2025 Hoa Lu District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Tucked away in the tranquil countryside of Tam Coc, Thung Nham Bird Park is one of Vietnam’s most peaceful and biodiverse eco-tourism spots. Surrounded by lush forest, limestone cliffs, and calm waterways, this hidden gem is the perfect destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a break from the usual tourist trail. What Makes Thung Nham Special? Spanning over 300 hectares, Thung Nham is home to more than 40 species of birds, including storks, herons, kingfishers, and even the rare phoenix bird (as locals call it). In the late afternoon, thousands of birds return to the wetlands — a magical sight that feels straight out of a nature documentary. But it’s not just about birds. The park also features caves, gardens, orchards, and peaceful walking trails. It's a great place to spend half a day or more, especially for those who enjoy eco-tourism and wildlife experiences. Highlights of Thung Nham Bird Park Bird Watching at Sunset: The best time to visit is around 4:30–6:00 PM, when birds return to nest — a truly unforgettable scene. Boat Ride Through the Wetlands: Glide through narrow canals lined with greenery while spotting birds and lotus flowers. Explore Natural Caves: Visit But Cave (Buddha Cave) and Vai Gioi Cave, known for their mystical atmosphere and rock formations. Walk or Bike the Trails: Enjoy quiet paths that wind through fruit orchards, bamboo forests, and limestone mountains. Travel Tips Getting There: Located about 5 km from Tam Coc town, Thung Nham is accessible by bicycle, motorbike, or taxi. Many guided tours include it as part of a Ninh Binh day trip. Entry Fee: Approximately 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) for adults; boat rides may cost extra. When to Visit: Dry season (November–April) is ideal for bird watching and exploring the park comfortably. What to Bring: Insect repellent, water, binoculars for birding, and comfortable walking shoes. Final Thoughts Thung Nham Bird Park is more than just a bird sanctuary — it’s a peaceful, immersive experience in one of Vietnam’s most scenic regions. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this eco-park is a perfect escape into nature that’s just a short ride from the center of Tam Coc. #thungnham #birdparkvietnam #tamcoc #ninhbinh #vietnam #hikingvietnam #scenicviewpoints #naturephotography #asiatravel #tripmoments #vetnamwildlife #ecotourism

If you're visiting Tam Coc and want to witness one of the most breathtaking views in northern Vietnam, don’t miss the Mua Cave Viewpoint. Often called the “mini Great Wall of Vietnam,” this hidden gem offers a panoramic sweep of limestone mountains, endless rice fields, and the Ngo Dong River winding through the valley. What to Expect The main attraction here isn’t the cave itself, but the viewpoint at the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. To reach it, you’ll need to climb about 500 stone steps — a bit of a challenge, especially on a hot day, but the view at the summit is absolutely worth it. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by a stone dragon sculpture and sweeping views that make Tam Coc look like something from a fantasy world. It's the perfect place for sunrise or sunset photos, and easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in the region. Highlights Unmatched Scenery: Overlook Tam Coc’s dramatic karst landscape and golden rice fields. Photographer’s Paradise: The early morning mist or golden-hour light creates stunning photo opportunities. Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its growing popularity, it still feels tranquil — especially if you visit early in the morning. Tips for Visiting Best Time to Go: Visit around sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. Bring Water: The steps can be steep and the climb takes around 15–20 minutes. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Flip-flops are not ideal for this rocky trail. Entry Fee: 100,000 VND (~$4 USD), which includes access to the cave area and gardens below. How to Get There Mua Cave is just 2 km from Tam Coc town center, easily reachable by bicycle, motorbike, or taxi. Many hotels and homestays also offer organized trips. Final Thoughts If you only have time for one viewpoint in Tam Coc, make it Mua Cave. With a blend of natural beauty, cultural touches, and unforgettable views, it’s a must-see for any traveler exploring Vietnam’s countryside. #muacave #lyingdragonmountain #tamcoc #ninhbinh #vietnam #hikingvietnam #scenicviewpoints #naturephotography #asiatravel #tripmoments

Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh Province, Tam Coc is a destination that feels like it’s been lifted from a dream. Often called "Halong Bay on land," Tam Coc offers towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, and golden rice paddies — all set against a backdrop of rural serenity. Why Visit Tam Coc? Tam Coc is a peaceful alternative to more touristy spots, perfect for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural depth. The name Tam Coc means "Three Caves," referring to the grottoes that you’ll pass through on a small rowing boat along the Ngo Dong River. The area combines stunning landscapes with rich local traditions, making it ideal for both photography lovers and cultural explorers. It is also the location where the movie "Kong: Skull Island" was filmed. Top Things to Do in Tam Coc Boat Ride on the Ngo Dong River: Let local rowers (often using their feet!) guide you through dramatic cave tunnels and past limestone cliffs. The views are especially magical during the rice harvest season (May–June). Explore Bich Dong Pagoda: Built into a mountainside, this ancient pagoda offers panoramic views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Cycle Through the Countryside: Rent a bicycle and ride through quiet village roads, lotus ponds, and endless rice fields. Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint: For an unforgettable view of the valley, hike up 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. Visit Thung Nham Bird Park: a place of great natural beauty and biodiversity. Take a journey through the park's many attractions, from birdwatching and hiking to exploring its ancient caves. Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss dishes like goat meat, crispy rice (com chay), and local river fish.  Travel Tips Best Time to Visit: Late spring (May–June) is ideal for seeing the rice fields at their brightest green or golden yellow. Getting There: Tam Coc is about 2 hours from Hanoi by car or train, with plenty of day trip or overnight options. Where to Stay: Choose from scenic eco-lodges, homestays, or boutique hotels with mountain views. Final Thoughts Tam Coc is a place where time slows down. Whether you’re gliding along the river or biking through misty fields at dawn, the tranquility and beauty of this village will leave a lasting impression. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the quiet soul of Vietnam. #tamcoc #ninhbinh #vietnam #tripmoments #vietnamtravel #naturelovers

During my 5-night free travel in Hanoi, Vietnam, I went on a 1-night 2-day cruise to Halong Bay, but isn't Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh, also so attractive?! Since it's a travel destination located about 2 hours away from Hanoi, many travelers visit it for a day trip! It's perfect to enjoy and feel the nature of Vietnam while riding a boat with a boatman rowing it. The Ninh Binh tour that I went on alone was in the order of Bai Dinh Temple-Trang An-Hang Mua. Bai Dinh Temple is a huge temple with a site of over 2 million pyeong. It feels like Halong Bay on land. Trang An, a unique and beautiful natural landscape with over 30 limestone rock mountains and limestone caves that you can't see in Korea. Hang Mua, a towering rock mountain where you can look down on the beautiful view of Ninh Binh from below. I recommend it. #Southeast Asia travel #🇻🇳 #Hanoi

🇻🇳Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic Complex and Non Nuoc Mountain, Trang An Scenic Complex Trang An Cave Eco-tourism Area with caves, valleys, mountains, ecological forests and relics: Tran Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Cao Son Temple, Dot Palace, Khong Palace, Thien Phuc Pagoda, Vu Lam Palace 📍Hoa Lu City is a place where Ninh Binh specialties converge and develop strongly, typically the culinary type of walking street, night street with typical specialties such as Ninh Binh burnt rice, specialties from Ninh Binh mountain goat meat - In addition, the homestays here are also quite cheap and reasonable, ranging from Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa Ninh Binh VND300,000 - VND1,000,000

Conquer the Heights at Mua Cave: A Hidden Gem in Ninh Binh! Mua Cave, known for its stunning panoramic views, is a must-visit when in Ninh Binh! Climbing the 500+ steps rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the rice paddies, limestone karsts, and the serene Tam Coc River. Getting There: It’s easily accessible from Ninh Binh city—just a short taxi or motorbike ride (around 10 km) will get you there. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is 100,000 VND, which includes access to both the cave and the viewpoint. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and beautiful light for photography. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Tam Coc area for a boat tour among the stunning landscapes. Stay in a local homestay to experience the charm of rural Vietnam and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 🌾✨ #MuaCave #NinhBinh #VietnamAdventures #NatureLovers #TravelVietnam #Wanderlust #ExploreMore #vietnam

Nui Ngoa Long is located in Ninh Binh, northern Vietnam. Ninh Binh itself is a very popular tourist destination that is about 100km from Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can take a 2h bus ride to get to the city. Amongst Ninh Binh’s attractions, Nui Ngoa Long is a famous attraction known for its great views. It is located together with Mua Cave which is also a popular attraction. To get to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain, one has to climb around 500 steps. At the top, there is a tower for photo-taking, though there is likely a queue for this. Near the tower is a dragon sculpture which is the best spot for observing sunrise or sunset. Do note that there are no proper steps leading to the dragon, so you will have to stand on the ledges. Depending on the season and time, these ledges may be quite crowded (and somewhat dangerous) as well. I visited during Tet (traditional Vietnamese new year) in February and there was quite a crowd at Nui Ngoa Long. Regardless, we enjoyed the great views and good weather. #ninhbinh #muacave

Hanoi itself is wonderful, but exploring the various nearby travel destinations is also a recommended travel course. One such destination is the Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh, where you can enjoy truly fantastic scenery without a long hike!⛰️ 📍 Hang Mua Viewpoint Starting from the bottom, you can reach the two peaks of Hang Mua in about 15 minutes. Among the two, the higher peak with the dragon sculpture is recommended! You can overlook the stunning landscape of Ninh Binh and watch people rowing boats through the gorge.🛶 💡 Tip: Although the hiking trail is not long, the steps are quite steep. It's better to take your time, bring water, and rest appropriately rather than overexerting yourself.😆

#islandtour #100waysoftravel #hanoi #vietnam The island tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi was a breathtaking experience that I highly recommend. The journey began with a comfortable ride, where the guide shared fascinating insights about the region’s history and culture. The highlight was the boat ride along the serene rivers, surrounded by stunning limestone mountains. Gliding through the calm waters, we were treated to picturesque views of lush greenery and towering cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. The boat crew was friendly and attentive, making sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout the ride. The visit to nearby caves further enriched our adventure, revealing fascinating rock formations and natural beauty. Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Ninh Binh’s landscapes are truly captivating, and the boat ride offers a unique perspective of this stunning region. It’s an unforgettable day trip for anyone visiting Hanoi! #holiday #travelling #trip #checklist #awesomepic

Ninh Binh Wolong Mountain is known as the 'Little Great Wall of Vietnam' and is the highest point in Ninh Binh, with about 500 steps to reach the top. Halfway up, the path splits into two routes, one higher and one lower. The higher path features a reclining dragon, which attracts many visitors. The summit is very steep and lacks handrails, so be sure to stay safe when you reach this point. From the top, you can see a panoramic view of Lu Long Bay, with its delightful scenery. In the mountain breeze, you can admire the distant rice fields, lotus ponds, and bamboo rafts on the river, which gradually disappear into the caves in the distance... No one knows how long this reclining dragon has been here, only that time is eternal and nature is ever-present, while we are merely passing guests in this world. It is said that this is the best place to watch the sunset. Unfortunately, due to limited time, we were unable to witness the beautiful sunset of Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam🇻🇳 Compared to other tourist cities, Ninh Binh Province is still a minor city, but its stunning views are a hot topic on social media! ✨ It's only a 2 hour drive from Hanoi, so you can go there for a day trip🚗 You can go there on your own, but there are also tours from Hanoi🙆♀️ Here are some recommended spots in Ninh Binh⬇️.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~📍Mua Cave is a spectacular spot that's also popular on social media🎖️It's called a cave, but it's famous for the spectacular view at the top of 500 stone steps🧗It's pretty tough to keep climbing in the heat😂The mountain splits into two in the middle, so if you have the stamina, try climbing both😊By the way, there's a cave just below🐉. 📍Hoa LuIt's a historic place that was once the capital🪷We'll tour the historical buildings while listening to the guide's explanations🔍. 📍Tam Coc Tamcoc is also known as "Halong Bay on land" and we will take a boat ride through the landscape with many strange rocks jutting out.🚣 We will cross the scenery we saw from Mua Cave earlier.😳 In Tamcoc, we will row the boat with our feet! Foot rowing is a special way of rowing that can only be seen here.👀 We will be forced to buy almost everything at the floating market along the way.😂.📍 Trang An is a place registered as a World Heritage Site for both nature and culture.🎖️ The river is wider than Tamcoc, and there are temples built as if they are floating on the water.🪷 The magnificent scenery makes it feel like you are in a watercolor painting! The boats in Trang An are rowed by hand 🚣♀️.=================📍Ninh Binh✈️Vietnam==================#Beautiful view spot #Photogenic spot #Vietnam #Vietnam trip #Hanoi #Overseas trip #Southeast Asia#Travel with me #0 yen trip

Are you looking for the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh City Vietnam? if yes, i recommend you to come to the Highest Peak in Ninh Binh City named: Hang Mua Caves & Viewpoint. Hang Mua Caves & Viewpoint also known as Mua Cave, this is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. In Mua Caves there are 2 things you can do: the first one is hiking to the top, you can see the beautiful 360 views of the Ninh Binh area, the 2nd thing is explore the Lotus Garden (this thing is suitable for you guys who can’t hiking). The entrance fee for Mua Caves (Hang Mua viewpoints) is 100.000 VND you can bought the ticketat the ticket office right next to the parking lot at the entrance to Hang Mua Ecolodge. 🪷Mua Cave Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam #tripmomentschallenge #flowerlover #vietnam #lotus #ninhbinh #trip #travel #hiking

#vietnam Hang Múa Caves, located in Ninh Bình, Vietnam, is a popular tourist attraction. Here are some highlights: Natural Beauty: The caves are surrounded by lush rice fields and magnificent limestone mountains. Caves: The Hang Múa (Mua cave) is a short passage under a rocky mountain. The caves themselves are cool, but not spectacular. Viewpoint: What makes the Mua Caves a go-to place is the walk to the top for the view. It’s only around five hundred stairs but so worth it! Location: Hang Múa Caves is situated near the Lying Dragon Mountain area, a region often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” that lies approximately 100km south of Hanoi and 200km southwest of Ha Long.

If you are looking for a hotel to stay at Ninh Binh and have kids, this may be a place to consider staying. Clean, spacious with seats outside the room to chill as well, it was worth the price of only 20$ a night. Was in a rush and did not have time for food photos but it was cooked on the spot and tasted homely. address Tam coc victoria hotel Đội 1 Văn Lâm, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

If you get a chance to visit Ninh Binh, a place you will need to experience and visit has to be The Viet Ancient Village. Located near town, this village has props, houses made of straw for you to role play and pick up items as if you live here. I also got to enter the houses and they even had a functional toilet as well. located at Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

Tam Coc Lake There are more European and American tourists here, and the ticket price is relatively higher The boat ticket here is 170,000 VND But the ticket must be purchased separately, the ticket is 120,000 The total cost is 290,000, about NT$390 However, compared with the ticket prices of tourist attractions in other countries, Vietnam is really much more affordable. Usually, if you are traveling with a tour group, there are two routes to visit Tam Coc Lake. 1️⃣ Boat cruise 2️⃣ Boat cruise + bicycle tour. I am not sure about the cost, but usually you sign up in Hanoi. There are many travel agencies, so you can compare and refer to them.

Hang Mua Peak in Vietnam is an absolute stunner, guys! If you're up for an adventure and some mind-blowing views, this place is where it's at. Tucked away in the Ninh Binh province, Hang Mua Peak is a perfect mix of jaw-dropping nature and rich culture. Now, let's talk about the hike. It's no joke, my friends. You'll be tackling 500 steep steps that'll get your heart pumping. But trust me, it's all worth it when you reach the top. The view? Imagine rice fields, limestone karsts, and snaking rivers stretching out before your eyes. Picture-perfect, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky puts on a show. Oh, and did I mention the badass stone dragon staircase? Yeah, that's a thing here. It adds an extra touch of awesomeness to the whole experience. Hang Mua Peak is a definite must-do in Vietnam. Get ready to have your mind blown and create memories that'll last a lifetime. So grab your hiking shoes (in my case, office shoes) and get ready to conquer those steps! #tripblazers #awesomepic #summervacation #vietnam #hangmua

The first time #本地遊 #mytripvlog #summervacation #travel I set foot in my hometown Ninh Binh. The land of goat meat and delicious burnt rice. I really like the Hang Mua eco-tourism area because the scenery here is very natural and attractive. Here there are overlapping mountain ranges, cool green rivers and no pollution because tourism is very well managed here. However, what I don't like here is that the summer is very hot and there are too many foreign tourists, making me feel that it is no longer primitive...

Tram Coc located at 5 minute from heart of Ninhh Binh. Easy access by motorbike, bicycle, taxi or travel pick up. Row boat ride at the beautiful cave, rice field and lotus flower. The boatman will help to take photo or video. Beautiful landscape. Some souvenir shop are available nearby the entrance ticketing office. Dont forget to bring your hat and camera. Please use sunscreen to avoid sunburn. #wecreate #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #tripblazers

Getting There - From Hanoi you can take a bus to Ninh Binh Province. As part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh is located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, 100km south of Hanoi. Possessing a spacious area of 350.3 hectares, the scenic spot is a combination of limestone cave systems and peaceful village scenery. In addition, this tourist complex also owns a Bich Dong pagoda imbued with traditional architecture and historical relics related to Vu Lam palace of the Tran dynasty in the past. Attractions - Famous for the name 'Nam Thien De Nhi Dong', Tam Coc Bich Dong possesses a peaceful village scene and an impressive limestone cave system. As part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong is the perfect destination for those who want to fully explore the beauty of the river. More specifically, if you have the opportunity to come to Tam Coc Bich Dong in the last days of May and early June, you will surely be overwhelmed by the brilliant scenery of the rice fields in full bloom throughout the journey. At this time, the rice fields on both sides of the river are a harmonious combination between the green of young seedling and the bright yellow of ripe rice. This is a perfect picture of a river scene that makes everyone nervous and excited. Hotels - Tam Coc Garden Resort Food & Restaurants - Thung Sen Tam Coc Restaurant & Cafe #vietnam #mytripvlog

Located about 90km from Hanoi, Ninh Bihn region is definitely must see place when visiting Vietnam. Beside Halong Bay this is the biggest tourist attraction. One of the places I really enjoyed is boat cruise on Ngo Dong river, where boats are driven by feet, which makes it super interesting cruise among beautiful scenery of limestone mountains and three stalactite caves. There will be a close look on Mua Cave from different point of view. At the turning point there will be small floating market where you can buy food, fruit, snacks, and drinks for yourself and also your boat driver as a gesture of appreciation. Whole tour is about 2 hours and costs around 10usd. Definitely a place to spend part of your day visiting this beautiful region. #tamcoc #vietnam #muacave #rivercruise

Trang An Scenic Spot and Ruins You can enjoy the wonderful views here in the form of a boat tour The boat trip, which takes just under three hours, is simply amazing There are three courses for the boat tour, and the cost is 250,000 D The current is slow, and you pass through many caves that open up under the uniquely shaped limestone mountains. You can see various stalactites. There are ruins here and there, which are a wonderful accent to the natural scenery. You will surely have good memories #Ninh Binh #Boat Trip #Cruising #Amazing View

This observation deck is also called Hang Múa Dragon's Cave. The view from the top of the mountain is amazing. No explanation is needed, you can see the beautiful scenery of Ninh Binh. There are 500 steps from the base to the top of the mountain, so it is a bit difficult to climb, but it is definitely worth it. There are also tours from Hanoi, so please check them out. The entrance fee is 100,000D. #Hang Múa Dragon's Cave #Amazing view #Sunset #Ninh Binh

If you are visiting Tam Coc, and you wish to stay for couple of nights, than this Tropical Homestay might be perfect place for you. Bungalows are big and cozy, owner is super nice and polite and helpful. It s beautiful and peaceful. Swimming pool in the yard is great place to sit and chill if you don t want to swim. This homestay is in city center. 2 min walk from Tam Coc boat ride and all restaurants around. Definitely every recommendation for this place as it s great value for the money :) #tamcoc #homestay #vietnam #vietnamtravel

The famous dragon 🐉 mountain 🏔 at Minh binh . Must be physical fit to climb up all the way is about 500 step and the step is kind of steep .. up is easy down is difficult as the leg have weaken after climbing up .. took about 20 min for the climb rest about 5 min at mid point the view is worth it ..really a must to visit . Try not to visit during the noon go in the morning when it is not too hot !! #hanoi #vietnam

We stayed in Ninh Binh during our Vietnam trip and couldn't have chosen a better place to lay our heads down. Address - Tam Coc Valley Bungalow Ambiance/Facilities - Small Bungalows in a stunning setting, rooms are clean, and they have a pool and a pool table. Highlights - The setting is stunning, surrounded by rocks and rice field, you can borrow a bike and take a 5 min ride into town. The best part was the homemade dinner, which was absolutely delicious. Avg. Price per person - $20 Rating - 5 stars #vietnam #ninhbinh

Hoa Lu was established as the capital in 968, over 1000 years ago. It was the capital for about 40 years. Perhaps because of this, there are not many buildings, but the gate that is the entrance to the interior is magnificent, and the Chinese characters make it look even more stately. The wood carvings inside the building are also powerful, and show how dignified it was. Hoa Lu is in an inconvenient location, so it is convenient to join a tour that combines it with the scenic spots of Tam Coc and Trang An. Address: Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh How to get there: Join a tour Opening hours: 6:00-18:00 Open all year round Atmosphere: Solemn Rating: ☆☆☆ Tourist attractions: Tam Coc, Trang An

Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone is located in the west of Ninh Binh city, in the core area of Trang An Landscape Complex, right next to Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist attraction. Covering an area of more than 300ha, Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone offers an ideal getaway from the strains of day-to-day life and the stress of work, with numerous activities including fishing, mountaineering, visiting orchards, swamp and virgin forests, caves, and a bird park with a great species diversity. Hope you like this post if you found this useful. Cheers :) #awesomepic #ecotourism #ninhbinh #vietnam