What to do in Ninh Binh during a 3-day, 2-night trip?

Ninh Binh attracts tourists with its majestic scenery, numerous experiences, and distinctive cuisine. With 3 days and 2 nights, visitors can explore many places such as Trang An, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, and more.

ZNews•03/06/2026

Located just about 100 km from Hanoi , Ninh Binh is a popular choice for weekend getaways or short vacations. Limestone mountain ranges reflected in the green river, water-filled caves, and rice paddies nestled in the valleys create the characteristic landscape of this ancient capital region.

Among these, Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – continues to attract a large number of tourists, especially during the summer. From here, visitors can easily combine exploring many other famous landmarks such as Mua Cave, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, or Bai Dinh in a 3-day, 2-night trip without needing to travel too far.

Below, Tri Thức - Znews suggests a plan for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Ninh Bình this summer.

Move

From Hanoi, tourists can reach Ninh Binh by limousine, bus, train, or private vehicle. The travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on the mode of transport. For tourists from Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces, the most convenient option is to fly to Hanoi and then continue by road to Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival, renting a motorbike is a popular option for exploring the attractions, as the distances between Trang An, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, and Bai Dinh are not too far. Larger groups or families can hire taxis, electric vehicles, or private cars for more convenient transportation.

Accommodation

For convenient sightseeing, visitors should choose to stay around the Trang An or Tam Coc areas. These two areas have a concentration of homestays, resorts, and hotels with a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly accommodations to resorts nestled in nature.

The appeal of these areas lies in their tranquil atmosphere and close proximity to Ninh Binh's characteristic landscape of limestone mountains, lakes, fields, and small village roads. Many accommodations are built with an eco-friendly approach, featuring swimming pools, gardens, or mountain views, making them suitable for both groups of young people and families who want to combine relaxation and exploration.

From Trang An or Tam Coc, visitors can easily travel to other famous attractions such as Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, or Thung Nham without spending too much time. This area also has a concentration of restaurants, cafes, and tourist services, making it convenient for dining, renting vehicles, and planning sightseeing itineraries throughout the trip.

Day 1: Trang An - Hoa Lu - Coffee amidst limestone mountains

After arriving in Ninh Binh and checking into their accommodation, visitors should dedicate the first day to the Trang An area – the heart of Ninh Binh tourism today. Hoa Lu is about 4-5 km from Trang An, making it very convenient to combine a visit in one day.

Trang An is currently open to visitors from approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last boat trip usually departing around 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM depending on the season. Each boat trip lasts 2-3 hours, so visitors should go in the morning or early afternoon to have more time to enjoy the experience.

Currently, the Trang An area has both Starbucks and Highlands Coffee overlooking the limestone mountains, making it convenient for visitors to stop by after their tour.

After finishing the boat trip, visitors can have lunch at restaurants around Trang An or Hoa Lu with dishes such as mountain goat, crispy rice, and free-range chicken. In the afternoon, they can continue exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu before relaxing at cafes located within the tourist area.

Day 2: Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Hang Mua is located about 6 km from Trang An and about 4 km from Tam Coc, making it a suitable cluster of attractions to visit in a single day.

Visitors should arrive at Mua Cave early in the morning to climb nearly 500 stone steps to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain, enjoying panoramic views of Tam Coc and the sprawling rice fields below. Afterwards, they can have lunch in the Tam Coc area, with many restaurants serving local specialties.

Spend the afternoon exploring Tam Coc - Bich Dong, cycling around the countryside, or taking a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River. This area also has many cafes, homestays, and mountain resorts, perfect for relaxing after a day of activity.

Day 3: Thung Ui Valley - Bai Dinh Pagoda - Return to Hanoi

On the last day, visitors can stop by Thung Ui before visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda. Thung Ui has become a popular check-in spot recently thanks to its blue lake nestled amidst the characteristic limestone mountains of Ninh Binh. The quiet, uncrowded atmosphere and numerous scenic viewpoints make it perfect for a relaxing morning before ending the trip.