Suggested one-day itinerary for exploring Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh.

Travel Guide
05/12/2025
Yen Thang Lake in Ninh Binh is not only a large freshwater lake with pristine scenery but also increasingly attractive to young people and nature-loving families. This place has become the hottest spot for picnics, retreats, and ecological experiences with many outdoor activities and new services. Let's update useful information to help you plan a complete exploration of Yen Thang Lake!

1. Introduction to Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh

1.1. Location and outstanding features of the lake

Yen Thang Lake is located in Tam Diep ward, Yen Thang commune, and Dong Thai commune, only about 18 km from the center of Ninh Binh city and about 3 km from Tam Diep ward. Thanks to its convenient location, this place becomes an ideal stopover for those who want to escape the city, seeking a peaceful space amidst mountains and forests.

The surface of Yen Thang Lake stretches over 180 hectares, nearly 6 km long with a circumference of about 15 km. Surrounding the lake are over 240 hectares of lush green hills, creating a harmonious picture between the calm water surface and the vast forests. The air here is always cool and pleasant – something visitors can feel as soon as they arrive.

In the early morning, Yen Thang Lake is as beautiful as a landscape painting, with a light mist gently floating on the water surface, the early morning sun softly piercing through the leaves, dyeing the quiet space golden. Initially, the lake was built to serve irrigation and flood control, with a modern system of spillways and irrigation. Over time, this place has gradually become an attractive ecological tourist destination, attracting visitors with its pristine landscape and interesting outdoor experiences such as cycling, boating, or simply sitting and watching the sunset cast shadows on the mountains and forests.

As one of the largest freshwater lakes in Ninh Binh, Yen Thang Lake creates a cool green environment, an ideal place to "escape" the urban rhythm of life, attracting many visitors from Hanoi and surrounding areas to visit and enjoy the fresh natural space.

1.2. Getting to Yen Thang Lake

From Hanoi, to get to Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh , you can start your journey along Nguyen Xien street, then take the Hanoi – Ninh Binh expressway or follow national highway 1. Continue along the Ninh Binh – Hanoi expressway, turn right at Nam Binh bridge, then turn left onto Tran Nhan Tong street and go straight to reach the lake. The travel time is about 2 hours if starting from the center of Hanoi by car or motorbike.

If starting from Ninh Binh city, the travel time is only about 30 minutes, which is very convenient. Visitors can use a private car for the whole family or ride a motorbike if they want to explore freely. Additionally, there is the option of intercity buses with many trips to Ninh Binh or Tam Diep daily. On the way to the lake, clear signs help visitors find their way easily. You can also ask local people for the most accurate directions.

2. Outstanding experiences at Yen Thang Lake

2.1 Multi-dimensional space at Yen Thang Lake

Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh offers visitors a feeling of immersing themselves in a vast space, where the harmonious combination of water surface, forests, and hills converges. This place offers an experience close to nature, allowing you to fully feel the peace, separate from the vibrant rhythm of urban life. Visitors can both admire the scenery and enjoy the fresh air of the lakeside forest, feeling the gentle coolness from the water surface all day long.

Multi-dimensional space creates a special attraction for Yen Thang Lake (Source: Collected)

The scenery at Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh changes gently according to different times of the day. When dawn breaks, the lake surface is covered with a thin layer of mist, at noon, golden sunlight filters through the tree canopy creating a lush green color, in the afternoon, a brilliant sunset stretches across the calm water. Each moment brings its own emotions, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors.

2.2 Royal Golf Course with 54 holes in the Yen Thang Lake area

The Royal Golf Course, located next to Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh, is a prominent highlight with 54 international standard golf holes, known as the largest golf course in the Northern region. The golf course space is invested with modern facilities, designed to blend with the surrounding nature, creating a quality playing field amidst the poetic scenery of the lake.

Royal Golf Course is located near Yen Thang Lake with beautiful scenery (Source: Collected)

Royal Golf Course not only serves professional athletes but is also open to beginner visitors. Equipment rental and basic guidance services are available here. Participating in golf activities at Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh, you will enjoy the fresh, relaxing atmosphere and admire the peaceful scenery of the lake and surrounding green forests.

Golf playing ticket prices at Royal Golf Course Ninh Binh range from 1,550,000 VND - 3,400,000 VND depending on weekdays or weekends and the playing package.

2.3 Kayaking, pedal boating, and wooden boat floating on Yen Thang Lake

Activities on the lake are the most attractive experiences for many visitors at Yen Thang Lake Ninh Binh with a variety of choices such as kayaking, pedal boating, or sitting in a wooden boat floating around the lake. Participating in these activities, you will feel the serene beauty of the water surface, exploring the lake from close-up natural perspectives.

Kayaking in the heart of Yen Thang Lake to admire the picturesque natural scenery (Source: Collected)

Kayaking around Yen Thang Lake offers an exciting experience as you steer the boat yourself, weaving through small islands, listening to the sounds of forest birds and the gentle breeze through the leaves. Pedal boating is suitable for families with young children to enjoy together, while wooden boats drifting bring gentle relaxing moments, fostering a deep connection with the tranquility of nature.

3. Suggested 1-day itinerary to explore Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh

Morning from 07:00 to 11:00 is the ideal time to start exploring Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh. Visitors depart from Ninh Binh city center or Tam Diep to the lake, taking advantage of the fresh morning air to take commemorative photos at the entrance and notable spots by the lake such as the boat dock, the small bridge, or the lakeside huts. This is also the ideal time for kayaking, trying wooden boats, or pedal boating, enjoying the cool breeze and strolling under the green trees, feeling the tranquility of nature in the early morning.

Noon from 11:30 to 13:30, you can enjoy lunch at lakeside restaurants or nearby ecological areas with Ninh Binh specialty dishes such as mountain goat, burnt rice, common gourami fish, and fresh wild vegetables. Dining in the open space by the lake will allow diners to experience cuisine connected with nature.

Afternoon from 14:00 to 16:00 is the suitable time to explore Hoang Gia Golf Course, take photos or try playing golf amidst the poetic natural scenery. Additionally, visitors can visit Doi Du Resort or explore nearby ecological spots such as Dong Thai Lake, Tam Diep pineapple hills. Don't forget to spend time watching the sunset over Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh, when the twilight gradually descends, creating a romantic atmosphere, very suitable for capturing beautiful photos.

If you still have energy for the trip, visitors can continue their journey to Sun World Ha Nam – a modern entertainment complex located about an hour's drive from Yen Thang Lake. This will be an interesting stop to end the day, where you can relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

4. Useful experiences and tips when visiting Yen Thang Lake

4.1. Suggested attire and items to bring

When preparing for a trip to Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh, you should choose attire suitable for outdoor activities such as light, absorbent clothing and prioritize light colors to feel comfortable throughout the journey. Sneakers or soft sandals will help you move flexibly around the lake and in the lakeside forests.

Some accessories to bring include a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun, enough drinking water for the whole day, along with a fully charged camera or phone to capture beautiful moments at Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh. If participating in water activities, a small waterproof bag will help keep personal belongings safe.

4.2. Notes on moving and visiting

Preserving the environment is important when visiting Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh. Visitors should pay attention not to litter, maintain general hygiene to protect the natural beauty of the lake. Do not swim or bathe in the lake without permission to ensure personal safety and to preserve the clean water source.

Before departing, you should check the weather forecast in advance, avoid days with heavy rain to have a complete travel experience. During the visit, travel in groups and comply with local regulations will make the trip safer and more meaningful.

4.3. Tips for taking beautiful photos

To capture impressive moments at Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh, you should choose early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, creating a shimmering effect suitable for "virtual life" photos. Especially, the golden sunlight at sunset reflecting on the lake surface will highlight the poetic beauty of the scenery.

Some beautiful photo spots at Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh include lakeside huts with a romantic setting, the small concrete bridge that adorns the picture, the boat dock with characteristic wooden boats, and the paths along the lakeside forests with sunlight filtering through the leaves. These angles will help you capture photos that fully preserve the emotions and beauty of the lake.

Yen Thang Lake, Ninh Binh is a suitable ecological destination for nature lovers who wish to enjoy peace. Plan a day of exploration and experience to feel the poetic beauty of this lake!

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