1. Top 12 must-experience Ha Nam (Ninh Binh) tourist destinations in 2025
1.1 Tam Chuc Pagoda
Tam Chuc Pagoda - the largest pagoda in Vietnam (Image: collected)
When mentioning Ha Nam, one cannot fail to mention Tam Chuc Pagoda, a prominent spiritual destination here. This is the largest pagoda in Vietnam and also one of the most colossal pagodas in the world. The pagoda stands out with its unique Buddhist architecture on an area of up to 5,100 ha.
The main hall of Tam Chuc Pagoda is 38m high, with three floors, each floor worshipping a different Buddha, creating a sacred space. Notably, the giant Jade Buddha statue, 12m high and weighing 200 tons, is located on the 2nd floor, leaving anyone who visits awestruck by its magnificence.
Tam Chuc Pagoda opens free of charge to visitors from morning until 9 PM daily. However, there will be a boat service fee to take visitors to the pagoda, with prices ranging from 200,000 - 350,000 VND/trip.
The tranquil atmosphere of the pagoda, combined with the majestic natural scenery, surrounded by rolling mountains, makes Tam Chuc Pagoda an unmissable destination. In particular, this is an ideal place for visitors who love taking photos, exploring the mysterious beauty of the spiritual space. For a complete experience, the ideal time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light is best and the air is pleasant.
1.2 Bat Canh Son Mountain - a trekking paradise for young people
Bat Canh Son Mountain - a fascinating Ha Nam tourist destination (Ninh Binh) (Image: collected)
If you are passionate about trekking and exploring challenging trails, Bat Canh Son Mountain will be an unmissable Ha Nam tourist destination (Ninh Binh). Bat Canh Son Mountain is known as the "roof" of Ha Nam (Ninh Binh), with an altitude of 298m above sea level. This is one of the ideal trekking spots, not only for experienced trekkers but also suitable for beginners.
The mountain climbing trails here are divided into many levels, from easy sections for families with young children to challenging routes for those who love conquering. When you reach the top of the mountain, you will be able to admire a breathtaking natural landscape with a 360-degree view overlooking the entire Red River Delta and the distant mountain ranges of Ninh Binh.
The travel time from the foot of the mountain to the top is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the physical strength and speed of each person. To make the trip safer and more convenient, you should prepare anti-slip sports shoes, bring water, and start early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun. The moments of sunrise on top of Bat Canh Son Mountain will surely leave an unforgettable and sublime feeling in the heart of every tourist.
1.3 Kem Trong - a pristine cave in Ha Nam (Ninh Binh)
Kem Trong is a natural cave that has not been significantly impacted by human hands, preserving its pristine beauty. This is an ideal destination for those who want to explore a peaceful, little-known natural area.
This cave was formed millions of years ago, with a system of natural stalactites of various shapes and colors. The entrance to the cave is quite narrow, but as you go deeper, the space gradually widens, revealing many mysterious large and small caves. Notably, the cave is up to 200m deep, with the temperature inside always maintained at a cool level year-round, ranging from 18-22°C.
1.4 Ngu Dong Thi Son - a unique system of 5 interconnected caves
Ngu Dong Thi Son - a magnificent cave system (Image: collected)
Hidden in the heart of Cam Mountain, Ngu Dong Thi Son stands out with its system of five interconnected natural caves, forming a magnificent complex. Each cave in this system has its own unique characteristics, not only in terms of geological structure but also in the mysterious stories associated with each place.
Hang Am, the first cave in the journey, possesses a spacious area and strange stalactites. From here, visitors will continue their journey with caves such as Hang Thuy, where an underground stream runs through, creating the melodious sound of gurgling water.
Hang Lua impresses with its rocks that can emit sounds when tapped, like a natural musical instrument, while Hang Dia, the largest in the complex, has many deep recesses for those who love exploring mysterious things. Finally, Hang Kim, where visitors can climb to the top of the mountain, offers a panoramic view of the Thi Son region.
When visiting Ngu Dong Thi Son, visitors will experience a journey lasting about 2-3 hours, exploring all the caves in this system. To ensure a smooth visit, you should prepare non-slip athletic shoes, drinking water, and a flashlight. The temperature in the caves is quite cool, ranging from 18-22°C year-round, so remember to bring warm clothes, especially in the cold season.
Ngu Dong Thi Son is not only an ideal destination for nature lovers but also a place that bears witness to the profound cultural and historical values of Ha Nam (Ninh Binh), promising to bring visitors unforgettable experiences.
1.5 Ba Danh Pagoda (Bao Son Tu) - the pagoda associated with the saying "as quiet as Ba Danh Pagoda"
Ba Danh Pagoda, also known as Bao Son Tu. This is one of the ancient and prominent pagodas in the area. The pagoda features a strong traditional Buddhist architectural style with a system of large wooden pillars and characteristic yin-yang tiled roofs, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The saying "as quiet as Ba Danh Pagoda" is derived from the quietness and serenity of this pagoda. Unlike other large, crowded pagodas, Bao Son Tu is often sparsely visited, contributing to the peace and quiet that many people seek. Therefore, the pagoda has become an ideal destination for those who want to find a peaceful space to relax, meditate, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature.
With its ancient, pristine atmosphere and few visitors, Ba Danh Pagoda is suitable for those who want to learn about the history, culture, and origin of the famous idiom in Vietnamese life. The pagoda is currently open freely, with no entrance fee, making it easy for visitors to come and experience the sacred space here.
1.6 Tran Thuong Temple - historical relic by the Red River
Tran Thuong Temple is one of the important historical relics, associated with the Tran Dynasty. The temple was built to worship the Tran kings and famous generals who contributed to fighting against foreign invaders.
The temple's architecture is heavily influenced by the Ly-Tran style, with its intricately carved columns, rafters, and purlins. Notably, the temple preserves many valuable artifacts such as royal decrees from various dynasties, statues made of precious wood, and memorial tablets that are hundreds of years old. The area surrounding the temple is spacious and airy thanks to its proximity to the Red River.
The Tran Thuong Temple Festival takes place annually in the 8th lunar month, attracting thousands of people and tourists. During this time, the atmosphere at the temple becomes bustling with traditional cultural activities, Chau Van singing, and folk games.
1.7 Phat Quang Pagoda - Impressive modern Buddhist architecture
Phat Quang Pagoda - a famous spiritual destination in the area (Image: collected)
Phat Quang Pagoda is about 70km from the center of Hanoi city, and is one of the prominent spiritual destinations in the area. The pagoda has a history of nearly a hundred years. Venerable Thich Thien An renovated and developed it from 2015, expanding its area to 13 hectares.
Phat Quang Pagoda impresses with its architecture, which subtly combines traditional Vietnamese style with influences from Japanese culture. The pagoda grounds are harmoniously designed with nature, including sections such as the Tam Bao (Triple Gem), lecture hall, tea house, rock garden, and fish pond. Notably, many calligraphy works and paintings in the pagoda were created by Venerable Thich Thien An himself, reflecting profound philosophies of life.
The highlight of the pagoda is the 9-story bell tower with a height of 45m, visible from afar. Each floor of the tower has its own meaning in Buddhist philosophy and is decorated with intricate reliefs. The large pagoda courtyard can accommodate thousands of people at once, paved with white granite, creating a solemn and pure feeling.
Phat Quang Pagoda is also famous for its short-term meditation retreats for young people, held on weekends. These courses include meditation practice, learning Buddhist doctrines, and activities to cultivate the mind and spirit.
1.8 Ngoc Dong Bamboo Weaving Village - Preserving Intricate Handicrafts
The rhythmic sound of hammers and the faint scent of fresh bamboo are the first impressions when entering Ngoc Dong bamboo weaving village. This village is famous for its traditional bamboo and rattan weaving craft, which has existed and thrived for generations. The main materials used are rattan, giang, and bamboo, with a unique "xuyen" (or "xien") weaving technique, creating products with high durability and superior aesthetics.
The village's products are very diverse, including household items such as rattan chairs, trays, vases, plates, bowls, to intricate handicrafts such as portraits, landscapes, horizontal panels, couplets, birds and animals... Notably, Ngoc Dong's products have been exported to many countries and used in diplomatic offices, such as the rattan sofa set at President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the sofa set for President Kim Il Sung at the North Korean Embassy.
Visitors to the village can directly purchase products at prices ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 VND, depending on the type of product. Many families also offer basic bamboo weaving classes for tourists at a cost of 100,000 to 150,000 VND/session lasting 2-3 hours. This is an interesting experience that helps visitors better understand the traditional cultural value of the village.
1.9 Doi Tam Drum Making Village - A Cultural Heritage Over 1000 Years Old
The resounding sound of drums from Doi Tam village invites visitors to discover this unique traditional craft. Located in Doi Tam commune, Duy Tien district, the drum-making village has a history of over 1000 years.
The drum-making process here is entirely handcrafted, from selecting wood, drying, hollowing out the drum body to stretching buffalo skin and finishing the product. A complete drum takes 3-6 months to complete, depending on the size and sound quality requirements. Each drum-making family has its own secret, passed down from generation to generation.
The price of a drum ranges from 2,000,000 VND to 20,000,000 VND depending on the size and quality. Visitors can visit the factory free of charge and hear artisans tell about the history and tradition of the craft. The ideal time to visit is in the morning when the artisans are working.
1.10 Vu Dai Village - Home of the Famous Traditional Braised Fish Dish
Vu Dai Village Braised Fish (Image: Collected)
When mentioning Ha Nam cuisine, one cannot ignore Vu Dai village - the birthplace of the famous Vu Dai village braised fish known throughout the country. Vu Dai village is located beside the romantic Day River, which provides a source of fresh fish for the traditional braised fish trade.
The secret to making Vu Dai braised fish lies in the selection of ingredients and the traditional recipe that has been kept secret for generations. The fish chosen are fresh, delicious snakehead fish, then go through a process of preparation, seasoning, and braising in an earthenware pot according to tradition. The fish is braised for 6-8 hours over a small charcoal fire, creating a rich flavor, firm fish meat, and no fishy smell.
Visitors to Vu Dai village can buy braised fish at a price ranging from 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/pot of fish depending on the type.
1.11 Phu Ly Market - the bustling center of local life
Phu Ly Market is the largest central market in Ha Nam (Ninh Binh), gathering a full range of goods from fresh produce to household goods, clothing, and local specialties. The market operates from early morning to evening, with the busiest times from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm.
The specialty area of the market always attracts tourists with traditional dishes such as Vu Dai village braised fish, Ha Nam green bean cakes, sour sausage, fish cakes, and various types of fruit jams. Prices at Phu Ly Market are very reasonable, 20-30% cheaper than other tourist markets.
The ideal time to visit the market is in the morning, when the atmosphere is lively and you can enjoy typical breakfast dishes such as pho, crab vermicelli soup, or hot banh cuon.
1.12 Sun World Ha Nam - the most modern entertainment complex in Ninh Binh
Sun World Ha Nam - part of the Sun Urban City urban area (Image: collected)
Sun World Ha Nam, Ha Nam ward (Ninh Binh province) is the first water park in Vietnam to operate both day and night. The park officially opened on May 10, 2025, after opening to visitors during the April 30 - May 1 holiday.
With a total area of over 19.3 hectares, it includes an outdoor water park themed on traditional water puppetry and an indoor Wonderland, creating an all-in-one entertainment destination for the whole family.
The park boasts 14 game complexes with 40 slides, most notably the first parallel tube slide in Southeast Asia, 228m long where two players can simultaneously experience the thrill amidst refreshing cheers. There is also a 4,628m² wave pool, a 500m lazy river, and other exciting water games.
The space here is also a vivid picture celebrating Vietnamese water puppetry art - from the design of the pavilion roofs and brick courtyards to the game areas named after folk puppet shows such as Tu Linh, Thuy Dinh - Dancing Fairies, Catching Ducks... All blend with modern light and sound to create a unique cultural and entertainment experience.
In addition, there is a Dong Ngu - Dao Thuc restaurant system serving Asian and European cuisine, a shopping area, educational games, multimedia performances, and many other high-class amenities.
Especially, from July 1 to September 3, 2025, residents of Ninh Binh province (including former residents of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh) will enjoy a discounted ticket price of only VND 150,000 from Monday to Thursday, and VND 200,000 from Friday to Sunday. The price for out-of-province visitors is VND 300,000/adult and VND 250,000/child.
Sun World Ha Nam promises to be an unmissable destination in the summer of 2025, where the quintessence of Vietnamese culture, world entertainment technology, and a series of vibrant experiences for all generations converge. )
2. Exploring New Ninh Binh – Suggested 2-day 1-night itinerary
Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary to Explore the New Ninh Binh City (Image: Collected)
This suggested 2-day, 1-night itinerary to explore the new Ninh Binh – a convergence of the essence of three former regions: Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Nam Dinh – will take you through the most prominent cultural, natural, and entertainment destinations in the area.
On the first day, departing from Hanoi, you will arrive in the former Ha Nam area – now the northern part of the new Ninh Binh province. In the morning, stop at Tam Chuc Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia, notable for its magnificent architecture amidst a half-moon lake and a majestic limestone mountain range. Next, visit Vu Dai Village, home to the famous braised fish dish and cultural stories associated with the writer Nam Cao.
After lunch, the journey continues southward to the central area of the old Ninh Binh, check into your hotel and rest. In the evening, you can stroll along Hoa Lu ancient street, savor local specialties like crispy rice with goat meat, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient capital.
On the second day, begin with a visit to Trang An or Tam Coc, a world natural heritage site with a system of caves, rivers, and vast rice paddies. You can choose to take a traditional boat or try kayaking through the majestic mountains.
In the afternoon, explore Kem Trom Cave – a lesser-known landmark on the border of Ninh Binh and former Nam Dinh, still retaining the pristine beauty of nature. Before ending your journey, don't miss Sun World Ha Nam, the largest entertainment complex in the province, featuring a water park operating both day and night, along with the mysterious Wonderland indoor area.
On your way back, you can stop by Cho Vui Fest to buy local specialties or immerse yourself in street art activities. Conclude your trip with a relaxing dinner before returning to Hanoi.
Ha Nam (part of Ninh Binh province) is proving itself to be a highly potential tourist destination with a perfect combination of culture, history, and nature. From ancient pagodas to traditional craft villages, each Ha Nam tourist destination holds a unique story worth exploring. Plan your Ha Nam trip now to avoid missing these wonderful experiences!
