Mua Cave
Mua Cave is the most famous hiking spot in Ninh Binh. At the peak, you can take in extensive vistas of Tam Coc Valley and a picturesque view of Tam Coc's boating activities.
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Length: About 500m
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Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
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Ticket: 100,000 VND (4 USD)
Mua Cave for hiking in Ninh Binh
The Mua Cave complex includes a lotus pond area, resting areas, the Mua mountain climbing area, and a the Mua cave at the foot of the mountain. The mountain climb reaches a height of 142m with 486 stone steps. Along the climb, there is only one resting spot for water near the mountain peak.
Overall, this hiking trail is not difficult, but caution is advised due to steep stone steps and sections where footing can be precarious, with some areas lacking handrails. Upon reaching the mountain peak, if you would like to climb to the dragon statue area, extra care in footing and grip is necessary due to the complex rock formations.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong is Vietnam's first national park. It is renowned for the diverse tropical rainforest ecosystem.
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Difficulty: Easy to challenging
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Length: Various trails ranging from 2km to 20km
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Time: 2 - 6 hours
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Ticket: 60,000 VND (2.4 USD)
Hiking in Ninh Binh Cuc Phuong forest
Highlights for hikers include vibrant forest life with diverse wildlife, prehistoric caves dating back 7,000 - 12,000 years, and a conservation center for bears. Lucky visitors might encounter rare primates like the Delacour's langur, or witness beautiful butterfly and firefly displays around April and May.
Upon arrival, at the ticketing point, visitors can choose from half-day or full-day hiking trails, overnight camping, or extended stays in the forest. Guided tours are available on-site, and more information can be found and services booked at the official site cucphuongtourism.com.vn.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
The Tam Coc - Bich Dong area is one of the most beautiful hiking and cycling spots in Ninh Binh, offering views of rice fields, limestone mountains, lotus ponds, temple visits, boat rides, and glimpses into rural local life.
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Difficulty: Easy
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Length: 5 - 10km
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Time: 1 - 2 hours
Hiking in Ninh Binh Tam Coc area
If you choose this route, you won't need to climb mountains or trek through forests, but you will cover a fair distance on foot. Alternatively, you can opt for cycling to save time while still leisurely enjoying the scenery.
You can start from Tam Coc boat pier and head towards Thai Vi Temple - Bich Dong Pagoda. This route is also close to Hang Mua. The rental fee for bicycles in Tam Coc is around 50,000 VND/day ( 2 USD).
An Tiem Cave
An Tiem Cave holds a coverted position nestled amidst the tranquil natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Renowned for its beauty, seclusion, and serenity, it was chosen by Queen Duong Van Nga as a place to lead a religious life in her final years.
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Difficulty: Easy
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Length: 3km
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Time: 30 minutes
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Ticket: 50,000 VND (2 USD)
The rock gate at Tuyet Tinh Coc
An Tiem Cave and An Tiem Pagoda are located within an enclosed valley surrounded by limestone mountains known as Tuyet Tinh Coc. Upon entering, you can walk around the lake, explore the ancient rock gateways, and climb up to visit the pagoda and cave. There are gold fishes in the lake, and you can purchase fish food for 20,000 VND (0.8 USD). Services such as water, ice cream, snacks, and bicycle rentals are also available.
The entrance to An Tiem Cave is just 400 meters from the ancient capital Hoa Lu and 5km from Trang An boat dock. You can combine visits to these destinations during your trip.
Thung Nham Bird Valley
Thung Nham is one of Ninh Binh's prime ecological destinations. The site is renowned for nurturing and conserving thousands of bird and stork species, many of which are listed in the Red Book.
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Difficulty: Easy
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Length: 2 - 100km
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Time: 2 hours - all day
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Ticket: 150,000 VND (6 USD)
Hiking in Ninh Binh bird valley
After purchasing a ticket at the entrance, you can explore by walking and taking boat rides. Besides visiting the bird conservation area, you can also explore But Cave, Vai Gioi Cave, and fruit orchards.
It is best to visit in the afternoon, as from 3 PM onward, as it is when the birds return to their nests after their foraging day. Managed facilities at Thung Nham also include dining services and convenient overnight accommodations.
Non Nuoc Mountain
Non Nuoc Mountain is a lesser-known destination within the city of Ninh Binh. It may not be as famous as Tam Coc or Trang An, but it is a symbol of the urban area.
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Difficulty: Super easy
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Length: 2km
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Time: 1 - 2 hours
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Ticket: No
Duc Thuy mountain
Also known as Duc Thuy Mountain, it is located at the confluence of three rivers, bordered by one side by a river and the other within the city park.
To reach it, you enter Thuy Son Park. The mountain ascent consists of 72 stone steps, and the hiking trail up is quite easy. At the summit, there are historical relics from the local resistance against French colonial rule, a shrine and over 40 engraved poems on rock walls dating back to the 10th century. From the peak, you can admire two Non Nuoc bridges and the riverbank with cargo boats.
At the foot of the mountain lies the Truong Han Sieu Temple and the nearby Non Nuoc Pagoda beside the river.
Hiking Tips
In general, hiking in Ninh Binh is easy and accessible to anyone. To make the most of your exploration, consider these tips and information:
Hiking in Ninh Binh guide
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When hiking in Ninh Binh, visitors should bring plenty of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
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Wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.
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The best time to hike in Ninh Binh is from September to May, when the weather is cool and there is less rain. The summer months from May to August are noted for being hot. However, May to July is also the season when lotus flowers bloom beautifully.
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The rice season in Ninh Binh is from May to June.
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Carry cash for local services.
To continue this conversation, visit our article about things to do in Ninh Binh!
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