15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
If you dream of exploring breathtaking rice fields, peaceful rivers, towering limestone mountains, and ancient temples, then cycling in Ninh Binh routes is one of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy in Vietnam. Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers some of Southeast Asia’s most scenic cycling paths—routes that lead you deep into rural villages, pristine nature, and UNESCO-protected landscapes.
This comprehensive guide is made for travelers who want to explore Ninh Binh in the most authentic, flexible, and immersive way: by bicycle. You will discover the best cycling routes, distances, difficulty levels, cultural highlights, expert tips, customer reviews, and how to enhance your experience with professional support from Golden Trail Travel, one of the most trusted tour operators in the region.
Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a group of friends, or a family with children, cycling in Ninh Binh offers a journey filled with stunning scenery, fresh air, and unforgettable moments.
Cycling in Ninh Binh is so much more than an activity—it’s a complete immersion into the beauty and culture of the Vietnamese countryside. Many travelers only see Ninh Binh from cars or boats, but cycling allows you to truly connect with the environment and experience the landscape at its most intimate level.
Cycling allows you to slow down and fully absorb every detail of the scenery. You can stop for photos whenever you want, take small detours into hidden paths, enjoy quiet moments by lotus ponds, or simply ride through the fresh air without rushing.
Ninh Binh’s most charming locations are found inside small village roads, dirt trails, and countryside paths. Cycling gives you access to areas where motor vehicles cannot go, such as:
Narrow rice field alleys
Quiet villages
Lotus ponds
Small cave entrances
Mountain footpaths
These intimate landscapes are what make Ninh Binh truly special.
Cycling produces no noise, no pollution, and no disturbance to nature. It's the perfect way to travel sustainably while enjoying the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
Most cycling routes in Ninh Binh are easy and beginner-friendly, making them ideal for families, seniors, and casual riders. Even the longer routes remain flat and manageable.
With a bike, you control your schedule. You can start early to catch sunrise, cycle at sunset when the rice fields glow golden, or explore at your own pace with no limitations.
Below are the most scenic and enjoyable cycling routes that every traveler should experience. Each route captures the essence of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and rural charm.
Distance: 3–5 km
Difficulty: Very easy
Ideal for: Beginners, families, photographers
This is the most classic cycling route in Ninh Binh. The journey from Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda is lined with rice paddies, limestone cliffs, lotus ponds, and small local houses.
Farmers guiding water buffalo
Golden or emerald rice fields (seasonal)
Rustic village life
Charming stone bridges
Traditional pagoda surrounded by mountains
Bich Dong Pagoda includes three levels built into the mountainside. The upper level offers breathtaking views of the valley.
It’s simple, easy, and incredibly beautiful—perfect for anyone visiting Ninh Binh for the first time.
Distance: 4–5 km one way
Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for: Adventure seekers, photographers, couples
This scenic route takes you to one of the most iconic viewpoints in Vietnam: the Mua Cave viewpoint.
Mountain valleys
Rice terraces
Quiet countryside lanes
Goats climbing the limestone cliffs
After cycling, climb the 500 steps to reach the legendary viewpoint overlooking Tam Coc’s winding river and endless rice fields.
If you want postcard-perfect photos, this is the route for you.
Distance: 6–8 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ideal for: Nature lovers, cultural travelers
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald rivers, majestic limestone mountains, and sacred temples.
Peaceful rivers
Dense forests
Karst mountain valleys
Hidden temples
Quiet eco-tourism areas
You can combine this cycling route with a Trang An boat tour for a complete experience.
It’s one of the most mystical and serene landscapes in Vietnam.
Distance: 7–8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Wildlife lovers, photographers
This route leads to Thung Nham Bird Park, home to thousands of birds living in natural wetland environments.
Tropical gardens
Mountain valleys
Quiet lakes
Sunset bird-watching areas
This route is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, wildlife-centered experience.
Distance: 8–10 km
Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for: History lovers, culture explorers
Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s ancient capital during the 10th century. Cycling to Hoa Lu offers both historical richness and beautiful scenery.
Temples of King Dinh and King Le
Traditional architecture
Scenic village roads
Mountain landscapes
This route beautifully connects nature with the history of Vietnam’s early dynasties.
Distance: 15–20 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Ideal for: Long-distance cyclists, bird watchers
Van Long is known as the “Bay without waves” due to its still, mirror-like waters.
Wetlands filled with wildlife
Calm open lakes
Limestone cliffs rising from water
Rural landscapes untouched by tourism
This route provides deep immersion in nature and tranquility.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Mua Cave
Trang An Loop
Van Long Reserve
Mua Cave Sunrise Route
Tam Coc Golden Season Route
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Thung Nham Bird Park
Trang An Mountain Valleys
If you want a guided cycling experience with professional bicycles, expert local guides, and seamless planning, booking with Golden Trail Travel is the smartest choice.
Explore or book your cycling tour here:
👉 https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Comfortable and regularly maintained, suitable for long-distance cycling.
Their guides know hidden routes, local stories, and the best locations for photos.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, they adapt routes to your preferences.
Boat trips, meals, entrance fees, and transportation can be included.
Water, helmets, bike adjustments, and safety checks are all provided.
Start early to avoid heat
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
Bring sunscreen and water
Ride slowly on narrow paths
Respect local villagers and private property
Be cautious around buffalo and farm animals
Keep your phone or camera ready for stunning photos
Begin at Tam Coc
Cycle to Bich Dong Pagoda
Continue to Mua Cave
Climb to the viewpoint
Enjoy lunch in Tam Coc
Ride toward Trang An
Optional Trang An boat trip
Cycle back through rice fields during golden hour
Relax in Tam Coc town
“Cycling in Ninh Binh was the highlight of my Vietnam trip. The scenery was incredible and the cycling routes were peaceful and easy.”
“We booked a guided cycling tour with Golden Trail Travel and it was absolutely amazing. The guide showed us local areas we wouldn’t have found ourselves.”
“The Trang An cycling route felt like riding through a fantasy world. I highly recommend exploring Ninh Binh by bike.”
“Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu by bike were unforgettable. I’ll never forget the scenery.”
Yes. Most routes are flat, quiet, and very safe.
No. Beginners can easily enjoy all popular routes.
Yes. Bikes are available at hotels, shops, and tour operators.
Absolutely. Golden Trail Travel offers excellent guided cycling tours.
Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
February–April and September–October are ideal.
Yes. Van Long and Trang An loops are great long-distance options.
Cycling in Ninh Binh routes is one of the best ways to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural depth. With breathtaking landscapes, peaceful countryside roads, ancient temples, and friendly locals, Ninh Binh offers an unforgettable cycling adventure for every type of traveler.
If you want expert guidance, professional bikes, and a perfectly planned experience, choose Golden Trail Travel.
Book your cycling tour here:
👉 https://goldentrailtravel.com/
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