Dich Long Cave and Pagoda

The ancient capital during Dinh (968-80) and Le dynasties (980-1009). Little remains from this period, but there are a few large temples and monuments built from the 1600s on: the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang, the temple of King Le Dai Hahn, Nhat Tru Pagoda, and on top of a hill, Dinh Tien Hoang's tomb. Consider a guide, as there is little interpretive information (or even useful maps) onsite. There are also boat trips on the river to Xuyen Thuy cave, less spectacular than other caves in the area.

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.

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.

The former filming location of the village from Kong: Skull Island, repurposed in 2024 as an outdoor cultural museum. There isn't much there yet.