Welcome to Greenland Homestay. Located in the heart of Ninh Xuan, our homestay provides a strategic location for your journey. Below is the precise travel guide with accurate road distances, ticket prices, best visiting hours, and insider tips for the best attractions in Ninh Binh.
1. Trang An Landscape Complex
Distance (from homestay): Around 2 km (Extremely close, convenient by motorbike or bicycle)
Entrance Fee: 300,000 VND/adult; 120,000 VND/child (height under 1.3m); Free for under 1m
Time for visiting: 2 - 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning (07:30 - 09:30) or late afternoon (15:00 - 15:30) to avoid heat
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its spectacular karst landscape. It features majestic limestone mountains interwoven with crystal-clear rivers winding through mystical natural caves such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave. The untouched scenery and poetic waterways offer ultimate tranquility.
There are 3 main boat routes; Route 1 and Route 3 are highly recommended as they pass through multiple long caves and unique film sets. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and you can grab a small paddle to help your local boat rower.
2. Hang Mua (Mua Cave Viewpoint)
Distance (from homestay): Around 2 km (Extremely close, just a few minutes away)
Entrance Fee: 100,000 VND/person
Time for visiting: 1.5 - 2 hours
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon (16:00 - 17:30) to catch the sunset
Hang Mua is famous for its challenging climb of 486 stone steps modeled after the Great Wall of China. The peak features a majestic dragon shrine and offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley, winding rivers, and stunning seasonal rice fields below.
Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes as the stone steps are steep, uneven, and can be slippery. Bring a bottle of water, and try to time your hike so you reach the top right before sunset for spectacular photo opportunities.
3. Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Distance (from homestay): Around 15 km (Accessible via Trang An or standard highway routes)
Entrance Fee: Free admission; Electric car shuttle: 60,000 VND/person/2-way; Bao Thap Tower: 50,000 VND
Time for visiting: 2 - 3 hours
Best Time: Late afternoon (16:00 - 19:00) to witness the sunset and see the pagoda lit up
Bai Dinh is one of the largest Buddhist pagoda complexes in Southeast Asia. It holds multiple records, including the largest bronze bell, the tallest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue, and the longest Arhat corridor. The architecture is grandiose and imposing, dominating the vast mountain landscape.
The complex is massive, making the electric shuttle car absolutely necessary unless you want an exhausting long walk. Visiting in the early evening offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated stupa.
4. Tam Coc (Three Caves)
Distance (from homestay): Around 6.5 km (Head South toward the tourist hub area)
Entrance Fee: 120,000 VND/person (Entry) + 150,000 VND/boat (Accommodates up to 2 foreigners or 4 locals)
Time for visiting: 2 hours
Best Time: Late May to early June (The absolute peak season when the rice fields turn brilliant gold)
Often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land", Tam Coc features a majestic 2-hour boat ride along the winding Ngo Dong River. The boat takes you through three natural limestone caves (Ca, Hai, and Ba) cut through giant mountain cliffs and flanked by striking riverside rice paddies.
There is no shade on the small rowboats, so bringing an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen is vital. The rowers often use their feet to row, which is a fascinating local technique to see up close!
5. Thai Vi Temple
Distance (from homestay): Around 7.0 km (Located deep inside the Tam Coc valley area)
Entrance Fee: Free
Time for visiting: 40 minutes
Best Time: Morning (08:00 - 10:30) for a peaceful, meditative atmosphere
Thai Vi Temple is a hidden historical gem dedicated to the kings and generals of the Tran Dynasty. It stands out due to its unique ancient architecture constructed almost entirely out of monolithic stone, surrounded by towering mountain walls and green rural fields.
The best way to reach Thai Vi Temple is by renting a bicycle from Tam Coc. The path leading to the temple is incredibly scenic. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and wear modest clothing to respect the sacred ground.
6. Bich Dong Pagoda
Distance (from homestay): Around 9.0 km (Just a short drive past the Tam Coc boat pier)
Entrance Fee: Free (Small parking fees apply if traveling by motorbike or bicycle)
Time for visiting: 40 minutes
Best Time: 07:30 - 09:30 or early summer when the front lotus pond blooms beautifully
Bich Dong, meaning "Green Pearl Cave", is an ancient tier-styled pagoda built directly into a cliff face in 1428. It spans three distinct levels: the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagodas. The iconic ancient stone bridge over the lotus pond at the entrance is one of Ninh Binh's most photographed spots.
Beware of aggressive, unofficial local parking touts outside the main gate; try to park directly at the authorized areas. Climbing to the highest Upper Pagoda requires negotiating steep dark cave steps, so watch your footing.
7. Thung Nham Bird Park
Distance (from homestay): Around 13.0 km (Follow the scenic route past Bich Dong Pagoda)
Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND/person (Includes standard park entry and cave visits)
Time for visiting: 2 - 3 hours
Best Time: Late afternoon (16:30 - 17:30) to see thousands of wild birds returning home
Thung Nham is a massive ecotourism zone rich in biodiversity. It seamlessly combines natural caves (like Vai Gioi Cave and Tien Ca Cave), wild orchards, and a vast wetland forest. The prime attraction is the wild bird sanctuary, home to over 40 species of birds, including rare, endangered herons.
To fully appreciate Thung Nham, timing is key. Arriving too early means missing the birds. Take the specialized short rowboat tour into the swamp area around 5:00 PM to catch the spectacular sight of thousands of white storks covering the trees.
8. Pho Co Hoa Lu (Hoa Lu Old Town)
Distance (from homestay): Around 5 km (Located at Ky Lan Mountain Park in Ninh Binh city center)
Entrance Fee: Free entry (Boat rides and internal games carry separate charges)
Time for visiting: 2 hours
Best Time: Nighttime (18:30 - 21:30) when the lanterns are turned on
Pho Co Hoa Lu is a beautifully designed cultural and culinary night market built around the foot of Ky Lan Mountain. It accurately replicates the architectural styles of ancient Vietnam. The entire area glows vividly with hundreds of handmade lanterns reflecting off the central lake.
This is the best place to spend an evening in Ninh Binh. You can sample traditional local street foods, buy authentic souvenirs, or rent a small swan boat to paddle around the illuminated Ky Lan Lake.
9. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Distance (from homestay): Around 6.5 km (Head North along the scenic inner valley road)
Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND/person
Time for visiting: 1.5 hours
Best Time: Morning (08:00 - 11:00) for comfortable walking weather
Hoa Lu was the first capital of the centralized feudal state of Vietnam under the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties over 1,000 years ago. Today, it still preserves ancient architectural traces, featuring the Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh temples with exquisite stone and wood carving arts.
A respectful, modest dress code is strictly required when entering the temples (covered shoulders and knees). Hiring a local on-site guide is recommended to deeply understand the historical context and royal legends.
10. Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave)
Distance (from homestay): Around 6.5 km (Right next to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital entry gate)
Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND/person
Time for visiting: 1 hour
Best Time: Late afternoon (15:30 - 17:00) when sunlight hits the cliffs beautifully
Tucked away in an isolated valley surrounded by sheer natural limestone cliffs, Am Tien Cave is often called the "No-Name Valley". The highlight here is a pristine lake with turquoise water all year round and an ancient pagoda perched halfway up the mountain.
The pathway around the lake is shady and peaceful; you can take a relaxing stroll or rent a bicycle. Wear comfortable sports shoes as reaching the pagoda requires climbing up stone steps.
11. Kenh Ga Hot Spring & Floating Village
Distance (from homestay): Around 20.0 km (Head Northwest into Gia Vien District)
Entrance Fee: Bathing packages range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND depending on the specific resort setup
Time for visiting: ~2 - 3 hours
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for a soothing hot spring breeze
Kenh Ga is famous for its natural outdoor mineral hot spring flowing from the mountain core with a stable, warm temperature of 53°C. It offers a combination of peaceful riverside village scenery along the Hoang Long River and health-boosting thermal bath services.
This is an ideal place to recharge and soothe your muscles after long days of trekking and climbing. Do not forget to bring your own swimwear for the public or private mineral pools.
12. Thien Ha Cave (Galaxy Cave)
Distance (from homestay): Around 27 km (Located inside the Tuong Mountain range)
Entrance Fee: 120,000 VND/person (Includes the rowboat transit entry)
Time for visiting: 3 hours
Best Time: Mid-day (11:00 - 14:00) when natural light beams through the cave roof gaps
Thien Ha Cave is a hidden mystical cavern system divided into two parts: a 200m dry cave and a 500m water cave. Inside, you will glide on a small boat under thousands of natural, active stalactites that sparkle and shimmer like a galaxy under artificial and natural light beams.
This attraction is far less crowded and more authentic than other cave tours. Because it is underground, it is a great alternative option on days when the weather outside is too hot or raining. Wear shoes with reliable grip.
13. Cuc Phuong National Park
Distance (from homestay): Around 55 km (Drive via highway QL12B or route DT477)
Entrance Fee: 60,000 VND/adult; 10,000 VND/child
Time for visiting: 4 - 5 hours
Best Time: All day long; April to May is the peak butterfly season
As Vietnam's first national park, Cuc Phuong features a well-preserved primary tropical rainforest with a cool climate year-round. Key highlights include the Thousand-Year-Old Cho Xanh tree, the Cave of Prehistoric Man, and highly educational primate and turtle rescue conservation centers.
Bring mosquito and insect repellent, and wear sturdy trekking shoes. If you visit in early summer, you will experience trekking through a dreamlike pathway filled with millions of white butterflies.
Explore Ninh Binh Your Way
Ready to discover the hidden gems of Ninh Binh? Book an authentic local tour or rent a high-quality motorbike/bicycle directly at our front desk.