Ninh Binh is such a beautiful city in northern Vietnam with so much to offer. There are so many beautiful mountains, caves, lakes, and pagodas here. And, some of the best scenery! It’s one of my favorite spots in all of Vietnam and it’s an easy day trip from Hanoi. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam you must add Ninh Binh to your list! Here is everything you need to know for how to spend one day in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
How to Spend One Day in Ninh Binh
MORNING
Go For a Hike at Mua Caves
Hiking Mua Caves is one of the most popular things to do in Ninh Binh. It’s an easy hike and the views from the top are amazing. It’s only 486 steps to the top where the viewpoint is and the views are so worth it. I would suggest coming right around sunrise before everyone else shows up (and while the lighting is still great).
About halfway up, the stairs split into two directions. To the right is where you’ll find the tall stone pagoda and to the left is the viewpoint and the iconic stone dragon. Check out my Mua Caves post for more info on this hike!
Explore on Your Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is the easiest way to get around Ninh Binh and rentals are super cheap. Most hotels have motorbikes available to rent at the property or you can have a rental company meet you at the train station with your rental when you arrive! We paid less than 10 USD for our motorbike rental for the whole day.
Driving around on our motorbike was one of the most fun parts of our day. Sure, we ended up with a sunburn and sore butts (motorbike seats aren’t exactly cozy), but it was so fun! We loved driving without direction and just seeing what we could find – like the pagodas above!
AFTERNOON
Lunch at Mona Lisa Pizza
We were driving down a side street and told ourselves we were just going to stop for lunch at the next place we saw. That ended up being Mona Lisa Pizza!
They have a little bit of everything on the menu but we tried their goat pizza and spaghetti carbonara. And, we finished with some chocolate cake and passion fruit cheesecake. Hands down, the best desserts we’ve ever had! You best believe we will be coming back for more the next time we’re in Ninh Binh!
Go for a Boat Ride in Trang An
A Trang An boat ride is another one of the most popular things to do in Ninh Binh. It’s the best way to explore many of the local caves and temples. And, you get to just sit back and relax while your guide rows you along. There are extra paddles in the boat if you choose to help row, however.
There are three different routes you can take for the Trang An boat ride but tickets all cost the same and all three tours take the same amount of time. We opted for route #3 where you are taken through 9 different caves and to 3 different temples.
Tickets for the boat tour cost 200,000 VND (less than 10 USD) and tips are not expected but definitely appreciated. I would suggest bringing snacks and either a hat or an umbrella. The sun can get very hot!
EVENING
Dinner
I would suggest doing what we did and just stop at a random restaurant. We always think it’s fun to stop at the lesser known spots and discover a place on your own. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes on the drive to Mua Caves or you could even drive into Ninh Binh town for a meal. Definitely try some local Vietnamese foods while you’re here!
Restaurants in the Area:
Relax at Your Poolside Villa
We stayed at Trang An Valley Bungalow and it was perfect. We had our own private villa nestled up against the mountains, a beautiful pool out front, and it’s just a short drive from all of the popular attractions! I would highly recommend staying here. We would love to come back!
Ninh Binh, Vietnam Travel Tips
- Rent a motorbike. It’s the best way to get around Ninh Binh and you can even have your rental delivered to the train station when you arrive! Traffic in Ninh Binh is much less hectic than it is in Hanoi.
- Stay for at least two nights. One day in Ninh Binh is perfect but I would recommend staying at least two nights. We arrived late at night, spent one whole day exploring, and left early the next morning. It was perfect!
- Try the local foods. I feel that one of the best ways to experience a new place is by trying the local foods. I recommend trying some pho and passion fruit cheesecake. You won’t regret it!
Have you ever been to Ninh Binh? Share in a comment below!
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Don’t forget to check out these other Vietnam posts:
- Ninh Binh, Vietnam Travel Guide
- Hiking Mua Caves in Ninh Binh
- Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit Northern Vietnam
- Trang An Boat Tour in Ninh Binh
- The Best Places to Visit in Hanoi, Vietnam
- Navigating Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi
What a great trip! Your photos and tips make it all so real (and make we want to go…)!
Author
Aww thank you so much! Hope you make it here someday 😄
Ooh wow! This place looks so dreamy. I would love to visit Vietnam, it has so much to offer and the nature is just incredible. Love your photos.
Author
It’s definitely worth the visit! Such a beautiful country 😁