Situated approximately 90 kilometers south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is an ideal destination for travelers eager to discover Vietnam's stunning natural wonders. This enchanting province showcases an array of breathtaking landscapes that are sure to captivate visitors.
Nestled in the Red River Delta of Northern, Ninh Binh offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and cultural significance. If you're planning a journey through the S-shaped country, make sure to prioritize Ninh Binh Vietnam on your travel itinerary.
Ninh Binh is a northern province of Vietnam, renowned for its spectacular scenery, deep historical roots, and vibrant cultural heritage.
The province is home to numerous attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Landscape Complex, the picturesque Tam Coc—often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land"—and the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, among others.
In addition to its natural allure, Ninh Binh has a rich historical legacy that dates back thousands of years. Once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties, the province boasts many historical relics and monuments that remain visible today.
Ninh Binh features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, each offering visitors a unique experience. The ideal times to visit are from April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is relatively low.
Ninh Binh is home to a plethora of captivating attractions. Here are the top 10 places you shouldn't miss while exploring the region:
Discovering the natural beauty of Cuc Phuong is one of the highlights of visiting Ninh Binh. As Vietnam's first national park, it features a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species that will delight nature lovers.
One of the park's most remarkable events is the butterfly season from April to June, when thousands of vibrant butterflies fill the air. If you visit during this period, consider joining guided tours to witness this stunning display and learn more about the park's ecology.
In addition to the butterfly spectacle, visitors can enjoy numerous hiking trails, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and explore ancient caves and limestone formations throughout the park.
Trang An is a popular getaway in Ninh Binh, celebrated for its breathtaking karst landscapes featuring limestone mountains, caves, and rivers. This natural wonder has earned UNESCO World Heritage status and served as a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.
To experience Trang An, embark on a boat tour along the winding waterways, where you’ll navigate through several caves and soak in the stunning scenery. For a different perspective, hike one of the accessible mountains to enjoy panoramic views of the area. The hiking trails are well-maintained and suitable for most visitors.
Whether you explore Trang An by boat or on foot, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Admission to Trang An is 250,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 meters. A tour guide is available for an additional fee of 300,000 VND.
Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, stands out as one of Vietnam's most captivating cave attractions, offering breathtaking views from the summit of Mua Mountain. According to legend, Emperor Tran Thai Tong once watched dance performances at this site, inspiring the name "Hang Mua," which translates to "dancing cave."
To reach the top of Mua Mountain, prepare for a steep climb of about 500 steps. The effort is well rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding majestic mountains and expansive rice fields. The caves themselves feature intricate carvings and ancient shrines, enhancing the charm and historical significance of this remarkable site.
For the best experience, consider visiting Mua Caves early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is less intense, and the views are at their finest. The entrance fee to Hang Mua is 100,000 VND per person.
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a paradise for nature lovers, showcasing picturesque limestone karsts that rise majestically from the rice paddies and the serene Ngo Dong River that meanders through the region. During the rice season, the fields transform into a stunning golden hue, earning the area the nickname "Ha Long Bay on land."
"Tam Coc" means "three caves" in Vietnamese, referring to the three natural caves that can be explored on a boat tour in Ninh Binh. The boat ride takes you through winding waterways flanked by the caves, offering spectacular views of lush green rice paddies and rural villages in the distance.
The area is also home to the remarkable Bich Dong Pagoda, which is built into a mountainside and consists of three levels. Surrounded by verdant greenery and a tranquil pond, this pagoda provides an ideal spot for quiet reflection and meditation. Constructed in the 15th century, it remains an active site for worship, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
Admission to the Tam Coc area is 120,000 VND per person, while a boat ride costs 150,000 VND per trip.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is an essential stop in Ninh Binh for anyone interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture. Spanning 539 hectares, it ranks among the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
Constructed between 2003 and 2010, the complex features a blend of ancient and modern architectural elements, including both the historic and newly built pagodas. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Bai Dinh, which is beautifully set against a backdrop of natural scenery.
The highlight of the complex is a massive bronze Buddha statue that stands 10 meters tall and weighs an impressive 100 tons, making it the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam. This statue attracts many locals and tourists alike. Additionally, the complex is adorned with 500 Arhat statues, each showcasing a unique facial expression.
Exploring the Bai Dinh complex can be done on foot, or you can opt for an electric car ride, which is available for a fee of 30,000 VND per person per trip.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an unmissable destination in Ninh Binh for history buffs and nature lovers. Serving as the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries, it is rich in historical significance.
The ancient capital is home to an impressive array of well-preserved relics and monuments, including the temples dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two prominent kings of Vietnam. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the area through various exhibits and artifacts, gaining valuable insights into the culture and traditions of Vietnam’s feudal dynasties.
In addition to its historical allure, Hoa Lu is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by towering limestone mountains and picturesque rice paddies. Entrance to the ancient capital is available for a ticket price of 20,000 VND.
Nestled in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, Van Long Lagoon is a tranquil and breathtaking natural gem, covering over 3,500 hectares as the largest wetland reserve in Northern Vietnam.
Visitors can enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the serene waters, soaking in stunning views of the surrounding limestone mountains and expansive rice fields.
This lagoon is a haven for wildlife, home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the Bonelli eagle, langur monkey, and black-faced spoonbill, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
The entrance fee for Van Long Lagoon is 20,000 VND per person, and a boat ride for two costs 60,000 VND.
Thung Nham Bird Garden is a must-visit spot in Ninh Binh for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Spanning approximately 334 hectares of limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands, it provides an ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird species.
Visitors can take a boat ride through the wetlands to observe numerous birds, including storks, herons, mallards, forktails, and flamingos. In addition to bird watching, the garden offers activities such as hiking, cave exploration, and savoring local cuisine.
The entrance fee for Thung Nham Bird Garden is 100,000 VND per person, with a boat ticket for bird watching available for an additional 20,000 VND per person.
Phat Diem Stone Church is a must-visit attraction in Ninh Binh, renowned for its stunning architectural beauty. This remarkable structure is entirely built of stone, seamlessly blending Vietnamese and European architectural styles, featuring a bell tower, a main cathedral, and smaller chapels adorned with intricate statues.
Constructed by Father Tran Luc, a Vietnamese priest, the church showcases a unique combination of European design and local building techniques. Since its establishment, it has evolved into a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics in Vietnam.
Beyond its religious importance, Phat Diem Stone Church draws tourists eager to appreciate its elaborate design and rich history. Set amidst a picturesque rural landscape of rice paddies and limestone mountains, the church enhances the area's charm and allure.
Entrance to the church is free, allowing visitors to freely explore the grounds and admire its unique beauty.
No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without experiencing the enchanting Am Tien Cave. This stunning location offers an unforgettable experience with its dramatic limestone mountains, tranquil lake, and lush greenery.
As you enter the cave, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking view of Ao Giai Lake, located right at the entrance. The crystal-clear waters reflect the towering mountains, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the cave's interior, where you can marvel at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
Historically, reaching Am Tien Cave required a climb up the mountain, but today, visitors can conveniently access the cave through a tunnel and ascend to discover its wonders. The entrance fee for Am Tien Cave is 20,000 VND per person.
Ninh Binh is famous not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich and diverse cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes:
Found at many tourist spots, burnt rice is made by frying a mix of dry and sticky rice until crispy and golden. It’s typically paired with salty shrimp and unique spices, offering a delicious flavor that's perfect as a snack or gift.
Naturally raised on mountainous terrain, Ninh Binh's goats produce firm, flavorful meat. Dishes include grilled goat, goat hot pot, and goat with plum wine, best enjoyed with fresh vegetables and ginger soy sauce.
This local specialty features marinated fish served with fresh vegetables, sour star fruit, and a sweet and sour dipping sauce. The combination of flavors—from sweet and tangy to crunchy—makes it a memorable dish.
A beloved dish, eel vermicelli features arrowroot vermicelli and a broth simmered from eel bones. Served with fresh herbs and banana flowers, it’s known for its sweet, tender eel flavor without any fishiness.
A specialty from the Nho Quan district, this dish includes ant eggs mixed with sticky rice, seasoned, and steamed in banana leaves. Enjoy it hot for a unique texture and a delightful crunch.
Ninh Binh is easily accessible from Hanoi, with several national highways and expressways connecting the two.
Many tourists from Northern and North Central Vietnam choose to travel by bus. Frequent services operate daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with tickets available at My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Nuoc Ngam bus stations. The journey takes about 1 hour, and reputable companies include Hai Thang, Anh Vu, and Thuy Duong.
Ninh Binh is served by the North-South railway. Travelers can purchase tickets at Hanoi train station for various trains, including SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, and SE19. Although travel time is longer due to multiple stops, it can be a budget-friendly and enjoyable option.
For adventurous travelers, motorbikes or personal cars offer flexibility and scenic views. From Hanoi, take National Highway 1A, which takes about 2 hours by motorbike or 1.5 hours by car via the CT01 highway. Remember to wear helmets and carry the necessary documents.
Ninh Binh does not have an airport. Those traveling from far away should fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and then take a bus, motorbike, or car to Ninh Binh.
Beyond Ninh Binh, Vietnam is filled with captivating destinations. Wander through Hanoi's lively streets, cruise the towering limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay, or relax on the serene beaches of Nha Trang. Discover Hoi An's charming lantern-lit lanes, explore the sandy dunes of Mui Ne, or venture to the mountainous beauty of Ha Giang. For peaceful escapes, head to Da Lat's cool highlands or the misty terraces of Sa Pa. Unwind on the pristine shores of Phu Quoc and Cat Ba or enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Co To Island.
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