Explore Ninh Binh: Your Complete Travel Guide (Latest Updates 2024)

Just under 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh tourism boasts numerous stunning landscapes and historical sites, making it a top choice for many travelers.

Discover Ninh Binh: Your Ultimate Travel Companion (Latest Updates 2024)

Overview of Ninh Binh Tourism

Ninh Binh tourism is an alluring destination in the S-shaped land of Vietnam. It offers a rich array of tourist resources including historical landmarks, cultural heritage sites, famous scenic spots, and valuable natural ecosystems. Ninh Binh features diverse geography, encompassing mountains, plains, and coastal areas, showcasing the varied beauty of Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

Travelers can explore Ninh Binh in all seasons of the year, but the best time to visit is from January to March in the lunar calendar. During springtime, the weather is mild, making it perfect for sightseeing and experiencing the festive atmosphere at temples. Additionally, late May to early June is the harvest season in Tam Coc, ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Transportation to Ninh Binh

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

When traveling by car from downtown Hanoi to Ninh Binh city center, it takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes. To Bai Dinh, it takes around 1 hour and 44 minutes. If heading to Trang An tourist area from Hanoi by car, the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. And it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Tam Coc - Bich Dong.

For your trip to Ninh Binh, you can travel from Hanoi using various means of transportation such as motorbikes, cars, or buses, depending on your preferences and budget.

Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike or private car

Traveling from Hanoi by motorbike allows travelers to save costs and have more flexibility in travel time. It's also a very exciting experience for travelers on this journey. However, riding a motorbike requires good physical stamina to travel long distances.

If travelers choose to ride a motorbike, it will take about 2 hours and 17 minutes to travel along National Highway 1A to Ninh Binh. If traveling by car, the Hanoi - Ninh Binh expressway is the fastest route and will take about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus

Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus is healthier than riding a personal motorbike and allows more time to rest and prepare for the upcoming journey.

Some bus services from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

Thuy Duong Bus - phone number: 1900 6786.

An Phu Quy Bus - phone number: 1900 6786.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Limousine

Limousine is currently a preferred vehicle for travelers when traveling long distances due to its convenience. Limousines are modern, equipped with luxurious amenities such as LCD screens, charging cables, lighting systems, providing the most comfortable service for travelers.

Some reputable Limousine services:

Trang An Limousine - Phone number: 0352 122 828

Duy Khang Limousine - Phone number: 0886 323 535

Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train

Ninh Binh and Hanoi are both destinations on the North-South railway line, making it very convenient to travel between the two cities by train. Travelers can take trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh at stations such as Ninh Binh station, Yen Bridge station, Dong Giao station, etc. You can check ticket prices and purchase them here.

Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh

For travelers from Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh, flights to Hanoi are operated by Vietnamese airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, etc. You can check ticket prices and purchase them here.

In addition, travelers from other provinces can travel to Ninh Binh by train. The website of the Vietnam Railway Corporation allows advance booking or tickets can be purchased at the station. The Ninh Binh train station is located in the city center. You can check ticket prices and purchase them here.

Must-Visit Destinations When Traveling to Ninh Binh

Van Long Lagoon

When traveling to Ninh Binh, you must not miss Van Long Lagoon. It's not just a nature reserve; the flooded area of Van Long is also known for its captivating landscapes. Van Long is nicknamed the 'bay without waves' because when boating on the lagoon, tourists will see the water surface as smooth as a giant mirror. The picturesque scenery reflects the rugged features of limestone mountains like Cat Scratch Mountain, Sticky Rice Mountain, Book Mountain, Table Mountain, Leaning Mountain, Orphan Mountain, Fairy Mountain, and more.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, and is one of the tourist spots that gathers cultural, spiritual, scenic, and biodiversity elements. Besides the exciting feeling of sitting on a boat and admiring the lake area, tourists also get to explore the wildlife of nearly 40 bird species with about 50,000 individuals.

Mua Cave

About a 15-minute drive from Trang An, the Mua Cave tourist area is located at the foot of the mountain. This is a popular spot for tourists visiting Ninh Binh. To reach the top of Mua Cave, visitors have to climb about 500 stone steps, and since the weather can be quite hot, it's advisable to bring water. From the top of Mua Cave, you can admire the beautiful panoramic view of Ninh Binh with winding rivers, rice fields, and majestic mountains. Tourists can spend about 2 - 3 hours exploring and taking photos in the tourist area.

Cuc Phuong National Park

When visiting Ninh Binh, explore Cuc Phuong National Park, a famous destination for eco-tourism and environmental conservation. Cuc Phuong attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Tourists come here to explore the rich flora and fauna, admire the beautiful natural landscapes, participate in eco-tourism programs, camping, adventure activities, research, and cultural-historical exploration. The park's headquarters is located in Cuc Phuong commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh.

Trang An

Trang An is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh today. Its pristine and breathtaking natural scenery has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. The landscape here is created by winding rivers flowing through limestone mountain ranges, forming countless mystical and mysterious natural caves.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large temple complex known for numerous records in Asia and Vietnam, such as having the largest bronze gilded Buddha statue in Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, the largest bronze Di Lac statue in Southeast Asia, etc. When traveling to Ninh Binh, visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, tourists will have the opportunity to visit the day cave, night cave, worship the Holy Nguyen temple, worship the Mountain God temple, and the Ngoc Well.

Fairy Cave

Fairy Cave is a scenic spot within the national relics complex of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, over 10 km from the center of Ninh Binh city. Surrounding the area are towering limestone mountains resembling citadels, amidst which lies a cool blue lake. This place is often described by tourists as having a poetic beauty with a hint of melancholy and mystery. In the past, the only way to reach here was by climbing the mountain, hence Fairy Cave was dubbed the Enigmatic Love Gorge. Nowadays, tourists can take the tunnel through the mountain and then climb to visit the temple to offer incense and admire the cave with its surreal stalactites.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a particularly important national relic complex and one of the four core zones of the Trang An World Heritage Site. The historical relic area of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital currently covers a planned area of 13.87 km² in Ninh Binh province. With a history of over 1000 years, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a place that preserves historical relics from many eras.

Phat Diem Cathedral

Phat Diem Cathedral (commonly known as Phat Diem Stone Cathedral) is a Catholic church complex covering about 22 hectares, located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province. Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam, often referred to as the 'Catholic capital' of Vietnam.

Pineapple Hill in Tam Diep

Tam Diep Pineapple Hill is an attractive check-in spot for tourists due to its vast, lush pineapple fields. It is located about 20 km from Ninh Binh city. Visitors should not pick the locals' pineapples, there is no entrance fee, and it's advisable to seek permission before taking photos. Here, you can capture impressive and unique natural scenery.

Tam Coc

Tam Coc, meaning 'three caves', consists of the Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave). All three caves were formed by the Ngo Dong River cutting through the mountains. Tam Coc is the first boat tour route developed in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area. Hang Ca is 127 meters long, passing through a large mountain, with an entrance over 20 meters wide. Inside the cave, the climate is cool, and there are many stalactites hanging down in various shapes.

Co Vien Lau

Co Vien Lau is a Ninh Binh tourist destination that brings a sense of tranquility, like a refreshing breeze sweeping away all worries and concerns in the ancient space. Stepping into Co Vien Lau, you will feel like being transported to another world, where time seems to stand still. The beauty of the ancient village, formed centuries ago, carries the distinctive characteristics of the Northern region. Every house, communal house, and ancient artifact here create a space of ancient times with the profound imprint of rural life.

Non Nuoc Mountain

Also known as Dục Thúy Mountain, it is located in the northeast of Ninh Binh city, about 70 meters high, with a relatively flat summit. Situated at the confluence of the Day and Van Sang rivers, the mountain has created a picturesque landscape for Ninh Binh city. Here, there are more than 40 poems carved on the cliffs by historical figures.

Culinary Delights of Ninh Binh Tourism

Mountain Goat Meat

When it comes to delicious dishes while traveling in Ninh Binh, the renowned specialty is mountain goat meat. Grazed on the mountains, goat meat is firm and chewy. It is prepared into various delicious dishes such as steamed goat, goat spring rolls, grilled goat, stir-fried goat,... but the most impressive is still the rare goat meat with lime. Each piece of tender, juicy meat, when eaten raw, gives you the sweet, soft taste without any gamey flavor. Just one bite and you can fully appreciate the special delicious taste of this dish.

Address for purchase:

Thành Long Mountain Goat Restaurant: Ngô Quyền, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Mountainous Delights: Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình

Rice Crackers

Rice crackers are one of the most famous culinary specialties of Ninh Binh. This type of cuisine is mainly developed along National Highway 1, in Ninh Binh city, and at tourist areas. Ninh Binh rice crackers differ from other regions in terms of frying method and accompanying sauce. Delicious rice crackers have a light yellow color, uniform grains, crispy yet chewy texture, a rich and savory taste without being greasy.

Address for purchase:

NinBin - Ninh Binh Rice Crackers Specialty (Online only): 12 Nguyễn Văn Giản, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Hoa Lư Rice Crackers: 3 Võ Thị Sáu, Đông Thành, Ninh Bình

Pond Loach Salad

When in Ninh Binh, you must try the famous pond loach salad, a dish known not only for its unique flavor but also for its unique way of eating with a variety of accompanying vegetables. Pond loach salad is also a rustic dish of the coastal people in Kim Sơn district (Ninh Bình province). The salad is meticulously prepared with the fish thoroughly cleaned to remove any fishy taste. Pond loach resembles eel in appearance but has a lighter skin color. However, its tender and fragrant flesh leaves a lasting impression on diners due to its sweet and aromatic taste, making it incredibly enjoyable to eat.

Address for purchase:

Taste of Salad Restaurant: 248 Ngô Gia Tự, Vân Gia, Ninh Bình

Vũ Bảo Restaurant: 86 Lương Văn Tụy, kéo dài, Ninh Bình

Rolled River Crab in Piper lolot Leaves

Rolled river crab in piper lolot leaves, a popular and rustic dish in Ninh Binh, carries the essence of countryside flavors that visitors should try when visiting the ancient land. Carefully selected river crabs are cleaned and then sliced before being cooked together with piper lolot leaves according to a specific recipe. Because it uses wild river crabs, this dish offers diners many surprising sensations. It combines the crispy texture of river crab with the distinctive aroma of piper lolot leaves. This dish is best enjoyed with hot rice.

Address for purchase:

Quan Que Restaurant: 345 Pham Than Duat, Ninh So, Ninh Binh

Mountain Snails

Mountain snails are found in various areas of Ninh Binh province, but are most abundant in the limestone mountainous regions of Tam Diep, Yen Mo, and Nho Quan. For the people of Ninh Binh, the name 'mountain snails' is familiar. This is a specialty of the region, processed into delicious and attractive dishes. Mountain snails, also known as rock snails, typically do not grow vertically but horizontally, reaching about 2 fingers in size, with the mouth of the snail protruding and often white. Unlike other types of snails, mountain snails live in the mountains and only appear from April to August each year during wet weather. Therefore, during the rest of the year, mountain snails are difficult to find.

Mountain snail meat has a chewy, crispy, sweet, and fragrant taste, used to make many delicious dishes such as grilling, stir-frying with tamarind, stir-frying with garlic, stir-frying with lemongrass and chili, steaming with ginger, boiling with lemongrass, stir-frying with lemongrass and chili, boiling and mixing with onions... but perhaps the most delicious is still steamed snails with lemongrass, which not only eliminates the fishy smell but also retains the sweetness of the snail meat, and when eaten, it is dipped in fish sauce, spices creating a delicious and strange aroma.

Eel Vermicelli

Eel vermicelli is one of the delicious dishes in Ninh Binh that many domestic and international tourists enjoy when they come here. The eel used for this dish must be the rice eel, with the back part being pinkish-brown and the belly part being deep yellow. Compared to other types of eels, this eel looks smaller and the meat is much firmer. For this dish, the eel will be cooked with vermicelli, accompanied by banana flowers to create an extremely impressive flavor for the dish.

Address for purchase:

Thao Linh Eel Vermicelli: 16-18 Trang An Street, Tan Thanh, Ninh Binh

Tâm Hiến Eel Vermicelli: 336 Nguyen Cong Tru, Van Gia, Ninh Binh

Hoa Lư Goat Rare Beef

In addition to rare goat beef, people in Hoa Lư also prepare many other dishes such as: Fermented goat, steamed goat, grilled goat, goat blood pudding, honey,... but rare goat beef is still considered the most delicious. The deliciousness of rare goat beef, besides the clever cooking secret, also lies in the special spices. That includes various accompanying leaves, fruits, and especially ginger sauce.

Address for purchase:

Hoa Lư Restaurant: DT491, Ninh Nhat, Ninh Binh

Mountain Pho Noodle: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh

Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll

When it comes to fermented pork rolls, many people often think of Thanh Hoa, known for its delicious rolls. But if you ever visit Ninh Binh, travelers can also enjoy the somewhat unique flavor of this dish. Ninh Binh fermented pork rolls are made from lean pork leg meat, boiled pork skin, roasted rice powder, and some spices like seasoning powder, salt, etc. They are then wrapped in guava leaves to create a distinctive aroma and banana leaves for an eye-catching outer layer. This dish is served with a dipping sauce made from lime and garlic.

Address for purchase:

Tuấn Dụng Yen Mac Fermented Pork Rolls: Hamlet 3 Hong Thang, Yen Mac, Yen Mo, Ninh Binh

Grilled Banana Fish

It would be a miss to visit Ninh Binh without trying the grilled banana fish. Banana fish is a special type of fish as they often live in water-filled caves. The sweet and fragrant fish meat, when grilled, exudes an enticing flavor that captivates diners. Served with fresh vegetables, sweet and sour fish sauce, and a bit of fresh vermicelli.

Address for purchase:

Countryside Market: Trang An 2, Tan Thanh, Ninh Binh

Duc Troc Restaurant: 52 Hoang Hoa Tham, Van Gia, Ninh Binh

Grilled Pork Vermicelli

While Hanoi has its famous grilled pork vermicelli, Ninh Binh also boasts its equally delicious grilled pork vermicelli. The uniqueness of this dish lies in the pork, made from pork belly marinated in rich spices and grilled until golden and fragrant. Served with thinly sliced vermicelli, crispy pickles, and perfectly grilled pork, the essence of this dish lies in the dipping sauce, which must be truly flavorful to elevate the taste.

Address for purchase:

Thu Huyen Grilled Pork Vermicelli: 488 Tran Quang Khai, Ninh So, Ninh Binh

Aunt Minh's Grilled Pork Vermicelli: 433 Nguyen Cong Tru, Bich Da, Ninh Binh

Souvenirs to Bring Home

When in Ninh Binh, you can purchase specialties such as crispy rice, Kim Son wine, or small souvenirs like lucky charms, bracelets, or beans at Bai Dinh Pagoda as gifts.

Đại Long Crispy Rice

When talking about specialties while traveling in Ninh Binh, you shouldn't miss out on Đại Long Crispy Rice. This dish is quite famous and sought after, available in almost every store in Ninh Binh so you can easily buy it. Moreover, to meet the increasing demand of the locals, the specialty of Ninh Binh – Đại Long Crispy Rice has been processed in a rich and diverse way with additional flavors such as scallion oil, spicy shrimp paste, chili sauce... In addition to enjoying this specialty dish at the restaurant, customers can also purchase packaged Đại Long Crispy Rice ready to take home as gifts.

Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll

Travel enthusiasts who love exploring delicious cuisines will surely not overlook the name Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll. Apart from being made from pork skin and spices such as garlic, chili, toasted rice powder, salt, and banana leaf wrapping (cooked pork skin cut into small pieces mixed with meat, pork skin, and spices) then wrapped together for a perfect bite. Delicious nem must be clean, fragrant, fresh in color, evenly sliced, and have a balanced sour taste. You can enjoy nem with banana leaves and dip it in a little fish sauce or chili sauce with sesame salt.

Kim Son Sticky Rice Wine

In Kim Son district, Ninh Binh, there is a famous rice wine village known far and wide. The wine in this village is processed from 36 Chinese medicinal herbs, not regular yeast. The most difficult step in making this wine is controlling the fire; whether the fire is too big or too small will affect the taste of the wine. You can bring this wine back home as a gift for your loved ones or friends to taste together.

Dried Goat Meat Marinated with Garlic

If you can't buy fresh goat meat to take home, travelers can choose to buy processed goat meat. Dried goat meat marinated with garlic is a specialty that many people buy as gifts. To make this dish, people will choose thigh meat, clean it, then marinate it with garlic, chili, and traditional spices to infuse before drying or smoking. Enjoying a piece of dried goat meat, travelers can immediately taste the sweetness of the meat and the spicy, fragrant flavor of garlic and chili.

Gia Vien Shrimp Paste

Traveling to Ninh Binh, what to buy as gifts? Gia Vien Shrimp Paste is something travelers may consider. It's considered a specialty, representing the unique flavor of Ninh Binh. Shrimp paste, also known as fermented shrimp paste or sour shrimp paste, is made from fatty shrimp caught from the Gia Vien water area, giving it a distinctive sour taste mixed with the fragrant and fatty aroma of shrimp. This type of shrimp paste is often used as a dipping sauce for meat, vegetables, or noodles...

Dong Giao Pineapple

Dong Giao Pineapple has a golden yellow skin, sweet and fragrant taste, and especially no fiber residues, containing high levels of nutrients, so it's highly favored. This type of fruit is suitable for making many dishes or simply eating raw.

Ninh Binh hotels

Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort

Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort offers a truly unique space likened to hidden green villages nestled in the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh and surrounded by the Van Long wetlands. The resort embodies the traditional Vietnamese village style in its architecture, with a campus design consisting of 9 hamlets with 3 luxurious restaurants, La Cochinchine Spa, a mini golf course, and a conference center.

Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort boasts a total of 172 luxury accommodations with a variety of room types for guests to choose from, such as Superior, Deluxe, and Duplex. The room interiors are flexibly arranged and enhanced with premium amenities, proudly committing to using environmentally friendly materials. Natural materials are utilized in the construction process, combined with local ingredients and products to provide exceptional experiences.

Address: Van Long Conservation Area, Gia Van Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort

Not only highly praised for the artistic blend of indigenous culture and contemporary architecture, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort also narrates fascinating stories about the Van Lam lace embroidery village, Ninh Van stone village, or the traditional pottery village of Bo Bat through intricate decorative details, columns, or room furnishings.

98 accommodations at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm are designed with warm, earthy tones, complemented by unique mosaic tiles, exquisite handicrafts, and views of winding rice fields against the backdrop of lush limestone mountains. Additionally, handmade bedspreads, sheets, and pillows made from 100% high-quality satin cotton ensure a deep sleep experience.

Address: No. 9, Tam Coc Bich Dong Tourist Center, Ninh Thang Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Vedana Ninh Binh Resort

Vedana is a Ninh Binh hotel-resort nestled amidst the sprawling greenery of limestone mountains. It is a complex made from natural bamboo materials intricately woven with modern elements. The resort comprises a total of 93 rooms, 8 bungalows, and 15 villas arranged in soft, neutral tones with views of mountains, lakes, or gardens.

In particular, the resort has utilized natural hot mineral springs to care for the health of guests. Additionally, at Vedana Ninh Binh, you can experience a range of premium services such as swimming in the pool, participating in sports activities like tennis and gym, relaxing and rejuvenating at the spa, and letting children enjoy at the kid’s club area.

Address: Dong Tam Hamlet, Cuc Phuong Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam  

Emeralda Tam Coc Ninh Binh Resort

Emeralda Tam Coc Ninh Binh Resort is divided into 2 areas: island and peninsula, featuring 86 rooms that exude the exquisite beauty and aestheticism of ancient Northern-style houses. Drawing inspiration from green rice flakes - a delicacy only available in the autumn of the North and beloved by many Vietnamese people, the Cốm Restaurant offers guests a perfect choice of cuisine from Asian specialties to famous Western dishes, all in a traditional style.

La Cochinchine Spa's therapy methods draw inspiration from techniques of Vietnam, Switzerland, Thailand, and India, used professionally to give you radiant skin and reduce stress. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of Tam Coc from the shade of Jade Bar with a rich selection of beverages and light snacks, perfect for relaxation time.

Address: Van Lam Hamlet, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam  

Minawa Kenh Ga Resort & Spa Ninh Binh

Minawa Kenh Ga Resort & Spa Ninh Binh is an internationally acclaimed resort with architecture blending into the wild nature, extremely unique and novel in Vietnam. The resort offers over 100 luxurious rooms and villas. The contemporary architectural spaces are surrounded by majestic, pristine nature, creating a beautiful landscape. With 5-star standard services at Minawa Kenh Ga Resort & Spa Ninh Binh, the resort promises to be an ideal destination and satisfy all travelers.

At Minawa Kenh Ga Resort & Spa Ninh Binh, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty with the backdrop of limestone mountains and a river view, where they can immerse themselves in the peaceful, tranquil, and majestic scenery of nature here. The resort stretches across Kenh Ga Island - home to a precious hot mineral water source, which has been recognized by the Vietnam Record Center as one of the 'Top 5 most attractive hot mineral water tourist destinations in Vietnam'.

Address: Kenh Ga Hamlet, Gia Thinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam  

Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Resort

Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Resort offers visitors a living space close to nature, a place of healing and teaching many lessons about the journey of life. The architecture here is simple, all rooms are spacious, with gardens, overlooking the mountains or the lake, creating a peaceful, vibrant scene. Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Resort has 99 rooms of various types such as Deluxe Bungalow, Family Suite Bungalow, Family Villa, Premium Villa, Executive Villa, offering guests many choices during their stay.

At Cuc Phuong Ninh Binh Resort, visitors can experience dining at Dabiru Restaurant with quality service, diverse, unique and delicious local dishes, providing guests with complete meals. Cuc Phuong is endowed by nature with many beautiful landscapes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the land and sky.

Address: Dong Tam Hamlet, Nho Quan District, Vietnam 

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour