Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”
Situated approximately 90 kilometers from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a superb destination for travelers seeking to discover Vietnam’s stunning natural beauty. This charming province offers a plethora of breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave you in awe.
A glance at Ninh Binh
Situated in Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and distinctive cultural heritage. It is home to numerous popular tourist destinations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Trang An Landscape Complex, the picturesque Tam Coc, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” and the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda. Its stunning beauty has captured the hearts of international visitors and locals alike.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ninh Binh boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years. It served as the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties. Many historical relics and monuments from this era are still seen today, making it an attractive destination for tourists traveling to Vietnam.
Ideal time to visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, rainy summers from May to September and cold, dry winters from November to March. Spring and autumn occur during April and October. With an average temperature of about 23.5 degrees Celsius, Ninh Binh is a great destination all year-round.
The optimal times to visit Ninh Binh are from September to October and April to June, when the weather is pleasant, and rainfall is minimal. February and March are also ideal for travelers interested in local festivals, as Ninh Binh comes alive with vibrant celebrations reflecting the community’s traditions, customs, and spiritual beliefs.
>>> Read more: The perfect time to explore Vietnam – A guide to seasonal delights
Must-visit places in Ninh Binh
Trang An
Trang An, a popular vacation destination in Ninh Binh, is renowned for its breathtaking karst formations, including limestone mountains, caves, and rivers. Its extraordinary beauty has earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island.
To explore Trang An, you can take a boat tour along the winding rivers, navigating through various caves to admire the stunning natural scenery. Alternatively, you can hike up one of the mountains for a panoramic view of the area. The well-maintained and easy hiking trail is accessible to most visitors.
Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a haven for nature enthusiasts, featuring scenic limestone karsts that rise from rice paddies and the serene Ngo Dong River that flows through the area. During rice season, the fields turn a golden yellow, enhancing the stunning views that have earned it the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.”
You can explore Tam Coc Bich Dong by taking a boat tour, which costs around 150,000 VND per trip. The boat ride navigates a winding river, passing by caves on either side. The scenery is breathtaking, with lush green rice paddies and distant rural villages adding to the charm.
The area is also home to the remarkable Bich Dong Pagoda. It was built into a mountain and consists of three levels. Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil pond, this pagoda offers an ideal location for quiet reflection and meditation. It was constructed in the 15th century and is still actively used for worship today, adding to its cultural and historical significance.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Exploring the natural beauty of Cuc Phuong is a top activity in Ninh Binh. As Vietnam’s first national park, it features a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species that will captivate nature enthusiasts.
One of the park’s most spectacular attractions is butterfly season, from April to June, when thousands of colorful butterflies can be seen fluttering around. It is recommended that you should take guided tours through the park to witness this beautiful spectacle and discover the park’s ecology.
Mua Caves
Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, offers breathtaking views from the top of Mua Mountain. Legend has it that Emperor Tran Thai Tong watched dance performances here, giving it the name “Hang Mua,” or “dancing cave.”
To reach the summit, you must climb approximately 500 steep steps. The effort is well worth it, as you will be amazed with breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic mountains and expansive rice fields. For the best experience, visit Mua Caves early in the morning or late afternoon. The entrance fee to Hang Mua is 100,000 VND per person.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
For those interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a not-to-be-missed destination. Covering about 539 hectares, the site is one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
One of the most outstanding features of the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex is a massive bronze Buddha statue, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons. It is considered the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam. Additionally, Bai Dinh Pagoda houses 500 Arhat statues, each with a unique facial expression.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must-see attraction in Ninh Binh for history buffs and nature enthusiasts. It served as the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties from the 10th to 11th centuries.
The ancient capital is home to a vast collection of well-preserved relics and monuments, including the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two former Vietnamese kings. Here, you will travel back in time to the ancient capital through various exhibits and artifacts, gaining insight into the culture and traditions of the feudal Vietnamese dynasties.
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What to eat in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh cuisine offers a delightful selection of Vietnamese dishes celebrated for their distinctive flavors. Here are some essential foods to try in Ninh Binh:
- Goat meat dishes: Ninh Binh is renowned for its variety of goat meat preparations, including goat meat hotpot, grilled goat meat, and stir-fried goat meat with lemongrass.
- Ninh Binh rice crust: Made from rice flour and fried to a crispy texture, often served with toppings like minced pork or shrimp, this dish is a popular snack or appetizer in Ninh Binh.
- Eel vermicelli soup: A traditional noodle soup featuring thin rice noodles and tender eel pieces, flavored with herbs and spices, typically accompanied by fresh herbs.
- Nem Yen Mac fermented pork roll: Sliced and pounded pork rump served with guava and fig leaves, aromatic vegetables, and a dipping sauce of garlic, lemon juice, pepper, and chili.
- Sticky rice with ant eggs: Sticky rice combined with ant eggs, cooked with various herbs and spices, offering a unique culinary experience.
- Mountain snail: Harvested from the region’s mountains, these snails are prepared in diverse ways such as stir-fried with lemongrass, steamed with ginger, or grilled with chili.
Ninh Binh attracts visitors with its abundance of activities and attractions. From the breathtaking limestone formations of Tam Coc to the ancient temples of Bai Dinh, travelers can explore a wealth of cultural and natural marvels. Start planning your journey to Ninh Binh today for an unforgettable exploration into Vietnam’s natural beauty!
*Check out our tour packages to Ninh Binh:
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