All about the Ninh Binh travel experience, the latest itinerary for 2023

Land of culture, for a complete experience, visit Ninh Binh during the festival season. @Vietnam Young Lions

1. History of the Ninh Binh region

Ninh Binh is a land of nature and culture with a rich history spanning thousands of years, now transformed into a captivating tourist destination for international travelers.

“Who are the descendants of the Dragon Fairy

In February, remember the Truong Yen festival and return

To revisit the ancient land of Dinh and Le

Green hills, blue water, just like the old days”

With a long and storied history dating back to the year 968, spanning over 1,100 years, leaving a lasting legacy by Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang quelling 12 rebel warlords and relocating the capital to Ninh Binh, the echoes of which resonate until today.

A glimpse of Ninh Binh, embark on a journey to experience it. @Vnexpress

Travel to Ninh Binh

2. Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

According to Ninh Binh travel experience, considering weather and cultural factors, two ideal times to visit Ninh Binh are early spring and summer when the weather is pleasant, and festivals are taking place.

Early Spring:

Early Summer:

3. Transportation:

Traveling by Plane

Currently, Ninh Binh does not have an airport. Therefore, when traveling from other cities to Ninh Binh, you can land at the nearest airport, Nội Bài (Hanoi), which is approximately 90km from Ninh Binh. After landing, it takes about 1 hour by another means of transportation to reach Ninh Binh. Below is the reference price for a one-way flight to Nội Bài from Saigon (the price includes taxes and fees, but may vary over time):

Golden ripe rice fields in Ninh Binh. @Communist Party Newspaper

Tip: Keep an eye on flight ticket prices and book through the Mytour app for easy comparison and finding the best deals.

Traveling by passenger bus/limousine and personal vehicles

With these modes of transport, you'll have more flexibility as they crisscross various routes, but they are particularly suitable for travelers in the Northern or North Central regions.

Traveling by train

This might be the most fascinating and cost-effective means of transportation, providing you with the experience of traversing the entire S-shaped land of our homeland. It doesn't induce fatigue like buses or personal vehicles. If you book a ticket from Ho Chi Minh City, you'll experience the journey along the S-shaped landscape. Imagine standing by the train window and marveling at the panoramic view of the country; it will be truly magnificent. With a travel time of about 1.5 days, the duration may gradually decrease depending on the distance to Ninh Binh.

Traveling within Ninh Binh province

You can ride a motorbike or rent a car/limousine. For destinations with water tourism, there are boat/ferry services to facilitate your transportation.

4. Accommodation options

Exploring Ninh Binh

Choosing a resort or hotel

This option comes with a higher price tag. For the most reasonable resort experience, you can opt for 5-star resorts or hotels, though their number is limited. However, they mostly offer high-quality accommodations. If you choose a 4-star rating, there will be more options, but these hotels typically have smaller premises.

5. Opting for Homestays

Offering more budget-friendly prices, suitable for young travelers. When you don't spend too much time in a hotel and want to explore a slightly more rustic experience, choosing a Homestay in Ninh Binh is highly recommended for you.

Homestay on the lotus pond in Ninh Binh. @Vnexpress

Exploring the small homestays while traveling to Ninh Binh. @Vnexpress

5. Engaging Activities to Try

Independent Travel Tips for Ninh Binh

Must-visit landmarks: exploring the Tran Temple, bird watching at Thung Nham, Ma Yen Mountain - the burial place of King Dinh, Phu Khong, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and more.

Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh. @Vnexpress

Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary. @Vnexpress

Tam Coc - Bich Dong area. @Trang An Heritage

Captivating natural spots: exploring Tam Coc – Bich Dong, dark caves, Thung Toi bird garden, camping in Cuc Phuong forest, kayaking, or eco-tourism in Thung Nham, etc.

6. Ninh Binh's Specialties

Ninh Binh's Crispy Rice

Although a common dish, the way Ninh Binh people prepare crispy rice has a distinctive flair. Served with stir-fried goat meat, onions, carrots, or with velvety goat blood sauce, the delightful combination of rich sauce and crispy rice will leave a lasting memory. Crispy rice in Ninh Binh can also be prepared separately, topped with shredded pork floss, dried shrimp, and other ingredients.

Ninh Binh Mountain Goat Meat

Ninh Binh goats are typically sourced from grass-fed and mountain-grazing goats. Regardless of the origin, these exquisite dishes featuring tender goat meat are unforgettable. Popular preparations include rare goat meat with lime, grilled on slate, stir-fried rolled goat meat, and goat avoidance,...

Ninh Binh Travel Experience

Recommended eatery: Duc De Goat Restaurant, 29, Alley 446, Nguyen Hue Street, Nam Binh, Ninh Binh.

Goat meat is a delicacy in Ninh Binh. @Vnexpress

Ant Egg Sticky Rice

The name might sound like a dish from the mountainous Northwest, but in Ninh Binh, this dish is prepared differently, bringing a unique flavor. To enjoy this dish, you should visit Ninh Binh in the 2nd lunar month when the ants begin to thrive.

After being cleaned, ant eggs are seasoned and mixed with sticky rice cooked from glutinous rice, sprinkled with fried shallots for aroma. Alternatively, in some restaurants, the ant eggs are wrapped inside a layer of sticky rice, resembling a dish called 'Chicken Wrapped in Sticky Rice.' After trying it, you will surely remember it for its distinctive taste.

Recommended eatery: Ant Egg Sticky Rice in Nho Quan, Ngoc Luong commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh.

Catfish Salad

Traveling to Ninh Binh

The catfish is rolled and served with chili, ginger, roasted sticky rice, and fish sauce with a unique blend of vinegar. All these flavors will bring a different and delightful experience compared to other types of salad and fish sauce in different regions.

Recommended eatery: Tinh Goi Restaurant, Alley 248 Ngo Gia Tu, Van Gia, Ninh Binh.

The renowned catfish salad dish. @Dien May Xanh

Souvenirs to Bring Back

Ninh Binh Crispy Rice

As mentioned earlier, you can choose to bring back plain crispy rice to prepare at home or crispy rice with shredded pork floss, both of which are easy to store. Crispy rice is also quite popular, easy to buy, and affordable.

Goat Spring Rolls

For dishes involving goat meat, it's best to enjoy them on the spot to ensure the deliciousness of the food. However, with goat spring rolls, you can take them home as gifts.

With a unique fermentation process different from traditional fermented spring rolls, these are shaped and fermented in a stone block. The selected and specially odor-treated goat meat, along with the crunchy and chewy pork skin, ensures a truly distinctive flavor. You can buy them as gifts or save them for future parties.

Goat spring rolls as souvenirs when traveling to Ninh Binh. @Delicious Ninh Binh

Lai Thanh Liquor

As the most famous liquor in Ninh Binh, it's a must-have at every party or in the liquor collection of someone from Ninh Binh. The liquor is made from glutinous rice with yellow flowers, cooked using traditional techniques, resulting in a flavorful yet not overly strong liquor, suitable for pairing with meals.

Traveling to Ninh Binh.

Lai Thanh Liquor in Ninh Binh. @Proudly Vietnamese

Gao fruit

This is a distinctive fruit in Ninh Binh. It has a sweet and sour taste like tamarind and a unique aroma, making it suitable for various culinary uses. Particularly when stewing fish, this fruit can replace tamarind or star fruit to enhance the flavor of the dish while reducing the fishy smell. You can bring it as a gift since it's not a common fruit; the recipient will surely be surprised and ask you what kind of fruit it is and how to use it.

Traveling to Ninh Binh.

See more:

4 must-visit beautiful photo spots in Ninh Binh

Top 10 Delicacies from Ninh Binh - Culinary Highlights of the Ancient Capital Region

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