Ninh Binh Travel Guide

Introduction to Ninh Binh

Located in a geographical location not too far from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is famous for not only cultural but also spiritual tourism. Nature has blessed Ninh Binh with many beautiful landscapes and notable caverns. For this reason, mesmerizing Ninh Binh is known as “Halong Bay on the land”!

Ninh Binh boasts over 800 landscapes, historical and relic sites, 80 of which have been listed as national. There are some popular destinations like Tam Coc- Bich Dong, Trang An, Van Long, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Phat Diem, Kenh Ga, and Cuc Phuong have attracted large crowds of local and foreign visitors over the past years. 

Discovering Ninh Binh is one of the ideal trips if you are going on a Vietnam Tour. Let’s get ready for a trip full of surprises with Vietnam Travels!

Places to visit in Ninh Binh

If you are looking for a day trip to immerse yourself in magical nature, Ninh Binh is an absolutely suitable choice because it is famous for numerous majestic scenery and diverse activities!

Once said, if you do not visit Trang An, which means you do not visit Ninh Binh. Recognized as the world’s complex heritage, being the 38th complex heritage in the world and the first one in Southern Asia, Trang An will not make you disappointed by its spectacular beauty. Let’s take a 2-hour - tour around Trang An by boat with a breathtaking landscape of limestone karst peaks interlaced and valleys, you then explore an ancient cave that revealed archaeological evidence of human activities more than 30,000 years ago. The separated mountains and steep cliffs are in relation to mirror-pure water, giving it extra-remarkable effect. Far from 8 km to the center of Ninh Binh city, Trang An will definitely be the top must-visit attraction. 

Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area, far from about 7 km to Ninh Binh city, draws tourists’s attention not only for its stunning natural viewpoint but also for its historical value. To discover Tam Coc, you also need to get a small rowboat for an hour and a half through and along the numerous caves. Bich Dong Pagoda is a cluster of magnificent mountain cave temples that line the area gracefully. The hill is dotted with these antique pagodas and old shrines, some of which date from the fifteenth century. To reach every landmark, you must walk and climb, but the path is well worth it. Instagrammers frequently use the bridge entrance as a backdrop in their Ninh Binh Tam Coc Tour.

Mua Cave needs to be listed in your Ninh Binh Day Trip. Although the Mua Cave does have a cave, as its name would imply, the panoramic view at the summit is the attraction. You may take in breathtaking views of the Tam Coc River, the mountains surrounding you, and the rice fields below from the viewpoint. One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is a quick 500-step stroll that takes about 15 minutes. 

Cuc Phuong National Park is also worth adding to the Ninh Binh Trip Guide. It is regarded as one of the most crucial sanctuaries in Vietnam, having rich biodiversity. With the aim of protecting endangered species from the negative effects, here is the preserved rainforest houses more than 300 species of rare birds and 2000 species of plants. Tourists can go to the national park to expose themselves to the natural environment. It is suitable for those who want to take a Ninh Binh Tour 2 Days 1 Night as they can stay a night or more here with the locals. Cuc Phuong National Park will certainly bring you numerous impressive experiences.

This is a great opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s history and culture when you visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu ancient capital. Bai Dinh is considered the largest complex of Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam. This is an integral part of your Ninh Binh 1 or 2 Day Itinerary. Besides, Hoa Lu evidenced an important historical period in Vietnam. Visitors will visit the temple of King Dinh, King Le, and the museum-keeping memorabilia and listen to fascinating historical stories of this dynasty. 

Remember that some of the attractions in Ninh Binh are pagodas and temples. Please keep in mind that you dress appropriately when entering these areas, such as no short skirts and tank tops. You can also bring a sarong to cover yourself when you visit these areas.

Cuisine in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is not a large province in Vietnam, but it still captures the heart of tourists by its significant cuisine. In recent years, Ninh Binh has developed more and more compared to previous years. Therefore, visitors will easily choose restaurants serving the specialties of Ninh Binh along the route. 

One of our recommendations for your food tour trip in Ninh Binh is De Nui (Mountain Goats). It is a mouth-watering dish made of goats, and certainly, its taste differs from other cattle meats you have ever tried before. The smell of the dish De Nui Chay Toi (fried mountain goats mixed with fried garlic) might leave an impression and wake all your senses up, which long lasts in your mind. However, this type of meat is not soft and juicy because goats are raised and grazed on hills and mountains, and meat is completely natural.

Moreover, it is worth trying eating Com Chay (scorched rice topped with pork floss) if you just have 1 day tour in Ninh Binh. It is because this dish grabs much of the tourist’s attention. Com Chay is sold like a hot cake in the specialty food restaurants in Ninh Binh. Crispy, flavorful, appetizing,... is the beautiful words given for Com Chay by tourists. As similar as most Northern provinces in Vietnam, Ninh Binh is well-known for its wine, Ruou Can (Can Wine), white wine drunk out of a jar through a pipe. It is a typical type of wine of the locals. This wine is contained in a small to big jar, depending on your preference. It is made of husked rice in the brewing bark of trees, fruit and leaves. You can buy it in souvenir shops or restaurants in Ninh Binh. 

For Bharat tourists who prefer Indian food, Ninh Binh also has some athtentic Indian restayrants that can bring you to the taste of your hometown.

Curry King Restaurant in Tam Coc

The best season to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh’s beauty has different looks in every season. However, we can enjoy its magical scenery fulfilment in spring (January - March) when the weather is cool and has many festivals. The beauty in summer (May-August) is really peaceful with the golden rice fields and the fragrant lotus ponds, but be prepared for downpours and storms because July and August are the rainy months!

Transport to Ninh Binh

The shortest distance travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is 95 km. If you have a Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi, Asia Private Travel recommends you book a limousine to Ninh Binh, it may take you 2 hours to get there. 

As Ninh Binh does not have any airports and far from 120 km to Noi Bai Airport, in case you come from another country or another far province, you can book a flight to The International Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, take then a limousine to Ninh Binh. You can use public transportation such as buses from the airport to center of Ninh Binh. However, it will take a little bit longer time than a limousine (about more than 2 hours). 

For whom prefer backpacking travel, a cycling or motorbike tour across the attractions in Ninh Binh must be a fascinating experience to capture the view on the road. Particularly, if you book accommodations in the city center, you should rent a motorbike to take the initiative because the attractions in Ninh Binh are quite far apart. The price of renting a motorbike in Ninh Binh is affordable, not much expensive.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has a great number of accommodations meeting all range prices from luxury to reasonable. However, there are no recommendations for you to stay in the center of Ninh Binh province because of its poor pleasant place. Instead, you should stay outside the city, such as Tam Coc or Trang An, because they are pretty near the tourist areas and have more good choices for you. 

In there, you will stand the opportunities to see the stunning natural views from your hotels. Here are some best hotels in Ninh Binh suggested for you: 

• Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort - stylish resort with modern rooms.
• Trang An Retreat - one of the top accommodations with great facilities, such as a private swimming pool, restaurant, and the best viewpoint.
• Trang An River View Homestay - pretty homestay with pool. 
• Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay - good location and hospitality host.

If you are looking for an exciting and meaningful experience with local specialists or a Vietnam tour package, do not hesitate to contact Asia Private Travels for instant information!