Ninh Binh, often dubbed “Ha Long Bay on Land,” is a captivating province in northern Vietnam. Its stunning karst mountains, emerald rice paddies, and meandering rivers create a landscape unlike any other. For Indian tourists seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and thrilling adventures, Ninh Binh promises an unforgettable experience.
Weather in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from October to April when the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities. However, the wet season from May to September can bring heavy rainfall, yet also offers lush greenery and a unique charm.
Getting to Ninh Binh
You can’t directly fly to Ninh Binh from India, so you have to fly from India to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
- Bus: The most convenient and affordable way to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by bus. Regular buses operate between Hanoi’s My Dinh bus station and Ninh Binh, taking approximately 2 hours.
- Train: You can also take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The journey takes about 2-3 hours and offers scenic views.
- Taxi: Taxis are available for a more direct and private journey, but it will be more expensive than a bus or train.
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh
- Flight: The most efficient way to travel from HCMC to Ninh Binh is by flight. You can take a domestic flight from HCMC to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. From there, you can take a bus, train, or taxi to Ninh Binh.
Getting Around Ninh Binh
- Cycling: The flat terrain and beautiful countryside make cycling a fantastic way to explore Ninh Binh.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Bus and Taxi: Public buses and taxis are available for longer distances.
Top things to do in Ninh Binh
- Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning complex offers boat rides through limestone caves and emerald rice fields, panoramic views, and a chance to see diverse wildlife.
- Tam Coc boat tours: Known as “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this picturesque area is best explored by boat, gliding along the Ngo Dong River, surrounded by towering limestone peaks and lush rice paddies.
- Hike to Mua Caves: Climb to the top of Mua Cave Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Tam Coc and vast rice fields.
- Cycle through the Countryside: The flat terrain and stunning scenery make cycling a delightful way to explore Ninh Binh, passing through rice paddies, villages, and charming landscapes.
- Kayaking on the Ngo Dong River: For a more active experience, kayak through the tranquil waters of the Ngo Dong River, enjoying the stunning scenery and peaceful ambiance.
- Visit Cuc Phuong National Park: Explore Vietnam’s oldest national park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species. Hike through rainforests, discover caves, and learn about local biodiversity.
- Discover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu, and learn about its rich history. Discover ancient temples, palaces, and remnants of this once-thriving city.
- Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda: Explore Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple complex, known for its colossal Buddha statue, ornate architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Experience Traditional Village Life: Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages like the Van Long Village, where you can learn about local crafts, farming practices, and daily life.
Accommodation
- Hotels: Ninh Binh boasts a wide range of hotels catering to different budgets, offering amenities like swimming pools, spa services, and stunning views.
- Homestays: For a more authentic experience, consider staying in a homestay. Locals provide comfortable accommodation and offer insights into Vietnamese culture.
Attractions in Ninh Binh
Here are some of the top attractions in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, categorized for easier browsing:
Natural Wonders
- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning complex is a must-see. Explore limestone caves, ride through emerald rice fields on a sampan, and enjoy panoramic views.
- Tam Coc: Often called “Ha Long Bay on Land,” this picturesque area offers stunning views of towering limestone peaks rising out of emerald rice fields. Take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River and enjoy the breathtaking beauty.
- Mua Caves: Hike up to the top of Mua Cave Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the vast rice paddies and Tam Coc.
- Cuc Phuong National Park: Discover Vietnam’s oldest national park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Delacour’s langur monkey. Explore caves, hike through rainforests, and learn about local biodiversity.
- Van Long Nature Reserve: Embark on a peaceful boat tour through the enchanting Van Long lagoon, surrounded by stunning karst mountains and home to a variety of bird species.
Historical Sites
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu, and learn about the country’s rich history. Discover ancient temples and palaces, and imagine the grandeur of this once-thriving city.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: Visit Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple complex, known for its colossal Buddha statue, ornate architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
- Thai Vi Temple: A historic temple on the banks of the Ngo Dong River, known for its beautiful architecture and connection to the Nguyen dynasty.
Hidden Gems
- Thung Nham Bird Park: Experience the vibrant birdlife of this nature reserve and witness hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat.
- Phat Diem Cathedral: Visit this unique church built in the 19th century, a blend of European and Vietnamese architectural styles.
Other Attractions
- Ninh Binh City: Explore the charming Ninh Binh city center, with its traditional houses, bustling markets, and delicious local cuisine.
- Bich Dong Pagoda: A picturesque pagoda nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
- Kenh Ga Floating Market: Visit this bustling market on the river, where locals sell their fresh produce and goods from their boats.
This list provides a great starting point for exploring Ninh Binh. Remember, the province offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to history enthusiasts, and you’ll surely find your own unique hidden gems to explore.
Food and Drink
- Ninh Binh Crispy Rice, a Vietnamese culinary gem, holds the honor of being recognized as an Asian record-breaking delicacy by the Asian Record Organization in Faridabad, India. This beloved dish, made with fragrant glutinous rice, mountain goat meat, and fresh vegetables, is a must-try for any visitor to Ninh Binh and makes a perfect souvenir for those wanting to share the region’s unique flavors. One packaged crispy rice can be stored for 3 – 6 months. Address to try: 593 Thien Son, Hoa Lu; Xich Tho, Nho Quan; 446 Nguyen Hue, Ninh Binh;…
- Ninh Binh’s mountain goats, grazing freely on the region’s diverse herbs, offer a unique culinary experience. Their tender, lean meat is prized for its flavor, showcased in dishes like goat with lime, goat in red wine sauce, or the fiery goat hot pot. For a unique souvenir, savor the delectable goat sausage, flavored with bamboo shoots and guava leaves, an excellent pairing with local wines. Restaurants to try: Thang Long Restaurant: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu; Duc De Restaurant: No.29/ 458 Nguyen Hue, Doan Ket, Ninh Phong;…
- Kim Son Wine, a traditional elixir crafted in Ninh Binh’s Kim Son district, is a must-try alongside the region’s famed mountain goat dishes. Made with fragrant rice and pure well water, this potent brew boasts a unique aroma and purity, despite its high alcohol content. Infused with exotic ingredients like snakes, geckos, and medicinal herbs, Kim Son Wine offers both a delightful taste and potential health benefits. The finest Kim Son Wine is found in the Lai Thanh commune.
- Tam Diep’s mountain snails offer a unique culinary experience, unlike their common counterparts. These snails, harvested from the limestone mountains and nourished by herbs and grasses, possess a sweet, aromatic flavor. Steamed with a simple fish sauce dipping sauce, locals say they are both delicious and nutritious. While stir-fried with tamarind or garlic, they are tasty, the spices might mask their original unique aroma. Restaurants to try: Quoc Quan Restaurant: Trang An, Truong An, Hoa Lu; Vu Bao Restaurant: 37 Nguyen Hue, Ninh Binh;…
- Sticky rice with ant’s eggs, a unique and nutritious dish, is a local specialty of Nho Quan in Ninh Binh. The ant eggs are carefully washed, seasoned, and fried, creating a delicious topping for sticky rice. This dish, served with fried onions, is a must-try for those seeking a unique culinary experience in Ninh Binh. Restaurants along Highway 12B in Nho Quan specialize in this dish, offering a chance to savor this unique culinary delight.
- Ninh Binh’s Bun Cha Quat, a unique twist on the classic Hanoi Bun Cha, is a must-try for any food enthusiast visiting the ancient capital. Instead of small pieces, the minced meat is grilled whole in an iron grid, creating a large, juicy, and visually appealing piece. The grilled meat, perfectly cooked to the edge without drying out, is then enjoyed with a medley of sour vegetables and a sweet and sour fish sauce, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Address to try: Tinh Mai Restaurant – 7 Pham Hong Thai – 3 Van Giang, Ninh Binh
Gift Ideas for Indian Tourists
- Kim Son reed mats: Kim Son is famous for its traditional reed mats, handcrafted with meticulous care for centuries. The process, involving selecting, splitting, drying, and dyeing reeds, results in vibrant red, durable mats woven by skilled artisans. These mats, embodying the region’s cultural heritage, make ideal gifts for mothers and grandmothers, offering comfort and tradition during the summer.
- Ninh Binh’s reed crafts, eco-friendly and beautiful, are a must-buy souvenir. These handcrafted mats, curtains, baskets, rugs, trays, boxes, and plates come in a variety of colors and intricate patterns, adding a touch of traditional charm to any home. Find these unique treasures in Ninh Binh’s traditional markets, craft villages, or souvenir shops, taking home a piece of the region’s craftsmanship.
- Ninh Binh’s crispy rice crackers are a beloved local specialty, making a perfect souvenir. These traditional crackers, crafted from fragrant glutinous rice, are cooked over a small fire and sun-dried, enhancing their flavor. The final step involves frying them to crispy perfection. Today, these crackers come in a variety of flavors, from savory scallion oil to spicy shrimp paste and chili salt. Enjoy them at local restaurants or purchase carefully packaged versions to bring home as gifts.
- Gia Vien Tiny Shrimp Paste, a traditional specialty of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, is made from the flavorful, fatty tiny shrimps found in the Gia Vien marshes of Ninh Binh. This fermented paste, also known as sour shrimp paste, boasts a unique sour taste and a rich aroma of tiny shrimps, making it a beloved local delicacy.
Vietnam Itineraries in Ninh Binh
Tips for Indian Tourists
- Respect local customs and traditions: Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Bargain at local markets: Negotiate prices before purchasing goods.
- Be aware of scams: Be vigilant about common tourist scams and avoid unsolicited help.
Ninh Binh, with its captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage, promises a unique and rewarding experience for Indian tourists. Explore its stunning landscapes, discover its hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people. Prepare to be mesmerized by the “Ha Long Bay on Land” and create memories that will last a lifetime.
