types of langurs, macaques, and lorises. Though because lorises are nocturnal, good chance you won't actually see them when you're there. Because the site is located in the jungle, if you look around you can find many small interesting animals.

It was informative. Appreciate the people and the work they do. Just a shame that they're funds don't allow them to build more natural facilities

Amazing tour, the tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate. Amazing to see these animals that are endangered. I would definitely recommend this tour and goes to a fantastic cause. Thank you for having us there!

Having read about this 500 steps climb I was a little worried about how difficult it would be in the heat. It's actually fine as there's plenty of stopping / resting points and you feel encouraged by the number of older people making it. The entrance is 100,000 each about £3. The viewpoints are really spectacular. At step 406(?) You get a choice of the pagoda to the right hand staircase or the longer harder dragon stair. I'd say if you've got that far go see the dragon as that's the hardest climb. Took about 20 minutes to ascend to both peaks. Coming down is easier but make sure it's before any heavy rain as it could be deadly slippery up there

As a hiking course, it’s great for breaking a good sweat. ^ ^ However, if you’re expecting breathtaking views, it might be a bit underwhelming for experienced travelers. But if you’re someone who enjoys a good workout and doesn’t mind the lack of a dramatic view, then definitely give it a try!

A few of the other reviewers have confused this with the actual Hang Mua. It's definitely a bit misleading to call this "little Hang Mua." It's free, but it's not very comfortable to access - there's a narrow path on which plants brush up against you, a sketchy ladder, and some rocks to climb over. And the payoff at the end is a decent view (including a peek at a stretch of river where they do boat tours, not pictured here), but absolutely incomparable to Hang Mua, which, to be clear, is in an entirely different location. The road on the way here is quite nice, so I'd recommend enjoying the scenery on a leisurely bike ride and go no further than the restaurant.

While we didn’t hike uk the trail we observed some of the. Dairy from our bikes as we rode around the rivers.

Nice point of view in walkable distance from tam coc. You reach a small point about 20m high where you get a beautiful view of the valley, the boat passing by and the birds. Overall a very relaxing point where you feel like you're the only one.

Breathtaking viewpoint with mesmerizing limestone formations and serene rice fields. The best part? It's completely free! Plus, there's a fantastic restaurant nearby with the loveliest staff. A must-visit for a unique and budget-friendly Vietnamese experience!

Visited the viewpoint in Tam Coc and was absolutely blown away by the breathtaking valley views! It's a slice of paradise that pictures just don't do justice. Heard they offer overnight stays too – definitely considering that for our next Vietnam trip. A must-visit spot!

After our boat ride we stopped by Thái Vi Temple.Tucked in the peaceful countryside of Ninh Hai, the temple is beautifully built with stone carvings, a lotus pond, and a well detailed dragon staircases. The setting is calm and spiritual, with incense, blooming frangipanis, and views of the surrounding limestone hills adding to the atmosphere. The entrance alone is impressive—ornately carved stone gates that open into a quiet sanctuary. Tips: • Entry is free, though donations are welcome. • Wear respectful clothing if you plan to go inside the temple. • It’s about a 10–15 minute walk or a short bike ride from the Tam Coc boat pier. If you buy a combo ticket as we did this was included.

It‘s a beautiful place in an amazing looking and quiet area, you can visit for free. But sadly they don‘t have information signs in English, just in Vietnamese. It is easy accessible by bike.

Very relaxing temple! The bike ride to the location is beautiful

No ticket required. The temple is open but it need a serious maintenance. The path that lead to the temple has a nice view and there are not so many scooters and cars

Beautiful temple easily accessible from Nimh Binh by walk or bike or scooter. We visited late afternoon and the sky looked beautiful behind the temple. Inside is picturesque and quite serene and calming. Well worth a visit

Stunning temple built in the 13th century. The ground is well taken care of and have a beautiful view. There’s big parking spot in front of the temple. Totally worth a visit. Free entrance and free parking

A temple located in the middle of the nature, surrounded by rice fields, small rivers and limestone mountains. Recommend cycling or motorbiking to this temple as the village is poetic and beautiful, especially on beautiful days. You don't have to buy tickets here. Thai Vi temple looks quite similar to other temples in Vietnam, nothing too special about the temple but the way to this temple is worth. Large and easy parking place. Follow the small trail to the back of the temple to reach a small pier with magnificent view. The man who is taking care of the temple is interesting and can play musical instruments very well.

A must visit when in Trang An, the boat ride is a very relaxing way to enjoy the landscapes and beautiful scenery. It can get very crowded at peak times so would advise going either earlier or later in the day to avoid the mass amounts of people that this place attracts. We got our tickets at this location and didn’t buy in advance but it might be worth buying prior if going at peak times or if you go on a tour I believe they handle this part for you.

The ride takes around 2 hours for a price 250k. They have boats for 4 people so might ride with other tourists. We couldnt see any of the caves because the water was too high but we still paid the same price, thats why I give 4 stars. Go in the morning or late afternoon but do it before 17:00 before they close. Because at noon it will be very hot under the sun. They also have umbrelas on the boat to use for shade and little paddles if you want to help with rowing. The ride was nice. At the end the driver/rower asks for tip "money money". We gave him 50k I guess that was okay because they probably don't get much of a share of the ticket. Also, I've seen that if you give him too little he will ask for more. Just give him/her whats okay for you.

This is where the boat trip starts. Place wasn't crowded, we waited maybe 3 minutes in the ticket line. Trip started after a big rain but there was no issues on the river. Due to high water level (previous rainy days) they have created a new route, through 2 caves and stopping by a few beautiful temples. Entire trip is 2,5h long and its very nice, highly recommend to take it. At the end nobody was asking for any tips, boat crew was very pleasant.

Navigate here and there are signs to point you to the ticket booth. The ticket booth is right before you go to the departure dock. I arrived at 8am on a Wednesday and there was a moderate amount of people. Not too busy but not empty, it was great though! I enjoyed Route 2. As others mentioned, good mix of caves, walking to see temples and boat riding. Saw King Kong Island on this route as well. Thoroughly enjoyed, would highly recommend. My boat driver did not ask for tip but I gave her 150k. If I had more cash I would’ve tipped more.

Amazing day out, beautiful scenery and lots of history. The place is so well organised and clean and tidy. We biked from a local lodge and there was free bike storage whilst we boated around. There were three route options to choose from, they were priced differently, I think we went with the first option but as we got to the boat they said we could do whichever, was a little confusing, we stuck with number one and it was great. There was a food cafe at the end which served great food at a very reasonable price. One of the favourite places we visited during our two week stay in Vietnam, what an amazing place!

Great adventure! If you only have time to do this or Tam coc do this. The drivers are really friendly and sweet (and they dont demand a heavy tip, but please give one:) ) the views are absolutely stunning. When we were there we didn't have the choice between the three routes because of the storms (the water level was too high for some of the caves) but the option they gave us was as good as it could be. Really really good.

This boat ride was included in my day trip to Ninh Binh, but I really enjoyed it! I’m not too sure of what the routes are, but for my boat ride it lasted nearly an hour and 30 mins, which was super scenic and relaxing. Definitely recommend!!

The negative reviews here are unwarranted. It has amazing veiws from the summit, yes its a steep climb, but not impossible iam past my mid 50s and still did it with no trouble. Wear appropriate footware as it can be slippery. The amount of want to be influencers in heels trying to get that instagram worthy picture is the only down side in my opinion. If your after an almost spiritual connection, go when it opens (before 6am) theres something magical about being on the summit as the day breaks or soon afterwards, you will enjoy peace, incredible views, and an uncrowded climb. Ohh and take your rubbish down with you .

The climb was easier than expected, and offered a nice view of the surroundings. The entrance in mount hua cost 100 000 dong. It was also fun to climb on the rocks tho I would say it's probably hard to get for elderly people

Get ready to work out your legs today! It’s very much worth it! Take your time, and three points of contact (hold onto something going up AND down). Put your camera in your pocket and have hands free! Now that I’m done with the safety talk…this was a highlight for us in Ninh Bình! Absolutely gorgeous views, gardens and caves! I agree with the other review that mentions the cleanliness. Still bits of trash in places but not like other public areas. Had a bit of a snicker to see so many cigarettes butts at the summit. That’s dedication! Don’t miss this!

The views from both the pagoda and the mountain are absolutely breathtaking. The stairs can be challenging if you have limited mobility, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Many people visit the Dragon, but there didn’t seem to be an official path, and crossing felt a bit dangerous

This is definitely worth the effort. It’s completely achievable but the heat makes it more challenging. Set off early to miss mid day heat, take water and get shade where you can. It’s 100k dong to enter. If you’re taking a bike, you can park outside for 5k dong. Beware of people trying to stop you before the entrance; they will literally stand in your path and obstruct you. It’s very dangerous but just ignore them and move right past them. I had people try to push my bike. That’s completely unacceptable, so just be careful. You will be stopped by a guard at the gates to enter. Apart from people trying to make money from you, it’s a nice walk. There isn’t much to see cave wise.

The Hang Múa Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views over Ninh Binh’s limestone karsts and rice fields. 🏞️✨ Even under rainy conditions, the hike was still enjoyable, though the steps can get a bit slippery. Despite the weather, it was still quite busy, so if you want to enjoy a more peaceful climb, I’d definitely recommend going early in the morning (between 7-9 AM) to avoid the crowds. The climb itself is a good workout but absolutely worth it once you reach the top! Just be prepared for some steep steps. 🥾 If you’re in Ninh Binh, this is a must-visit spot! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A steep climb you will get sweaty!! We also went after it had rained and the steep steps were very slippery to walk down and it felt quite treacherous but I would still do it again just take your time!

Most amazing cave in Ninh binh, tbh. When we were there in the morning, we were the only ones. It almost felt like off the beaten path. The cave itself is quite big and you can walk around with a flashlight to explore. There's also an underground river boat tour. In summer, there are thousands of bats.

Absolutely stunning!! I have never seen anything like the cage. It was so gorgeous, and there were so many bats. The person who gave us the tour. It was so kind and helpful and so beautiful English. The woman who helped us arrange the tour served us fresh banana bananas that she had picked from a banana tree, as well as as a fried banana and fried sweet potato and cold drinks when we first arrived at the location. Highly recommend!!

(Translated by Google) The entrance is not at this marker. If you enter this address into Google, you will reach the actual starting point. Yen Son, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh 430000, Vietnam The caves themselves are worth seeing and are still rarely visited. (Original) Bei dieser Markierung ist der Eingang nicht. Wenn man bei Google diese Adresse eingibt erreicht man den eigentlichen Startpunkt. Yên Sơn, Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam Grotten an sich sind sehenswert und noch wenig besucht.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place. The ticket costs 400kk dong. The price is clearly too high. (Original) Красивое место. Билет стоит 400кк донг. Ценник явно завышен.

(Translated by Google) The cave and its surroundings are beautiful. The boat ride is very nice, and you can also see a lot of bats. The price per person, however, is 200k. (Original) Wunderschöne Höhle und Umgebung. Die Bootsfahrt ist sehr schön und man kann auch sehr viele Fledermäuse sehen. Der Preis pro Person ist jedoch 200k.

this place was a gem

Probably best cave of easy access(lots of man made modifications. Good families and non-adventurous people.

A very cool experience! It’s quite serene and unique - going with the row boat through the river, through a cave and then into an open space, surrounded by mountains. The ladies rowing the boat are farmers I am told and after their work, they do this as an additional hustle. They row with their feet which is a sight to see, they’re quite experienced. Be warned! And be ready for them to hard sell you trinkets and souvenirs when they reach the end of the river (before turning back). We didn’t bring any money but we felt almost hijacked when she wouldn’t move the boat until she was truly convinced we couldn’t buy anything. The other boats did the same thing, stopped the boat for about 10 minutes until someone bought something (or couldn’t). It detracted from the overall good experience from the row boat ride. We tipped her generously at the end when we were done and back in land where the money was available but we shouldn’t have been held “hostage” for quite a bit of time with the rower giving us a disapproving and unhappy, sour look because we couldn’t buy her trinkets.

We booked a day tour to Ninh Binh using klook. We were picked up from our hotel in the morning around 8 am. From hoi an ancient town to pagoda to lunch and then to tam coc island for a boat ride. It was quite sunny and the boat ride is roughly 1.5 hrs. It was quite hot and you need to carry googles, hat, sunscreen to avoid getting sun burnt. Carry water bottles too. The boat ride is good and quite scenic. You will pass through paddy fields and under the cave and a bridge but just take precautions with the sun. Two people on one boat and they paddle using their feet. Dinh bay and 2-3 small bays pass by. Tam Coc boat tour is a boat trip through the scenic karst landscape of Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, often called "Inland Halong Bay". Local rowers guide you in traditional sampan boats through rivers winding between rice paddies and under limestone mountains, passing through three natural caves called "Tam Coc" (Three Caves). The tour can be booked as part of a day trip from Hanoi, which may also include cycling through rural villages and visiting historical sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital or Mua Cave, with options for private or small-group tours

This sightseeing combo was extremely beautiful. Loved it all and felt like we were in another world. The only reason for 4 stars is that our boat rower spent so much time trying to sell us crafts out of his bucket and then started asking for a tip long before the ride was over. Once we gave him one, he complained and asked for more. It was very off putting and took away from the beautiful landscape that we were trying to take in.

The view, cave, rock and river themselves are naturally beautiful. This place is unique during the rice ripening season. Recommend to go early to beat the crowd. Sadly nature outweighs the messy service and rude, greedy, narrow-minded attitude of the vast majority of boatmen here. You can’t enjoy the boat on your own but need to fill the group of at least 4 people. The boat woman seems friendly and responded to your questions, but stopped only at Khe Gioi ravine for photos. She was impatient and wanted us to leave early. She described her poor family situation and persuaded us to buy embroidered frames. She also asked for tip by the end and sold the embroidered things double the price. Don’t believe their words, their acting and don’t buy anything. Actually the local people themselves are ruining the experience. I’ll never come back because of their attitude. Just enjoy nature if you love it.

It’s a great experience on the river passing through the 3 caves. Tam(3) and Coc (caves). You are in a small rowboat, a local lady or men row with their legs

Best experience we had, river along that glides you to three caves, amazing limestones, picturesque cliffs, beautiful scenic views. Highly recommended

I had an amazing experience exploring the area. The boat ride through the limestone mountains and expansive rice fields was incredibly peaceful, and the scenery was breathtaking at every turn. The guides were friendly, helpful, and informative, which made the visit feel personal and engaging. Even though it was a popular spot, it never felt overcrowded, making the experience truly memorable.

Our favourite restaurant in Tam Coc. We came here several times during our one week stay. Amazing food and extremely good value for money. They offer a menu that is a little different from the regular Vietnamese fare, and it was all delicious. Friendly wait staff. Highly recommend.

Very flavor ful food and warm service. Location very close to the emeralda resort. Quiet and open nice area for dining. Reasonably priced vegan meals We enjoyed all meals at this place. Owners dog was also well behaved. We loved the vibes of this place.

The food is delicious and it offers different options from the usual vietnamese dishes. We took the dumplings and the bao and the miso soup. Everything was tasty and balanced, we really enjoyed. We even tried the pumpkin caramel pudding and i really enjoyed it!

We had fried spring rolls, fried rice and tofu with tomato sauce - excellent food! And also the waiter was super kind and fast. Really worth a visit when in Tam Coc!

I’ve been vegetarian/ vegan for 40 years and this is the best vegan food I’ve ever had. We are staying in Tam Coc for 5 nights and we have been eating here every day. Beautiful food and wonderful service too. We are going to miss it when we leave! Highly recommend!!

The restaurant was incredible. Probably some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had. Everything we tried was amazing. Our favorite was the pumpkin soup.

We went twice to this restaurant, they have a lot of tasty options! The juices and the tempeh dishes are especially good! Would highly recommend!

Visited Hoa Lu Old Town during weekday around 1pm and all the shop along the old town pathway was closed waited till past 2pm is still closed. Quite disappointing cos most of the review said the shops normally open around 2pm which is not the case. However there is a Pizza Sen at the entrance of the old town which is really good.

Must visit in ninh binh. Good street food. Well lit streets. Overall very nice ambience. We didn't do a lantern boat ride here but it definitely looked better than HoiAn and was way less crowded ( and more charming because of it). The prices of food items are reasonable. A good place to relax in evening / night.

I visited twice! The weekend was very busy! But on the week night was quiet! Lots of cool shops, cafes, bars and food along the water! Even a Photo Booth shop! With loads of fancy dress

A beautiful old town with excellent choice of street food and crafts. The whole place is lit by lanterns at night. There are 2 beautiful pagodas to visit, on the lake. A very beautiful experience

Quiet and peaceful. Resembled Hoi An very much. Visited on a Friday evening, no crowds at all. Pleasantly strolling around Hoa Lu, pretty humid though 😅

Lovely market area with plenty of food and shopping options. The temples on the islands are also very beautiful. Suggest visiting just before sunset so you can see the area during sunset and nightfall. Shops are also reasonably priced and offer better quality goods compared to local markets

I've been here 3 or 4 times. Night time is best. The shops are all open, the lanterns are on, and the music and cooking smells permeate the air. So much to see and do.

Great views of the surrounding areas from the upper viewing points, but beware, the steps are irregular, can be steep, and there's a lot of them! The real killer though is the humidity- you'll be sweating loads, so bring plenty of water. It can also get busy, so be prepared to wait to get space to take good photos from the top.

​Múa Caves offers one of the most rewarding hikes in Ninh Bình. The ascent is demanding, featuring about 500 steeply inclined steps, but the stunning panoramic views from the peak are absolutely worth the effort. Getting up early is highly recommended: the sunrise view from the top is absolutely breathtaking, and starting early helps you avoid the severe heat that makes the climb difficult later in the day. ​The entry ticket costs around 40,000 VND per person, which is definitely worth the small investment for the views you get. ​Don't miss the picturesque lotus pond at the bottom! It’s beautiful and a great photo spot. ​Crucial Travel Tip (Read This!) ​If you arrive by bicycle or motorcycle, be extremely cautious about parking scams. Drive ALL the way into the official Múa Cave entrance, past the people trying to flag you down and pull you into unofficial parking bays. If you go past the official gates for parking, you will only be charged a standard 5,000 VND fee. ​Finally, a word of caution for cyclists: while the rice terraces are lovely, the GPS mapping can be unreliable. We got stuck in the rice terraces plenty of times due to bad navigation, so take extra care and perhaps rely on offline maps or clear road signs instead of strictly following your GPS.

I did not see any cave. However the place had a beautiful landscaped garden with 500 steps leading to the hillock , which provided a beautiful 360.degree view of the River and rice fields. There was a carved dragon on top. Climb of tiring and took around 30 mins.. decent is quicker. Top.was crowded with people competing to click pics.

We visited mua caves on a rainy day ,even with the heavy showers ,the place looked absolutely magical🌧️🌨️🌊The climb to the top is around 250 steps ,though it's a bit tiring , every step is worth it once you see the breathing views from the mountain peak. From the top you get a panoramic view of the lush green rice fields, a beautiful river and limestone cliffs ,it's truly picture perfect!!! The famous lotus pond near the caves is another must-visit spot, ideal for some dreamy photos surrounded by nature. Despite the rain, the entire path felt peaceful and scenic, adding a misty charm to the view. If you visit, don’t miss the refreshing tender coconuts and fresh sugarcane juice sold right outside, they’re perfect after the climb! 🥥🍹.The stairs are steep in some parts, so wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Early morning or evening visits are best to avoid crowds and heat. Overall, Mua Caves is a must-see in Ninh Binh, a blend of adventure, beauty, and calm.It’s one of those places where nature truly takes your breath away. 🌿✨

Beautiful views, and well worth the visit, the left path goes to the dragon (was busier at the top and a queue for a pic) the right path goes to the pagoda. Overall not to busy when we went but as the golden hour approached was starting to get very busy. 100k entry per person, if you bike several people offer storage for 2.5k per bike as you cycle down the street or there is a someone more official looking at the end who charges 5k per bike, he'd disappeared when we returned, someone else was there but he was taking a nap 😂.

Beautiful complex with so much to see and do here. Sadly we were rushed as we visited as the last stop on a tour and it was getting dark. We climbed to the dragon side before it got dark, but we weren’t able to wander through the lotus flowers in time. As beautiful as the view on top was, this felt quite touristy…like it was built (in 1994) to accommodate tourists. I would come back and visit so I could see all the place had to offer. What we did see, we enjoyed.

Visiting Múa Cave in Ninh Bình was absolutely worth the experience and the price. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND, and motorbike parking is only 10,000 VND, which feels very reasonable for me. The weather was a bit cold during my visit. The climb up the stone steps is definitely a workout, but every step is rewarded with breathtaking views. Totally unforgettable. If you’re in Ninh Bình, Múa Cave is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

Compared to the touristy trang an boat ride, this was magical and quiet, our guide was a very gentle man and very caring. Tickets were 200k per person and we were the only ones. The woman who sold us the ticket seemed a bit rude and treated us like money, not like people. But the men were respectful and friendly. Worth it to have a more private and peaceful boat trip through the caves.

A great little gem to visit! Tour is with a boat to the cave and a boat in the cave too. So peaceful as we were the only ones in! Some beautiful formations, even seen lots of kingfishers on the boat ride. Highly recommended!

Incredibly unique and cool experience not to miss! 200 per person. Boat ride to cave entrances, explore on foot and then take another boat deeper into the cave. Very extensive and stunning cave experience. We were the ONLY people from start to finish, felt so special.

Very quiet boat trip through some beautiful nature. Don’t be surprised to arrive on a farm without tourists and just some people working. For 200k/person we took aboat across the flooded fields to 2 beautiful caves . Due to the heavy rain, we couldn’t go deeper into the caves by boat, but we instead made a stop at the house of an older Vietnamese man and were offered some snacks. The guide doesn’t speak English but still tries to point things out and take a lot of pictures for you. It takes some time to get here for most people but the 2-hour activity feels worth it.

We did this as a Christmas day treat and it was truly magical!!! Bit of a way out of town but if you have a moped it's a great sparcley travelled spot where we had the caves to ourselves. Our guide was a lovely lady and her strength and informative use of Google translate was made the trip more immersive. Really worth a visit for any cave lovers but if your scared of snakes best to go in the day time as they prey on the bats as the sun goes down.

This is one of the best attractions in this place. The caves are beautiful and still alive. You could see the glittering shine when you take a cruise inside. This cave is one of the longest ride you will find around 700m. The guy who organize tours here is a very friendly person.

Our guide was awesome, were so lucky to have the caves to ourselves. Saw kingfishers and storks. Lunch was yummy too.

Super easy process to rent a reliable and very affordable automatic scooter for zipping around Ninh Binh. Cheaper than every other option I and friends could find, right next to the station, and the delightful owner and her staff are extremely helpful and easy to work with. I’m going to come back to Ninh Binh next year and will go straight here.

Great owner and I received a good bike for the best price I’m aware of, 100,000 VND per day. The girl there spoke great English and seemed to be honest and caring

Ms.Huệ is the most cute and enthusiastic owner at here, try her best to make the guest satisfaction

Got Rental bike from here. Straight opposite to Ninh Binh Railway Station. Easy process. Bike is good condition. Got 2 Helmets + Raincoats. I have taken 24 hours(1 Day) rentals.

I rented motosai here for 3 days. Super kind and friendly owners. Very easy and fast. Take photo of your passport and go.

Excellent service! They delivered and picked up a scooter from my hotel. They offered competitive pricing compared to other places. I do recommend renting a scooter from them!

Very friendly and courteous ! Even you're not in Ninh Binh Directly, they can bring a bike to you as long as you not too far from this area ! Easy to communicate! Would always book again by this people !❤️

Wonderful colouring inside the cave, didn’t know a cave can be so beautiful..

Looks better than others around

One of the most memorable journey that i have ever had. I have experienced several landscapes in Ninh Binh but this place had impressed me with the uniqueness and hospitality

This is the best cave I ever seen in Ninh Binh so far.ticket is 120,000 vnd for short route and 200,000 vnd for longer route. The cave is amazing and well maintained, short walk through tree bamboo then you will enter the on land part of the cave, keep going then you will reach the water part of the cave where you will use boat to keep exploring. This part is the best in my trip. Highly recommended

It is just nice. Not too outstanding!

Recommend to visit in the afternoon to avoid tourists !

Just a warning you definitely can't access this through the bird sanctuary despite the map where the pin is. You have to go around on the long busy road.

Did the Trang An boat tour. We chose route 3. We went at 11PM It was super beautiful, was getting super crowded as we were leaving. Our tour guide made us paddle for the full 3 hours as she was barely paddling. Would have took us 5 hours without us. Paid 250 000 dong. If you want something worth the money I would highly suggest the bird sanctuary in Tam COC. Only cost 150 000 dong. Give yourself alot of time as there is SO much to see, super worth the money and your time. There is 4 caves and all the boat tours are included in your ticket. Make sure your there around 4PM and you'll see all the birds returning to the bird garden. Such a beautiful sight! Happy travels!

The rower was very friendly and talkative, which made the experience more enjoyable. The landscape is stunning and peaceful — honestly, we thought it was almost better than Ha Long Bay. There’s less boat traffic, and the water is much cleaner. That said, the tour was 3 hours long, and it was extremely hot. Sitting in the sun for that long can really drain you — bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. I would recommend to take the shortest route!

We couldn’t go into the caves because it was flooded, it’s a pity because I was looking forward to that. But other than that, very nice peaceful boat ride - they take you for 2.5 hours on the lake, I don’t know how the women manually ride the boat for so long!! Quite serene and beautiful.

had the best day! incredible views so peaceful and unreal landscapes. the best was to see the sights that ninh binh has to offer. we were on boat route 3. went for 3hrs; 3 caves and 3 temples <3 we had the most lovely couple join us on our boat (4 people in every boat). make sure to tip the workers they’re so lovely and made sure we got amazing pictures!

They “slightly” changes the tour and instead of 3 hours it was 1.5. Also it was overcrowded with boats so avoid going on Sunday because you will just hear people taking around and will not enjoy the nature at all. Last but not least there was 250m long cave which was also crowded with boats and it was lacking air.

We did tour 3. 1 is cave heavy, 2 is shorter. 250k each (300k for additional bits around like the kong film site). A must do, going through the 1km long cave was amazing! Absolutely beautiful, took about 2h20m. Helping to row is appreciated, tips not expected but recommended. Absolutely worth it, motorbike parking 15k from memory.

This was not at all a good experience for us. First of all, all of the temples in tour 1 weren’t built yet, they were still in construction so we basically didn’t see any temples during the tour. Secondly, it is extremely touristic: overcrowded boats, not at all a peaceful tour. The one star goes to the views, which were beautiful. It’s just a pitty that we didn’t get to enjoy them because of the loud chatting around us. I would not recommend this!!

Disappointed to visit the natural lagoon after nearly 20km from Trang An landscape. It is still very wild with no service or recreational activities nearby. This area is suitable for people who find tranquil and peaceful place. The terrain of Van Long lagoon is quite special, the water here is not deep, only about 1 - 1.5m. There are areas of reed grass growing so thick that only a bamboo boat can pass through, but there are places where there are vast expanses of water.

TOKI retreat van long is a lovely small boutique hotel, very upscale in design. Room was gorgeous with all major amenities (including AC but not TV, which I was happy about). Gorgeous soaking tub under a skylight! Restaurant was mainly Vietnamese and only one hotel person spoke English so google translate was essential, and we pre-ordered food via instagram chat. Vietnamese staff were super friendly even with google translate! Coffee was great, dinner was good, western breakfast only ok. We had trouble finding a WhatsApp or email address or website online- we booked through Expedia. Location is great- quiet section of van long national park - they had free bikes and there were few people on the roads as we rode all around the area. You can also take a boat ride through the reserve nearby - not very touristy. Super chill. Pool was really nice too and perfect after a bike and boat ride. Hotel is small so don’t expect custom cocktails and restaurant snack service any time- you pre-order meals only. I only wish they’d had a quiet curfew- other guests in the room next to ours partied loudly until 4am one night and the hotel didn’t do anything. They did apologize in the morning and gave us a small gift. I would recommend this place.

Second visit here. Quieter than Tam Coc and Trang An. Perhaps scenery a little less dramatic, but the solitude made up for it. About 1.5 hours boat ride, in a manual row boat. We were lucky enough to see egrets, herons and langurs on the limestone peaks. Didn't know this, but it appears the wetlands were created after formation of a man made dyke, but it's no less beautiful for that.

My partner and I stayed for one night in one of the Superior King Rooms which was absolutely delightful. The aesthetics is just so nice. Definitely worth the trip away from the main tourist attractions for a bit of relaxation and greenery. The property is next to the Van Long Nature Preserve. You can borrow bikes (free of charge) and cycle around the lagoon and rice paddy fields. It’s so stunning. The facilities are gorgeous with the thoughtfully planted greenery that provides a tranquil setting and much needed shade. The entrance to the main building is gorgeous with glass walls and doors. Very attractive. The best part of this stay are the people. We were welcomed so warmly and kindly. I speak broken Vietnamese but they were so patient and understanding. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful. I love this place. And the food! We arrived late and failed to request dinner in advance but they were able to accompany my limited diet. We had a scrumptious and local meal. For breakfast, my partner had the pho ga which had the most depth in flavor of all the phos we had in Vietnam thus far. As for myself, I had the congee/rice porridge with what looks like little clams??? It was amazing! Best surprise from the establishment are their drinks. Freshly squeezed watermelon juice, the most refreshing and delightful oolong teas (tropical/pineapple and peach), fabulous iced coffee (cafe sua da) that is light and not as bitter/acrid as traditional Vietnamese roast, and your western style cappuccinos!

Very natural. I loved it here. Beautiful and quiet.

All about ship, boats, islands, rivers, peace and love in this place. The citizen here is so nice and so adorable. Should travel around to feel the scenery and breath the nice air of Dam Van Long. The only worst thing is the concrete factory nearby that damaging the air, the river nearby. But we cant do anything with the big guy so just can enjoy everything here until it is here ❤️

Beautiful, secluded hotel in the Ninh Binh region. While they are a little off the beaten track, it was completely worth it. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and beautiful. The walls are a little thin so be aware of your neighbors. The whole place is well tended to, with lots of butterflies spotted throughout the garden pathways everyday. The service was top notch, although I'm not sure if there's anyone around at night. If you need bikes or a motorcycle, they can provide. It's very far to the main attractions of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh City center, so I would recommend getting a taxi and then biking for the day. The food was great too, but you do need to place your order ahead of time and plan for it given there's no other options nearby. Overall, the challenges of being remote are outweighed by the beautiful space and experience of the place.