Embark on a captivating journey through the hidden gem of North Vietnam, Ninh Binh, an enchanting province. As you delve into this beautiful place, nature and history will be your companions. Known as the “Halong Bay on Land,” Ninh Binh reveals limestone karst formations, serene rivers, and ancient temples that echo with the whispers of Vietnam’s past. This blog invites you to explore Ninh Binh, where abundant landscapes, historical treasures, and hidden wonders converge to offer a travel experience like no other. Let’s uncover the secrets of Ninh Binh!

Best Time to Travel:

To experience Ninh Binh at its best, plan your visit during the dry season from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool, and the landscapes are vibrant, creating an ideal backdrop for exploration.

10 Must-Sees in Your Itinerary:

1. Van Long Nature Reserve: float through the serene waters of Van Long, where limestone peaks reflect in the calm lake. Encounter the rich biodiversity of this nature reserve, home to various bird species and captivating flora, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Take Notes: this in our opinion is the best out of the three options to go on a boat ride, the views are amazing and there will be less boats on the river since is not that touristy!

2. Bai Dinh Pagoda: immerse yourself in the spiritual grandeur of Bai Dinh, Southeast Asia’s largest pagoda complex. Witness the intricate architecture, adorned with statues and bell towers, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage. Experience the tranquility of sacred grounds that attract both pilgrims and curious travellers alike. We leave you here a day trip tour visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An and Mua Cave. 

3. Trang A Landscape Complex: explore the enchanting Trang An by boat, navigating through a labyrinth of limestone karsts, serene waterways and ancient caves. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery that earned this UNESCO World Heritage Site its reputation as a natural wonder, discovering hidden grottoes and cultural relics along the way. We leave you here a day trip tour visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An and Mua Cave. 

4. Mua Cave: ascend to the summit of Mua Cave for a panoramic spectacle that unfolds before your eyes. Behold Tam Coc’s picturesque landscapes, with the meandering Ngo Dong River winding through lush valleys, creating a breathtaking vista that rewards the climb. We leave you here a day trip tour visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An and Mua Cave. 

5. Bich Dong Pagoda: embark on a spiritual journey through Bich Dong, a pagoda complex beautifully carved into the mountainside. Climb through ancient caves, adorned with carved statues and pagodas, and enjoy the serenity that permeates this historical and cultural treasure.

6. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: step back in time as you wander through the ancient relics of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Visit historic temples, like the Dinh and Le Temples, where echoes of dynasties past resonate. Gain insights into the country’s founding history among the tranquil surroundings.

7. Tam Coc Boat Ride: embark on a timeless boat journey along the Ngo Dong River, winding through Tam Coc’s emerald-green rice paddies and limestone formations. Traverse mysterious caves, where sunlight dances on the water, creating a magical spectacle reminiscent of Halong Bay’s charm.

8. Chua Vang: explore the golden beauty of Chua Vang, a venerated temple offering a serene escape. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and architectural splendor.

9. Tuyet Tinh Coc: discover the enchanting Tuyet Tinh Coc, a hidden gem offering panoramic views. This scenic spot invites you to revel in tranquility among breathtaking landscapes.

10. Cuc Phuong National Park: immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s oldest national park. Trek through prehistoric forests, discover rare species in the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and marvel at the ancient trees that stand as witnesses to the passage of time. We leave you here a day trip tour through the National Park. 

Other Places to See in Ninh Binh:

1. Thung Nham Bird Garden: witness a captivating avian spectacle in Thung Nham, where vibrant birdlife graces the skies against the backdrop of limestone formations. Stroll through abundant gardens, observing herons, egrets, and other feathered residents in their natural habitat.

2. Pho Co Hoa Lu Ninh Binh: uncover the historical treasures at Pho Co Hoa Lu, where ancient relics and architectural wonders narrate the tales of Ninh Binh’s past.

3. Kenh Ga Hot Springs: indulge in the therapeutic embrace of Kenh Ga’s natural hot springs, nestled amid stunning river landscapes. Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing warmth while enjoying the picturesque surroundings, a tranquil retreat after your explorations.

How to Move Through Ninh Binh:

Navigate Ninh Binh’s picturesque landscapes in different transports. Rent a motorbike for flexibility and ease of exploration, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for comfortable transportation. For a more immersive experience, consider cycling through the scenic countryside, enjoying the fresh air at an easygoing pace.

Where to Sleep in Ninh Binh:

Ninh Binh provides diverse accommodation options to suit every traveler’s taste, but the best area (in our opinion) is, Tam Coc. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this area by staying in cozy guesthouses or boutique hotels that offer breathtaking views of limestone formations. Wake up to the serenity of the countryside and the allure of the nearby attractions.

Here we leave you some hotels:

• Luxury: enjoy Ninh Binh from the comfort of your hotel. The Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort, has great views from its rooms. Also, Emeralda Resort Tam Coc, is a great choice where elegant accommodations and stunning surroundings create a perfect retreat in Tam Coc.
• Mid-Range: Liberty Hall Tam Coc Hotel & Villa, lets you experience comfort and style in the heart of Tam Coc, with modern amenities and probably one of the best views in this area. Also, An’s Eco Garden Resort, located outside Tam Coc is a tranquil haven, that lets you enjoy the landscape of this area.
• Budget: embrace affordability without compromising the comfort. Tam Coc Mountain Bungalow, is a budget-friendly bungalow that offers a cozy retreat. Also, Tam Coc Luxury Homestay, is another wallet-friendly stay with a touch of style.

Where to Eat in Ninh Binh:

Ninh Binh, it’s also known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, offers travelers a delightful culinary experience. Exploring local markets and eateries in Ninh Binh will reveal a rich tapestry of flavors, allowing travelers to savor the authenticity and unique culinary heritage of the region. Some must-try dishes are: mountain goat meat, com chay (burned rice), yen mac fermented pork roll, eel dishes, goat meat salad.

Here we leave you some restaurants:

• Trung Tuyet Restaurant: great place to try some of the typical dishes from Ninh Binh.
• Family Restaurant: another great place to try some typical Vietnamese dishes.
• Minh Khoi Restaurant: we highly recommend you to come here to try their banh mi options.
• Aroma Indian Restaurant: for the ones wanting to try other cuisines, this was one of the best places we have eaten Indian food in Southeast Asia.

Our opinion of Ninh Binh:

Travelling from North Vietnam to South Vietnam, Ninh Binh stole our hearts, to the point that we were supposed to stay three days and ended up staying six days in total. We will definitely come back. You have lots of things to visit, it’s peaceful, the locals are super friendly and you can enjoy the amazing landscapes from different perspectives. We also loved that we could move around Ninh Binh with the bikes, this gave us the chance to be more flexible and explore all the corners from this beautiful area. When it comes to the boat rides, we highly recommend you to go for the Van Long Nature Reserve instead of the other two, since this is less touristy and it will let you enjoy more the experience.

Other areas of North Vietnam to explore:

Halong Bay: embark on an unforgettable cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Marvel at the towering limestone islets that project dramatically from the sea, creating a surreal landscape. Discover hidden caves, and enjoy this beautiful natural scenery. We leave you a two day cruise tour through Halong Bay from Hanoi. More information in our travel blog of Halong Bay here.

Hanoi: Vietnam’s vibrant capital, combines history with urban vitality. Explore the Old Quarter’s lively streets, admire French colonial architecture, and enjoy the diverse street food delights. Hanoi is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, inviting exploration at every corner. More information in our travel blog of Hanoi here.

Sapa: venture to the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Here, terraced rice fields cascade down the hills, creating a mosaic of vibrant green. Immerse yourself in the indigenous cultures of the region, where vibrant markets and traditional villages offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local life. We leave you a two day trip from Hanoi, in case you don’t have enough time to explore Sapa for a couple of days. More information in our travel blog of Sapa here.

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Tell us in the comments your opinion about Ninh Binh!