2 Days Relaxing in Ninh Binh: Explore Rural Vietnam

Ninh Binh is a popular destination for both local and international tourists to admire the beauty of a series of scenic spots such as Trang An, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Van Long lagoon... It is a pity if you have only one day visit this province as 2 days give you the chance to explore the province’s treasures in-depth. See the below itinerary 2 Days Relaxing in Ninh Binh: Explore Rural Vietnam. You will need it for planning your Ninh Binh trip.

Day 1: Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc

Around 7:30- 8:00, after breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, you will be picked up by our tour guide and driver to transfer to Ninh Binh. It takes about 2.5 hours’ drive, and there is a stop on the way, so you will be able to enjoy the fresh air in the middle of the rice field.

You arrive in Tam Coc at around 10:30, where you will start the excursion on the small boat being rowed by the local people. On these 2 hours cruising along the river, you will have the chance to see many limestone mountains with many different shapes, peaceful scenery of mountains and rice fields and temples all along the way. You will pass through 3 caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba.

Tam Coc

Hang Ca: means the Frist Cave, which is the largest one among the three caves. It is 127 m in length, and its entrance is 20 m high. Entering this cave, tourists will feel a cool and refreshing atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful karstic formations.

Hang Hai: Locates about 1 km from Hang Ca is Hang Hai. It is the second-largest cave and well known for its gorgeous ceiling.

Hang Ba: is the smallest cave, lying next to Hang Hai. Its ceiling looks like a little dome made of limestone.

After spending a wonderful time on the sampan, you then head to the mainland to enjoy delicious food in traditional restaurants. After lunch, you can explore the surrounding areas or join the bicycle ride around the beautiful villages to enjoy the fresh air. There is the option for sitting back on the motorbike if you are not interested in riding a bicycle. Please contact us early in advance if you use the motorbike.

In the afternoon, we visit Hoa Lu, which used to be the Vietnam Ancient Capital under the control of 6 different kings of Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly dynasties for one thousand years ago. UNESCO has recognized this ancient capital with unique architecture as one of the Trang An World Heritage Complex areas. Coming here, tourists also will have a chance to learn more about Vietnamese history in ancient times.

Hoa Lu

The tour ends around 16:00 at your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Day 2: Mua Cave – Trang An

Today's tour starts around 9 am. After breakfast, you need to check out and prepare for the visit to Mua cave and Trang An

Mua cave is considered a miniature Great Wall of Vietnam with awesome scenery from the peak of Mua Cave Mountain. This cave is located right at the foot of Mua Mountain Ninh Binh. From the foot of the mountain, you can see the stone steps leading to the summit. On the two sides of the stairs are carvings with bold cultural characteristics. Conquering and climbing to the top of Mua Cave, you can admire the whole beautiful natural landscape of wild mountains. It is said that the cave is the place where the ancient Tran king often came to listen to the beautiful women who sang and danced, therefore the cave is named Mua Cave, Mua means dancing.

Mua Cave

In the afternoon, we take a boat trip to Trang An complex. This place is similar to Tam Coc, however, it is more beautiful and less touristy than Tam Coc. Trang An, known as Ha Long Bay on land, offers a spectacular view dominated by towering limestone karsts covered with tropical plants and conjoint by emerald rice fields and sapphire rivers. There are many other attractive tourist areas in Trang An, such as Trang An Grottoes, Relic SitesTribal Village in Kong: Skull Island Movie, Tropical Forests & Rivers…

Trang An

Today's tour ends around 16:00 at Ninh Binh. We arrive in Hanoi around 18:30. During 2-day trip to Ninh Binh, you have visited HoaLu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, Tam Coc, with Halong type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious yet inviting caves; Trang An, an impressive set of large limestone karst cliffs covered by forest, and Hang Mua, the place with a wonderful view for the landscape of mountain, valley, and river.

Ninh Binh is a truly charming rural Vietnamese countryside. One day is not enough for exploring this province in deep, and it is great when you have 2 days in Ninh Binh. You do not need to travel long hours back and forth, discover the city at your own pace, and relax. I hope that the above 2 days Ninh Binh itinerary is useful for your holiday planning. 

If you are looking for Ninh Binh tours let's send an inquiry to us now!

Jenny Tran

Image source: Internet