40 places to discover
Am Tien Cave is a natural cave and pagoda complex located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital area. Set beside a clear emerald lake surrounded by limestone cliffs, the site is accessed via a stone stairway. It is notable for its tranquil scenery, historic pagoda inside the cave, and association with the 10th-century Dinh Dynasty, earning the nickname Tuyet Tinh Coc for its secluded beauty.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast Buddhist temple complex in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, about 15 km northwest of Ninh Binh city. It consists of the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda dating to the Ly Dynasty and a large new complex completed in 2010. It is notable for its scale as the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, holding several national records including the largest bronze Buddha statue and longest Arhat corridor, set against limestone karst hills near Trang An.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda complex located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Built into the limestone karst of Ngu Nhac Mountain within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it consists of three tiered pagodas – Ha, Trung and Thuong – integrated with caves. Dating to 1428 and expanded in 1705, it is noted for its traditional architecture, cave shrines and scenic lotus pond setting.
Bui Chu Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Xuan Ngoc Commune, Xuan Truong District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Built in 1885 under Spanish Dominican Bishop Wenceslao Onate, it serves as the cathedral of the Diocese of Bui Chu, one of the oldest dioceses in Vietnam. Notable for its European Baroque-influenced architecture, ironwood structure, and twin bell towers, it remains an important religious and architectural landmark in northern Vietnam.
Co Le Pagoda, also known as Than Quang Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Co Le Town, Truc Ninh District, Ninh Binh Province. Founded in the 12th century during the Ly Dynasty and extensively rebuilt in 1902, it is notable for its unique architecture blending traditional Vietnamese and Gothic-inspired elements, its 32-meter Cuu Pham Lien Hoa Tower, and its significance as a major Buddhist center in the Red River Delta.
Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first national park, established in 1962, located primarily in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, extending into Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces. Covering about 22,200 hectares of limestone karst and evergreen forest, it is notable for exceptional biodiversity, ancient trees, extensive cave systems, and conservation centers for endangered primates, turtles and plants.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a Buddhist pagoda located in Ninh Trung Village, Liem Son Commune, Thanh Liem District, Ninh Binh Province. Originally known as Dung Pagoda and dating to the 10th century, it is set against a forested mountain with pine trees and rice fields. The pagoda is notable for its restored traditional architecture, distinctive white gravel courtyard and its dedication to Dia Tang Bodhisattva (Ksitigarbha).
Dich Long Cave is a natural limestone cave and pagoda complex located in Gia Thanh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Situated on Dich Long Mountain, it combines a scenic cave with a Buddhist pagoda inside. The site is known for its stalactites, stalagmites, stone Buddha statues and historic inscriptions. Accessed by stone steps, it offers views over the surrounding countryside and is part of Ninh Binh's karst landscape attractions.
Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is a historic temple in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex. Dedicated to Dinh Bo Linh, the first emperor of Dai Co Viet (968-980), it was built in the 17th century on the site of his former royal palace. Notable for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, stone carvings and dragon motifs, it is a key cultural and pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam.
Dong Chuong Lake is an artificial freshwater reservoir located in Phu Long Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, about 30 km northwest of Ninh Binh city. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and valleys near Cuc Phuong National Park, the lake was created for irrigation and now serves as a scenic eco-tourism site. It is notable for its tranquil waters, forested islands, boat trips and camping areas, offering a quiet natural retreat in northern Vietnam.
Giao Ninh Beach is a coastal beach located in Giao Ninh commune, Giao Thuy district, Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam along the Gulf of Tonkin. It lies within the Red River Delta coastal area near Xuan Thuy National Park and the Giao Thuy Ramsar site. The beach features a sandy shoreline, fishing activities and a quiet rural coastal setting. It is notable for its natural coastal landscape, local fishing village character and proximity to mangrove and wetland ecosystems.
Hai Ly Church, also known as Nha Tho Do Hai Ly, is a ruined Catholic church on the coast of Hai Ly Commune in Hai Hau District, Ninh Binh Province. Originally built in 1877 and rebuilt in 1943, it was abandoned after coastal erosion and storms left it isolated on the beach. Its roofless brick shell with arched windows and Gothic details is notable as a photographic landmark and symbol of coastal change.
Hai Thinh Beach is a sandy beach in Thinh Long Ward, Hai Hau District, Ninh Binh Province on the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. Formerly part of Nam Dinh Province before the 2025 merger into Ninh Binh, it extends about 3 km with fine sand and a gentle slope. Notable for its fishing village setting, fresh seafood and calm local atmosphere, it is a popular regional destination for swimming, beach walks and seafood dining.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a historic site in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It served as the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. The site includes temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, ancient citadel walls, and artifacts within a scenic valley surrounded by limestone karst mountains. It is part of the Trang An World Heritage Complex and a cultural landmark.
Hung Nghia Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Hai Hung Commune, Hai Hau District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Built originally in 1927 and rebuilt between 2000 and 2007, it is noted for its Gothic Revival architecture with twin bell towers, pointed arches and detailed stonework. Situated in a densely Catholic region of northern Vietnam, it serves as a parish church and is recognized as one of the most photogenic churches in the Hai Hau area.
Kenh Ga Hot Spring is a natural mineral hot spring located in Kenh Ga Village, Gia Thinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Situated along the Hoang Long River near the Kenh Ga floating village, it emerges at around 53°C and is known for its clear, mineral-rich water. The spring is a popular local bathing and wellness site, accessible mainly by boat, and forms part of the Van Long and Ninh Binh karst landscape tourism area.
Kien Lao Church is a large Roman Catholic parish church located in Xuan Tien Commune, Xuan Truong District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Built in the late 19th century and rebuilt in the 20th century, it is notable for its Gothic Revival architecture, twin bell towers, and elaborate stone facade. It serves as the center of Kien Lao Parish in the Bui Chu Diocese and is one of the most prominent Catholic churches in northern Vietnam.
Le Dai Hanh Temple is a historic temple dedicated to Emperor Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan) in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex. Built to honor the founder of the Early Le Dynasty who reigned from 980 to 1005, it features traditional Vietnamese architecture with stone foundations, wooden halls and courtyards. Part of the Trang An Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an important cultural and pilgrimage destination.
Mua Cave (Hang Mua) is a small cave at the foot of Mua Mountain in Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It is best known for the 500 stone steps leading to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain, which offers panoramic views of Tam Coc, Ngo Dong River, rice fields and limestone karsts of the Trang An landscape complex.
Nam Dinh Grand Church is a Roman Catholic church located on Tran Hung Dao Street in central Nam Dinh City, Ninh Binh Province. Built in 1895 during the French colonial period, it is noted for its French Gothic Revival architecture with twin bell towers, pointed arches and stained-glass windows. It serves as a prominent religious landmark and parish church in the city center near Vi Hoang Lake.
Nhat Tru Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda located within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. Built in the 10th century during the reign of King Le Dai Hanh of the Early Le Dynasty, it is noted for its stone pillar engraved with Buddhist sutras. The pagoda is an important remnant of the former imperial capital and a significant cultural and religious site in northern Vietnam.
Ninh Cuong Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in Ninh Cuong Commune, Truc Ninh District, Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Built in Gothic Revival style with twin bell towers, pointed arches and stained glass, it serves the local Catholic community. Originally established in 1888 and rebuilt in 1932, it is notable for its large brick facade, symmetrical towers and riverside location near the Ninh Co River, making it a prominent landmark in the area.
Non Nuoc Mountain is a limestone hill beside the Day River in central Hoa Lu City, Ninh Binh Province. Also called Duc Thuy Mountain, it rises about 100 meters and is known for its panoramic views, historic stone poems, and Non Nuoc Pagoda at its foot. Designated a National Historical Relic, it combines natural scenery with literary and cultural heritage in the heart of Ninh Binh.
Phat Diem Cathedral is a large Roman Catholic complex in Phat Diem town, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, about 120 km south of Hanoi. Built between 1875 and 1899 under priest Tran Luc (Father Six), it is noted for its distinctive blend of Vietnamese traditional architecture and European Gothic style, constructed primarily from stone and ironwood. The complex includes the main cathedral, stone chapel, Phuong Dinh bell tower, artificial lake and grottoes, serving as the center of the Phat Diem Diocese.
Pho Minh Pagoda is a historic Buddhist pagoda located in Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Founded in 1262 and expanded in 1305 during the Tran Dynasty, it is renowned for the 14-storey Pho Minh Tower, about 21 meters high. Part of the Tran Temple relic complex, it is recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic, notable for Tran-era architecture, stone sculptures, and its role as a major Buddhist center in northern Vietnam.
Phu Day Complex is a major religious and historical complex in Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Dedicated to Princess Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam's Four Immortals, it comprises around 20 monuments including Phu Tien Huong, Phu Van Cat and Lang Kim Thai. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1975, it is the principal centre of Mother Goddess worship (Dao Mau) and is famous for its annual spring festival.
Phu Nhai Church, officially the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, is a major Roman Catholic basilica in Xuan Phuong commune, Xuan Truong District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Originally built in 1881 and rebuilt in 1933 in Gothic style, it is one of the largest churches in Vietnam. Elevated to minor basilica in 2008, it features twin bell towers, stained glass, and ornate altars, serving as an important pilgrimage and architectural landmark in northern Vietnam.
Sa Chau Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Giao Chau Commune, Giao Thuy District, Ninh Binh Province in northern coastal Vietnam. Serving the Sa Chau Parish under the Diocese of Bui Chu, it is notable for its Gothic Revival architecture with twin bell towers, red-brick facade and stained-glass windows. Built in the early 20th century, it is one of the larger historic churches in the former Nam Dinh region and represents the area's strong Catholic heritage.
Tam Chuc Pagoda is a vast Buddhist temple complex located in the Tam Chuc Tourist Area at Ba Sao town, Kim Bang District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Set around Tam Chuc Lake and surrounded by limestone karst mountains, it is considered one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The modern complex, rebuilt from 2012 and inaugurated in 2019, features monumental halls, bronze Buddha statues, and the hilltop Ngoc Pagoda, serving as a major pilgrimage and sightseeing destination.
Tam Coc is a scenic river and cave complex in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam, within the Trang An Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as 'Halong Bay on land,' it features the Ngo Dong River winding through limestone karst peaks and three natural caves — Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba — accessed by rowing boat. The area is notable for its karst geology, seasonal rice paddies and traditional sampan boat tours.
Thai Vi Temple is a historic temple dedicated to the Tran dynasty kings located in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, within the Tam Coc scenic area. Built in the 13th century and restored in later periods, it honors Emperor Tran Thai Tong and his successors. Set against limestone karst mountains and surrounded by rice fields, it is notable for its traditional Vietnamese architecture, stone and ironwood structures, and annual festivals.
Thien Ha Cave is a natural cave system located in Tuong Mountain, Son Ha Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province. It consists of a dry cave and a water cave connected by the Ben Dang River. Known as Galaxy Cave for its glittering stalactites, it is notable for well-preserved stalactite and stalagmite formations, underground river boat access, and its location near the Trang An and Cuc Phuong area.
Thung Nang Valley is a scenic natural valley in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, within the Tam Coc–Bich Dong area. Surrounded by limestone karst mountains, wetlands and rice fields, it is accessed by a tranquil rowboat tour through narrow waterways and caves. Known for its peaceful rural landscape and sunset views, the valley offers a quieter alternative to nearby Tam Coc and Trang An, showcasing northern Vietnam's karst scenery.
Thung Nham Bird Park is an ecotourism park located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, within the Trang An Landscape Complex. Centered around a natural bird sanctuary and karst valley, it protects thousands of birds across dozens of species. Notable for its boat-accessed bird garden, limestone caves such as But Cave and Vai Gioi Cave, and tropical forest landscape, it combines wildlife observation with cave and nature sightseeing near Tam Coc.
Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Covering limestone karst peaks, valleys, rivers and caves, it is notable as Vietnam's first mixed cultural and natural World Heritage property inscribed in 2014. The complex integrates the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong scenic area and Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest, showcasing geological, archaeological and cultural values.
Tran Temple is a historic temple complex in Loc Vuong Ward, Nam Dinh City, Ninh Binh Province, dedicated to the kings and mandarins of the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400). Located on the former site of the Tran royal palace estate, the complex comprises three main temples - Thien Truong, Co Trach and Trung Hoa. It is nationally famous for the annual Tran Temple Festival and the seal-opening ceremony.
Trung Linh Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in Xuan Ngoc commune, Xuan Truong District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Part of the Bui Chu Diocese, it serves the local Catholic community in a region known for its dense concentration of historic churches. The church is notable for its Gothic-inspired architecture, prominent facade and bell towers, and its role as a religious and community center for Xuan Ngoc parishioners.
Van Loc Church is a Catholic parish church located in Xuan Phong Commune, Xuan Truong District, Ninh Binh Province, formerly part of Nam Dinh Province, in northern Vietnam. It belongs to the Bui Chu Diocese, an area with a high concentration of Catholic parishes. The church serves as the spiritual center for the Van Loc parish community and exhibits typical northern Vietnamese Catholic architecture with a bell tower, nave, and open courtyard.
Van Long Nature Reserve is the largest wetland nature reserve in northern Vietnam, located in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. Established in 2001, it covers about 3,500 hectares of flooded limestone karst, marshes and caves. It is notable as the largest habitat of the endangered Delacour's langur, for its rich birdlife, scenic bamboo boat routes through karst peaks, and as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island.
Xuan Thuy National Park is a coastal wetland national park at the Ba Lat estuary of the Red River in Giao Thuy District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Established on 2 January 1989 as Vietnam's first Ramsar site and designated a national park in 2003, it protects mangrove forests, tidal mudflats and estuarine islands. It is internationally important for migratory waterbirds, including the endangered black-faced spoonbill, and forms the core zone of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve.