Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting? Savor Its Extraordinary Beauty

Is Ninh Binh worth visiting? This lovely spot in Vietnam is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant local culture. Imagine cruising through picturesque landscapes of lush rice fields and towering limestone cliffs, exploring ancient temples, and enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With so much to see and do, Ninh Binh might be just the getaway you’re looking for. Let’s dive into what makes it worth a visit!

Overview of Ninh Binh Province – Is Ninh Binh worth visiting

Ninh Binh Province, located in northern Vietnam, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history.  Is Ninh Binh worth visiting? Yes, it is. The landscape is dotted with dramatic limestone cliffs, serene rivers, and lush rice paddies. The province also has a deep cultural heritage, with stunning sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda and historical remnants from when it was Vietnam’s capital. Ninh Binh offers a wonderful blend of scenic views, cultural experiences, and historical insights, making it a must-visit destination.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Ninh Binh, Vietnam, let’s dive into the best times to visit for beautiful scenery and enjoyable weather!

• From April to June: Ninh Binh experiences pleasant temperatures, typically between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The scenery is vibrant and lush, with bright green rice paddies that enhance the beauty of the famous karst mountains, caves, and rivers, perfect for exploration.
• From September to October: Ninh Binh enjoys cool, comfortable weather, with temperatures between 26 and 31 degrees Celsius. It’s a perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking and boat trips. Plus, you’ll catch the stunning golden rice fields during the harvest season.

10 Remarkable Spots You’ll Love in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a treasure trove of breathtaking sights! Here are 10 remarkable spots you’ll love exploring, each offering unique experiences that capture the region’s beauty!

Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh

Visiting Cuc Phuong National Park is a highlight in Ninh Binh, offering a chance to explore Vietnam’s first national park with its rich biodiversity. From April to June, the park dazzles with thousands of colorful butterflies, making it a great time for guided tours. Besides the butterfly season, you can hike through scenic trails, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and explore fascinating caves and limestone formations. It’s a must-see for nature lovers!

Van Long Lagoon

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person

A boat ride: 30,000 VND/people

Van Long Lagoon is a tranquil and stunning natural spot in Northern Vietnam, covering over 3,500 hectares as the region’s largest wetland reserve. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on its calm waters, surrounded by breathtaking limestone mountains and lush rice fields. The lagoon is also a haven for wildlife, including rare species like the Bonelli eagle and langur monkeys, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

• Entrance fee:  100,000 VND 
• Boat ticket for bird watching: 20,000 VND/person

Thung Nham Bird Garden is a fantastic spot in Ninh Binh for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Spanning about 334 hectares of stunning limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands, it’s a great habitat for various bird species, including storks, herons, and flamingos. You can enjoy a boat ride to see the birds up close, as well as hiking, exploring caves, and savoring delicious local food.

Phat Diem Stone Church

Entrance fee: Free

Phat Diem Stone Church is a must-visit in Ninh Binh. This impressive church, built entirely of stone, beautifully blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Constructed by Father Tran Luc, it features a bell tower, a main cathedral, and charming chapels and statues. Not only is it a significant site for Vietnamese Catholics, but its intricate design and scenic rural setting also make it a popular attraction for tourists.

Am Tien Cave

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person

No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without visiting the stunning Am Tien Cave. This magical spot features majestic limestone mountains, a tranquil lake, and lush greenery. At the cave’s entrance, Ao Giai Lake offers breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks. Inside, you’ll find impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years, making for an unforgettable experience.

Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam

Entrance fees: 250,000 VND/ adult, 100,000 VND/ children

Trang An is a stunning destination in Ninh Binh, celebrated for its beautiful limestone mountains, caves, and rivers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also served as a backdrop for the movie “Kong: Skull Island.” Visitors can explore the area by taking a boat tour through its scenic riverways and caves or enjoy a hike up the mountains for breathtaking views. Admission costs 250,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children, with optional guided tours available for an extra fee.

Mua Caves

Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person

Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, is a remarkable attraction in Vietnam, famous for its breathtaking views from Mua Mountain’s peak. According to legend, Emperor Tran Thai Tong enjoyed watching dance performances here, which is why it’s called “dancing cave.” To reach the summit, you’ll need to climb about 500 steep steps, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields make it all worthwhile. 

Tam Coc Bich Dong

Entrance fee: 120,000 VND/person

Boat ride: 150,000 VND/trip

Tam Coc Bich Dong is a stunning destination for nature lovers, featuring beautiful limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and the serene Ngo Dong River. Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” it’s especially picturesque during rice season when the fields turn golden. The name “Tam Coc,” meaning “three caves,” refers to the caves you can explore on a boat tour. 

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Taking an electric car: 30,000 VND/trip

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-see in Ninh Binh, especially if you’re interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture. Spanning 539 hectares, it’s one of Southeast Asia’s largest temple complexes, blending ancient and modern architecture. Highlights include a massive 10-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue, the largest of its kind in Vietnam, and 500 unique Arhat statues.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must-visit in Ninh Binh for anyone interested in history and nature. Once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries, it features well-preserved relics and monuments, including the temples of former kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and beautiful rice paddies, Hoa Lu offers a rich glimpse into Vietnam’s past and vibrant culture.

How Do you Get to Ninh Binh and get around during the tour?

Get to Ninh Binh

Reaching Ninh Binh is straightforward and convenient. You can take a train or bus from Hanoi, which is about 90 kilometers away, or opt for a private car for a more comfortable ride. For more information on how to get around, check out our article. We offer clear and reliable details to help make your journey easier!

Get Around Ninh Binh

To explore the city, renting a motorbike is a great option for about 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day, as the attractions in Ninh Binh are spread out.

Special Cuisine at Ninh Binh: Irresistible Foods for Your Tastebuds

When exploring Ninh Binh, be sure to try these local specialties:

• Goat Meat Dishes: Ninh Binh is famous for its goat meat, prepared in various ways like grilled or stewed. The tender meat is flavorful and often served with herbs and rice.
• Eel Vermicelli Soup (Bun Re): This comforting soup features tender eel and rice noodles in a savory broth. It’s garnished with fresh herbs and often enjoyed with a side of chili.
• Ninh Binh Mountain Snail: Known for their distinct taste, these mountain snails are usually stir-fried with spices and herbs. They offer a deliciously chewy texture and rich flavors
• Ninh Binh Rice Crust (Com Chay): This crispy rice crust is a local favorite. It’s cooked until golden and served with savory accompaniments like pork or vegetables, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Bun Cha (Grilled Pork Noodles): Grilled pork served over rice noodles with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce.

Conclusion

In summary, is Ninh Binh worth visiting? Ninh Binh is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. With its stunning landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and unique local experiences, it offers a refreshing change from more crowded destinations. If you’re up for adventure and relaxation in a beautiful setting, Ninh Binh should be on your travel list.