As one of the most famous tourist attractions in Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh has attracted many domestic and international tourists. Let's refer to Handspan's Ninh Binh travel guide to prepare for your trip to Ninh Binh!

Ninh Binh Travel Guide

Our Ninh Binh Travel Guide includes these pieces of information below.

An overview of Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s hidden gem 

Most visitors traveling to Ninh Binh can admire the magnificence and beauty of landscapes and explore many historical and cultural places. You can visit Trang An Complex, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Van Long Lagoon, Cuc Phuong National Park, Dance Cave, etc. Each of Ninh Binh's destinations has distinctive beauty and profound characteristics, bringing curiosity to tourists. Thus, lots of visitors want to travel to this place once. Just about a 90-kilometer drive from Hanoi center, Ninh Binh is worth visiting during your trip to Vietnam. 

Van Long Nature Reserve (Ninh Binh)

Trang An (Ninh Binh)

How to get to Ninh Binh 

According to the Ninh Binh travel guide, many transport options allow you to get to this land, such as motorbike, bus/coach, train, private car, or taxi. Amongst popular options, taking a coach is the most common way. Normally, tourists often travel to Ninh Binh from large cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, etc. If you stay in Hanoi or nearby cities, you can easily go to Ninh Binh by road. If you start from the place in the middle of the south of Vietnam, you can take a plane to reach Hanoi and then continue traveling to Ninh Binh. 

The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is about 100 kilometers, so getting to Ninh Binh by road is relatively easy and convenient. First, traveling by train to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is around 2.5 hours. Many people choose this way due to its convenience. Train tickets start from VND 80.000/person/seat. If you want to stay over here, you should choose this way. Ninh Binh Railway Station lies in the city center of Ninh Binh, and many hotels, guest houses, and restaurants are nearby. 

Another choice to get to Ninh Binh is traveling by bus/minivan/van/coach. This option is also common since some of these vehicles take you directly to famous destinations in Ninh Binh. It takes about 2 - 2.5 hours, and tickets are from VND 130.000 - 300.000/person/way. Many comfortable modern vans/coaches are from both Hanoi City and Noi Bai National Airport to Ninh Binh. 

Binh Minh Limousine Hanoi Ninh Binh

Thirdly, according to the Ninh Binh travel guide, taking a taxi to get to Ninh Binh is another option. There are many taxi brands available for you to choose from. Although it is slightly more expensive than others, it is pretty safe and takes little time, about 1.5 - 2 hours. 

Finally, if you’re traveling with a big group of travelers, especially with kids, using a private car is an ideal option. 

Things to do & travel in Ninh Binh

Cuc Phuong National Park 

Situated on Ninh Binh, about a 120-kilometer drive from Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the best destinations. With a total of 25.000 hectares, this national park is near three different provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, and Hoa Binh. Thus, it’s convenient for tourists to visit Cuc Phuong National Park. Tourists will have a chance to explore diverse forests featuring lots of species of plants and animals. A day of getting lost in the jungle will be a fantastic experience. 

Cuc Phuong National Park

Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park

Tam Coc - Bich Dong 

Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh. It’s renowned for many poetic and tranquil but picturesque landscapes that easily captivate tourists’ minds. With its beautiful scenery, some people call Tam Coc “Halong Bay on land” or “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong,” which means the second most beautiful grotto in Vietnam.

Tam Coc

Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 

According to the Ninh Binh travel guide, Hoa Lu ancient capital is another well-known place in Ninh Binh. Previously, this land was the capital of Dai Co Viet - “Vietnamese ancient name” of this S-shaped country for over ten centuries. Travelers coming to Hoa Lu Capital will have an opportunity to discover its culture, history, and cuisine. Besides, they also can learn more about the architectural styles and many magnificent relics. 

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Mua Cave (“Hang Mua” in Vietnamese) 

Besides some famous places, Mua Cave is another attraction that the Ninh Binh travel guide wants to introduce. This popular destination captures the hearts of travelers that have come here once due to its incredible beauty. This natural beauty makes a great impression on their minds. Moreover, the tourism service quality here is also excellent. So tourists can be more convenient in exploring the magnificence of Mua Cave. According to the Ninh Binh travel guide, Mua Cave is always a must-visit spot that you can’t miss here. 

Mua Cave

Trang An Complex

Located near the South of the Red River Delta, Trang An Complex is known as “Halong Bay” on land. It comprises many majestic mountain ranges, incredible limestone grottoes, and wild streams flowing slowly through the cave. The gorgeous landscape here is endowed with stunning stones, a river, a lush jungle, and a blue sky. Thereby, it has become one of the most beautiful grottoes worldwide. 

Trang An Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Pagoda

According to the Ninh Binh travel guide, this spiritual building is a must-visit attraction during your trip here. It’s a religious complex famous for many Asian and Vietnam records. Besides, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Southeast Asia Buddhist complex. This pagoda includes some temples and more than 500 complicatedly carved statues of Buddha. Set within Gia Sinh Commune, Bai Dinh Pagoda appeals to many Buddhist pilgrimages who come here every day to pray to Buddha and mountain spirits. 

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Accommodations in Ninh Binh that you might know 

Ninh Binh's travel guide will introduce to you some fully-furnished accommodations with excellent service. Most accommodations here focus on providing guests with fresh, natural space and comfortable feelings. Check out the top Ninh Binh accommodations that you should know below. 

Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort 

This resort provides travelers with amazing experiences due to its spacious green rooms. You can immerse yourself in a peaceful and impressive space and enjoy the local cuisine and specialties.

Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort 

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Staying in Tam Coc Garden, you can get closer to nature since it’s built as an oasis amongst green fields and marvelous mountains. You will feel a tranquil space and indulge in a poetic landscape with many singing birds. 

Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay 

Ninh Binh Travel Guide introduces this homestay because it’s a moderate-price accommodation offering stunning views and fresh air. It’s suitable for those who want to avoid noisy cities. 

Hang Mua Ecolodge 

This accommodation is highly recommended by lots of travelers while visiting Dance Cave. Hang Mua Ecolodge offers magnificent views and spectacular mountains with its impressive architecture of northern Vietnamese villages. 

Hang Mua Ecolodge

Chez Loan - Family Run Hotel 

About a 5-minute walk from Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Chez Loan is another excellent accommodation for your stay. It features an elegant and tranquil space with many bungalows and lush gardens. Besides, it’s also equipped with lots of contemporary facilities such as a minibar, dryer, shower, etc. This hotel provides guests with laundry and arranges tailor-made tours. The restaurant here serves various dishes regarding Vietnamese and local specialties. Interestingly, it also has a fun bar for you to chill. 

Le Clos du Fil Boutique Hotel and Spa 

One of the most famous accommodations in Ninh Binh, Le Clos du Fil Boutique Hotel and Spa is worth staying. It offers a rustic, quaint, and private space with high-quality services. Each room has well-equipped locally-made furniture, stylish, and has been inspired by classic Vietnamese design. Besides, the restaurant, spa, and bar here also bring you many comforts. 

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort 

With its ideal location, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort is one of the best boutique accommodations for your trip here. Staying at this resort, you can immerse yourself in the picturesque nature and vast rice fields surrounding the rolling limestone mountains. 

Moreover, you can also enjoy gastronomy art and engaging entertainment activities during your stay. A comfortable and spacious room will ensure your comfort as your home. There are especially many activities for kids to play and join. 

Enjoying culinary experiences in Ninh Binh  

Regarding Ninh Binh's travel guide, this land is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also for its delicious specialties. 

Ninh Binh burnt rice 

Ninh Binh burnt rice is considered a yummy Ninh Binh specialty that you have to try once, according to the Ninh Binh travel guide. The ancient locals say that tasting “fine wine, burnt rice, goat meat” is a must while traveling to Ninh Binh.  Ninh Binh burnt rice is cooked manually according to the unique heirloom process. This dish especially goes with elderberries and dried shrimp, etc. Besides, you’ll have a chance to enjoy other tasty dishes such as goat soup, chicken raised on the hill, etc. 

Various specialties of goat 

When traveling to Ninh Binh, goat meat is something tourists can’t miss. This kind of ingredient can be processed into lots of delicious dishes. Visiting this destination, tourists can enjoy goat cooked with lemon, goat soup served with Ninh Binh burnt rice, fried goat, etc. According to the Ninh Binh travel guide, it’s not hard for you to find a place to enjoy delicious dishes from goats and even other specialties in mountainous areas. 

In conclusion, you have just learned some detailed information before you travel to Ninh Binh. Hope that this Ninh Binh travel guide will be helpful for you. For more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our team.