Ninh Binh with Kids

Things to Do in Ninh Binh with Kids

There is surprisingly a lot to see and do in the Ninh Binh area, so you certainly won’t get bored. These are the sights and activities we think you shouldn’t miss.

Take a Boat Trip Through Trang An

A boat trip through Trang An is definitely one of the highlights of Ninh Binh. You hop into a traditional rowing boat and cruise through an impressive landscape of towering limestone mountains, lush green banks and caves. Along the way, you’ll sometimes pass through low, dark caves and sail past temples and small landing spots.

It’s quite touristy, but we certainly didn’t feel that this took away from the experience. There are plenty of visitors, especially Vietnamese and other Asian tourists. That’s exactly why it’s a good idea to go as early in the day as possible. The temperatures are usually more pleasant then, too.

At Trang An, you can choose from three different boat routes. They vary in terms of the caves, temples and places you’ll visit along the way. Depending on the route, the trip takes around two to four hours. Route 1 is generally the longest, while routes 2 and 3 are a little shorter. Which route you choose mainly depends on how much time you have and what you’d like to see along the way.
The boat trip is also manageable with children, although you should bear in mind that you’ll be sitting in the boat for several hours. There are several stops at small islands along the way, where you can use the toilets or buy something to eat and drink. On some sections, you’ll pass through low caves, so watch your head! Make sure to bring plenty of water, sun protection and perhaps a hat, as you’ll spend much of the trip in the sun.

For more information about the boat routes and current ticket prices, visit Discover Ninh Binh.

Climb to the Hang Mua Viewpoint

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view over Ninh Binh, Hang Mua is a must. You’ll climb a long stone staircase to a viewpoint at the top of the mountain. The climb consists of around 500 steps and can be quite challenging, especially on a hot day.

We thought the view was more than worth the effort. From the top, you can look out over the spectacular landscape of limestone mountains, green fields and the river winding its way through the area. This is exactly the kind of scenery you’ve probably seen in photos of Vietnam. You can also enjoy views over Tam Coc. That was one of the reasons we chose to take the boat trip in Trang An: this way, we got to experience both Trang An and the landscape around Tam Coc.

With children, the climb is manageable depending on their age and fitness level, but don’t underestimate the heat. We found it quite hot, and the children weren’t particularly enthusiastic about climbing all those steps. It’s best to go early in the morning or later in the day, bring plenty of water and take your time. Keep a close eye on the children at the top, too, as some sections are steep and the paths can be quite narrow

Cycle Through the Rice Fields and Villages

Perhaps this was actually our favourite thing to do in Ninh Binh: simply going for a bike ride. The area is relatively flat, and many accommodations offer bicycles free of charge or for a small fee. Often, children’s bikes and child seats are available too.
We loved heading out without a fixed plan. You cycle past lush green rice fields, see water buffaloes cooling off in the water and pass through small villages where everyday life carries on as usual. Sometimes we deliberately took a little side road to explore even further among the rice fields. That’s exactly what made it so enjoyable.

Along the way, you can stop somewhere for a drink or lunch and simply enjoy the scenery. There’s no need to plan a complicated route. Ask your accommodation which roads are worth exploring and just set off. Cycling is also a lovely way to discover the area with children.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful temple built against a green mountainside. You walk across a stone bridge and climb a series of steps past different temple areas and caves. The surroundings are stunning, and it’s a lovely place to combine with a visit to Tam Coc. It’s not a huge attraction that requires hours of exploring, but rather a pleasant short stop during a day out in the area. Bear in mind that there are a few steps to climb here as well.

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Another well-known attraction in the area is Bai Dinh Pagoda. This is a huge Buddhist temple complex with several temple buildings, statues and long corridors. The complex is impressive because of its sheer size and architecture. You can easily spend a few hours exploring here.<br/>As the grounds are quite extensive, you can use electric shuttle carts to cover some of the distances. Bai Dinh is particularly interesting if you’d like to learn more about Vietnamese culture and religion. If you’re visiting with young children, it’s worth keeping the distances and amount of walking in mind.

Visit Hoa Lu Old Town in the Evening

One place I’d definitely recommend is Hoa Lu Old Town. It’s particularly charming in the evening, when the area comes alive with atmospheric lighting, colourful lanterns, little bridges and market stalls. It reminds me a little of Hoi An, but on a smaller scale. If you’re not visiting Hoi An during your trip, this is definitely a lovely place to include in your itinerary. Even if you are visiting Hoi An, it’s still a nice spot to spend an evening. You can wander around, grab something to eat or drink and soak up the atmosphere.

Explore Cuc Phuong National Park

If you’d like to discover more of the natural surroundings during your stay in Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park is a great addition to your itinerary. It is Vietnam’s oldest national park and is located some distance from Tam Coc and Trang An. You’ll find tropical forests, walking trails and a variety of fascinating plants and wildlife.

One special place in the park is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. This rescue centre works to protect endangered primates, including animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. During a guided visit, you can learn more about the animals and the work of the centre. Tours can be arranged through the national park’s visitor centre.