Overview
Ninh Binh encapsulates the quintessence of Vietnamese landscapes. Within a relatively small area, it offers a striking spectacle: astonishing karst peaks rising amidst expanses of rice paddies and winding rivers with crystal-clear waters.
Located at the edge of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is irrigated by numerous waterways that feed lakes and ponds, their calm waters reflecting the impressive silhouettes of the rocky outcrops and spectacular skies.
Just three hours from
Hanoi, this peaceful and majestic place offers a welcome escape from the urban hustle.
Top Attractions
Ninh Binh offers a multitude of activities, but four stand out in particular.
Boating on the river - Mr Linh's AdventuresBoating on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc
Silently gliding on the calm waters, amidst rice paddies and rocky peaks, is a magical experience. The caves passed through add a touch of mystery to this traditional boat trip.
Breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc from Hang Mua - Mr Linh's AdventuresClimbing Mua Mountain
The ascent of the 500 steps of Mua Mountain is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc and its surroundings. A truly stunning sight, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda
This Buddhist complex, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, impresses with its grandiose architecture and numerous statues. A place of peace and spirituality.
Hoa Lu, the former capital - Mr Linh's AdventuresExploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu
A vestige of Vietnam's ancient capital in the 10th century, Hoa Lu bears witness to a rich and fascinating history. Its temples and remains offer a glimpse into the country's glorious past.
See & Do
Ninh Binh's main attraction is undoubtedly the serenity of its natural landscapes.
In addition to
Tam Coc, a boat trip through the
Trang An grottoes offers a perfect immersion into this peaceful atmosphere. Classified as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 for its exceptional beauty, as well as its cultural and historical richness, this picturesque complex of caves and rivers is a true invitation to contemplation.
Van Long Nature Reserve - Mr Linh's Adventures
As for the Van Long Nature Reserve, it offers another perspective on Ninh Binh's grandiose landscapes, still aboard a sampan. Here, vast expanses of water stretch between imposing mountains, forming a true sanctuary for flora and fauna. This ecosystem, composed of calm waters, mysterious caves, and lush forests, is home to remarkable biodiversity, including fascinating species such as Delacour's langurs (or white-shorted langurs), Asiatic black bears, Bengal slow lorises, and various species of catfish.
During the dry season, hundreds of migratory birds find refuge in the reserve, enlivening the place with their melodious songs and the rustling of their wings. The reserve also has 32 different caves, each offering a unique character and its own beauty, ready to be explored.
Ninh Binh is a true playground for adventurers. Here are some activities not to be missed:
Cycling through the rice paddies
Getting lost on the country roads by bike allows you to discover local life and admire the landscapes at your own pace.
Exploring Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Vietnam.
Located in the province of Nine Bein, it is about 120 km southwest of Hanoi. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species, and is an important centre for biodiversity conservation.
Visitors can do a variety of activities in Cuc Phuong Park, including hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Many caves and historical temples are also visited in Cuc Phuong.
Exploring Cuc Phuong national park, Vietnam’s oldest forest - Mr Linh's AdventuresExploring the caves
Ninh Binh is full of mysterious caves, some accessible by boat, others on foot, offering unique experiences. Hang Mua Cave deserves special attention. Its main attraction is undoubtedly the panorama it offers from the top of the mountain. A vertiginous staircase, seemingly lost in the clouds, winds to the summit. The ascent, although requiring some effort with its hundreds of stone steps, is largely rewarded by a simply magical view: on one side, a mosaic of fields and rice paddies stretches as far as the eye can see; on the other, the majestic karst peaks blend into the horizon. This spectacle is particularly striking at sunset, when the golden light enhances the surroundings. The majestic stone dragon that sits at the top is then cut into a striking silhouette against the changing hues of the sky, as the sun disappears behind the mountains.
Immersion in local life
Sharing a meal with a local family, learning a few words of Vietnamese, participating in agricultural activities… so many opportunities to live an authentic and enriching experience.
Go Green
Mr. Linh's Adventures offers tailor-made tours in the Ninh Biinh province, designed for travelers seeking authenticity and adventure. Our tours emphasize discovery, encounters, and sharing. We offer a variety of options, from day trips to multi-day tours, including cultural immersion experiences with locals.
Heritage
Temple of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang, echoes of a warrior king - Mr Linh's Adventures
Although Ninh Binh is today synonymous with tranquility and escape, its past holds an important chapter in Vietnamese history. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu was the capital of Đại Cồ Việt (the ancient name of Vietnam), a major political, cultural, and economic center. Protected by a natural rampart of imposing mountains, the citadel of Hoa Lu radiated over the region. Although the remains of this citadel are now few, a few temples, such as the temples of Kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, perpetuate the memory of the sovereigns of this era. Their stories, imbued with epics and legends, continue to be told at Ninh Binh's historical sites, offering visitors a captivating journey through time.
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
Dedicated to the founder of the Dinh dynasty, this temple impresses with its architecture and sculptures. It commemorates the unification of Vietnam in the 10th century.
The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
This temple pays homage to Dinh Tien Hoang's successor, founder of the Early Le dynasty. It is a symbol of resistance against the Song invasions.
Unveiling the beauty of Bich Dong pagoda - Mr Linh's Adventures
The region also houses numerous pagodas and natural sites steeped in legends.
Bich Dong Pagoda
This place imbued with serenity and natural beauty consists of a harmonious ensemble of three sanctuaries nestled into the mountainside. Legend has it that two monks, Thich Tri Kieu and Thich Tri, were seduced by the tranquility of the place and chose this location to establish a place of worship. It is easy to understand their inspiration when contemplating the surrounding landscape.
Its name, which translates to "Emerald Grotto Pagoda" is said to have been given to it by Nguyen Nghiem, the father of the famous Vietnamese poet Nguyen Du. One can easily imagine the origin of this name: the lush vegetation that covers the mountain is reflected in the calm waters below, creating an emerald aura around the pagodas, a true invitation to contemplation.
Bai Dinh Buddhist complex - Mr Linh's AdventuresThe Bai Dinh Buddhist Complex
This vast modern complex built between 2003 and 2010 illustrates the art of integrating noble materials such as stone, bronze, and wood into grandiose architecture. Its Phap Chu Hall is dominated by a monumental bronze Buddha. From January to March of the lunar calendar, the Bai Dinh temple comes alive for the New Year festival. Pilgrims and visitors flock, filling the air with incense smoke, music, and traditional songs. The ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the temple's spiritual atmosphere and share the celebrations.
Alongside this expression of Buddhist spirituality, Ninh Binh is home to Phat Diem Cathedral, whose construction, begun in 1875, spanned nearly 24 years. Its unique architecture fuses the codes of traditional cathedrals with Vietnamese style, creating a building that is both elegant and imposing. Marked by a complex history, with its closure in 1954 following the arrival of the communists and the damage suffered during a bombing in 1972, the building has since been restored. Its past, combined with its Gothic elements, gives the place an atmosphere that is both peaceful and solemn, which visitors can now enjoy by admiring the cathedral, the lake, and the stone church.
Food & Drinks
Delicious Com Chay, a speciality from Ninh Binh - Photo : Internet
Ninh Binh's cuisine, a vibrant reflection of its landscape and heritage, offers a compelling culinary journey.
Savor these regional highlights:
Cháo lươn (eel soup): A very popular local specialty, prepared with fresh eels and spices.
Dê núi (mountain goat): Goat meat, raised in the surrounding mountains, is tender and flavorful, often grilled or cooked in curry.
Cơm cháy (crispy rice): A crispy rice cake, often served with a meat sauce.
All of Ninh Binh's culinary delights pair wonderfully with Kim Son wine, an emblematic local drink. This liqueur, produced from sun-dried then fermented glutinous rice, is characterized by a high alcohol content and a tradition of medicinal use, especially when combined with other ingredients from traditional Vietnamese pharmacopoeia.
Directions
Location
Ninh Binh is located about 90 km south of Hanoi.
How to get there from Hanoi
- ♦ Train: Regular trains connect Hanoi to Ninh Binh (about a 2.5-hour journey).
- ♦ Bus: Many buses depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (about a 2-hour journey). The bus ticket price varies between 100,000 and 150,000 VND.
- ♦ Private car: A more comfortable, but more expensive option.
Best season
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from September to April, during the dry season.
Ninh Binh is a destination that will not fail to seduce you with its natural beauty, its historical richness, and the kindness of its inhabitants. An unforgettable experience, between adventure, discovery, and sharing.