When planning a trip to Vietnam, you will probably hear the name Ninh Binh a thousand times. This is one of the top tourist destinations, receiving great attention and love from domestic and foreign tourists in recent years.

Join Fola Travel to discover more about Ninh Binh and its many wonders!

Overview of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is favored by Mother Nature to have a rare harmonized beauty of striking mountains, immense green forests, and serene rivers winding through the countryside. When discussing Vietnam’s best travel destinations, Trang An and Tam Coc Bich Dong of Ninh Binh are familiar names to many travel enthusiasts.

A boat under a limestone islands on the water with outside view of green trees. — Boat ride through Trang An caves.

Ninh Binh also has a rich historical and cultural heritage as the first-ever capital of Vietnam. Therefore, Ninh Binh tours are among the best options for visitors to have a wonderful Vietnam vacation.

The stunning natural beauty of Ninh Binh

With the reputation of “Ha Long Bay on land”, Ninh Binh has attracted thousands of domestic and international tourists yearly. Imagine sitting on a small boat drifting slowly along the river, surrounded by lush trees and rocky peaks, listening to birds chipping and wind rustling – it’s a peaceful vibe you can only find in this dreamland.

Many boats on Ngo Dong river between Trang An mountains. — Ninh Binh boat rides.

Visitors to Ninh Binh will be overwhelmed by the diversity of the fauna and flora ecosystem here. Cuc Phuong National Park, Thung Nham Bird Park, and Thung Nang Valley are well-known for their charming scenery full of colorful flowers and lively birds, giving visitors the impression that they have just entered a fantasy world.

Two people wearing backpacks walking up some steps inside a forest. — Exploring Cuc Phuong National Park.

Needless to say, Ninh Binh’s pristine natural beauty is what makes it a tourist paradise for nature lovers!

Ninh Binh: people and culture

Formerly Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh was inhabited and started developing very early in Vietnam’s history.

The rich cultural tapestry of Ninh Binh is a blend of the old customs from the Red River Delta that have been cultivated for thousands of years, as well as the newer influence of seaside lands. Together, these ideals brought about an immensely diversified and interesting Ninh Binh culture.

The clearest expression of cultural richness in Ninh Binh is shown in its art and architecture. Traditional art highlights include the practices of Cheo singing, Drum dancing, and other folk songs. All these unique art forms have been passed down through generations, preserved, and promoted by Ninh Binh residents as a significant part of the province’s identity.

The art of Ninh Binh architecture has been imbued in religious and cultural structures, including Kinh Dinh Tien Hoang Temple with intricate stone carving art, Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex with a plethora of world records for its impressive architecture, or the ancient house complex of Co Vien Lau, which has the ancient style signature of Hoa Lu’s former capital.

Panorama of Bai Dinh main pagoda. — Bai Dinh Pagoda.

By visiting these places and participating in exciting traditional festivals held here, tourists can further understand the wonderful history and culture of Ninh Binh.

The best time to visit Ninh Binh:

Located in the humid tropical climate zone, Ninh Binh has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each with distinctive weather and unique natural beauty, guaranteeing enjoyable experiences for tourists. So, what is the ideal time to visit this magnificent city? Let Fola Travel help you answer this question!

A map of Ninh Binh province, Vietnam with different seasons and what to do.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere from February to April

Spring is the season of festivals in Ninh Binh, with events like Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, Thai Vi Temple Festival, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival, and many more.

People doing dragon dance in front of Bai Dinh pagoda. — “Dragon Dance” in Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival.

Admire the charming scenery from May to July

The sunny days indicate the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s mountains and forests, which are adorned with blooming summer flowers and vibrant foliage.

View from a cave looking out to mountains and rice fields. — Tam Coc, Ninh Binh during harvest season.

Discover Ninh Binh’s nature and cuisine from August to October

Autumn is the most pleasant time for visitors to partake in outdoor sports such as hiking, cycling, or boat rides along poetic rivers to visit Ninh Binh’s mysterious caves.

A boat going through a cave with an open space of water and mountains. — A boat ride through Tam Coc in the fall.

Relax in the serene ambiance from November to January

Even though Ninh Binh’s wintertime seems cold and gloomy, it adds a surprisingly tranquil and delicate charm to the cityscape.

Trang An complex with a pagoda in front of a big mountain. — Trang An, Ninh Binh during winter.

Location & How to get to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh province is only 90 km away from Hanoi, so you can easily get there by taking a bus or a coach, which takes you about 2 hours, and the prices are fairly cheap: from 100,000 to 150,000 VND. If you prefer to drive, the route to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is quite straightforward: follow the Giap Bat – Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway and head towards Phu Ly, which will lead you to Ninh Binh.

Four people sitting on a bus to go to Ninh Binh. — A Hanoi – Ninh Binh bus.

If you want to travel to Ninh Binh from other provinces or outside the country, it is advised that you fly to Hanoi and then take the same route as mentioned above.

Another option for those coming from other provinces, not Hanoi, would be to take the train. Train tickets to the center of Ninh Binh City can be purchased at the train station or through the Vietnam Railways website.

After arriving in Ninh Binh, tourists can take a taxi or drive themselves with the help of navigation signs or apps to visit popular tourist destinations like Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and more.

If you are still not sure of how to get to Ninh Binh or need help booking flights/ trains to Hanoi or Ninh Binh, visit the Fola Travel Website at https://folatravel.com or contact us through Hotline/Whatsapp +84986.332.366 for 24/7 support!

Infomation

The incredibly awe-inspiring natural charm of Ninh Binh is definitely what draws domestic and international tourists to visit the place. Down below are some attractions that Fola Travel thinks you should check out when touring in Ninh Binh:

Trang An Landscape Complex

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Trang An Landscape Complex, with its exceptional view of gigantic limestone mountains blending harmoniously with blue sky and crystal-clear water, captivates the heart of nature lovers.

Overview of Trang An Vietnam with mountains, rivers, and a big pagoda complex. — Trang An Landscape Complex.

Tam Coc Bich Dong

Tam Coc Bich Dong is a large limestone cave complex located close to Trang An, and it’s a beautiful destination to explore.

Overview of Tam Coc, Vietnam with a river in the middle of two golden rice fields, and mountains surrounding them. — Tam Coc Bich Dong.

The stunning view of the place during harvest season, with golden rice paddies gleaming in the sun, surrounded by majestic limestone karst rising to the sky, makes visitors fall deeply in love with the place.

Some boats going through a cave looking out to view of mountains in Tam Coc. — Taking boat rides through Tam Coc Bich Dong.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is the top-visited destination in Ninh Binh, capturing the heart of tourists with extraordinary scenery of lush green forests, dreamy rivers, and a peaceful atmosphere.

A small trail through the forest with green trees on the sides. — A trail in Cuc Phuong National Park.

You can book a night tour to watch the fireflies, deer, and other wild animals or rent a bike and cycle along the Cuc Phuong trail to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh is proudly one of the largest pagoda and temple complexes in all of Southeast Asia.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

With its prominent importance in Vietnam’s history, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital holds a special place inside the hearts of the Ninh Binh people, and it promotes a great deal of interest for history-loving travelers.

Thung Nham Bird Park

Thung Nham Bird Park is a stunning, otherworldly attraction of Ninh Binh, surrounded by golden rice fields and vibrant foliage, with thousands of different kinds of birds flying in the sky.

Overview of the bird park in Ninh Binh with a golden field and many birds flying through. — Thung Nham Bird Park.

Mua Caves

Mua Caves is a collection of spectacular caves and mountains within Trang An Complex, with magnificent beauty that you have to check out!

Panorama of Hang Mua mountain in Ninh Binh. — Hang Mua Mountain.

Am Tien Cave

In recent years, Am Tien Cave has received significant attention thanks to its poetic scenery blended with a hint of mystery, like a tranquil ancient movie playing out in the middle of bustling Ninh Binh.

Van Long Lagoon

Van Long Lagoon is the largest wetland ecological reserve in all of Northern Vietnam. Van Long Lagoon has been getting a lot of appreciation from animal-loving tourists.

Phat Diem Stone Church

Phat Diem Stone Church is famous for its distinctive architecture and magnificent old-world beauty. The harmonious combination of Catholic and Buddhist architecture makes Phat Diem an exceptional work of art, attracting thousands of tourists yearly.

Overview of Phat Diam chuch in the middle with nature surrounding and a big statue on the right. — Phat Diem Stone Church.

Scenic boat rides

Tam Coc and Trang An are perhaps the best spots for boating in Ninh Binh. Rowing along the poetic Ngo Dong River, with the golden rice fields stretching far on both sides and the towering cliffs rising to the sky, it’s a majestic sight that will leave you speechless.

People on boats riding on a river through some limestone mountains. — Boat rides in Trang An Landscape Complex.

Cycling around the city

On a bicycle, you can see the city from such a fresh perspective, capturing small moments that you would easily miss if you went by car or motorbike!

Three girls stop on a road with three bikes in front of a large limestone mountain. — Cycling activity in Ninh Binh.

Attending traditional festivals

Ninh Binh has numerous unique cultural heritages, including wonderful traditional festivals. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival, Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, and Thai Vi Temple Festival are just a few among countless celebrations in the city.

The festival Ninh Binh stage with many people dancing. — Festival Ninh Binh 2024.

Taking check-in photos

Favored by nature with the harmonious beauty of mountains, forests, and rivers, any stop on a Ninh Binh tour can be the background for spectacular photos without editing.

A lotus lake with mountains afar and a wooden trail run to the middle of the lake. — Lotus Lake in Hang Mua, Ninh Binh.

Visiting the caves

With the reputation of “Ha Long on land,” Ninh Binh boasts a number of large and small caves with mysterious beauty that you cannot miss.

A water cave with ceiling of limestone and floor of water in Ninh Binh. — Bich Dong Cave.

Thien Thanh and Thien Ha caves are two large caves featuring a dry and a wet cave section, with a peaceful atmosphere that highlights the colorful stalactites, almost like a gateway to an unreal fairyland.

Stalactites system in Thien Ha Cave, Ninh Binh. — Thien Ha Cave, Ninh Binh.

As a land of mountains and rivers, Ninh Binh is blessed with an abundant resource of wonderful specialties. The long history of being Vietnam’s ancient capital also contributes to the blossoming of the land’s cuisine, making it one of the most diverse local cuisines in Vietnam.

Burned Rice (Com Chay)

Burned rice is the most sought-after snack among Ninh Binh’s tourists. When in Ninh Binh, you have to try this delectable treat of crispy fragrant rice that is so delicious.

A wooden cutting board with a big piece of Ninh Binh burnt rice and pork floss. — Ninh Binh burnt rice with pork floss.

Wild Goat Meat

Wild goat meat is believed to hold many nutrients and health benefits, hence its popularity in Ninh Binh cuisine. You can find many dishes made from goat meat in the city.

Sticky Rice with Ant Eggs (Xoi Trung Kien)

You didn’t read it wrong – it’s ant eggs! The look of Xoi Trung Kien is simple, but its flavor is out of this world. While eating, the small ant eggs would pop inside your mouth, making it a fun experience for first-time diners.

A bowl of sticky rice with ant eggs. — Sticky rice with ant eggs.

Swamp Eel Salad (Goi Ca Nhech)

The fragrant and sweet swamp eel is served with mixed herbs, chili, ginger, fermented shrimp paste, and a special fish sauce made in secret Ninh Binh way. The explosion of different flavors will blow your mind!

Different plates of nhech fish, vegetables, and sauces. — Ingredients for swamp eel salad.

Mountain Snails

Also called “rock snails,” these mountain snails are big with firm, chewy meat. Ninh Binh snails only consume forest leaves and medicinal plants, so they naturally have a light herbal scent that is unique to them.

A pot of boild snails and some sauces, garlic and chilli on the side. — Ninh Binh mountain snails.

Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled “Fan” Pork (Bun Cha Quat)

The dish is simple: soft vermicelli noodles, flavorful grilled meat, fresh herbs, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. All the ingredients go amazingly well together – it’s why locals choose Bun Cha Quat as their top choice for breakfast!

Plates of bun cha quat, a dish from Ninh Binh, Viet Nam. — Grilled “fan” pork – Bun Cha Quat.

Yen Mac Fermented Pork (Nem Chua)

Nem Chua Yen Mac is a famous specialty of Ninh Binh with a unique flavor, sought after by many tourists as gifts to bring home for loved ones.

A hand holding a leaf with some nem chua on it, and a spicy sauce on the left. — Yen Mac fermented pork.

Eel Glass Noodles

Imagine waking up early in the morning and having a full bowl of hot, fragrant, and refreshing eel vermicelli; you will be energized for a day of amusing activities in Ninh Binh!

Gao Braised Fish

Gao braised fish is perhaps the most unique Ninh Binh dish. Its warm, inviting smell is unmatched. The intricate flavors of sweet fish with the sour Gao blend together, waking up all your taste buds in the best way!

A plate of Gao and fish braised. — Gao braised fish.

As a rising tourism city, Ninh Binh has many options for accommodation, guaranteed to cover all your wants and needs.

For a more affordable option, tourists can choose to stay at homestays close to tourist attractions, with peaceful spaces and friendly services. Some popular addresses are Ninh Binh Friendly Homestay, Hang Mua Ecolodge, Diep’s House, Ninh Binh Palm Homestay, ChezBeo Homestay… With a cost of only about 200,000 VND per person a night, this is a great choice if you are traveling in groups of friends or alone and want to be on a budget.

A small house in the middle of a forest, with a pond in front of it and trail of rocks. — Hang Mua Ecolodge.

For more luxurious services and amenities, a 4 or 5-star hotel would be your suitable option. Ninh Binh city has many quality resorts, including Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Garden Resort, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel And Resort,… These places provide state-of-the-art facilities with many services like pools, saunas, restaurants, and gyms…, guaranteed to satisfy all your needs. Room rates for 5-star resorts usually range from 1.7 to 6 million VND per night.

A resort in the middle of nature in Ninh Binh. — Tam Coc Garden Resort.

To get help scheduling accommodations in Ninh Binh or planning your own Ninh Binh trip, contact Fola Travel through Gmail at folatravel@gmail.com or by Hotline/Whatsapp at +84986.332.366.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What gifts and souvenirs should I buy in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh has countless unique and delectable specialties that are extremely suitable as gifts after your memorable trip.

The most famous specialty is none other than Ninh Binh burnt rice, also known as Com Chay. This delicious snack is not only cheap but also keeps well for quite a while, and you can find Com Chay almost anywhere in Ninh Binh. In addition, Yen Mac sour pork (Nem Chua) or Gia Vien shrimp paste are also popular among tourists.

If your relatives or friends are wine lovers, Kim Son rice wine will be a good choice for a gift. Thanks to the special recipe and elaborate process, Kim Son wine has a unique taste and strong fragrance that stays after you open the bottle.

Besides Com Chay, we cannot fail to mention wild goat meat, a famous specialty of Ninh Binh. If you are unable to buy fresh goat meat to bring home, packaged goat meat is a great alternative. Dried goat meat marinated with garlic is a specialty that has captured the love of many visitors.

2. How much do I tip in Ninh Binh?

Since tipping is not a part of Vietnamese culture, you don’t have to tip anywhere when traveling in the country. It is, however, a great way to show your appreciation to the staff and locals who provide you with good services, and they will highly appreciate that.

If you are not sure how much is enough, Fola Travel recommends about US$2- $5, depending on the service: how long it is, how much work they do, and how satisfied you are.

3. How many days in Ninh Binh is enough?

Our honest advice is to spend as many days as you can in Ninh Binh, as this beautiful land has so much to offer.

If you don’t have much time, a one-day trip in Ninh Binh exploring Trang An or Tam Coc is enough to admire the majestic scenery and have some good food here, before going back to Hanoi in the evening.

If you have more time to spare, Fola Travel recommends a 2 to 4-day packaged trip to Ninh Binh, allowing you to fully explore the city’s most famous destinations at a more leisurely pace.