Just a couple of hours south of Hanoi lies Ninh Binh – a breathtaking destination often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” With dramatic limestone karsts, winding rivers, ancient temples, and lush rice paddies, Ninh Binh offers a serene escape into nature and history.

Where is Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is located in northern Vietnam, about 100 km south of Hanoi. It’s a part of the Red River Delta and is known for:

• Stunning limestone mountains and river landscapes

• Rich historical and cultural heritage

• Peaceful countryside and friendly locals

• UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex

How to Get to Ninh Binh?

🚆 By train:

• Regular trains from Hanoi (Giáp Bát or Hanoi Station) to Ninh Binh Station.

• Travel time: ~2 hours.

🚌 By bus/limousine van:

• Frequent departures from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations.

• Limousine vans offer comfort and hotel pickup.

• Travel time: ~2 hours.

🚗 Private car or motorbike:

• Ideal for flexibility and scenic countryside views.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

🌿 March to May: Pleasant weather, green rice fields
🌾 Late May to early June: Golden rice harvest season – most photogenic
🌤️ September to November: Cool and dry, great for sightseeing
🌧️ Avoid July–August: Hot, humid, and possible heavy rain

Top Attractions in Ninh Binh

🚣 Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take a boat through caves, valleys, and temples surrounded by towering karsts.
Multiple routes available (2–3 hours). Absolutely breathtaking.

⛰️ Hang Mua (Mua Cave Viewpoint) – "The Great Wall of Vietnam"
Climb 500 steps to reach a panoramic view over rice fields and river landscapes.
Best visited at sunrise or sunset.

🏛️ Bai Dinh Pagoda – Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex
Home to a massive golden Buddha, 500 Arhat statues, and Southeast Asia’s biggest bronze bell.
Spiritual and impressive.

🌾 Tam Coc (Three Caves) – “Halong Bay on land”
Rowing boat ride through caves and rice paddies.
Peaceful, photogenic, and less crowded in the early morning.

🏯 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Historical royal citadel
Explore temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.
Great insight into Vietnam’s early dynastic history.

🦢 Van Long Nature Reserve – Hidden wetland gem
Quiet boat ride through wetlands, birdwatching, and chance to spot the rare Delacour's langur.

Unique Experiences in Ninh Binh

🚴 Cycle through rural villages and rice paddies
🛶 Take a traditional sampan rowed by foot
🧘‍♂️ Meditate or join a Zen retreat in pagodas
📸 Capture aerial shots from drone-friendly viewpoints
🧑‍🌾 Experience local farm life during rice planting or harvest

What to Eat in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh’s cuisine is rustic, local, and delicious.

🍗 De Nui (Mountain Goat Meat) – grilled, steamed, or served with herbs
🍚 Com Chay (Crispy Burned Rice) – crunchy rice cakes with savory dipping sauce
🍲 Eel Vermicelli (Mien Luon) – spicy and hearty
🥚 Roasted Baby Duck Eggs (Trung Vit Lon) – local delicacy
🍜 Pho Bo or Bun Moc – hearty noodle soups available in every village

📍 Popular local eateries:

• Nhà Hàng Đức Dê (Goat meat specialties)

• Thang Long Restaurant – near Tam Coc

• Cho Pho market – for authentic street food

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh?

🏞️ Eco-lodges & nature resorts:

• Tam Coc Garden – peaceful retreat in rice paddies

• Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh – luxurious & green

• Aravinda Resort – eco-luxury meets local charm

🏡 Homestays & boutique hotels:

• Trang An Retreat – nature-focused bungalows

• Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow – mountain view & family-run

• Chez Loan Homestay – cozy and well-reviewed

🏨 Budget options:

• Go Ninh Binh Hostel – social & central

• Friendly Tam Coc – clean and great value

Final Thoughts

Ninh Binh is the perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural depth. Whether you’re drifting through ancient caves, climbing panoramic peaks, or cycling past rice fields, the peace and beauty of Ninh Binh will leave you in awe.

✨ Step into a postcard-perfect landscape — discover the hidden charm of Vietnam in Ninh Binh.