Famous for its beautiful scenery and incredible landscapes, from ancient temples to hidden caves and green rice fields, Ninh Binh is one of the top destinations in Vietnam. It is also called the Halong Bay on land. Some of the best things to do in Ninh Binh consist of boat trips on the rivers, cycling through the countryside and visiting ancient temples and pagodas. 5 reasons to visit Ninh Binh
Vietnam is currently launching a pilot e-Visa system for citizens from 80 countries. APPLY FOR EVISA NOW=> CLICK HERE!
Practical information
Ninh Binh is a great place to stay a bit longer. If you just want to visit some of the highlights then two or 3 days can be enough. But this area is also perfect for a longer stop to recover from traveling around. Enjoy a day sitting at the pool or in a hammock overlooks the rice fields, lotus lakes and mountains
In the city Ninh Binh there are plenty of ATM’s, but in the countryside such as Tam Coc and Hoa Lu there are non. Resorts accept credit cards, but most local restaurants in Ninh Binh don’t.
Ninh Binh is not lacking in reasonably priced accommodation options. There are several places in the region where you can stay overnight. The largest city in the region is Ninh Binh. Almost all buses also arrive here. However, we do not recommend staying here because it is the least pleasant place.
It is best to stay outside the city, such as in Tam Coc, Trang An or somewhere in the countryside. In Tam Coc you will also find some restaurants, but of course not in the countryside. However, this is often a more special experience, because you stay directly in the beautiful landscape for which Ninh Binh is so famous for.
Restaurant options in Ninh Binh city are few, but you can still enjoy plenty of good food from northern Vietnam here. Eat early as many restaurants close at about 8pm.
If you are out and about during the day, you will see many local restaurants serving Ninh Binh’s signature dish “De Nui” – mountain goat. This is definitely recommended.
You will probably also eat at your hotel, especially if you are staying in remote places.
With its location close to Hanoi and rail and highway connections, it is not hard to get to Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh does not have an airport, but 120 km further is Hanoi’s airport Noi Bai international airport. There are direct buses and minivans traveling between the airport and Ninh Binh and takes about 2 hour.
The closest airport to Ninh Binh is Tho Xuan Airport in Than Hoa province. It is located 100 km from Ninh Binh, but it will also take 2 hours. Another drawback is that it is not an international airport and does not serve many domestic flight either.
There are plenty of buses to and from Ninh Binh: Hanoi (2 hours), Halong City (4 hours), Hue (10 hours), Phong Nha (8 hours). Ninh Binh is also a stop for open tour buses between Hanoi and Hue.
Between Hanoi and Ninh Binh are also comfortable minivans including pick up and drop off at your hotel.
There is also a train station in Ninh Binh. You can reach from both Hanoi in the north and Hue, Dong Hoi and Da Nang in the south. There are at least 4 trains a day for both directions. To Hanoi takes around 3 hours.
The most recommend way to get around Ninh Binh is by bicycle. Cycling is fun and easy and most sights in Ninh Binh are not too far from each other. The roads in the area are flat so it’s not exhausting and there is almost no traffic. Bicycles are often free at the accommodation.
You can also use motorbikes/scooters instead of bikes. You can rent them almost anywhere, including directly at your accommodation. The prices for renting a motorbike in Ninh Binh start from 100,000 VND.
As an alternative you can rent a car with driver to drive yo to the sights. It is very comfortable and makes it easier to go to the more further sights, such as Cuc Phuong National Park and the wetlands of Van Long.
For short distances between your accommodation and the train station you can take a taxi.
Below you can see an example 2 day in Ninh Binh itinerary.
Some of the attractions in Ninh Binh are pagoda’s and temples. Please keep in mind that you dress appropriate when entering this areas; such as no short skirts and tank tops. You can also bring a sarong to cover yourself when you visit these areas.
If you are heading from north to south, your next stop after Ninh Binh will Phong Nha or Hue in central Vietnam. In Phong Nha you can visit the stunning national park with some of the biggest caves in the world. There is a train going from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi and from here you can take a bus or taxi to Phong Nha.
You can also skip this national park and continue to Hue or Hoi An. These are ancient towns and two of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam.
If you are traveling to the north you can easily combine Ninh Binh with a cruise through Halong Bay, more rice fields in Mai Chau or exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Ninh Binh is one of the best destinations to travel to in Vietnam with kids. The area is safe and quite enough to bike around with childeren. Many accommodations in Ninh Binh have pools. In addition they can enjoy beautiful nature and learn more about the culture and history.
The area has been developed in such a way that it is not difficult to pass by in English. Most of the people working in the accommodation can speak English. You have less change at the local restaurant, but they always have an English menu.
|