Ninh Binh boat tours: A complete guide for first-timers

Contents

Ninh Binh is a stunning destination in Vietnam that visitors should not miss (Source: Collected)

1. Best Ninh Binh boat tours

Visiting Ninh Binh without experiencing a boat tour is a significant oversight. Blessed with stunning, picturesque landscapes of rivers, mountains, caves, and forests, Ninh Binh offers numerous spots where you can enjoy a boat tour. Let’s explore these options!

1.1. Trang An boat tours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, Trang An offers must-try boat tours that leave a memorable impression on every visitor. You can visit Trang An and enjoy the boat tours any time of the year, choosing from three main routes based on your interests:

• Route 1 (2-3 hours): This route takes you through three spiritual sites – Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Bao Hieu Pagoda, and nine caves associated with legends of the Dinh and Tran dynasties, such as Dark Cave, Light Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave.
• Route 2 (2-3 hours): Explore four caves including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Dai Cave, along with three spiritual sites – Tran Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Hanh Cung Vu Lam, and an island featured in the film “Kong: Skull Island.”
• Route 3 (3-4 hours): This route offers an adventure through the largest and most majestic caves, from Dot Cave – the longest cave in Trang An to the 12,000-square-meter Thung May, featuring dazzling stalactites over 1,000 meters long and the towering Dia Linh Mountain.

The Ninh Binh boat tour in Trang An offers breathtaking views of picturesque natural scenery (Source: Collected)

On these Ninh Binh boat rides, you will enjoy the serene atmosphere and majestic natural scenery of winding blue rivers, towering limestone mountains, pristine caves, lush forests, and tranquil rice fields. Visitors can also explore sacred temples and pagodas with rich histories, as well as a diverse ecosystem with over 300 rare plant species and endangered animals.

1.2. Tam Coc – Ninh Binh boat tours

Located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, Tam Coc in Hoa Lu District is a picturesque destination perfect for a Ninh Binh boat trip. The boat journey lasts about 3 hours, meandering along the Ngo Dong River through verdant rice fields and mountainous landscapes. 

Visitors can explore Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave to admire sparkling stalactites in various shapes like dragons and clouds and enjoy the cool, fresh air. During the trip, you can also visit the crystal-clear Tien Stream and hike up to Thai Vi Temple and the Bich Dong Pagoda nestled in the mountainside. 

Tam Coc can be visited year-round, but the best time is during the rice harvest season (mid-May to early June), when the golden fields create a stunning rural scene. Entrance and boat tour fees are 250,000 VND for adults, 120,000 VND for seniors or children between 1 and 1.3 meters, and free for children under 1 meter.

The harvest season is the best time to enjoy the Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

1.3. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve boat tours

Situated in Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is a top spot for Ninh Binh boat trips. As the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta, covering over 3,500 hectares, it offers pristine beauty with limestone mountains, caves, and diverse flora and fauna. 

Floating on small boats, you will experience a peaceful, tranquil environment, view underwater corals and moss, and admire the uniquely limestone peaks. The tour includes exploring glowing caves with intriguing stalactite formations like Fish Cave, Shadow Cave, and Turtle Cave, visiting sacred temples and pagodas, and spotting rare animals such as the endangered white-legged langur. 

You can visit Van Long in summer for blooming lotus flowers or during the dry season (November to April) to watch birds nesting. Entrance and Ninh Binh boat tour prices range from 40,000 to 80,000 VND, making it an unmissable experience.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve provides the best boat tour in Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

* Note: This information is updated as of 2022. For the latest service prices, please contact the management authorities of the nature reserve.

1.4. Thung Nham Bird Park boat tours

Located 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center, Thung Nham Bird Park is another great spot to enjoy a Ninh Binh boat trip and explore a diverse bird ecosystem. Surrounded by tropical forests on limestone mountains with diverse biological landscapes, it is home to over 40 species of birds, numbering tens of thousands. 

Each evening around 5-6 PM, visitors can take boat rides to Co Island to watch the spectacular sight of flocks of birds returning to their nests at sunset, blending into the wild natural space. Watching birds of various shapes and colors flying overhead and listening to their cheerful chirping will be an unforgettable experience for visitors. 

Entrance tickets to Thung Nham Bird Park are 150,000 VND per adult, and 100,000 VND per child over 1 meter, including opportunities to visit spiritual sites such as the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Goi Dai Temple, and beautiful caves like Vai Gioi Cave, Buddha Cave, and Fairy Cave.

This amazing Ninh Binh boat tour offers vibrant bird-watching opportunities (Source: Collected)

1.5. Dong Thai Lake boat rides

Dong Thai Lake is a natural freshwater lake located right beside the majestic Tam Diep mountain range, offering a pristine and picturesque beauty that visitors to Ninh Binh should not miss. One of the best experiences here is a scenic boat ride. 

As you float on a small boat over the crystal-clear water, you can immerse yourself in the dreamy natural surroundings of green mountains, charming valleys, tree-covered peninsulas, and a variety of rare flora and fauna. The blue sky, white clouds, fresh breeze, and bird songs create a peaceful atmosphere that will make you forget all your worries. 

During this Ninh Binh boat tour, you can also stop by the Ma Tien Cave on the mountainside. Climbing nearly 100 stone steps, you will explore a mystical and dazzling space with large and small rock formations shaped into various forms linked to local legends and several spiritually significant temples.

Enjoy a sense of peace and freedom while paddling on Dong Thai Lake (Source: Collected)

1.6. Galaxy Grotto boat rides

Located about 24 kilometers northwest of Ninh Binh city center, Galaxy Grotto is a fantastic spot for enjoying a romantic Ninh Binh boat trip and exploring natural caves and archaeological sites. The journey starts from the Muong Tho Ha Village, where visitors board a boat and drift down the Ben Dang River, taking in the untouched, serene landscapes with fish, birds, rice fields, and lotus flowers. 

After reaching the landing, you can climb stone steps to discover interesting sites such as the thousand-year-old Hoa Lu Gold Apple Tree, the Buddha Head Mountain peak amidst the green bamboo forest, and the archaeological site of the Snail Shell Cave archaeological site. 

The highlight here is the Galaxy Grotto, which stretches nearly 1,000 meters. The cave is often referred to as the “galaxy within the mountain” due to the underground river flowing through it and the limestone stalactites casting reflections in the clear water, creating a sparkling ambiance.

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of Galaxy Grotto with its underground river and stalactites (Source: Collected)

2. Tips for taking a boat tour of Ninh Binh

Useful tips for enjoying your Ninh Binh boat trips to the utmost:

• Timing: The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from January to March, when the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. Late May to early June, during the rice harvest season, is ideal for photography. To avoid crowds, steer clear of peak times like Tet (Lunar New Year).
• Clothing: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing for boat riding and hiking. A light jacket is also recommended as most tourist spots in Ninh Binh are by water with a cool climate.
• Essential items: Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, insect bite medication, and basic medicines. Bring a hat, umbrella, raincoat, and tent if you want to camp. Do not forget to carry water to stay hydrated and a portable charger.
• Tipping: In Ninh Binh, tipping is at the visitor’s discretion and not a cultural requirement. When taking boat tours, you may choose to tip the boat rower if you wish.
• Safety: Follow all safety rules and always wear your life jacket to ensure a safe and enjoyable boat exploration experience.

A Ninh Binh boat tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the region, offering a serene escape through stunning landscapes. From winding rivers to majestic caves, it provides a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s natural beauty. Whether you are admiring the picturesque scenery or spotting vibrant wildlife, it promises a memorable and enchanting experience.

After exploring Ninh Binh, continue your amazing Vietnam travel journey to other prominent tourist cities such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Danang. In these destinations, beside stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures, visitors can enjoy fun-filled activities at VinWonders. These top-tier entertainment complexes throughout Vietnam feature various exciting games, vibrant festivals, and cultural events suitable for all ages.

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Moreover, you can enhance your trip by staying at the luxurious hotels and resorts provided by Vinpearl. Vinpearl offers a diverse array of premium services and amenities, ensuring that every guest’s needs are met.

Vinpearl resorts are the top choices for Vietnam vacations

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