Ninh Binh tours

Things to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land', a place where limestone formations rise from tranquil rice fields and rivers meander invitingly. Here, the landscape encourages a moment of pause. Your local guide is the storyteller, bringing tales of ancient royalty and hidden caves into vivid focus. On a private tour, glide through calm waterways or wander through lush landscapes and discover secluded temples. Savour a food and wine tour, enjoying local dishes that are deeply rooted in the land. With your guide, bypass the usual queues and delve into the essence of Ninh Binh, where the intertwining of nature and history crafts a narrative just for you. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ninh Binh. Explore Ninh Binh your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ninh Binh tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ninh Binh for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Cycle country lanes to the Hang Mua viewpoint for sweeping karst scenery, or scan the reeds of Van Long Wetland for the endangered Delacour’s langur with a local spotter. Boat tours: Take a hand‑rowed boat tour through Trang An’s grottoes or Tam Coc’s rice‑valley river, gliding under low caves and past limestone cliffs while your guide times it to avoid crowds. Religious Sites tours: Walk the grand courtyards of Bai Dinh Pagoda, then step into the 10th‑century temples of Hoa Lu and climb to Bich Dong Pagoda’s cave shrines tucked into the cliff. Rural sights are spread out and public transport is limited; many travellers bike part of the day, and your guide can arrange a car and driver or a chauffeured tour between areas. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ninh Binh inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Ninh Binh's picturesque neighborhoods on a private walking tour with your local guide. Experience the beauty of this area like never before by exploring it with a local expert. - Tam Coc: A must-see for families and cultural tourists, this area offers stunning landscapes with limestone karsts, rice paddies, and boat rides on the Ngo Dong River. - Trang An: Perfect for those seeking meaningful connections and natural beauty. Known for its serene boat tours through caves and lush scenery, it's a fantastic spot for photography and relaxation. - Hoa Lu: Ideal for history enthusiasts and multi-generational groups. Visit ancient temples and learn about Vietnam's former capital, offering both history and scenic beauty for all ages. Day trip ideas from Ninh Binh Base yourself in Ninh Binh, then pop over to nearby valleys, wetlands, and forests for easy day trips, with private tours tailored around boats, bikes, or short hikes. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: boat through caves and limestone towers on calm water, choose a quieter route, step into small temples, and keep the focus on scenery and photos rather than lines. Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda: ride a bike along rice paddies under karst cliffs, then climb a few stone steps to pagoda views; your tour can linger for a simple countryside lunch or time the visit for softer light. Cuc Phuong National Park: walk shaded forest trails to ancient trees, watch for butterflies and birds, and visit the primate rescue centre; pick a short loop or a longer trek, depending on your pace. Van Long Nature Reserve: glide by rowboat across quiet marshes, spot langurs on the cliffs and storks in the reeds, and enjoy open views without the crowds found at busier sites. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ninh Binh most travellers miss.