Ninh Binh: The Ha Long Bay On Land
Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is home to the popular destinations of Tam Coc and Trang An, which are both known for their boat tours through scenic rivers and grottos.
I spent a month in Vietnam in 2024, using my time to tour around the country and discover the beauty of it all. Ninh Binh was a place I hadn’t heard anything about until I landed in Vietnam. It was a last-minute decision for me, and it was amazing.
Considering Ninh Binh isn’t that large of a city, the number of activities to do there is amazing. As an active outdoor enthusiast, I found this was a top destination for hiking and cycling. So this post goes through why Ninh Binh is so special, and a list of amazing things to do in Ninh Binh.
Why Ninh Binh is so Special
Ninh Binh, sometimes called the “Halong Bay on Land,” is a truly captivating destination in northern Vietnam. The landscape is absolutely stunning, with limestone karsts shooting up from green rice fields.
The nearby Tam Coc region is equally mesmerizing, with peaceful rivers winding through these karsts. This area is not only visually stunning but also rich in history and culture, giving you a real taste of Vietnam’s past and present.
Why You Should Visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a real hidden gem in Vietnam that you definitely shouldn’t miss. It’s got everything—stunning landscapes with towering limestone karsts, peaceful rivers, and lush rice paddies.
You can explore ancient temples, take relaxing boat rides, and even cycle around the countryside. Plus, it’s not as crowded as some of the more touristy spots, so you get a more laid-back, authentic vibe. It’s perfect if you’re into nature, adventure, or just want to soak up some of Vietnam’s rich culture.
The Ninh Binh region offers everything below, plus some!
- Breathtaking Scenery: The natural beauty of Ninh Binh is unparalleled, with views of the skyward mountains that are so unique to Vietnam. They are perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Cultural Significance: The region has ancient temples, pagodas, and historical sites, including the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site! All of which are worth a visit for the full impact of the area.
- Adventure Boat Opportunities: From boat rides through Tam Coc’s and Trang An waterways to cycling and hiking in the countryside, there’s no shortage of activities for families and solo backpackers!
- Authentic Experiences: Unlike the more tourist-heavy spots in Vietnam, Ninh Binh offers a more authentic and peaceful experience, allowing you to connect with local life and traditions.
How to Get to Ninh Binh
There are multiple ways to get to Ninh Binh, all dependent on where you are coming from. Below, I have listed all of the options for transportation!
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is approximately 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, making it an easy spot to reach from the capital. You can easily do a Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi, or add it as a spot on your journey down South, either way, it is a stop worth the effort. Here are the most common ways to get there:
- By Train: Trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh run frequently and daily! They are usually comfortable and affordable, taking around 2-3 hours. You can book any bus through multiple Asia apps, but any hotel or hostel will also have booking options available to guests.
- By Bus: Various buses and minibusses run daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. They are faster than the train with a journey time of about 2 hours.
- By Car: Hiring a private car or taking a taxi/grab is a convenient option, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Vexere and 12GOAsia are also the local apps for booking overnight buses between major cities. They are usually half the price of booking transportation with hotels or hostels.
From Other Parts of Vietnam
You can also reach Ninh Binh by bus or train from other major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue.
What to Do in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh has a variety of things to do in and around the region. Tam Coc and Trang An are dreamy areas in Ninh Binh that are worth exploring. They are about a 15+ minute drive away from Ninh Binh center. Here is a little Ninh Binh itinerary of what to do in the area!
Tam Coc is filled with so much sightseeing, old temples, amazing hikes, and such sweet people. I didn’t get a lot of time here, but it left such an amazing impression on me. I mean, living in the middle of these mountains is something I thought was only in movies.
Go on the Riverboat Rides
Ninh Binh is known for the amazing boat rides through Tam Coc and Trang An. Both are absolutely amazing.
The Tam Coc River Boat Ride
The Boat tour right in the middle of Tam Coc is a beautiful boat ride through small caves and the rice fields between the high mountain landscapes. The tour takes you to areas hidden by the mountains and into valleys between the mountains. It left me shocked!
Cost: 250k VDN/10 USD
Length: 1.5 hours
They row the boats with their feet here!
The Trang An River Boat Ride
I didn’t actually go on the Trang An boat tour but this is one of the things I really regret not doing while I was there. Many people speak about this tour with such enthusiasm, mentioning it was even better than the Tam Coc riverboat ride.
Cost: 250k / 10 USD
Length: 3 hours
It’s about a 15-minute motorbike ride outside of Tam Coc (or 40-minute cycle ride) that I heard is worth the visit.
Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda
(yes this is what it is called)
Nestled on a mountainside, this ancient pagoda has stunning views and a serene atmosphere, ideal for meditation and reflection.
This temple is another one that leads to many steps and amazing sites.
Ps. This photo shows us walking through water to go to the temple. Usually, this is a dry walkway that leads you through the temple, but I visited in the middle of a flood.
Mua Cave/Dragon/Lookout Point
The Mua cave actually has much more than just caves. It has an amazing lookout over the rice fields and beautiful surrounding shop areas.
The lookouts are a bit of a hike to get to with about 500 steep stairs up the top of a mountain, but the reward (lookout) at the top is worth every step.
Additionally, there is the famous dragon that looks out to the surrounding landscape which leads to some pretty good photos.
The Historic Capital
As the former capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu is rich in history, with ancient temples and structures that tell the story of Vietnam’s early days. The historic capital is the oldest capital in Vietnam, dating back over 1500 years!
Tam Coc Bird Valley
This place can be quite busy with Vietnamese tourists, and there isn’t a big variety of birds, to be honest BUT, the lands are absolutely amazing, and the number of birds chilling around can be truly huge.
Cycle Around Ninh Binh Countryside
Rent a bicycle and explore the rural villages, rice paddies, and small paths that offer an intimate look at local life.
How Long to Stay in Ninh Binh
A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal for thoroughly exploring Ninh Binh. This allows enough time to visit the main attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and soak in the serene environment.
How to Get Around Ninh Binh
There are multiple transportation options to tour around the area!
- Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around and explore the countryside at your own pace.
- Motorbike: For more convenience and speed, motorbikes are available for rent, giving you the flexibility to cover more ground.
- Taxi and Motorbike Taxi: Taxi and motorbike taxis are readily available for those who prefer not to drive.
- Walking: Many of the attractions are close to each other, making walking a pleasant way to see the sights and interact with locals.
Cycling is the best form of transportation because everything is close by! Almost every hotel and hostel has motorbikes and bikes you can rent for cheap and visit everything in just a few days.
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
I use hostel world when looking for hostels or private rooms when I travel. Especially in Vietnam, it has proven to be the easiest and cheapest way for me to book my accommodations.
I have also been recommended to use Agoda by multiple people for hostel/hotel booking in Asia. It is a competitor app for travel booking so it has some amazing prices!
Best Time to Visit Nihn Bihn
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor scenery.
The rice fields are particularly beautiful in May and early June when they’re lush and green, and again in late September to early October when they turn golden before the harvest.
Avoid the rainy season from May to October. This is the monsoon season, which brings heavy rains.
Vietnam Sim Card
You can buy SIM cards at most airports, but e-sims are easier to get data in other countries. You can buy your plan before you go to any country, and you have data ready for you as soon as you land. Airalo is great for e-sims, it covers over 180 countries and is so easy to use!
