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Comprehensive and detailed compilation of Ninh Binh travel experiences from A to Z: Transportation, entertainment venues, culinary delights, hotels in Ninh Binh…
Ninh Binh has emerged as a shining destination, not only in Vietnam but globally, attracting millions of international visitors each year. Almost every traveler to Ninh Binh is amazed by its gentle and poetic beauty, combined with majestic landscapes such as Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Van Long Lagoon, etc. Each destination in Ninh Binh has unique and profound characteristics, creating compelling attractions for an increasing number of visitors.
Transportation to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is not far from Hanoi (about 90 km) to the south. Travelers won't face much difficulty getting to Ninh Binh, as the transportation here is quite convenient with the North-South railway line and several national roads like 1A, 12A, cutting through the region. Therefore, if you are in neighboring provinces, you can travel by motorbike or car. The travel time by Hanoi-Ninh Binh bus is not more than 2 hours.
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
Perhaps there are not many destinations like Ninh Binh, which can be explored all year round, and the landscape is incredibly unique in each season. However, the two most beautiful times for visitors to come are in early spring and early summer. From January to March of the lunar calendar, when the climate is mild, the scenery is fresh, and full of vitality, suitable for those who want to combine travel with enjoying the spring atmosphere and Buddha's birthday celebrations.
There is also the period from April to June. Many young people may have heard of the butterfly season in Ninh Binh, with thousands of white butterflies fluttering in the sunlight. To witness this spectacle, visitors can visit Cuc Phuong National Park with a very affordable entrance fee, 60,000 VND per person and only 20,000 VND for students.
As the butterfly season ends, the ripe rice season begins in Tam Coc with endless golden fields stretching far and wide. The rice season will last until the end of June, providing a picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Must-Visit Places in Ninh Binh
It would be a great regret if you miss these scenic spots when visiting Ninh Binh.
Thung Nham Bird Garden
If you're a nature and animal lover, you'll be amazed by the beauty of Thung Nham Bird Garden. Describing it as a marvelous masterpiece of nature is no exaggeration. This ecological paradise is home to up to 40 different bird species with nearly 50,000 birds. Visitors can leisurely enjoy the experience of sitting on a boat, slowly admiring flocks of elegant white birds gracefully soaring in the vivid sky, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Trang An
Almost everyone has heard of the famous destination Trang An, recognized by UNESCO as both a natural and cultural heritage site. Amidst the grandeur of two limestone mountain ranges, a serene and mysterious river unfolds, painted in a picturesque shade of green.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Renowned for numerous records established in both Vietnam and Asia regarding its architecture, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast complex exuding grandeur and solemnity. It's a favored destination for many Buddhist pilgrims and enthusiasts deeply passionate about culture, history, and ancient architecture. There are countless captivating points of interest within this ancient temple, such as the Shrine of Saint Nguyen, Ngoc Well, and illuminated caves.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong
For those who appreciate Hollywood movies, it's widely known that Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the three landmarks in Ninh Binh featured in the blockbuster film Kong: Skull Island. Living up to its reputation as the 'Halong Bay on land' or the 'Second nicest grotto in the South', Tam Coc - Bich Dong possesses a rare and pristine beauty. Amidst vast landscapes lie endless golden fields, charmingly bright during the harvest season. The grottoes are formed by a river flowing through the mountains, while ancient temples blend harmoniously with the caves, concealed behind majestic and mysterious ancient trees.
Former Capital Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu, the first capital of the feudal state in Vietnam, is associated with the history of the Dinh, Early Le, and early Ly dynasties. Formerly, Hoa Lu was a wide strip of land covering about 300 hectares surrounded by interlocking mountain ranges and meandering rivers, providing strategic advantages for both defense and offense. To the west, Hoa Lu borders Truong Yen, shielded to the south by the majestic Ngu mountains, and to the north, the Hoang Long River flows through. The scenery of Former Capital Hoa Lu is picturesque, with mountains, rivers, and distinctive architecture, despite enduring the ravages of time for over 10 centuries. Currently, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital relic site preserves only two structures dating back to the 17th century, the temples of Kings Dinh and Le.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is the largest nature reserve in Vietnam, home to numerous endangered species. Nestled deep in the Tam Diep mountain range, Cuc Phuong showcases the characteristics of a tropical rainforest, remaining lush green throughout the year. Apart from its diverse ecosystem, Cuc Phuong National Park boasts unique cultural features as the habitat of the Muong people, evident in their stilt houses, terraced fields, traditional rice pounders, and woven bamboo frames.
Cuc Phuong National Park stays verdant all year round (Photo: Collected)
Fairy Cave (Enchanting Love Cave)
Fairy Cave, also known as the Enchanting Love Cave in Ninh Binh, is located within the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital relic site. The majority of Fairy Cave is submerged in water, surrounded by rocky cliffs. It used to be a crocodile breeding pond in ancient times to punish those deemed guilty. Previously, to reach Fairy Cave, one had to climb 205 stone steps along the mountain, but now there is a tunnel leading directly to the cave. The cave has a shape resembling a dragon's mouth, hence its nickname, Dragon Cave. Various stalactites take the forms of rice plants, money trees, Buddha's hand, lotus flowers, all adorned with droplets of water.
The enchanting beauty of Enchanting Love Cave (Photo: Collected)
Dance Cave
Mua Cave is situated at the foot of Mua Mountain, in Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh. This location is designed to resemble the Great Wall of China with 500 stone steps leading to the top. Tourists particularly enjoy visiting during the ripe rice season, as from the summit of Mua Mountain, the panoramic view reveals majestic mountains, meandering rivers, and golden ripe rice fields.
Mua Cave during the ripe rice season (Photo: Hachi8)
Van Long Lagoon
Van Long Lagoon is the largest flooded natural reserve in the North Delta region. It is not a natural lagoon but was formed by constructing a dyke over 30km along the left bank of the Day River to prevent flooding. This has transformed Van Long into an extensive flooded area with rocky islands and beautiful caves.
The beauty of Van Long Lagoon (Photo: Collection)
Where to stay when traveling to Ninh Binh?
Similar to other tourist destinations, there are numerous accommodations in Ninh Binh ranging from budget to luxury to meet the conditions and preferences of travelers. To find suitable hotels, let's consider some options:
Book with Vntrip.vn to enjoy attractive and competitive prices.
Tràng An Luxury Hotel
Star Rating: 2*
Address: Vạn Hạnh Street, Ninh Nhất Ward, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Strategically located and convenient for travelers, Trang An Luxury Hotel is an ideal accommodation choice for those seeking experiential stays or budget-friendly services like backpacking and outdoor activities. With prices starting from only 100,000 VND per night, guests can rent a charming small room equipped with full amenities, featuring a window facing the refreshing outdoors for a pleasant view.
Ngọc Anh 2 Hotel
Star Rating: 3*
Address: Lương Văn Tụy, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
With a simple yet elegant design, Ngọc Anh 2 Hotel offers various types of accommodation for just under 700,000 VND per night, ensuring guests a satisfying and comfortable experience in a warm, well-equipped environment.
Ninh Bình Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
Star Rating: 5*
Address: Tam Cốc- Bích Động Tourist Area, Ninh Thắng, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình
Perfectly combining classical style with the modern beauty of Europe, Ninh Bình Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is confident in providing the best experiences for travelers. Especially, Ninh Bình Hidden Charm offers resort services with complete luxury amenities.
Additionally, you can explore more hotels in Ninh Binh on Vntrip.vn
Famous Cuisine of Ninh Binh
Rice Crust
A humble yet renowned dish in Ninh Binh, rice crust carries the flavor of countryside rice with 100% natural ingredients. It features the savory taste of shrimp and the nutty aroma without being overwhelming. Although considered a Ninh Binh specialty, it is easily accessible in the ancient capital, where numerous local eateries offer this affordable delicacy.
Herring Salad
A meticulously crafted dish bursting with the rich flavors of garlic, chili, pepper, lemongrass, harmonizing with the tangy taste of vinegar and the warmth of ginger. Despite being a salad, it lacks the fishy odor of raw fish, offering a memorable and unforgettable texture.
Revisited Goat Meat in Hoa Lu
This enticing and traditional dish is also considered a valuable remedy for nourishing the body in the ancient capital region. After diligently processing mountain goat meat to eliminate any unpleasant odor, this dish is often served with a variety of leaves, especially accompanied by a dipping sauce made from ginger.
Here are some outstanding highlights about Ninh Binh tourism that provide you with a comprehensive overview before setting foot to explore this region. VNTRIP.VN wishes you wonderful experiences with the myriad colors of nature in this land.
