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

1.   Take a rowing boat trip on the river at Tam Coc and Trang An.

2.   Enjoy a panoramic view at Mua Cave.

3.   Learn about the century-old dynasties at the ruins of the ancient capital Hoa Lu.

4.   Explore the beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh in one of the National Parks.

5.   Go wildlife and bird watching

Vietnam is currently launching a pilot e-Visa system for citizens from 80 countries.

APPLY FOR EVISA NOW=> CLICK HERE!

Practical information

Best time to visit

·         Rice fields season: There are two periods to see the green rice fields. This is from May to early July, when the locals harvest the rice, and from September to October.

·         Dry season: From November to April you can enjoy quite cool and dry weather, but bring something warm.

·         Rainy season: From May to October the weather is warmer, more humid and the chance of rain is higher.

Best hotels & hostels in Ninh Binh

Best area to stay

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.

Best hotels in Ninh Binh

·         Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (from $ 85) – Quite stylish resort with modern rooms.

·         Bai Dinh Garden Resort (from $ 70) – Beautiful resort with bungalow style rooms. Good restaurant and pool.

·         Trang An Retreat (from $ 36) – Top rated accommodation. Good and beautiful location, with restaurant and
swimming pool.

·         Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa (from $ 34) – Good location, nice bed, spacious bathroom with rain shower, nice pool.

·         Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay (from $ 22) – A very helpful family with a homestay in a good location.

·         Trang An River View Homestay (from $ 8) – Beautiful homestay with pool. Popular among backpackers.

·         For You Homestay (from $ 6) – Beautiful location, great views, and great pool.

Food & drinking

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.

Recommended restaurants in Ninh Binh

·         Trung Tuyet – The most popular restaurant in Ninh Binh, with possibly the best food. Prices
from 40,000 VND.

·         Bamboo Bar and Restaurant – Cozy restaurant and good service with typical Vietnamese
food.

·         Chookies – Good value Vietnamese and Western meals and cheap beer.

·         Family Restaurant – Popular place for real local and good Vietnamese food.

·         Bao Anh Restaurant – Another popular place with tasty meals and cheap beers. There
is also a separate vegetarian menu.

How to get there

With its location close to Hanoi and rail and highway connections, it is not hard to get to Ninh Binh.

How to get around

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. 

Itinerary 2 days in Ninh Binh

Below you can see an example 2 day in Ninh Binh itinerary.

More tips for traveling in Ninh Binh

Read some of the usefull Ninh Binh tips below.