Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh

Huge Buddhist complex, the largest in Vietnam, with the largest pagoda tower of Vietnam (100 m high, has elevator). Most of it was built between 2003 and 2010, so it's in exceptionally good shape. A visit can easily take 4 hours due to the sheer size of the complex. At night, most buildings are lit up, creating absolutely magnificent sights. Access is free but notoriously difficult without taking a shuttle e-mobile from the parking lot, because the parking lot is 3 km from the entrance, at the completely opposite end of the precincts. For the shuttles, there are several options.
If you want to see the best building sights or came mainly for the large tower, take option 2 for 150,000 dong (option 1 for 100,000 dong if you don't want to go up the tower) to the northern main gate and walk counterclockwise around the walls. After 15-30 minutes you will have seen the best views and be at the tower. From there you can continue to the Buddha on the hill or to the absurdly large main hall if desired. Once you have seen enough, return to the west of the main gate and the shuttle will bring you back to the parking lot.
If on the other hand you come here for the cultural and religious value of the site, or want to walk as little as possible, take the hop-on-hop-off bus with option 3 for 250,000 dong, bringing you clockwise around the interior of the complex. On the mountain in the back you can visit the original ancient temple buildings.

Entrance ticket includes two boat rides, one in a cave with sleeping bats and one to the conservation bird park. Some very beautiful flower gardens, tree areas and bamboo bridges. You are allowed to bring your own bicycle inside and cycle around. Useful too as its about 1.3km from ticket office to park entrance with a steep hill to get over.

Only very few tourists wander into this secluded valley. There is a shop selling some drinks and ice cream, but which might be closed. There is a boat advertising a tour into a 350m deep cave, a wide peaceful field with some goats and then there is the 15min walking tour through a cave. The guide babbles about in Vietnamese only, shows various fossil shells and funny shaped wall markings, stalagmites and stalactites and even turns your head into the right direction to look using his hands.

Three temples carved into a limestone mountain, dating from the 15th-century reign of Le Thai To. The lower temple has a stone next to it that resonates when tapped, plus a Buddha footprint. The middle temple has an 18th-century bell, a cave and resonating pillars. The top temple has a view of the surrounding countryside, which is good for sunsets.

The most extensive waterway tour in Ninh Binh. Many tourists prefer this trip to Tam Coc as there are many more caves to pass through and not as many hawkers. After buying a ticket, find your way to the boarding area, and decide on your route. (Do not agonize over your decision, as each route includes plenty of temples, caves, and landscapes.) Each is about 3 hours, so make sure to carry sun protection, water and some nibbles (restrooms are available at each temple stop). An employee will pair you to a boat with a rower, and fill the boat with about four passengers (smaller parties will be grouped up). Once underway, you can help paddle, or take in the scenery. In case of rain, there are two big umbrellas on board too. The caves are tight in places, so watch your head. Be aware that most caves have been widened in order for the boats to pass through, compromising their natural beauty.