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This insightful review by Thanh Hoa is a goldmine for those planning a trip to Ninh Binh.
In-depth Tips for Independent Travelers in Ninh Binh
Getting to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh sits along National Highway 1A, making transportation to the area a breeze. From various provinces, travelers can hop on a bus or opt for a thrilling motorcycle ride to Ninh Binh. We chose to embark on a motorcycle journey from Hanoi, cruising along National Highway 1A and reaching our destination in approximately 3 hours. With fuel-efficient bikes, the trip cost us only about 100,000 VND in fuel expenses.
Getting Around Ninh Binh
When exploring Ninh Binh, you can divide your journey into two routes: Trang An and Tam Coc - Bich Dong. To experience the enchanting landscapes of Ninh Binh fully, you should opt for both routes! In this trip to Ninh Binh, I chose Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Fairy Cave, but I'll also introduce a few other places for those interested to note down.
1. Tam Coc
Tam Coc and Trang An boast equally majestic mountainous scenery, and when visiting both, you'll embark on boat rides to admire the views. However, in my opinion, Tam Coc stands out with its impressive natural scenery, fresh air, and it's less touristy compared to Trang An.
+ Tam Coc entrance fee: 120,000 VND/person
+ Boat ride ticket: 150,000 VND/ride/2 persons, children under 3 years old go free.
* Pro tip: Make sure to have small bills ready for tipping the boat rower, as they often hint at it during the ride.
2. Mua Cave
In Ninh Binh, I find Mua Cave to be the most stunning. Though the hike to the summit can be a bit tiring, it's absolutely worth it. To fully enjoy the breathtaking views at Mua Cave, plan your visit around sunset for an unforgettable experience. Wearing sneakers would make your hike more comfortable.
+ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person (free parking)
3. Fairy Cave
Fairy Cave, also known as Fairy Grotto, boasts beautiful scenery, a refreshing atmosphere, and tranquility. However, there aren't many attractions here, so I just stopped by to take some quick photos before moving on.
+ Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person, parking fee 10,000 VND/vehicle
4. Trang An
The sightseeing experience here is similar to Tam Coc, where you still take a boat ride to admire the scenery. Along the tour route, you'll pass by various temples and pagodas, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visiting Trang An, you'll also get to explore the Kong Skull Island film set.
+ Entrance fee: 200,000 VND/person (including boat ticket)
5. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. From the pagoda tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the stunning architecture. Since I've visited Bai Dinh Pagoda before, I decided to save time and skip it this time. The temple grounds are quite extensive, so you might need a whole afternoon to explore everything. To avoid tired feet, consider renting an electric car for transportation, priced at 60,000 VND/person for a round trip.
6. Thung Nham
If you're interested in visiting bird gardens or eco-tourism areas in the Mekong Delta, Thung Nham is a place you'll enjoy. Here, you'll find a vast bird garden with a refreshing and cool atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
+ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person
+ Boat ticket for bird garden tour: 20,000 VND/person
What to Eat in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh offers a variety of delicious dishes, but my favorite ones are dishes made from goat meat, mountain snails, and snakehead fish salad… You can enjoy these specialties in the Trang An area. Pho Nui Restaurant and Cuong De Restaurant are two places known for the most delicious goat meat dishes that you can visit and savor.
Even though there aren't many days to explore all the beautiful natural landscapes in Ninh Binh, for me, two days are enough to experience the majestic mountains, feel the peace, and breathe in the fresh air. I hope this brief sharing will help you make the best choices for your upcoming Ninh Binh discovery journey!
From Thanh Hoa
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourMarch 8, 2021
