Visit Famous Spots And Admire Birds In Ninh Binh For 2 Days

Ninh Binh, a captivating region in northern Vietnam, offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, marvel at the limestone karsts surrounding the serene Tam Coc waterways, and even encounter a diverse array of avian inhabitants at the Thung Nham Bird Park. This two-day excursion promises to transport travelers through Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry and extraordinary landscapes, leaving them with lasting memories and a desire to uncover more of Ninh Binh‘s enchanting secrets.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• Explore Ninh Binh’s historical and cultural heritage by visiting ancient tombs, temples, and shrines at Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam.

• Enjoy a tranquil 1.5-hour boat ride through the Tam Coc caves, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies.

• Climb 500 steps to the summit of Mua Cave for panoramic 360-degree views of the Ninh Binh countryside.

• Observe over 100 bird species at Thung Nham Bird Park, including kingfishers, egrets, and cormorants, while learning about conservation efforts.

• Cycle through rice fields to visit the serene Bich Dong Pagoda and the historical Thai Vi Temple, which is linked to King Tran Thai Tong.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to explore the famous spots in Ninh Binh lasts 2 days and is priced from K₫3,716 per person.

Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Private groups are available, and the tour includes an English-speaking guide, with surcharges for other language options such as Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Korean.

The tour includes car transfers, boat costs in Tam Coc, 2 buffet lunches, 1 set dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 night accommodation, and entrance fees.

Beverages, travel insurance, and tips aren’t included in the price.

Day 1 Itinerary

Travelers begin their day with a hotel pickup, setting out to cycle through the small roads and rice fields of Ninh Binh.

Their first stop is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where they’ll explore the ancient tombs, temples, and shrines of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

After working up an appetite, they’ll enjoy a delightful lunch featuring 8 traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Next, they’ll board a boat for a 1.5-hour ride through the iconic Tam Coc caves.

The day culminates with a visit to Mua Cave, where they’ll climb 500 steps to reach panoramic viewpoints and witness a stunning sunset.

Visit Hoa Lu

Visitors begin their exploration of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, by wandering through the ancient tombs, temples, and shrines that pay homage to the Dinh and Le dynasties. They’ll learn about the rich history of this former seat of power, which served as the capital from 968 to 1010 CE.

The magnificent structures offer a glimpse into the cultural and architectural heritage of this bygone era. As they explore the grounds, visitors can admire the intricate carvings, stone pathways, and serene atmosphere that pervade the site.

This journey through the remnants of Vietnam’s early imperial past provides a fascinating introduction to the country’s long and storied history.

Boat Ride in Tam Coc

After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the tour proceeds to the scenic waterways of Tam Coc for a serene boat ride. Gliding along the picturesque river, surrounded by limestone karsts and rice paddies, the experience offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city. The 1.5-hour boat ride takes visitors through three natural caves, where they can admire the stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cavern walls.

Boat Ride Features
Duration	1.5 hours
Scenery	Limestone karsts, rice paddies
Key Attractions	3 natural caves, stalactites, stalagmites
Boat Type	Traditional sampan

This leisurely cruise provides a glimpse into the serene beauty of Ninh Binh’s natural landscape.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Explore Mua Cave

From the boat ride in Tam Coc, the tour moves on to explore the captivating Mua Cave. Adventurous travelers can embark on a challenging climb up the 500 steps leading to the cave’s summit, rewarded with panoramic vistas over the serene landscape of limestone karsts and winding rivers below.

Here’s what visitors can expect at Mua Cave:

1. Stunning viewpoints: Reach the top of the cave for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Ninh Binh countryside.

2. Unique geological formations: Marvel at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites decorating the cave’s interior.

3. Cultural significance: The cave is believed to have historical and spiritual importance, with several shrines and temples nearby.

4. Photo opportunities galore: Capture the magical scenery and your accomplishment of conquering the steep climb.

Day 2 Itinerary

The second day of the tour begins with a scenic breakfast, providing travelers a tranquil start to the day. After breakfast, the group cycles through the picturesque rice fields to visit Thai Vi and Bich Dong Pagodas. Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in the mountains, is a sacred temple that offers stunning views. Next, they explore the Thai Vi Temple, associated with the revered King Tran Thai Tong. The tour then heads to the Thung Nham Bird Park, where visitors can admire the diverse bird species and marvel at the Hang Tien stalactites. This second day allows travelers to enjoy the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Ninh Binh region.

Bird Species in Thung Nham	Quantity
Storks	50+
Egrets	100+
Cormorants	30+
Herons	20+

Discover Thung Nham Bird Park

Capping off the second day, visitors explore the Thung Nham Bird Park, a nature reserve known for its diverse avian inhabitants and captivating geological formations.

Teeming with over 100 bird species, the valley offers ample opportunities to spot various feathered creatures in their natural habitats.

Highlights include:

1. Traversing the serene Hang Tien cave system, home to impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

2. Catching glimpses of vibrant kingfishers, egrets, and cormorants as they grace the skies and waterways.

3. Hiking up scenic trails for panoramic views of the lush, verdant landscapes.

4. Learning about the park’s conservation efforts to protect its delicate ecosystem.

With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty, Thung Nham Bird Park provides a fitting finale to this immersive Ninh Binh adventure.

Explore Bich Dong and Thai Vi

After exploring the verdant landscapes and captivating bird life at Thung Nham, visitors then cycle through the picturesque rice fields to discover the historic Bich Dong Pagoda and the revered Thai Vi Temple.

At Bich Dong, they’ll admire the serene mountain setting and the ancient Buddhist shrine. Continuing on, they’ll reach Thai Vi Temple, which is closely associated with King Tran Thai Tong. Here, they can learn about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance.

The tranquil atmosphere and stunning architecture of these two sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s remarkable past and provide a peaceful respite from the day’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. It is suitable for travelers of all ages, from children to seniors, as long as they can participate in the activities and handle the physical demands of the 2-day itinerary.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour appears to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, as it includes car transfers and can accommodate private groups. However, the difficulty of some activities, like climbing 500 steps, may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers are welcome to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on the tour. However, the tour price includes meals, so bringing your own food is not necessary. Participants should check with the tour operator about any restrictions on outside food and drinks.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Activities Not Included in the Itinerary?

The tour price includes the listed activities and amenities. Any additional fees would apply for optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary. The tour operator should be contacted for details on any extra costs.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Specific Interests or Requests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include specific interests or requests. Guests can work with the tour operator to modify the itinerary based on their preferences, such as adding or removing activities, adjusting the duration, or arranging for private transportation.

Recap

Over two days, visitors can explore Ninh Binh’s rich history and natural beauty.

They’ll visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, take a peaceful boat ride through the Tam Coc caves, and discover the stunning Bich Dong Pagoda.

On the second day, they’ll cycle through picturesque landscapes, visit Thai Vi Temple, and observe the diverse bird life at Thung Nham Bird Park, making this a well-rounded escape for history and nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: