Ninh Binh is a beautiful and serene province located in northern Vietnam, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This region, often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on land, boasts stunning karst formations, tranquil rice paddies, and towering mountains, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler to Vietnam. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Ninh Binh has something to offer everyone.
The most notable thing to see in Ninh Binh is its breathtaking landscapes. From the towering karst formations of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex to the lush green paddy fields of Tam Coc – Bich Dong, there is no shortage of stunning views to take in. Whether you are taking a boat tour or simply exploring the countryside on foot, you will be amazed by the beauty of Ninh Binh.
Even if the destination is famous as Ninh Binh, the tourist and attractive areas is divided in two zones, Tam Coc and Trang An. When booking an accommodation, make sure to be in those areas where many homestays and hotels offer mountain and rice field view.
HOW TO GO TO NINH BINH
Ninh Binh benefits of a great location in the middle of some best highlights to visit in Northern Vietnam.
From or to Hanoi
- Private car: The road passing by the highway can be concluded in 2 hours
- Limousine bus: There are departure every hour by minivan or Limousine bus to Ninh Binh. Most of them will provide a drop off directly at your hotel or homestay in Tam Coc or Trang An area.
- By train: If you have not yet experienced the train in Vietnam, it can be an option. There are only few a day, usually one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.
From or to Pu Luong
Unfortunately, the only company operating daily tourist bus from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh has closed. Nowadays, the only way is to take a private car. The trip will last around 3.5 hours.
From or to Mai Chau
- Private car. The trip will take around 3 hours.
- By local bus. From the bus station in Mai Chau, you can take a local bus. Inconvenience is that local buses are not very punctual and drivers can drive too fast.
From or to Halong Bay or Cat Ba
Recommended to enjoy a special loop Hanoi – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay.
- Private car: You can organize directly a transfer by private car after your cruise in Halong bay or your stay in Cat Ba island. The trip will last around 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Tourist bus: You can also organize the same transfers by tourist bus from Halong Bay or Cat Ba
You can contact us to book any services or request for departure time and prices.
For the travelers coming from the South, it is a nice stop if you are taking the train either from Phong Nha National Park (Dong Hoi), Hue or even Danang.
LIMO BUS
290k per pax
One-way bus Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Complimentary water provided
Pick up passengers at meeting points
No additional fees for large luggage
PRIVATE CAR
650k per pax
One-way 5-seat car Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Complimentary water provided
Offer hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter
Price per pax, group of 2 – 3 pax
No additional fees for large luggage
MINI VAN
350k per pax
One-way 7-seat car Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Complimentary water provided
Offer hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter
Price per pax, group of 4 – 5 pax
No additional fees for large luggage
Free Ninh Binh Travel Map
WHEN TO GO TO NINH BINH
The best time is from September to December, when the weather is cool and dry. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors can expect crowds and higher prices. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months of January to April or June to August, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Basically, Ninh Binh is pleasant all year long.
May is also a nice period to visit as the weather becomes warmer and the humidity is still not too high.
What to see/do in Ninh Binh
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
One of the must-see attractions in Ninh Binh is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers an area of over 2,000 hectares and includes scenic karst formations, tranquil lakes, and meandering rivers, making it a perfect destination for a boat tour. The boat tour will take you through a series of caves, offering you breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes. It is better to go on early morning before the place is getting crowded. The tour will take around 2.5 hours.
Tam Coc Boat ride
Other alternative to the Trang An boat ride is the Tam Coc one. An approximate 2 hours tour will take you through a cave and passing along rice fields and lotus flower. Less crowded than the Trang AN one, we still recommend an early start to enjoy a more peaceful and quiet time.
Van Long Wet Reserve
Off the beaten path, The Van Long Wet Reserve is truly a hidden gem. With a rich fauna and flora including some species in the Red Book as the Silver langurs, you won’t be disappointed to enjoy the boat ride that will provide an intense connection with the nature.
Thung Nham bird park
Another very special place that you can enjoy on a boat tour or walking, is the Thung Nham Bird Park. With various species of birds, the best time to admire the birds is at the early morning or at the end of afternoon, from 4.30pm.
Bich Dong pagoda
Another popular attraction in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc – Bich Dong, also known as the “three caves” due to the three pagodas established in three different levels. Built in 1428, you will pass a magnificent gate and a lotus pound before exploring the site.
Bai Dinh Temple Complex
The Bai Dinh Temple Complex is a must-visit destination for those interested in Vietnamese culture and religion. This large temple complex, located about 15 kilometers from Ninh Binh city, is one of the largest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Vietnam. The complex includes multiple temples, pagodas, and statues, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Buddhism and the spiritual heritage of Vietnam.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
For those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Ninh Binh, a visit to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must. This ancient city was once the capital of the Dai Co Viet kingdom and is home to several historic temples and shrines. Visitors can explore the remains of the palace and temples, as well as the ancient tombs of the kingdom’s rulers.
Cuc Phuong National park
Another popular attraction in Ninh Binh is the Cuc Phuong National Park, one of the largest national parks in Vietnam. This park is a nature lover’s paradise, with towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and a wide range of wildlife, including monkeys, deer, and birds. Visitors can take a trek through the park, stopping at various points of interest along the way, such as the Turtle Conservation Center and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. It is located around one hour from Ninh Binh tourist hotspot. Hire a private driver or go by motorbike. You can organize a visit with a local tour guide.
Mua Cave
Ninh Binh is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and offers a range of opportunities for hiking and trekking. From easy walks through rice paddies to more challenging hikes to the top of towering karst cliffs, there is something for everyone. A popular hike is the one to Mua Cave, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is a great place for a picnic. After climbing the 500 stairs, a beautiful panorama on Tam Coc site and the countryside will appear to you.
Handicraft villages
To get an insight into the local culture and learn about some ancestral handicraft techniques, there are some unique villages to visit as the embroidery in Van Lam, papyrus in Kim Son, carpentry in Phuc Loc, pottery in Bo Bat or stone carving in Ninh Van.
Take a cycling tour
One of the best ways to explore the countryside of Ninh Binh is by bike. Visitors can rent a bike and cycle through the tranquil rice paddies, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, getting a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam.
Take a cooking class
Visitors to Ninh Binh can learn how to cook some of the local dishes by joining a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about the cuisine and culture of Ninh Binh, as well as take home some new cooking skills.
WHAT TO EAT IN NINH BINH
In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Ninh Binh is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Some popular dishes to try include banh rang (rice cakes stuffed with shrimp and mushroom), cha ca (pan-fried fish with herbs), and pho ga (chicken noodle soup). Visitors can sample these dishes at local restaurants and food stalls, or try cooking some of these traditional dishes themselves at one of the local cooking classes.
One of the most famous specialty is the goat. Local restaurants will prepare it at every taste (grill, boil, steam). Very tasty, people are coming from the locality around to taste it. While cycling around or riding around, you will find some stands along the way selling goat meat.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
There are hundreds of choices to enjoy accommodations in Ninh Binh, in both Tam Coc and Trang An area. Here you will find some suggestions on reliable places to stay depending on your budget.
High standard
- Tam Coc Garden: Charming high standard hotel with a lovely garden, excellent food and full option rooms.
- Esmeralda Hotel: 5 stars hotel with full facilities.
- Aravinda Hotel: New 5 stars villas with luxury villas and all facilities.
Medium standard
- Le Clos Du Fil: charming room in a quiet area with intuitive service.
- An’s Eco Garden: Lovely place with rooms and bungalows. Great location close to hotspots.
- Tam Coc Horizon Bungalows: Cozy and well-equipped bungalows for a relaxing experience.
- Ninh Binh Retreat: Well decorated rooms. Hotel is managed by a lovely local family.
Tours to Ninh Binh
As in the top 3 destinations for tourists in Northern Vietnam, there are plenty of companies organizing daily or multi-day tours to visit Ninh Binh. As you have noticed in the “what to see/do” section, the location is not lacking of activities and interesting sites to discover. We recommend to stay at least 2 nights on site to slowly enjoy the area and have time to visit many different places without rushing.
Epic loop tours
It is pretty easy to find the classic tour combining Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Pu Luong Excursions recommends a longer and more beautiful loop that can done between 6 to 8 days depending on your schedules.
Examples of recommended tours by Pu Luong Excursions:
- Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Hanoi
- Hanoi – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi
- Hanoi – Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Nam Dinh – Halong Bay – Hanoi
We can customize and adapt our tours upon your requests whether in terms of length of stay, type of accommodations and kind of activities.
In conclusion, Ninh Binh is a truly unique and breathtaking destination that offers a rich and diverse travel experience. From stunning natural beauty to rich cultural heritage, this region has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, a visit to Ninh Binh is sure to be an unforgettable experience.