Ninh Binh is one of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular destinations, famous for its dramatic limestone mountains, winding rivers, rice fields, caves, ancient temples and peaceful countryside. Often described as “Ha Long Bay on land,” the region combines outstanding natural scenery with important cultural and historical sites. The Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This article is a continuation of my previous article “Vietnam: A Journey Through Halong–Cat Ba, Hanoi and Ninh Binh ” In which I had recommended the Noi Bai International Airport → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long → Cat Ba route, Hence you will get the Vietnam Visa procedure and details about Hanoi and Ninh Binh by visiting my previous article.
ATTRACTIONS
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Trang An is the signature attraction of Ninh Binh and one of the best ways to experience its spectacular landscape. Visitors travel by traditional rowing boat through a network of rivers, caves and valleys surrounded by towering limestone karsts. The boat journey passes through several caves and tranquil waterways, with temples and dramatic scenery along the route. Trang An forms part of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex.
Recommended time: 3–4 hours.
The Trang An boat journey is one of the highlights of Ninh Binh, and it is worth understanding the ticketing and route options before you go. The official Ninh Binh tourism information currently describes four routes at Trang An. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
🚣 Where to purchase Trang An boat tickets
Tickets are purchased at the Trang An Boat Wharf / Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex ticket area. This is the official departure point for the boat tours.
📍 Google Maps: Trang An Boat Wharf / Ticket Office
The ticket includes the boat journey and entrance/scenic fees. The currently published fare is approximately:
- Adults / visitors over 1.3 m: VND 250,000 per person
- Children 1–1.3 m: VND 120,000
- Children under 1 m: Free
These current figures are reported by Ninh Binh tourism sources; it is still sensible to check the ticket office on the day of travel because operating conditions and prices can change. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
Can you buy tickets online?
For independent travellers, I would buy the ticket directly at the official Trang An ticket office rather than relying on a third-party website. The ticketing system is organized around the Trang An wharf, and the route is selected when arranging the boat departure.
If you are travelling as part of a tour group, your tour operator may purchase the tickets on your behalf.
🚣 The Trang An Boat Routes
There are currently four routes to choose from. Routes 1–3 take approximately 3 hours, while Route 4 is shorter at approximately 1.5–2 hours. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
| Route | Approx. time | Main highlights | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 1 ⭐ | ~3 hours | 9 caves + 3 spiritual sites, including Tran Temple | Best for first-time visitors |
| Route 2 | ~3 hours | 4 caves + 3 spiritual sites + Vu Lam area | History & temples |
| Route 3 ⭐ | ~3 hours | Longest cave + temples + scenic landscape | Best for caves & scenery |
| Route 4 | ~1.5–2 hours | 4 caves + 2 spiritual sites + scenic viewpoints | Visitors short on time |
⭐ Route 1 – The Classic Trang An Experience
Route 1 is probably the best choice for tourists visiting Trang An for the first time.
The boat passes through nine caves and three major spiritual/historical sites. The journey includes Dark Cave, Light Cave, Wine-Cooking Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Tran Cave and Quy Hau Cave, among others. It also includes stops at Trinh Temple, Tran Temple and Khong Temple/Phu Khong. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
The combination of limestone mountains + caves + rivers + temples makes Route 1 a very complete introduction to Trang An.
Duration: approximately 3 hours.
🌿 Route 2 – Temples, Caves & Vu Lam
Route 2 takes visitors through Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave and Dai Cave, together with several spiritual and historical sites.
Highlights include Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple and the Vu Lam Royal Step/Palace area. The Vu Lam area is particularly interesting because of its connection with the Tran Dynasty and Vietnam’s historical resistance against the Mongol invasions. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
Duration: approximately 3 hours.
Best for: Visitors who are particularly interested in history, temples and the Tran Dynasty.
⭐ Route 3 – Long Caves & Dramatic Scenery
Route 3 is another excellent choice, especially if caves are an important part of the experience.
The highlight is Dot Cave, which is more than 1 km long and is described by Ninh Binh tourism sources as the longest and one of the most impressive caves on the Trang An routes. The journey also includes Van Cave, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam and the surrounding limestone landscape. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
Duration: approximately 3 hours.
Best for: Scenery and caves, particularly for visitors who want a dramatic boat experience.
My recommendation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⏱️ Route 4 – The Shorter Option
Route 4 is designed for visitors who don’t have enough time for the full three-hour journeys.
It takes approximately 1.5–2 hours and includes four caves, two spiritual sites and scenic viewpoints, including the Thuy Dinh area and Phuong Hoang Mountain. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
Best for: Families, older travellers, or tourists who are combining Trang An with several other Ninh Binh attractions on the same day.
🏆 Which route should tourists choose?
For the itinerary we’ve been developing, I’d recommend:
🥇 Route 1 – Best all-round choice
Choose this if it’s your first visit to Trang An and you want the most comprehensive combination of caves, temples and scenery.
🥈 Route 3 – Best for scenery & caves
Choose this if your priority is spectacular caves and dramatic natural scenery.
🥉 Route 4 – Best if you’re short on time
Choose this if you want to experience Trang An but also need time for Hoa Lu, Mua Cave or Bai Dinh.
One practical point: the exact route allocation can be affected by operational arrangements at the wharf, so I would confirm the route available when purchasing the ticket rather than assuming every route will be operating on a particular day. Trang An has previously suspended boat sales temporarily because of unsafe weather conditions. (Hội liên hiệp phụ nữ tỉnh Ninh Bình)
For a first-time tourist group, my preference would be Route 1. It provides the most complete Trang An experience without making the day overly complicated.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc is another spectacular boat-tour destination, where visitors travel along the Ngo Dong River through three natural caves—Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. The journey passes between limestone mountains and, depending on the season,you are surrounded by beautiful green or golden rice fields.
Nearby Bich Dong Pagoda, meaning “Green Pearl Grotto,” is built against a limestone mountain and consists of three pagodas arranged at different levels. It is an excellent combination of natural scenery and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
One important clarification first: the Tam Cốc boat journey and Bích Động Pagoda are two related but separate attractions. The boat ride itself does not take you to Bích Động Pagoda; the standard boat trip starts at Tam Cốc/Van Lâm Wharf, travels along the Ngô Đồng River through three caves, and returns to the same wharf. Bích Động is visited separately by road.
Recommended time: 3–4 hours.
Where to buy the Tam Cốc boat ticket
The safest option is to go directly to the official ticket counter at Tam Cốc/Van Lâm Wharf rather than buying from street touts or an unofficial online seller. Current visitor information indicates that tickets are sold at the wharf, where you then proceed to the boat boarding area.
Location: Tam Cốc Boat Wharf, Van Lâm village, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam.
The official Tam Cốc–Bích Động tourism site identifies Tam Cốc as the three-cave boat attraction on the Ngô Đồng River.
Official Tam Cốc–Bích Động tourism site
Here is a simplified diagram of the actual Tam Cốc three-cave boat journey:
NORTH
↑
VAN LÂM / TAM CỐC
BOAT WHARF
│
│
│ Ngô Đồng River
│
~~~~~~~ │ ~~~~~~~
Rice fields & limestone karsts
│
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ HANG CẢ │
│ 1st Cave │
│ ~127 m │
└──────┬──────┘
│
▼
Open river /
karst valley
│
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ HANG HAI │
│ 2nd Cave │
│ ~60 m │
└──────┬──────┘
│
▼
Open river /
limestone valley
│
▼
┌─────────────┐
│ HANG BA │
│ 3rd Cave │
│ ~50 m │
└──────┬──────┘
│
▼
🔄 TURNAROUND
│
│
RETURN JOURNEY
│
▼
Hang Ba → Hang Hai
│
▼
Hang Cả
│
▼
VAN LÂM / TAM CỐC
BOAT WHARFMy Personal experience – The Lady rowing the boat tried to sell some handicrafts while on our return journey.
Hang Mua / Mua Cave
Mua Cave is one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh. Visitors climb approximately 486 stone steps to the summit of Mua Mountain, where they are rewarded with panoramic views across the Tam Coc valley, rice fields, rivers and surrounding limestone peaks.
The climb can be strenuous in hot weather, but the spectacular view from the top makes it one of Ninh Binh’s most memorable experiences.
Recommended time: 1.5–2 hours.
Google Maps location:
📍 Hang Múa (Mua Cave), Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Tip: When using Google Maps, look for “Mua cave” rather than relying solely on “Hang Múa,” as there are multiple similarly named pins.
Mua Cave Ticket Information Office Google Map Location.
Open Mua Cave Ticket Information Office in Google Maps
Hours currently listed: 06:00–19:00 daily.
Important: This is the ticket/information office at the entrance area, not the viewpoint at the top of Mua Mountain. So if you’re telling a taxi/Grab driver where to take you, use “Mua Cave Ticket Information Office” or the Plus Code 6WJQ+924.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries and is an important part of the region’s historical heritage. Surrounded by limestone mountains, the ancient capital contains historic temples dedicated to important Vietnamese rulers, including King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
It is particularly worthwhile for visitors who want to understand Vietnam’s early history and the importance of Ninh Binh as a former political centre. Hoa Lu is also part of the Trang An World Heritage landscape.
Recommended time: 1–1.5 hours.
📍 Open Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Google Maps
🎟️ 2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — Ticket Office
The ticketing facility is part of the entrance/visitor area of the ancient-capital complex rather than a clearly separate attraction.
Open Hoa Lu Ancient Capital entrance/ticket area in Google Maps
💰 Current ticket information
The Ninh Binh Tourism Promotion Center’s published tariff lists Hoa Lu Ancient Capital at:
- Adult: 20,000 VND
- Child 6–15: 10,000 VND
- 60+ / disabled visitors: 10,000 VND
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most impressive Buddhist complexes, set against a backdrop of limestone mountains. The complex is renowned for its enormous scale, grand temples and hundreds of stone Arhat statues.
The peaceful surroundings and impressive architecture make Bai Dinh an excellent cultural and religious attraction, particularly for visitors interested in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Is is an absolute must visit place !
Recommended time: 5-6 hours
Bái Đính is a very large complex and the ticketing area is not at the temples themselves.
📍 Open Bái Đính Pagoda in Google Maps
🎟️ 2. Bái Đính ticketing office / ticket counters
Open Bái Đính ticket office/entrance area in Google Maps
The ticket counters are near the main parking/arrival area, before you travel onward to the actual temple complex. Recent visitor reports specifically describe reaching the ticket office after the car park, where the different ticket/service options are sold.
⚠️ One important point
Unlike Tam Cốc or Hang Múa, Bái Đính currently appears to have no general entrance admission charge. The charges are mainly for services such as the electric vehicle/buggy, Báo Thiên Stupa, and guides. Current 2026 sources confirm free general admission, although the exact service packages/prices can vary.
The complex is very large, and the ticket/service counters are intentionally located near the arrival/parking area because visitors commonly take the electric vehicle from there toward the temple complex.
My recommendation: when you arrive, don’t navigate directly to a temple such as the Three Gates. Navigate to Bái Đính Pagoda / the main parking and ticket area first, purchase whatever services you need, and then take the internal electric vehicle.
Accomodation
HoangLong Riverside Homestay – A Peaceful Stay in Ninh Binh
If you are planning a trip to Ninh Binh and want to stay somewhere surrounded by nature, HoangLong Riverside Homestay is a place you may want to consider.
What caught my attention about this homestay is its peaceful riverside setting. Rather than feeling like you are staying in a busy tourist area, the property has a more relaxed countryside atmosphere, with greenery, water and the beautiful landscape that Ninh Binh is known for.
The homestay is located in the Trang An area, which makes it a convenient base if you are planning to explore some of Ninh Binh’s most popular attractions. Trang An, Hoa Lu and other sights around the region can be included in your itinerary while you still have a quiet place to return to at the end of the day.
The setting
For me, one of the appealing things about staying in Ninh Binh is being able to slow down and enjoy the scenery, rather than simply rushing from one attraction to another.
HoangLong Riverside Homestay fits well with that kind of trip. The property has a garden, terrace areas and an outdoor swimming pool, giving you somewhere to relax when you are taking a break from sightseeing.
Depending on the room you choose, you may also have a balcony or terrace with views of the surrounding landscape, including the river, mountains, garden or pool.
Exploring Ninh Binh by bicycle
Another useful feature is the availability of free bicycles for guests.
Cycling is one of the nicest ways to experience the quieter side of Ninh Binh. Instead of seeing everything through a car or tour bus window, you can take your time, ride through the countryside and stop whenever you find a view that catches your attention.
If you enjoy photography, nature or simply getting away from busy city life, this can be a particularly enjoyable part of your stay.
Food and facilities
The property also has an on-site restaurant, so you don’t necessarily have to go out every time you want something to eat.
The restaurant serves Vietnamese and Asian dishes as well as other options, and vegetarian and vegan choices are also available. Breakfast options include Asian, American and Full English/Irish choices.
Other facilities include free Wi-Fi, free private parking, a bar, room service and an airport shuttle service.
And, of course, having a swimming pool is a nice bonus after a day spent exploring Ninh Binh!
What about the rooms?
There are different accommodation options available, including rooms suitable for couples and families. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and private bathrooms, while selected rooms offer balconies or terraces with views of the surrounding area.
As room facilities and availability can vary depending on the room you select, I recommend checking the details carefully before booking.
What do other travellers think?
One thing that stood out to me when looking at the property is the very high guest rating on Booking.com. HoangLong Riverside Homestay currently has a 9.6/10 rating, based on more than 1,100 reviews.
Guests have particularly commented on the peaceful surroundings, hospitality, food, swimming pool and the opportunity to use bicycles to explore the area.
Of course, everyone’s travel experience is different, so I would still recommend reading the most recent reviews before making your decision.
Would I consider staying here?
If you are visiting Ninh Binh because you want to experience its beautiful countryside, rivers, mountains and slower pace of life, HoangLong Riverside Homestay is certainly a property worth looking at.
It offers a combination that I find particularly appealing for a Ninh Binh trip: a peaceful natural setting, access to bicycles, a swimming pool, food on-site and a location that allows you to explore the attractions around Trang An and the surrounding area.
If you want to see more of the property before booking, watch my HoangLong Riverside Homestay video on YouTube. I take you around the property so you can get a better feel for the rooms, surroundings and overall atmosphere.
Check availability before you book
If HoangLong Riverside Homestay sounds like the kind of place you would enjoy, check the latest room availability, prices, photos and guest reviews before making your decision. Prices and availability can change depending on your travel dates and the number of guests.
[Check HoangLong Riverside Homestay on Booking.com]
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support Chatty Myna and allows me to continue creating travel content.
