To escape the hustle and honking of Hanoi, we decided to take a day trip to Ninh Binh, a beautiful province in northern Vietnam that is renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic sites.
BOOKING A TOUR TO NINH BINH
We booked our Ninh Binh day trip with Authentic Ninh Binh, and the tour included pick up & drop off in Hanoi in a 7-seater van, a visit to the Hoa Lu Temple, a bike ride through the rice fields in Tam Coc, and a boat ride down the river. The cost of the trip was $75 USD per person. There are plenty of cheaper options available that go with bigger tour groups, but we opted for the smaller group as we wanted to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
FIRST STOP: CRAFT CENTER
We started our day with an early morning pickup at 7:30 am at our hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and started the 2-hour drive toward Ninh Binh. About an hour into the trip, we stopped for a bathroom break at a local handicraft center that educates and employs handicapped and disabled victims of the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War (or the American War as they call it in Vietnam). They are taught how to embroider and create beautiful pictures that are sold as souvenirs to tourists. We spent about 20-30 minutes watching the people handcraft these beautiful canvases
SECOND STOP: HOA LU TEMPLE
The history of Hoa Lu Temple dates back to the 10th century when Vietnam was divided into 12 different regions. The region of Hoa Lu was ruled by Dinh Bo Linh, a local warlord who rebelled against the Chinese Han Dynasty and eventually became Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. He strategically established Hoa Lu as the capital due to the topography: a big river forms a natural barrier to any enemies at the entrance, and the rest of the valley is surrounded by massive limestone mountains, making it virtually impossible to attack.
The temple is dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, and it features a number of impressive statues and stone carvings that showcase the rich history and culture of the region. The day we were there, the descendants of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang had put on a festival to celebrate him, so lots of locals were visiting & paying their respects, dressed in traditional Vietnamese áo dài.
THIRD STOP: BIKING THROUGH THE RICE FIELDS
After exploring the temple, we hopped back on the bus and made our way to Tam Coc, which is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of rural Vietnam. We hopped on mountain bikes, and our guide, Justin, took us on a stunning path through the rice fields. The bike ride was very easy & flat, but the view was incredible, as we got to see the stunning views of the rice fields and limestone mountains.
FOURTH STOP: ANCIENT CAVE TEMPLES
We biked through the fields until we reached Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of three pagodas that was built in the 18th century by two monks, Tri Kien and Tri The. The pagodas are built into a cave on the side of a mountain and are surrounded by rice fields, limestone cliffs, and a peaceful river. As you approach the entrance to the pagoda, you will be greeted by a beautiful stone bridge that leads to the first pagoda. This pagoda, known as Hạ, is the lowest of the three and is built into a natural cave. It is adorned with intricate carvings, colorful paintings, and sculptures of Buddha and other religious figures.
After exploring the first pagoda, you can climb up a set of stone steps to reach the second pagoda, known as Trung, which is built halfway up the mountain. The climb is not difficult and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, as you can see the rice fields, small villages, and towering limestone karsts that make this region famous.
The final pagoda, known as Thượng, is located at the top of the mountain, and you must walk through the cave to reach the stairs up to the top. However, the views from the top are worth the effort. The pagoda is surrounded by a peaceful garden, with multiple shrines and alters, and an amazing view of the Tam Coc Valley.
LUNCH
After our bike ride, we had lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, where we were served a delicious spread by a local family. The food was included in our tour price, but drinks were extra.
FINAL STOP: BOAT RIDE DOWN THE RIVER
This was the highlight of our day! In Tam Coc, the boats are unique because they are operated by locals who use their feet to row. It was fascinating to watch the rowers manoeuvre the boats through the narrow canals and caves, which are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
As we floated down the river, we were able to take in the breathtaking scenery and spot a variety of wildlife, including cows, goats, and many colourful birds. The boat ride was peaceful and serene, and it gave us a chance to disconnect from the chaos of Hanoi, and take in the beautiful nature.
Overall, a day trip to Ninh Binh is a wonderful experience that we highly recommend to anyone who is visiting Vietnam. The Hoa Lu Temple, the bike ride through the rice fields, and the boat ride down the river all offered unique and unforgettable glimpses into the culture and natural beauty of this incredible province. Especially if you are feeling overwhelmed with the chaos of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect trip to unwind and relax in a more serene environment.
If you’d like to book one of the best Ninh Binh day trips that Hanoi has to offer, look no further than Authentic Ninh Binh!