Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh
Climb the long staircase up the mountain to the ancient Bai Dinh Temple and bask in beauty of Ninh Binh, a place even the millions of Instagram photos can't do justice.
When we were here, it was pissing down with rain, but that didn't stop us from climbing up the mountain and being captivated by how beautiful this region is! Be prepared for a lot of steps up to the viewpoint, and an even sketchier climb over the famous spine of the dragon on top of the mountain (if you have vertigo or a fear of heights, you may want to sit this one out).
Ninh Binh is often called "Ha Long Bay on Land," because of its mesmerising landscapes where thousand-foot limestone karsts erupt from the rice paddies. Unlike the busy streets of Hanoi, life here follows the slow crawl of the Ngo Dong River.
Things to Do:
- Boat Trip at Trang An or Tam Coc: This is the quintessential Ninh Binh experience. A local rower (who often impressively rows with their feet!) will guide your small wooden sampan through a maze of narrow river caves and hidden "inland bays" surrounded by vertical cliffs.
- Climb Hang Mua (Mua Caves): Hike the 500 stone steps to the summit to see the famous stone dragon. The view from the top is arguably the most iconic photo in Vietnam—a 360-degree panorama of the winding river and endless patch worked rice fields.
Cycle through the Backroads: Rent a bicycle in Tam Coc and get lost in the tiny dirt paths. You’ll pass water buffalo grazing by the road, ancient stone gates, and lotus ponds tucked against the mountains.
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda: A strikingly beautiful tiered temple built directly into the side of a mountain. You enter across a stone bridge over a lake filled with lily pads, leading to three separate pagodas hidden in the caves.
Explore the Bai Dinh Complex: Visit the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. It features a massive 13-story stupa (with an elevator for views!), thousands of bronze statues, and grand corridors that feel truly infinite.
Step into History at Hoa Lu: Wander the quiet grounds of Vietnam’s 10th-century ancient capital. The temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties sit in a valley that was once naturally protected by the surrounding limestone peaks.
Van Long Nature Reserve: For a quieter alternative to the main boat tours, head here to spot the rare, white-rumped Delacour’s Langur monkeys swinging from the cliffs above the wetlands.