Must-see attractions in Ninh Binh Province

  • Landscape with boat in Van Long natural reserve in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

    Van Long Nature Reserve

    Ninh Binh Province

    Set amid glorious limestone pinnacles, this tranquil reserve comprises a reedy wetland that’s popular with birdwatchers. Among the bird species that have…

  • Interior view of building with golden sculpture at Chua Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest complex of Buddhist temple in country.

    Chua Bai Dinh

    Ninh Binh Province

    Chua Bai Dinh is a bombastic Buddhist complex, built on a vast scale, that rises up a hillside near Ninh Binh. Construction was completed in 2014, and it…

  • Empty sampan with red umbrella waiting for tourists surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Small temple in the water middle distance. Location of filming for King Kong

    Trang An

    Ninh Binh Province

    Rowboats bob along the Sao Khe River through limestone caves. It's a relaxing trip, but many caves have also been enlarged to accommodate boats. Boat…

  • Woman walking in front of A-frame hut accomodation.

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    Ninh Binh Province

    Established in 1962, this national park is one of Vietnam’s most important protected areas. Though wildlife has suffered a precipitous decline in Vietnam…

  • Endangered Primate Rescue Center

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is supervised by the Frankfurt Zoological Society, and is home to around 180 primates (15 species in total),…

  • Phat Diem Cathedral

    Ninh Binh Province

    Built in 1892, the cathedral’s wooden interior has a vaulted ceiling supported by massive columns. Vietnamese-looking cherubs swarm above the granite…

  • Hoa Lu Temples

    Ninh Binh Province

    Yen Ngua Mountain provides a scenic backdrop for Hoa Lu’s two surviving temples, both spaces dominated by dark-red lacquered pillars. The first, Dinh Tien…

  • Turtle Conservation Center (TCC)

    Cuc Phuong National Park

    The Turtle Conservation Center houses more than 600 terrestrial, semiaquatic and aquatic turtles representing 19 of Vietnam’s 25 native species. Many have…

  • Mua Cave

    Ninh Binh Province

    Down a sleepy road between rice paddies, this cave (the name means 'Cave of Dance') is not terribly impressive, but there are panoramic views from the…

  • Bich Dong Pagoda

    Tam Coc

    This charming sequence of cave temples is a couple of kilometres west of Ninh Hai village. The Lower Pagoda is located at the base, from which 100 steps…

  • Ton Dao Cathedral

    Ninh Binh Province

    A Gothic counterpoint to Phat Diem's is this cathedral at Ton Dao, along Rte 10 about 5km from Phat Diem. At the rear, a statue of the Virgin Mary keeps…

  • Dong Huong Pagoda

    Ninh Binh Province

    Dong Huong Pagoda is the area's largest Buddhist pagoda, and many of its congregation are minority Muong people. Turn right at the canal at the north of…

  • Van Lan

    Tam Coc

    Near the entrance to Tam Coc, Van Lan is famous for its embroidery. Local artisans make napkins, tablecloths, pillowcases and T-shirts. Bargain hard.