Beautiful, magical Ninh Binh was without a doubt our favourite place that we visited in Vietnam with kids.

Exploring the beautiful karsts, valleys and rice paddies in Ninh Binh with kids is a change of pace from the hectic and bustling Vietnamese cities.

Read on to find out why we loved exploring the sublime landscapes of Ninh Binh so much with our kids.

Why travel to Ninh Binh with kids?

After a few days in the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, we were ready for some country air and a slower pace of life. I love Hanoi but visiting Hanoi with toddlers left me ripping my hair out!! 

Although we had found some great tips for making Hanoi with a toddler a little stressful, we desperately needed some space for the children to run around in and for us adults, to breathe again. Spending three days continuously swiping our runaway toddler from in front of a sea of moving motorbikes had exhausted us!

Feminist Travel Tip: Whilst in Hanoi visit the amazing and inspirational Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Hanoi. Read my full review of the excellent museum here. And yes, there is a small area for children!

What can you see and do in Ninh Binh with kids?

Hang Mua

This magnificent staircase was constructed using the model of the Great Wall of China. There are nearly 500 uneven limestone steps to climb to reach the very top of the mountain. Rhino carried Zizi (2 years old up in the sling) but H at 4 years old decided that he would climb it all by himself at lightning speed.

Unfortunately, once he reached the top he refused – completely refused – to walk down by himself. We only made back down to the bottom thanks to some very kind and strong strangers.

We were lucky enough to be there in April when the rice crops had turned to a gorgeous golden colour. The panoramic views of the golden rice fields surrounded by the limestone mountains are breath-taking and the photo opportunities amazing.

Tam Coc Boat Rides

This magnificent area isn’t referred to as the inland Halong Bay for nothing. Tam Coc is a huge and bustling tourist attraction. Tam Coc literally means the three caves. The three natural caves are called Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. On a 3 hour tour, you get to sail through each one (look out for the bats!). There are plenty of opportunities to stretch little legs too. The most popular tour includes time to explore some stunning waterside temples and pagodas.

Honestly, there is nothing NOTHING more relaxing than sailing in a bamboo boat. Gently floating pass the cliffs, through fields of rice, under limestone karsts and through mystical caves. There is nothing more soothing than sailing through the calm, rippling water… even with two wriggling children!

Hoa Lu Ancient City

Until 1010 Hoa Lu was the royal capital of Vietnam. Today all that remains of this once great city are some beautiful archways and three restored temples. Our children loved running around the landscaped gardens and especially hiding in the doorways.

Trang Am

Trang Am is home to a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks. As many of the karsts are partly submerged it created a breathtaking scene of almost vertical cliffs plunging into the water. The children really enjoyed spotting the monkeys clambering high up on the tops of the limestone cliffs. Our bamboo boat ride was an absolute highlight. The lovely old lady rowing scored points from the kids when she recused their sticker book from the water.

Family Friendly Tip: the rowers are expecting tips – be prepared, have small change or prepare yourself for some dirty looks as you leave.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is the biggest temple in Vietnam. In fact, it’s the largest Buddhist complex in the whole of Southeast Asia. It is huge, gigantic, colossal. If we thought that there were a lot of Buddha statues in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok or Shwedagon Temple in Yangon, they had nothing compared to Bai Dinh Pagoda near Ninh Binh.

It’s gargantuan size aside, the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is a great place to visit with young children. We did have to carry Zizi up hundreds of stairs and chase after H as he zig-zagged in and out of Buddhist statues but the tremendous views and beautiful architecture was worth it.

Other places to visit near Ninh Binh with kids

Thung Nham bird garden is about 12km from Ninh Binh city. We didn’t have time to visit here but it was highly recommended by our homestay as somewhere to visit near Ninh Binh with kids.

Van Long Nature Reserve is the largest wetland nature reserve. It is often called the bay without waves because here the water is so calm and is like a giant mirror reflecting the mountains and clouds. Again, it was often suggested to us but sadly, didn’t fit with our schedule.

How to get around Ninh Binh with kids?

Bicycle. Moped. Motorbike. On foot.

Or car.

Yep, we ended up opting for a car.

Our homestay (at the time) didn’t have toddler bike seats. Couple that with me being a less-than-confident bike rider and a car with driver seemed like a very sensible option. I can’t highly recommend our driver for the two days (he wasn’t the happiest of chaps) but he did get us quickly and safely from A to B. Oh and he always dropped us at awful places to eat! Luckily the homestay food was excellent.

Family Travel Tip: Bicycles are the most authentic way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Ninh Binh – just check that your hotel has the ones you need for your family(including the right size helmets)  before you book.

How to get to Ninh Binh with kids?

Train. Totally train.

The train ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city is a travel experience in itself. Rolling through the suburbs of Hanoi, passengers can glimpse a peep into everyday Vietnamese life. Workshops, kitchens, shops and cafes all back straight on to the tracks. Children play by the side of the railroad whilst their mothers wash clothes and chat. This is a trip where the journey itself is the most wonderful, eye-opening experience.

Family Travel Tip: the Hanoi-Ninh Binh train arrives into Ninh Binh city (a dusty, concrete kind of place) but a short taxi ride will take you straight out into the paddy fields.

If you’re travelling further south in Vietnam, don’t forget to add the amazing former Vietnamese capital, Hue, to your itinerary. It’s a very kid-friendly city full of history and some fascinating sights.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh with kids?

There are so many great accommodation options in Ninh Binh suited to families. We stayed at the relatively new Ham Rong Homestay in lovely bamboo rooms with views over the limestone hills and paddy fields.

The children loved the communal dining hall. They made friends with the owner’s children and played chase around – and around – the herb garden. Like all accommodation in the area, it had bikes for hire and could arrange taxis to and from Ninh Binh city and day tours.

Yay, you made it to the bottom of the page which must mean that you are really excited about your trip to Ninh Binh or maybe you are already in Ninh Binh with your kids wondering what to do.

Well, I hope that this post has given you a good overview of all the great things that there are to do and see in Ninh Binh for kids.

If you’re travelling around Vietnam why not check out our other Vietnam posts.

Hanoi with a Toddler: 15 Tips to make it less stressful

Hue with Toddlers: Two (Honestly) Amazing Days!

Hoi An with Toddlers: An Awesome 3 Day Itinerary PLUS tips

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