Ninh Binh – one of the most worthwhile destinations to visit in Vietnam
About 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh suits travelers with limited time who want to explore majestic nature.
When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is a land of spiritual significance, rich history, and proud depth, preserving the essence of Vietnamese culture. It reflects ancient Vietnamese culture and the Red River rice civilization, with unique coastal and riverine characteristics. Ninh Binh has nearly 5,000 historical and cultural relics listed in official heritage inventories. Many sites feature exceptional historical, cultural, and architectural value, attracting visitors from Vietnam and abroad.
Ninh Binh can be visited at many times throughout the year. Spring (January–March) is ideal, with cool weather and vibrant traditional festivals. Summer (May–August) offers golden rice fields and fragrant lotus ponds.
Travel & Transportation
From Hanoi, travelers can take buses from Giap Bat Station or book limousine services to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices range from 100,000 to 150,000 VND, with a travel time of about two hours.
From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors fly to Hanoi, then continue to Ninh Binh by bus. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Jetstar operate flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. One-way airfares usually range from 900,000 to 1.3 million VND.
Travelers from other provinces can reach Ninh Binh by train. Train tickets are available online or can be purchased directly at the station. Ninh Binh Railway Station is conveniently located in the city center.
By private vehicle from Hanoi, follow Giai Phong Road to Phap Van–Cau Gie Expressway. Continue toward Phu Ly to reach Ninh Binh. Within the city, renting a motorbike costs around 100,000–150,000 VND per day. Motorbikes offer flexibility as attractions are far apart. For larger groups, taxis are a cost-effective option.
Accommodation
Couples, friends, or solo travelers can choose homestays near attractions with peaceful green spaces and friendly services. Popular, well-located options include Ninh Binh Friendly Homestay, Hang Mua Ecolodge, Diep’s House, Palm Homestay, and ChezBeo. Prices average around 200,000 VND per person per night.
Homestays in Ninh Binh are very friendly and environmentally conscious.
For luxury services such as pools, spas, gyms, and bars, visitors can choose 4–5 star resorts. Recommended options include Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Garden Resort, Hidden Charm Hotel and Resort, An’s Eco Garden, and Aravinda Resort. Room rates range from 1.7 to 6 million VND per night.
Enjoy a super chill atmosphere and slow living in Ninh Binh.
Cuisine
When visiting Ninh Binh, travelers should not miss local specialties like crispy rice, goat dishes, steamed crab with betel leaves, and nhệch fish salad. Goat meat is especially popular among visitors to Ninh Binh. Goats are raised on limestone mountains, giving the meat a firm and flavorful texture. For authentic mountain goat dishes, visit Hoa Lu, Trang An, or Tam Coc areas. Each goat dish costs around 100,000–250,000 VND, depending on preparation.
Ninh Binh Goat Meat Specialties
Recommended dining spots in Ninh Binh include:
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Chinh Thu Goat Restaurant (Khe Thuong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh)
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Duc De Restaurant (446 Nguyen Hue Street, Ninh Binh City)
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Dung Pho Nui Restaurant (Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu)
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Ba Phan Eel Vermicelli (999 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ninh Binh City)
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To Nhu Bun Moc (National Highway 10, Kim Son)
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Thanh Hang Sticky Rice Ice Cream (Luong Van Tuy Street, Ninh Binh City)
Attractions
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
The site attracts visitors with majestic mountains, winding rivers, and untouched valleys. Trang An entrance tickets cost 250,000 VND for adults. Children under 1.4 meters are charged 100,000 VND. Tour guide services cost 300,000 VND per tour.
A scene along the boat ride in Trang An.
Visitors can choose one of three boat routes to explore caves and scenic sites. Route 1 passes nine caves and Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Khong Palace. Route 2 includes four caves, Cao Son Temple, Vu Lam Palace, and Tran Temple at Suoi Tien. Route 3 features three caves, Trinh Temple, Tran Temple at Suoi Tien, and Vu Lam Palace. Each tour lasts approximately two to three hours.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Area
Visitors often start by visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, known as “the second most beautiful cave in the South.” From here, enjoy panoramic views from above. Afterward, take a boat along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. Tam Coc means three caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. The area impresses visitors with towering limestone mountains and golden rice fields. Entrance tickets cost 120,000 VND per person. The Tam Coc boat trip costs 150,000 VND per trip.
Inside the majestic beauty of Mua Cave, Ninh Binh.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu served as Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010 under the Dinh, Early Le, and Early Ly dynasties. It is one of four core areas of the UNESCO-recognized Trang An World Heritage Complex. Visitors can explore King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, King Le Dai Hanh Temple, and a historical museum. Both temples were built around the 17th century and surrounded by lush greenery. Guided commentary is recommended to better understand the site’s historical value. Entrance tickets cost 20,000 VND per person.
Inside Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex was built in 2003 and covers over 500 hectares. It is surrounded by majestic limestone mountain ranges. The complex includes two areas: the New Pagoda and the Ancient Pagoda. Visitors can walk around or use electric cars costing 30,000 VND per ride. Popular stops include Phap Chu Pagoda and the Tam The Hall. Phap Chu Pagoda features a 10-meter Buddha statue weighing 100 tons. Visitors can also visit the bell tower to see the 36-ton Great Bell.
The majestic and magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda amid Ninh Binh’s natural landscape.
Am Tien Cave
Am Tien Cave is part of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital national heritage complex. It is located in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, over 10 km from Ninh Binh city center. The area is surrounded by towering limestone mountains like a natural fortress.
At the center lies a peaceful emerald lake. Visitors often describe Am Tien as poetic, mysterious, and slightly melancholic. In the past, the only access was climbing steep mountain paths. For this reason, Am Tien was nicknamed “Tuyet Tinh Coc.” Today, visitors reach the site through a mountain tunnel. Afterward, they climb steps to visit the pagoda and explore the cave.
Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long is known as the “bay without waves,” with perfectly calm water during boat rides. The water is crystal clear, revealing layers of moss beneath the surface. It holds two Vietnam Records recognized in 2010. These include the largest population of Delacour’s langurs. It also features the largest natural landscape painting in Vietnam. Entrance tickets cost 20,000 VND per person. Boat rides cost 60,000 VND for two people.
