We Rank Ninh Binh Province’s 6 Top Tours & Experiences

When you think of Ninh Binh Province, what probably comes to mind are its stunning limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and peaceful waterways. But beyond the iconic landscapes, this region offers a surprising variety of tours and experiences that bring you closer to nature and local life. We particularly love the From Ninh Binh: Visit Cuc Phuong National Park – Van Long for its mix of biodiversity and cultural sites—it’s a full day of exploring Vietnam’s largest nature reserve and the tranquil Van Long wetland. This tour combines wildlife rescue, ancient forests, and boat rides, making it a standout for nature lovers who want a well-rounded experience.

If you’re short on time but want a rich encounter with the park’s highlights, the Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip with Lunch is a fantastic choice. It offers a deep dive into primate conservation and ancient forests, all packed into a manageable 9-hour day. For those seeking a more intimate, small-group adventure, CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK – VAN LONG DAI LY TOUR DAY TRIP provides a personalized touch that includes hiking, boat rides, and visits to key sites like the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

We also feature a dedicated trekking-focused tour, Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park – The best trekking tour, perfect for active travelers who want to spend hours hiking in Vietnam’s oldest national park. For travelers on a budget, the From Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip offers a comprehensive experience at a lower price point, including a visit to the historic Man’s Cave and the 1000-year-old Tree.

Finally, for those who prefer a structured, all-inclusive day with comfortable group sizes, the Small Group: CucPhuong National Park 1 day pick up Ninh Binh covers everything from the Cuc Phuong Museum to trekking and the primate rescue center, with a focus on personalized service. Now, let’s explore each of these tours in detail to help you find the best fit.

1. From Ninh Binh: Visit Cuc Phuong National Park – Van Long

At number 1 on our list, this tour offers a full day immersed in Vietnam’s largest nature reserve and its surrounding wetlands. Starting from Ninh Binh, you’ll travel to Cuc Phuong National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Here, you’ll learn about conservation efforts and see rescued primates up close. The park’s “1000 Years Old Tree” and “Ancient Tree” are highlights for tree lovers and history buffs alike, offering a tangible connection to the park’s ancient landscape.

What makes this tour stand out is the variety of activities: trekking, cave exploration, and a boat cruise in Van Long, the largest wetland in the Northern Delta. The boat ride provides tranquil scenery and the chance to see local wildlife. The included lunch at a local restaurant helps you refuel after your outdoor adventures. The guide shares insightful commentary about the park’s biodiversity, making this a great choice for nature enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive day combining wildlife, ancient trees, and scenic boat rides, this tour hits the mark with excellent value at $68. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with walking and outdoor activities.

2. Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip with Lunch

Coming in at number 2, this full-day tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore Vietnam’s oldest forest and visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. For around $50 per person, you get a well-rounded experience that includes a visit to the Nguoi Xua Cave, where ancient human artifacts have been found. The tour features a scenic drive, a guided walk through the park, and options for mountainous or flat trekking routes, catering to different fitness levels.

Travelers who appreciate detailed interpretation of flora and fauna will find the guide’s insights on the park’s biodiversity particularly valuable. The trip also includes a delicious lunch within the park, emphasizing local dishes. You’ll get ample time to soak in the ancient forest’s serenity and learn about conservation work. The return trip includes a quick stop at Van Long for photos and a boat cruise.

Bottom Line: This tour balances a thorough exploration of Cuc Phuong’s ecological highlights at a reasonable price, ideal for those who want to combine wildlife viewing with cultural sites without overextending themselves.

3. CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK – VAN LONG DAI LY TOUR DAY TRIP

This number 3 tour offers a small-group experience with a local guide, making it perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized outing. It covers key sites like the Endangered Primates Rescue Center, Ancient Human Cave, and the 1000-year-old Tree. The trip begins with a pickup from three different locations, allowing flexibility for travelers staying in Tam Coc or nearby areas.

You’ll spend about 3 hours exploring the park’s trails and caves, then enjoy a boat ride in Van Long—a quieter alternative to the more touristy boat trips, often called the “bay of rice paddies”. This tour emphasizes a relaxed pace and intimate contact with the landscape. The guide’s local knowledge enhances understanding of the parks’ ecological and archaeological significance.

Bottom Line: If you prefer a smaller group with tailored guiding and a mix of hiking and boat rides, this tour offers a more relaxed, immersive experience, though reviews indicate it’s slightly less popular (3.3/5).

4. Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park – The best trekking tour

This tour is aimed squarely at active travelers who want the most in-depth experience of Cuc Phuong’s wilderness. It focuses on long hikes into the heart of the park, visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and trekking to the “1000 Years Old Tree” and “Ancient Tree”. The tour emphasizes jungle exploration and is perfect for those comfortable with physical activity.

What makes this tour stand out is its commitment to serious trekking and immersion. It’s less about sightseeing in a bus and more about getting your hands dirty with hiking boots on and exploring the thick forests. While the price is only $41, the time commitment and physical demand are higher.

Bottom Line: This is ideal for fit travelers who want a serious jungle adventure and aren’t worried about rougher terrain. It’s a great pick if you want to go beyond the usual sightseeing and really experience Vietnam’s lush forests.

5. From Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip

At number 5, this popular tour offers a balanced 9-hour experience at $48 per person, focusing on the oldest forest in Vietnam. It includes visits to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, the “1000-year-old Tree”, and the historic Man’s Cave. The guide shares detailed stories about the park’s flora and fauna, making it engaging for those interested in biodiversity and archaeology.

Reviewers praise the trip as “strenuous but fun,” noting the rainforest hike and primate encounters as highlights. Lunch is included, giving you a break to enjoy local dishes amid the greenery. It’s a comprehensive tour suited for those who want a bit of everything without a full day of strenuous activity.

Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a well-rounded, value-packed day with a mix of wildlife, history, and hiking, this tour hits the sweet spot.

6. Small Group: CucPhuong National Park 1 day pick up Ninh Binh

Finally, this small-group experience provides a personalized, detailed day in Cuc Phuong. It includes visits to the Cuc Phuong Museum, Historic Man’s Cave, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and a trek to the Thousand Years Old Tree. The tour is designed for those who value smaller groups and more in-depth explanations from guides.

With a focus on archaeological sites and conservation, this trip offers a rich behind-the-scenes look at Vietnam’s first national park. The included lunch and leisurely pace make it accessible for most fitness levels, while the personalized service means you get ample time at each stop.

Bottom Line: Best suited for cultural explorers and those who appreciate a more intimate, educational experience.

How to Choose the Best Tours & Experiences in Ninh Binh

Picking the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and time. If you’re after a comprehensive nature adventure with wildlife rescue and boat rides, the From Ninh Binh: Visit Cuc Phuong National Park – Van Long will serve you well. For a more in-depth trek, the best trekking tour offers physical challenge and jungle immersion. Budget travelers may prefer the Day Trip, which balances coverage with affordability.

Consider your interest in wildlife and conservation, as some tours highlight primate rescue centers, while others focus more on hiking or archaeological sites. If small-group intimacy and personalized guiding are your priorities, the small group tour fits the bill.

Book early, especially during peak months, since these tours are popular and fill quickly. Check availability and starting times in advance to match your travel schedule.

Final Thoughts

Ninh Binh offers a wonderful variety of tours and experiences that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you prefer a relaxed boat trip, challenging jungle hikes, or educational visits, you’ll find options suited to your style. For those wanting a deep dive into Vietnam’s oldest forests and wildlife, Tours #1 and #5 stand out. For more active travelers, the trekking-focused tour (#4) provides a more intense adventure.

Planning ahead and choosing the right experience will ensure your time in Ninh Binh is memorable and enriching. Remember to book early if visiting during peak season, and prepare for beautiful landscapes and meaningful encounters with Vietnam’s natural treasures.