Ninh Binh is also known as the "Halong Bay on Land," which has very wonderful natural scenery, rich culture, and calm waterways. About 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, this place is a good getaway from those people who seek beauty with cool limestone mountains, twisting rivers, and green rice fields.

Did you know that the movie Kong - Skull Island was shot in Ninh Binh!

Why Visit Ninh Binh?

Breathtaking Views

The province of karst mountains, chill waterways is Ninh Binh (not to be confused with Binh Dinh!) and is most famously known for the Trang An and Tam Coc boat tours. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst its dream-like setting.
Nice thing is still not many people know about Ninh Binh and they focus on well known places like Ha Long bay, Hanoi, Ho chi minh city etc. So you can avoid the tourist crowd!

Cultural Richness

Home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s 10th-century history with well-preserved temples and palaces.

Outdoor Fun

From hiking up Mua Cave for some great views to biking through the countryside, Ninh Binh is ideal for chill out. You would feel like a traveler rather than a tourist here if you know what we mean!

Local Food

Try the real Vietnamese flavors, mountain goat dishes, Ninh Binh scorched rice, and all the others like Nem Chua Yen Mac.

Top Attractions in Ninh Binh

the Epic Trang an Boat Tour

Trang An Landscape Complex

Known for its maze of caves, temples, and waterways, Trang An provides standard boat tours, lasting about 2-3 hours with skilled local rowers. Expect stunning vistas of lush valleys with their limestone cliffs. They have 3 routes with multiple pagoda and caves. You get to choose the route at the time of buying tickets.
We wrote an extensive travel guide about which route to choose, tickets cost and other tips for the Trang An boat tour.

Tam Coc (Three Caves)

Tam Cac River Shot From a Drone

Take a sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River and enjoy the caves of Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The rice fields are best seen in May or June.

We suggest either doing Tam coc or trang an boat ride. It doesn’t make sense to do both of them as they have a lot of similarities too.

If you ask us, we would say go with Trang An boat tour since you would not be haggled here by vendors.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh

Explore the ancient temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties amidst dramatic karst peaks and verdant foliage.

Mua Cave (Hang Mua)

Flower Garden at Mua Cave Entrance

Go up 500 stairs for an amazing panorama over Tam Coc and its surroundings; it will be worth the climb upwards, as the views are truly amazing.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh With Group of Tourists

This oldest national park of Vietnam offers wildlife spotting, hiking trails, and ancient caves.

Getting There: Ninh Binh

From Hanoi

It's easily accessible via buses, minivans (called Limousines!), and trains, taking up to 2 hours. A very popular option, comfortable, is given by limousine vans.

Most hassle free option is to book via the Vexere app and pay cash to the bus/van driver when you board.

Getting Around Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh by Bicycle

Local attractions are easily seen by bicycle. Motorbikes and taxis are available when required. Avoid local taxis and try to book via Grab App. But do note if you are staying in small towns where most tourists stay like Trang An or Tam Coc, then it might take some time for Grab cars to arrive as it's slightly away from the main city.

Personally, we preferred renting a motorbike from our homestays which they will offer from between $5 to $6 (USD).

If you rent a motorbike, always check the condition especially of the rear view mirror and helmets before booking. We had a lot of trouble finding a bike which had both rear view mirrors with good angles. And for a helmet, check if it has a visor since there are lots of insects which will hit your face/eyes when you drive in Ninh binh!

Where Do You Sleep in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh offers diverse accommodations, ranging from budget homestays to luxury resorts.

Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay: Affordable, yet offering views - and family-run. At the time of writing this, they had a 9.7 rating on booking.com with over a thousand reviews.
[Image 7]
Trang An Pristine View homestay: Perfectly suited for quiet countryside stays. We stayed here by ourselves and it is supercheap and breakfast was damn good!
Cost us around $14 per day.
They have bicycles for free and motorbikes for rent. And trust us, you would wanna ride a bicycle there as the views just in front of the homestay are epic!

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mountain Goat Dishes: Found in many variations, usually grilled or stewed. If you are not a vegan/vegetarian, then it's a must try thing in Ninh Binh!
Ninh Binh Scorched Rice: This is a super crispy and delicious snack especially if you are a vegan/vegetarian.
Kim Son Noodle Soup: Braised vermicelli noodle soup served in a rich broth.

Sample of Your Ninh Binh Itinerary

One Day

Morning: Excursion to Trang An by boat. Go very early in the morning to avoid waiting in que and also it's not as humid and hot as in the afternoon. You can finish it before 12 p.m if you arrive by 9am.
Afternoon: Have some lunch in a nearby restaurant. After finishing, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Evening: Relax at a countryside homestay. We suggest staying in Trang An area if you like something peaceful.

Day 2

Morning: Tam Coc boat ride.
Late Afternoon: Climb Mua Cave for a panoramic view. But don’t try this in the middle of afternoon as it can get insanely hot and humid! Will take you 1.5 hours to reach the peak and come back and explore a flower garden at the entrance. Its a perfect place for some instagram shots ;)
Dinner: Try the local delicacies at Trang An Riverside restaurant. Pretty cheap and delicious food and it is located right on the main road close to Mua Cave (10 minutes by motorbike). Try their rice wine, you will thank us later!

Travel Tips

Check it out in spring or early summer for nice weather and colorful views. If you come in summer, avoid travelling between 11 am to 3 pm as it's insanely hot.
Avoid peak festival seasons—late January to February—to avoid crowds.
Get those boat tours started as early as possible for the best time (8 am).

If you ever come to Vietnam, then Ninh Binh should be a must-visit destination in your bucket list. The city represents a great combination of the natural environment, full of cultural vibes and local charm. Be it an adventure freak, a history enthusiast, or a foodie, Ninh Binh has something for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ninh Binh

1. How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh?

To fully experience Ninh Binh's top attractions like Trang An, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave, 2-3 days are ideal. If you have an extra day, you can explore Cuc Phuong National Park or Van Long Nature Reserve for a more relaxed experience.

2. What is the best time to go to Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit is either from late May to early June during the rice-field blooming season, or from October to April when the weather is cooler and perfect for outdoor activities. Avoid visiting during the Vietnamese New Year as it can be crowded.

3. How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?

You can reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi in about 2 hours by:

Bus: Regular services from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations.
Train: A scenic train ride from Hanoi Railway Station.
Limousine Van: Comfortable, direct services with hotel pick-ups.

4. How about Ninh Binh for solo travelers?

Ninh Binh is safe and ideal for solo travelers as is the rest of Vietnam. You can rent bicycles or motorbikes to explore the sights. Many hostels also offer guided group tours, making it easy to meet fellow travelers.
Just ensure you know what things to avoid in Vietnam before you travel.

5. What should I wear when going to Ninh Binh?

Casual and Comfortable Clothes: Lightweight and breathable fabrics are best, especially for boat rides and outdoor activities.
Dress Modestly: When visiting temples or pagodas, cover your shoulders and knees.
Good Shoes: Comfortable footwear is a must for hiking Mua Cave or walking around Trang An.

6. Which dishes should one try when visiting Ninh Binh?

Mountain Goat Dishes: Tender goat meat, a regional favorite.
Com Chay: A crispy and flavorful snack.
Kim Son Vermicelli Soup: A healthy and savory noodle soup.

7. How is it best to discover Ninh Binh?

The best ways to explore Ninh Binh include:

Bike Rides: Ideal for short distances and countryside views.
Boat Tours: The only way to explore Trang An and Tam Coc.
Motorbike Rentals: We highly recommend you take a motorbike on rent which shall cost around $6 max (petrol extra). It will give you freedom to go wherever you wish rather than waiting for a taxi which is quite costly.

8. Are there any English-speaking guides in Ninh Binh?

Yes, many hotels and tour operators provide English-speaking guides. A guide can improve your experience, especially at historic and cultural sites like Hoa Lu and Trang An.

But they are few as Ninh Binh is a small city.

9. Is a day trip tour to Ninh Binh available from Hanoi?

A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is possible, but it will limit the number of sights you can see. To truly enjoy Ninh Binh, at least two days are recommended.

But if you really are short on time, ask us one thing to do in Ninh binh, choose Trang An boat tour.

10. Which are the best things to do for families in Ninh Binh?

Family-friendly activities include:

Boat Rides: Scenic and safe for all ages, in Trang An or Tam Coc.
Cycling in the Countryside: Easy and enjoyable routes.
Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park: Ideal for nature and wildlife lovers.

11. What are some off-the-beaten-path places to visit in Ninh Binh?

Some lesser-known spots include:

Thung Nham Bird Garden: A paradise for bird watchers.
Van Long Nature Reserve: A chill retreat for kayaking and wildlife watching if you are someone who is not too fond of commercialized tourist attractions as it really is quite unknown.
Bich Dong Pagoda: A peaceful temple in limestone mountains, looks pretty nice!

12. Is vegetarian food easily found in Ninh Binh?

Yes, vegetarian food is widely available in Ninh Binh. Many restaurants serve dishes like vegetable stir-fries, tofu, and vegetarian pho. Some even offer dedicated vegetarian menus. But a purely vegetarian restaurant which doesn’t cook meat would be hard to find!

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