Introduction
My ‘Full itinerary for 2 days in Ninh Binh, Vietnam’ will help you plan your time here. If you’re coming to Vietnam, Ninh Binh should definitely be on your list of must-visit destinations. Located just a few hours south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes, serene rivers, and ancient temples. With its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Ninh Binh offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary for 2 days in Ninh Binh, so you can make the most of your trip and experience all that this picturesque region has to offer.
Day 1
Morning
Arrival in Ninh Binh
Firstly, upon arrival in Ninh Binh, you can either rent a motorbike or hire a local guide to get around. Most of the attractions in Ninh Binh are spread out and require some form of transportation to access.
If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, hiring a local guide is a great option. They can provide you with valuable insights about the region’s history and culture.
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Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Start your day by visiting Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. This historical site is located about 13 kilometers from Ninh Binh city.
Hoa Lu is home to the remains of ancient temples and palaces. These include Dinh and Le Temples, which were built in honor of the Dinh and Le dynasties that ruled Vietnam at that time.
Explore the temples and learn about Vietnam’s rich history and the significance of these temples. The architecture and intricate carvings of the temples are sure to impress history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike.
Lunch
After your visit to Hoa Lu, head to a local restaurant to enjoy some authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Ninh Binh is known for its delicious local dishes, such as goat meat, rice crust, and eel vermicelli. With this in mind, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these local delicacies and experience the unique flavors of the region.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can visit Van Long Nature Reserve, a peaceful wetland area known for its biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Van Long is often referred to as the “Inland Ha Long Bay” due to its similar limestone karst formations and serene waters.
Take a boat tour to explore the reserve, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. This includes a rare species of birds, butterflies, and primates.
The boat tour in Van Long usually takes around 1-2 hours. You can admire the breathtaking landscapes, including limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and lotus ponds. If you’re lucky, you may spot some endangered langurs. Or witness the spectacular sight of thousands of birds flying in the sky during the migratory season. It’s a great highlight when coming to this place.
Equally, the reserve is also known for its tranquility and peacefulness, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
Climb Hang Mua Peak
Moving on, if you’re up for a bit of a physical challenge, head to Hang Mua Peak, also known as Mua Cave, in the late afternoon. This popular hiking spot offers panoramic views of the entire region. It has stunning vistas of rice paddies, limestone mountains, and the Tam Coc River.
The hike up to the peak involves climbing over 500 steps, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. This is true especially during sunset, when the golden light paints the landscape in a magical hue.
Day 2
Morning
Explore Tam Coc-Bich Dong
Begin your second day in Ninh Binh with a visit to Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Another popular attraction known for its stunning karst landscapes and picturesque scenery.
Tam Coc is located about 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh city. It’s famous for its limestone karst formations, rice paddies, and winding rivers. Upon arrival, you can rent a small wooden boat and embark on a tranquil boat ride along the Ngo Dong River.
This usually takes around 2 hours and takes you through three caves, known as Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. It’s similar to the boat tour in Trang An. However, the scenery in Tam Coc is slightly different. There are rice paddies and limestone cliffs surrounding the river. Which all offer a unique and mesmerizing experience.
The boat rower will navigate the boat using their feet, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.
Afterwards, you can visit Bich Dong, a pagoda complex located nearby. Bich Dong is known for its ancient pagodas built into a limestone hillside, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
Why not climb the stone steps to reach the pagodas, passing through cave-like passages. One can admire the intricate carvings and sculptures along the way. The view from the pagodas is breathtaking, with stunning vistas of Tam Coc’s karst landscapes and the Ninh Binh countryside.
Afternoon
Cuc Phuong National Park
At this point, as part of my full 2 day itinerary for Ninh Binh, Vietnam, consider the following place. Cuc Phuong National Park, which is located about 45 kilometers from Ninh Binh city. Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. This includes many rare and endangered species.
The park is home to several hiking trails that allow you to explore its dense forests, limestone caves, and ancient trees.
Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, located within Cuc Phuong National Park. It’s dedicated to the conservation of primates, including the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur. You can learn about the center’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating primates and get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures.
The park also has a Turtle Conservation Center, where you can learn about the conservation efforts for endangered turtles and tortoises in Vietnam.
Dinner
Eventually, after a day of exploration, head back to Ninh Binh city for dinner. There are many restaurants and eateries in the city where you can sample local delicacies or enjoy international cuisines. You can try some of the famous dishes of Ninh Binh, such as goat meat, mountain snails, or eel vermicelli. Don’t forget to try some local specialties like Nem Ninh Hoa (Ninh Hoa Spring Rolls) or Com Chay (burnt rice), which are unique to the region.
Evening
Next, once you’ve had dinner, you can spend the evening leisurely strolling around the city or relaxing at your hotel. If you’re up for some more adventure, you can also consider taking a night tour to experience the beauty of Ninh Binh at night.
Some tour operators offer night boat tours in Trang An or Tam Coc, where you can admire the illuminated karst landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the nighttime scenery.
Day 3: Departure
Finally, depending on your departure time, you can use your last day in Ninh Binh to explore any remaining attractions or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the region. Check out of your hotel and prepare for your departure. If you have some time to spare, you can visit local markets to pick up some souvenirs or try some street food to complete your Ninh Binh experience.
Transportation
To fully enjoy your two days in Ninh Binh, it’s essential to plan your transportation accordingly. The best way to explore the region is by renting a motorbike or hiring a private car with a driver. This gives you the flexibility to visit different attractions at your own pace and explore the countryside at your leisure. Motorbike rentals are widely available in Ninh Binh city, and there are also many car rental services that offer English-speaking drivers for your convenience.
Conclusion
All things considered, Ninh Binh is a hidden gem in Vietnam that offers breathtaking natural landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. With its stunning karst landscapes, ancient temples and pagodas. With its peaceful rivers and wetlands, and warm hospitality of the locals, Ninh Binh is truly a destination worth exploring.
A two-day itinerary allows you to experience the best of Ninh Binh. From exploring the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex and Tam Coc – Bich Dong, to visiting ancient temples and pagodas, and immersing yourself in the beautiful nature of Van Long Nature Reserve or Cuc Phuong National Park.
As you plan your trip to Ninh Binh, make sure to consider the weather and dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and stay hydrated during your outdoor activities.
Ninh Binh is a relatively less touristy destination compared to other popular destinations in Vietnam. So you can enjoy a more authentic and peaceful experience. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try the delicious local cuisine, and take in the beauty of the stunning landscapes.
All in all, with its natural beauty and cultural richness, Ninh Binh is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip.
Please check out my Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems : 5 awe-inspiring places to visit for more inspiration and ideas while you are in this part of the world.
Mark is author of this invaluable travel guide ebook available on Amazon now: Travel For As Long As You Wish: The Blueprint For Budget Travel, Backpacking And Escaping The Rat Race
About the Writer
Mark James Murphy is an artist, teacher, adventurer and writer. He was born in Sunderland, North-East England in the early 1980s.
He has solo travelled extensively throughout the world and in 2017 decided to leave behind his job and apartment in the UK. He taught English in Vietnam, South East Asia, for almost five years, describing it as the best moments of his life so far.
There he also continued developing his practice as an artist and printmaker, documenting his travels through the medium of linocut.
In 2019 he fulfilled a childhood dream when he backpacked for two months throughout the whole of India. He ended up in a remote village in the Himalayan foothills. He has played football with local kids in the Sahara desert, lived with Hmong people high in the mountains of North Vietnam and worked as a farmhand in Southern Spain. Mark is currently based just outside of London.
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