How to visit Ninh Binh in 24 hours?

Do you only have one day to visit Ninh Binh? To tell the truth, it is indeed short to appreciate the Halong Bay on land in all beauty. On the other hand, we already have some ideas to make unique and unforgettable every moment of your 24 hours in Ninh Binh. To the rhythm of your steps or the oar, go to the spectacular marriage between limestone mountains and rice fields in the old capital.

Located more than 100 kilometres from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is ideal for those seeking contact with nature in a peaceful and beautiful northern countryside. For some, the region deserves to be visited during the spring days because of many traditional festivals. For the others, it is the golden fields under a summer sun of Tam Coc that encourage them to leave without delay to indulge in photography.

At the head of a total immersion in a bucolic setting with hours of bike or sampan ride? Go there anytime you want and leave your mark even in one day. Here is a classic tour for your first visit to Ninh Binh.

Trang An, Unesco natural heritage

Ninh Binh 24-hour tour program

Day 1:

Departure from Hanoi for Ninh Binh in the evening, check-in the hotel and rest.

Day 2:

7 am - Have breakfast and then buy the visit tickets by boat. Two possible options, towards either Tam Coc - Bich Dong, or Trang An which is recognized as World Heritage by Unesco.

12 noon - Pick up your things to leave the hotel. Enjoy lunch with the culinary specialities of Ninh Binh.

2 p.m. - Take the road to Hang Mua or Dance Cave. Use the climbing trails accessible to all to climb the peak. Treat yourself to a panoramic view of the breath-taking landscapes at the top of the mountain.

4 p.m. - Return to Hanoi.

Given the time budget, it is best to stay as close as possible to the pier. Any type of accommodation is available for your choice. Take an early morning stroll to breathe in the pure scent of the countryside before boarding.

Visiting fee: 120,000 VND per person
Sampan fees: 150,000 VND for a maximum of 4 people. To save money, a group of fewer than 4 visitors can share the boat with others.

Tam Coc is literally three caves, Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Dominated by a large mountain, Hang Ca, which is 127m long, welcomes you with a high entrance over 20m. Hang Hai, one km from Hang Ca, is 60m long. They attract a great freshness and especially many multifaceted stalactites. Hang Ba, very close to Hang Hai, is 50m long, lower than the first two.

Bich Dong Pagoda

During the excursion, the oarsmen are happy to tell you the tales related to the caves and religious sites visited as well as local life. Along the Ngo Dong river, a must-see stop is Bich Dong or Jade cave which is appreciated as one of the most beautiful in the mountains, found 2km from the pier. If time allows, admire all three pagodas which, perched at different levels, make up the Bich Dong pagoda. In a relaxing atmosphere, it is a perfect combination of pagoda, cave and mountain.

Nearby, take the time to visit the old Thai Vi temple dedicated to the first kings of the Tran and heroes Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai.

At midday, you can eat around Tam Coc - Bich Dong where there are restaurants and inns to eat well at an affordable price. Try to taste the most popular dishes of Ninh Binh, com chay or crispy rice, half-cooked goat cheese with lemon, swamp eel salad, field crabs with lot leaves…

Dance Mountain

A little further, about 4.5 km from Tam Coc, Hang Mua or Dance Cave is another beautiful stop to associate with your last hours in Ninh Binh. It was the place where the dance performances take place during the visits of the King of the Trans. Hang Mua is located below the Dance Mountain which is one of the ecological attractions of Hoa Lu.

Before leaving, go to the Little Great Wall of China in Ninh Binh which will offer you a breath-taking view of the magnificent scenery of Tam Coc, at the end of 500 steps. The visit fee is 100,000 VND per person.

At the foot of the mountain, you can get a drink and souvenirs of Ninh Binh in the kiosks and shops found in a green setting. Depending on your pace, you have about 2 or 3 hours to rest and take pictures before returning to Hanoi.

Notes:

- A piece of sufficient baggage for only one day and adapted to displacements like walk, excursion in sampan and climbing,
- A good pair of hiking shoes,
- Correct clothes for visiting temples and pagodas.

      (Video by Flycam 4K)

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