Highlights Ninh Binh by Bicycle!

Bich Dong Pagoda offers a charming entrance across a bridge set against a stunning natural backdrop. Inside, you’ll find a few temples and caves, where religious statues are placed, often with incense burning beside them. The area is tranquil and mountainous, and from the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. To reach the highest point, you’ll navigate around the temples and through some of the caves, adding to the sense of adventure in this serene setting.

Tam Coc, meaning “three caves,” is the name given to this scenic area. A large parking lot is located at the start of the boat rides, where you can purchase tickets. Nearby, there are several affordable restaurants where you can relax with food or drinks before or after your trip.

Once on the boat, you’ll notice that the rowers use their feet instead of their arms to propel the boat—a technique that looks especially challenging. The journey takes you along the river and through several low caves, each opening up to a new valley with picturesque rice paddies and mountains. At the farthest point, there’s a chance to step out and stretch before heading back along the same route. Although Tam Coc can get crowded, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon provides a quieter experience.

Thai Vi Temple, located in the serene countryside of Ninh Binh, is a historical and spiritual treasure that dates back to the 13th century. Built by King Tran Thai Tong, the temple was constructed as a place for the king’s spiritual retreat after his victory over the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. The temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and Chinese elements, with intricate carvings and symbolic motifs. Notably, the temple’s triple-arched entrance gate and large stone statues of elephants and horses reflect the historical importance of warfare and transportation during the Tran Dynasty. These elements also symbolize the resilience and strength of the Vietnamese people, particularly during the Mongol invasions.

Inside Thai Vi Temple, visitors can find a peaceful atmosphere that invites contemplation and reverence. The temple is home to several altars dedicated to the Tran Dynasty’s kings and military generals, including a prominent altar for King Tran Nhân Tông, known for his significant influence on Vietnamese Buddhism. The grounds of the temple are equally beautiful, with koi ponds, bell towers, and a Mahayana-style tower where visitors can rest and reflect. As one of the region’s most cherished historical sites, Thai Vi Temple not only offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich past but also serves as a serene place for worship and spiritual practice, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Ninh Binh.

Hang Mua, which translates to “Mua Cave,” is known less for the cave itself and more for the stunning viewpoint atop Hang Mua Peak. In front of the cave and the staircase leading up, there’s a small amusement area filled with artificial statues and stalls selling basic snacks. To access the path to the viewpoint, located at the far end, there is an entry fee for the amusement area. Once you reach the stone steps, be prepared for nearly 500 on the way up, but the climb is well worth it. Be sure to bring water, wear a sunhat, and choose sturdy shoes, as the steps can be slippery when wet. At the summit, there are two main viewpoints: one overlooks Tam Coc, with its picturesque rice paddies and mountains that you see from the boat ride; the other, at the rocky shrine and highest point, offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Sunset is a popular time to visit for a beautiful view, though the lakes near Hoa Lư Ancient Capital also provide a stunning sunset backdrop.

Trang An is a renowned destination in Ninh Binh, celebrated for its breathtaking karst landscape of limestone mountains, caves, and rivers. Its remarkable natural beauty has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation and made it a filming site for Kong: Skull Island. To experience Trang An, you can take a boat tour along the winding rivers, passing through various caves and enjoying the area’s stunning scenery. Alternatively, you can hike up one of the mountains for panoramic views; the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.

Whether by boat or on foot, exploring Trang An promises an unforgettable experience. Admission is 250,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 meters. A tour guide is available for an additional 300,000 VND.

These caves are very popular with local tourists, so they tend to be especially busy on weekends. If you book a guided tour of Ninh Binh that includes a visit to the caves, your spot on the Trang An Grottoes boat ride will be reserved, allowing you to bypass the queues. Each boat requires a minimum of three passengers, so if you’re traveling as a couple, you may need to wait for others to join. This boat trip is more commercialized and busier than other options in the area, with some caves artificially widened to accommodate more boats. Instead of this trip, we chose the Tam Coc Boat Ride later on our cycling tour.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must-visit in Ninh Binh for both history buffs and nature lovers. This site served as Vietnam’s capital during the Dinh and early Le dynasties from the 10th to 11th centuries.

Hoa Lu boasts a wealth of well-preserved relics and monuments, including the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two former Vietnamese kings. Visitors can explore numerous exhibits and artifacts, immersing themselves in the vibrant history and traditions of Vietnam’s feudal dynasties.

In addition to its historical importance, Hoa Lu is set amid stunning natural landscapes, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and scenic rice paddies. Entrance tickets to the ancient capital are available for 20,000 VND.

Am Tien Pagoda Cave, also known as Tuyet Tinh Coc or “Fairy’s Place,” is a hidden gem nestled on Ma Yen Mountain in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. This tranquil site, surrounded by towering cliffs and a crystal-clear lake, offers a serene escape into nature and history. The cave, shaped like a dragon’s mouth, is home to unique stalactites resembling trees, fruits, and flowers, adding to its mystical allure. Visitors must climb 205 stone steps to reach the pagoda, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Steeped in legend, Am Tien Pagoda Cave is a place of spiritual significance, historically linked to King Dinh’s tiger sanctuary and the final years of Empress Dowager Duong Van Nga. With its peaceful ambiance and stunning natural beauty, it’s often described as a “fairyland,” embodying a timeless connection between nature and Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in the stunning Ninh Binh province, is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist complexes in Vietnam. The pagoda is known for its impressive scale, featuring a series of temples, statues, and bell towers spread across a vast area at the foot of the Dinh Mountain. The site is home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, standing at 10 meters tall, and numerous other intricate statues of Buddhist figures, each representing various aspects of Buddhist teachings. The grand architecture of Bai Dinh Pagoda blends traditional Vietnamese and Buddhist influences, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere. Visitors can explore the pagoda’s many halls, each dedicated to different Buddhist deities, offering a sense of peace and spiritual reflection.

Apart from its architectural grandeur, Bai Dinh Pagoda is also known for its natural beauty. The pagoda is nestled in the foothills of limestone mountains, surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers. A popular activity for visitors is hiking or taking a cable car up to the pagoda’s higher levels, where breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, rice fields, and mountains unfold. The complex also includes a large pond with lotus flowers, adding to the tranquil ambiance of the area. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a cultural and religious landmark that offers visitors not only a deep connection to Buddhism but also a chance to experience the peaceful landscapes of Ninh Binh.