Boat tours in Ninh Binh – A must-do activity when visiting this stunning destination
With its distinctive cultural heritage and picturesque natural surroundings, Ninh Binh is always an attractive destination for tourists. In particular, boat tours in Ninh Binh offer you new experiences while discovering the natural and serene beauty of this land. Visitors can explore ancient caves and enjoy lush scenery, providing a unique viewpoint on the area’s natural splendor. Taking a boat tour in Ninh Binh is a captivating experience to see the stunning limestone mountains and serene rivers.
>>> Check out more: Best Things to do in Ninh Binh and Best time to visit Ninh Binh to get ready for an amazing adventure!
Why should we take a boat tour in Ninh Binh?
Boat tours in Ninh Binh offer you a great chance to get closer to nature and historical sites. With a complex network of rivers and caves, areas like Trang An, Tam Coc, and Kenh Ga, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, are all perfect locations for you to immerse yourselves in the majestic mountain scenery and peaceful, clear water.
The local boatmen are also enthusiastic “guides” who are willing to disclose fascinating tales about this land and its locals.
The top attractions to do a boat tour in Ninh Binh
To visit Ninh Binh without having experienced a boat tour is a significant mistake. Blessed with beautiful, picturesque landscapes of rivers, mountains, caverns, and forests, Ninh Binh offers numerous locations where you can admire in the boat tour. Let’s check out these locations!
Boat tours to explore Trang An Eco-tourism site
Trang An Complex Landscape, a world cultural and natural heritage recognized by UNESCO, is the most prominent attraction in Ninh Binh. Floating on small boats along the river, you will have a great opportunity to explore the amazing cave system, take in the serene, natural setting and gaze upon the limestone mountains that date back millions of years.
There are 3 main Trang An boat tour routes that you can choose according to your preference:
- Route 1 (Last for 2-3 hours): This route will take you through 3 spiritual sites – Trinh Temple, Tran Temple and Bao Hieu Pagoda in addition to 9 caves associated with the legends of the Dinh and Tran dynasties, such as Dark Cave, Light Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave.
- Route 2 (2-3 hours): Explore 4 caves including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave and Dai Cave, along with 3 spiritual sites – Tran Temple, Suoi Tien Temple and Hanh Cung Vu Lam and a place where scenes from the movie “Kong: Skull Island” were filmed.
- Route 3 (3-4 hours): This route offers an adventure through the largest and most majestic caves, from Cham Cave – the longest cave in Trang An to Thung May with an area of 12,000 square meters, outstanding with brilliant stalactites more than 1,000 meters long and the towering Dia Linh mountain.
Entrance fee for a boat tour in Trang An
- Each boat can accommodate up to 4 passengers and the ticket price is 250.000 VND/person.
- Tickets for children from 1 – 1.3 meters are 120,000 VND/person. Free for children under 1 meter tall.
The best time to take a boat tour in Trang An
Boat rides and visits to Trang An are possible throughout the year, but each time will offer a different kind of beauty:
- January to March: This is the ideal time of year to visit Trang An because of the warm, pleasant weather and the abundance of festive events. It’s ideal for spring excursions, pagoda ceremonies at the start of the year, and learning about traditional festivals here.
- April through June: This is the time of year for people who enjoy peace and quiet. Now that the festivities are over, the area is less busy and more serene. But since it’s the hottest time of year, make sure you take all the necessary protective measures against the sun before visiting Trang An.
- July through September: Water lilies and lotuses bloom during this time, making for an incredibly beautiful scene. The weather will be a little unpredictable, though, because it rains a lot this season. You must pay attention to weather forecast information in order to be as prepared as possible.
- October to December: The area is still beautiful despite the regular chilly rains at this time of year. Sitting on the boat and taking in the chilly winter air while taking in the dew-covered Trang An scenery as beautiful as if you were lost in a fairlyland will be an experience that you will never forget.
Tam Coc boat tour
Considered “Ha Long Bay on land”, Tam Coc is definitely one of the most popular destinations for boat tours in Ninh Binh. This place is only about 8 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center.
Taking a boat tour in Tam Coc is a quite interesting activity to explore the hidden beauty here. You will have the chance to see the vast green rice fields and admire the limestone mountains of three little caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba). Only by paddling a boat down the river, you can really appreciate the beauty of Tam Coc, the “gift” that mother nature bestows to this land. In addition to providing the chance to take in the stunning surroundings, this tour allows visitors to observe Vietnamese rural life while traveling past rice fields where farmers labor.
Boat tickets to visit Tam Coc
- The entrance fee and boat ticket is 250,000 VND for an adult, 120,000 VND for the elderly or children from 1 to 1.3 meters tall. Tickets are free for children under 1 meter.
- Duration: 2 hours
The best time to take a boat tour in Tam Coc
- Tam Coc, at any time, possesses a unique beauty. The months of February through March are the best times to witness fresh green rice fields. During this time, rice fields are covered in lush green. To see Tam Coc brimming with the yellow hue of ripe rice, schedule your visit for late May or early June. In addition, January through March of the lunar calendar is the best time of year for visitors who enjoy taking part in interesting festivals and experiencing the local cultures.
>>> EXPLORE THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF NINH BINH WITH TOP BEST NINH BINH ONE DAY TOUR INCLUDED BOAT TOURS
Thung Nang – Ninh Binh
- Boat Ticket price: 100,000 VND
- Duration: 2 hours
Thung Nang, often known as the “Valley of the Sun,” is an excellent alternative for Tam Coc if you’re looking for a less crowded experience. It provides an equally stunning boat excursion without the throngs of tourists like in other locations.
Surrounded by lush vegetation, Thung Nang boasts stunning scenery with towering limestone rocks that arise from water. A boat excursion in Thung Nang, Ninh Binh will provide you the chance to explore caverns and see certain locations, like ancient pagodas tucked away in the mountains and forests. For anyone seeking to experience the tranquility of nature, the Thung Nang boat excursion is the ideal option.
Take a boat tour to watch rare birds at Thung Nham bird garden
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Entrance ticket (including ferry ticket): 150,000 VND/adult, Children from 1 to 1.3 meters: 100,000 VND, Children under 1 meter: Free
Thung Nham Bird Garden is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Located near Tam Coc, this park is a combination of scenic beauty with rich wildlife animals, especially a wide range of birds.
The Thung Nham boat trip brings unique experiences of seeing many species of birds that inhabit the area, especially at sunset when they return to their nests. In addition to bird watching, Thung Nham also offers visitors the opportunity to explore caves such as Buddha Cave where there is an impressive rock formation featuring a reclining Buddha. For those who wish to combine wildlife observation with natural discovery, this Ninh Binh boat excursion is a fantastic option.
van long wetlands boat tour
Take a boat trip to explore the untamed nature of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
If you want to immerse yourself in pristine nature, Van Long lagoon is a place not to be missed. This is the largest submerged nature reserve in Northern Vietnam, home to many rare plant and animal species such as the Delacour’s langur. The boat trip here will take you through vast, poetic wetlands.
Van Long Nature Reserve is a little-known gem in Ninh Binh. This is a perfect location for wildlife lovers where you will be able to see a range of birds and other wildlife while on the boat tour.
Van Long wetlands boat tour price:
- Entrance ticket: 20,000 VND/adult
- Ferry ticket: 60,000 VND/adult, free for children under 1.2 meters tall
- Duration: 2 hours
Explore the splendid beauty of Thien Ha cave by boat
Thien Ha Cave is a beautiful natural scenic spot that has been discovered recently on Tuong Mountain. As a large cave with both dry and water areas, a trip to Thien Ha cave will give visitors a captivating experience. After leaving Nha Le Pier, take a leisurely boat ride passing the rice fields and gorgeous Tuong Mountain to Thien Ha Cave. Discover the cave by boat and on foot, taking in the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that adorn its chambers with an endless array of distinctive formations, giving you the impression that you are exploring a mysterious world.
Take a boat trip at Kenh Ga floating village – Explore a beautiful and peaceful river picture
Located in Gia Thinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh, Kenh Ga floating village is a small fishing community alongside a river. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains with a large river at its base, Kenh Ga floating village is not well known, but once you are there, it is hard to forget.
To fully experience the beauty of Kenh Ga floating village, the most ideal way is to take a boat along the Hoang Long River, weave into the village, explore the simple life of local people, as well as inhale the fresh aroma of rice.
On simple wooden boats, gently gliding with oars, an idyllic Ninh Binh river area appears with fishing villages and boats, looming both far away and up close. There are no automobile horns or dust, and the only things are the sky, mountains, water, and clouds along with rustic ways of life and friendly locals. All create an enchanting peace, making guests want to stop and enjoy the tranquility for all time.
Nestled among mountainous wetlands, Kenh Ga offers a unique experience different from traditional rowing boats, providing a glimpse of local life with fishing, farming and ancient villages. A trip to this less touristy area will make you feel like you’re being taken to a secluded oasis.
Take a boat trip to Dong Thai lake
Dong Thai Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in Yen Dong commune, Yen Thai, Yen Mo district, Tam Diep town, Ninh Binh province.
Taking a sightseeing boat at Dong Thai Lake is a must-do activity when coming here. Sitting on small boats floating in the vast waters, with gentle waves hitting the boat, you can freely admire the poetic surroundings with mountains and clouds reflecting on the water, and let the refreshing breeze soothe your soul. The lake’s winding shores create peninsulas with many picturesque valleys.
In addition to its calm, poetic turquoise water, Dong Thai Lake boasts mountains, little hills, and shaded trees, all of which contribute to its charming mountainous beauty. While on the boats traveling along the foot of the mountain, you will be able to hear the sound of birds singing in the middle of a pristine ecological forest, breaking the quiet ambiance of the mountains and forests and opening up a mysterious world to explore.
Take a boat ride and release wishing lanterns at Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Sitting on a boat and releasing lanterns is an activity that visitors to Hoa Lu ancient town shouldn’t miss. Particularly when sitting on the boat, you can strike a pose to capture stunning photos with glistening lights and unique scenery on both sides of the river. You can also release your wish lanterns when coming to the middle of the lake to pray for your wish to come true.
Boat trip ticket price:
- VIP ticket: 150,000 VND/person
- Regular ticket: 100,000 VND/person
Notes when taking a boat tour in Ninh Binh
Useful tips to enjoy your trip to Ninh Binh to the fullest:
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing for sitting on the boat. A light jacket and umbrella to protect from sun and rain.
- Water: The boat tour lasts 1-3 hours, so you should prepare drinking water to keep your energy up.
- Environmental protection: Do not litter into the river and preserve the natural landscape.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional for visitors in Ninh Binh and is not required by culture. If you would like, you can tip the boatman when the boat excursion is over.
- Safety: Follow all safety rules and always wear a life jacket to ensure a safe and enjoyable boat experience.
The ideal time for a boat tour in Ninh Binh
- The months between January and June are the best time to take a boat tour in Ninh Binh. This is the time with pleasant weather, beautiful natural scenery and vibrant traditional festivals.
- In the spring (From January to March): The time of many festivals such as Bai Dinh pagoda festival, Trang An festival.
- In the summer (May and June): During the ripe rice season, Tam Coc’s scenery becomes more brilliant and impressive than ever.
Boat tours in Ninh Binh not only offer you an opportunity to explore the majestic natural beauty but also give you a chance to learn more about the culture and history of the ancient capital. Don’t forget to plan this itinerary on your upcoming trip!
Come to Ninh Binh and experience right away to feel the wonderful things this land has to offer!
