Published on December 14, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech
Chances are, if you have Ninh Binh on your Vietnam itinerary, you won’t be spending much time in Ninh Binh city itself. It’s an industrial town with not much to see. Most of what you’ll be doing is out in Ninh Binh province, with points of interest spread apart from one another.
Ninh Binh simply blew me away. It was the greatest place I visited in Vietnam and one of the greatest places I’ve ever visited, full stop.
It’s home to lush mountains and some of the most beautiful ancient temples in Southeast Asia, and is one of the most visited areas in Northern Vietnam.
Keep reading to learn more about our visit to Ninh Binh and how you can make the most of your time in the province.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Ninh Binh
Getting There: Ninh Binh has its own train station on the Reunification Railway, making it easy to arrive by train. We took the overnight train from Hue, which took around 12 hours. We later took a bus directly from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, which took about two hours. Use Skyscanner to find the best flights into nearby Hanoi.
Where to Stay: Most of the action is in the surrounding province rather than in Ninh Binh town itself. Many homestays are available – the one we stayed at was Montana Homestay Inn, which was incredible and comes highly recommended. Alternatively, you can stay in Tam Coc, a tourist-friendly town about a 10-minute drive from Ninh Binh town. You can book hotels online to find the best deals.
Time: Plan to stay in Ninh Binh for a minimum of three days. There is a lot to see, and you’ll need time to unwind. Days are long, hot, and can be physically demanding.
Getting Around: Renting an electric scooter is the best way to get around. Traffic is relatively low in Ninh Binh, making it a great place to learn. Take it slow until you get the hang of it, and always wear a helmet.
Weather: We visited in the first week of October and it was incredibly hot – dress accordingly. Rainy season runs from January to April, so you may want to plan around that, though the lush rainforest setting during the wet season is something I wish I’d experienced.
Travel Insurance: Be sure to get travel insurance before your trip to cover any unexpected medical expenses or emergencies.
Things to Do and Places to See in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
From picturesque rice paddies to some of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in the country, you’ll be in for a true treat when you explore Ninh Binh. Many attractions are a little tricky to reach independently, so considering a local tour to help you navigate the area is worthwhile.
1. Trang An Grottoes
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was a mesmerizing experience. Upon arrival, official employees offer boat tours through clean water winding between towering limestone mountains, stopping at various pagodas and temples along the way. The area was remarkably well maintained, with staff actively cleaning the waterways to keep everything pristine.
2. Mua Cave
Bring your most comfortable walking shoes – Mua Cave involves an 800-foot climb up to a spectacular viewpoint. At the top, Hang Mua Peak features an ancient dragon statue and sweeping views over the rice paddies below. The admission fee includes access to a wooden walkway through the rice fields at the base.
3. Bai Dinh Pagoda
An enormous Buddhist temple complex that could honestly take an entire day to explore – it’s so vast that electric shuttle buses ferry visitors between each section. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bai Dinh holds several Southeast Asian records, including the tallest pagoda in the region and some of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The ancient capital of Ninh Binh province, an impressive fortress dating back to the 10th century. Entry is inexpensive – once inside you’ll find a massive open field with various pagodas and a climbable peak. With a bit of luck, you may also spot a water buffalo roaming the grounds.
5. Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda sits beside a peaceful pond, and a climb up several steps brings you to a marvellous pagoda nestled beneath a mountain. Behind it is a large cave you can walk through – complete with live bats flying overhead. One of the coolest and most atmospheric places you’ll visit in the region.
Food and Drink to Try in Ninh Binh Province
1. Goat
Goat meat is a specialty of Ninh Binh. The province is home to many mountain goats, and roadside vendors selling whole goats are a common sight. Served predominantly with pho but appears in many other dishes. The flavour is less seasoned and slightly gamier than you might expect, but if you enjoy lamb, you’ll almost certainly love it.
2. Com Chay (Burnt Rice)
Com Chay was one of my favourite dishes in all of Vietnam. The rice has a wonderful toasted, slightly crispy texture as though it’s been deliberately scorched, and is typically served with meat and various garnishes. Unique, delicious, and worth seeking out.
3. Rice Wine
A fortified spirit made from fermented rice. Strong, resembles Japanese sake in style, and has a bold, high-alcohol flavour profile. Worth trying at least once.
Final Thoughts: Visit Ninh Binh, Vietnam
There’s no other way to put it: Ninh Binh was the greatest place I visited in Vietnam, and one of my favourite places I’ve ever been. The natural beauty was breathtaking, and riding a scooter along empty highways at speed was a thrill unlike anything else. Seeing people selling goat by the roadside, stray cows grazing in fields, and farmers tending to their land was a genuinely unique experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
FAQs about Ninh Binh, Vietnam
How long should I stay in Ninh Binh?
You’ll need at least three days to truly experience Ninh Binh.
Is Ninh Binh safe?
Yes, Ninh Binh is incredibly safe. Just be cautious when crossing the street or riding a motorbike, especially at night.
Is there Grab in Ninh Binh?
Yes, but it’s not always available. You can try your luck with the app, but your best bet is asking your homestay or hotel to book a taxi for you.