Ninh Binh Travel Guide: An Unforgettable Journey into Natural Beauty

Ninh Binh is a province in the northern region of Vietnam that offers a unique experience of natural beauty. The region is known for its stunning landscapes of limestone karsts, rice paddies, and winding rivers. Visitors can explore the region by boat, bike, or on foot, taking in the serene beauty of the countryside. It’s one of the best tourist places in Vietnam that you should definitely visit!

General information about Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a province located in the northern part of Vietnam, approximately 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. The province covers an area of 1,389 square kilometers and has a population of around 1.1 million people. Ninh Binh is famous for its breathtaking and stunning natural beauty, with limestone mountains and winding rivers dominating the landscape. The region is also home to numerous historical and cultural landmarks, including Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. Ninh Binh has a tropical climate with hot and humid summers and cool, dry winters, making it a pleasant destination to visit year-round. The region's main industries are agriculture and tourism, and visitors can expect to find plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside, visit local markets, and sample the delicious local cuisine.

Best time to visit Ninh Binh

  • Dry season: The dry season in Ninh Binh typically lasts from November to April. In this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This makes it the perfect time to explore the region's natural beauty, as well as its many historical and cultural landmarks.
  • Rainy season: Ninh Binh experiences its rainy season from May to October, which can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. This can be a challenge to get around and explore the region, especially if you are planning to do outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or boating. However, the countryside during this time is lush and green, and the rice paddies are at their most vibrant and beautiful. In case you are planning to visit Ninh Binh during the peak tourist season, which is from December to February, it is recommended to book your accommodation and tours in advance, as it can get quite crowded during this period.

Must-Visit Places in Ninh Binh

Trang An

Trang An, one of the most attractive destinations in Ninh Binh, is a famous eco-tourism area known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it features a diverse system of caves and majestic limestone mountains. You can explore Trang An by boat, gliding through the emerald rivers and visiting caves such as Sinh Duoc Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, and Ba Giot Cave, each offering its own unique wonders. Moreover, the landscape in Tràng An is not only captivating for its pristine beauty but also for historical sites like Bai Đinh Pagoda and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Take the time to enjoy the fresh air and engaging activities like boating or trekking; Trang An will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable experiences during your journey to explore Vietnam.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in Ninh Binh, is one of the largest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors each year. With its unique architecture that blends traditional and modern styles, the pagoda is highlighted by its massive Buddha statues, including a 10-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The expansive grounds feature numerous structures such as the Tam The Hall, Avalokiteshvara Hall, and long corridors leading to magnificent caves. Notably, Bai Dinh is famous for its impressive collection of 500 intricately carved Arhat statues, creating a sacred and tranquil atmosphere. You can engage in spiritual activities, pay their respects, and pray, all while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. Bai Dinh Pagoda is not just a tourist destination; it also preserves the profound cultural and spiritual values of the Vietnamese people.

Bai Dinh

Hoa Lu Ancient Village

Hoa Lu Ancient Village, located in Ninh Binh, is an important historical site that once served as the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. It is closely associated with the Đinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties, reflecting deep imprints of the nation's history and culture. Hoa Lu Ancient Village is renowned for its historical relics such as the Temple of King Đinh Tien Hoàng and the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh, along with ancient architectural structures preserved over centuries. You here can admire the pristine beauty of nature, blended with the sacred and solemn atmosphere of the ancient temples. Hoa Lu Ancient Village not only holds historical significance but also offers a glimpse into Vietnam's heroic past for all who visit.

Hoa Lu Village

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park, located at the intersection of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces, is Vietnam's first and largest national park. Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring lush primary forests and rare wildlife species such as the Delacour's langur and the clouded leopard. Covering an area of over 22,000 hectares, this national park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers. You can engage in activities like hiking, cave exploring, bird watching, and learning about unique plant species. Additionally, Cuc Phuong hosts various biodiversity conservation programs, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore and gain deeper insights into Vietnam's wild nature.

Cuc Phuong - Ninh Binh

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Mua Cave

Hang Maa, located at the foot of Maa Mountain in Ninh Binh, is a famous tourist destination known for its majestic and poetic scenery. To reach the top of Hang Mua, you must conquer nearly 500 winding stone steps, giving the feeling of walking along Vietnam's "Great Wall." Once at the peak, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Tam Coc, where lush green rice fields stretch alongside a winding river. Hang Mua stands out not only for its spectacular natural beauty but also as a perfect spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is an ideal destination for adventure lovers, explorers, and those who want to admire the grandeur of Ninh Binh.

Mua Cave - Ninh Binh

Tam Coc River

Tam Coc River in Ninh Binh, Vietnam is a beautiful sight to behold. The river runs through lush green rice paddies and limestone karsts that jut out from the surrounding hills, creating an enchanting landscape. In fact, Tam Coc is one of the best places to see rice fields in Vietnam.  You can explore this area by taking a boat ride along the river, which takes them through three of the most famous caves in the area. Along the way, you can enjoy the beauty of the lush green countryside and limestone formations surrounding them.

Ninh Binh - Tam Coc River

Try Specialties of Ninh Binh

When you come to Ninh Binh, you will see a lot of local restaurants serving Ninh Binh’s signature dish called De Nui means mountain goat. Mountain goat in Ninh Binh is definitely a must-try with various ways to cook. Ninh Binh is also known for Com chay means rice crust. The rice crust in Ninh Binh is crispy and savory. You can buy it as a gift for your family and friend, gathering together to try this mouth-watering dish.

Ninh Binh crispy rice is a must-try for food lovers. This crispy treat is made by frying cooked rice until golden brown and served with delicious toppings like squid paste, chicken, or seafood sauce. The perfect combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular snack or appetizer. There are also many variations to try, such as shredded pork crispy rice and tamarind crispy rice.

For a truly authentic taste of Ninh Binh, be sure to try the local hill chicken. Raised free-range, this chicken is renowned for its tender, flavorful meat. Whether you prefer it boiled, grilled, or stir-fried, you're sure to enjoy the delicious and healthy meal.

special food in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh pancakes are renowned for their delicate, crispy crust and flavorful filling. Made with a batter of rice flour and coconut milk, these savory pancakes are packed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts. Served hot with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce, they offer a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Ninh Binh's sticky rice with ant eggs is a truly unique culinary experience. Made with sticky rice and fresh ant eggs, this dish offers a rich, savory flavor that is both comforting and exotic. It's a popular choice for special occasions and is a great way to explore the local cuisine.

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