By Evelyn Nguyen, Nov 6, 2024
Ninh Binh is one of the best destinations for your Vietnam Tour. About 2 hour-drive far from Hanoi, there is a beautiful “Halong Bay on land”. Favored by nature, Ninh Binh also has amazing limestone mountains on rice paddies. For a long time, Ninh Binh has been an attractive destination for both Vietnam and foreign travelers.
Tam Coc Boat Tour
Reflecting the climate characteristics of Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh enjoys four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season has its own charm.
From February to April, has mild weather with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C and moderate humidity. This season is ideal for exploring spiritual sites like Hoa Lu & Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Spanning from May to August, brings hot and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C and frequent rainfall, particularly in June and July. Despite the climate, this season offers an ideal opportunity to see the lush greenery and vibrant landscapes of Tam Coc during the ripe rice season and to admire blooming lotuses at Mua Cave. Moreover, it's the perfect time to witness the butterfly season at Cuc Phuong National Park.
Trang An Ninh Binh
September to November is considered the best time to visit Trang An area. The weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C and lower humidity, making it perfect for boat trips and sightseeing.
Spanning from December to January brings relatively cool temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. It can be chilly, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings, creating ideal conditions for conquering over 500 steps at Ngoa Long Mountain, Mua Cave.
When considering the best time to visit Ninh Binh, it varies based on your preferences. According to the analysis above, tourists can explore Ninh Binh year-round; however, it is advisable to avoid the rainy and stormy seasons in August and September.
Along the road from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, travelers might be overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery of green rice paddies, limestone islands on land, and mowed grass on the field.
There are a lot of tourist attractions in Ninh Binh such as Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Van Long Nature Reserve, Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Cave, etc.
If you enjoying the beauty of nature, let’s spend at least one day in Cuc Phuong National Park – one of the most diverse rainforests in Vietnam. Or you can explore Van Long Nature Reserve known as “Preserved Nature Are” where you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes and rural life.
Tam Coc Bich Dong Cave and Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex bring you to a fairy tale world with amazing caves formed by limestone through millions of years.
If you are curious about the history and culture of Vietnam, let Incredible Asia Journey take you to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital which remained the trace of Vietnam the feudal dynasty of Vietnam nearly 1000 years ago.
There are a lot of activities for tourists in Ninh Binh. You can enjoy a biking tour around Ninh Binh, a hiking tour through Cuc Phuong International Park, a walking tour to Bai Dinh Pagoda, or sit on the boat to enjoy the beauty of Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex.
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Caves in Ninh Binh
The special dishes in Ninh Binh include dishes of goat meat, Kim Son wine, Ninh Binh eel vermicelli, and burned rice. The most famous and unique dish in Ninh Binh is goat meat.
Goat meat is a nutritious and delicious dish since it is served with many precious fine herbs that are very good for people’s health. Goat meat is often eaten with fried rice (Com Chay). The combination of goat meat and fried rice will surely fascinate your taste.
The locals usually take goat meat while tasting some fresh beer (Bia Hoi). After burning calories in activities, drinking some beer will make you feel refreshed.
Com Chay Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh, a gem in northern Vietnam, offers a myriad of captivating experiences for first-timers. Here's a list of must-do activities:
A paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc is definitely one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. You'll be guided by your own boatman, floating on calm water beneath tall cliffs covered in thick jungle. Along the way, the boats stop at old temples and go through natural caves, making it a peaceful and memorable trip.
Tam Coc Boat Tour
What to eat in Ninh Binh? Ninh Binh is famous for its local specialties like Com Chay and De Tai Chanh. Besides, a lot of people know about a local breakfast in Ninh Binh with Banh Cuon, fresh rice paper rolls filled with pork and mushrooms, served with mint and mild fish sauce.
If you are interested in trekking tours in Ninh Binh, Bich Dong Pagoda is a great suggestion. Crossing a stone bridge over a large lotus pond full of bright pink flowers in summer, you find a peaceful yard and an old Buddhist temple.
Lotus field in Bich Dong Pagoda
If walls could talk, you'd want to hear the stories of Hoa Lu’s old brick and vine-covered buildings. Just 20 minutes by car from Trang An, this was Vietnam’s first capital city. The leaning archways, big banyan trees, and brick courtyards in Hoa Lu will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.
To reach the top of Mua Cave, you have to pass through 500 steps. At the summit, you'll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree view of Tam Coc Valley. Though the viewpoint can be misty, patience will reveal a breathtaking scene of green rice fields and winding rivers weaving around the ancient karsts below.
Mua Cave
Ninh Binh city is perfect for immersing yourself in local hospitality by staying at a homestay. You have a chance to experience traditional Vietnamese culture firsthand, from home-cooked meals to cultural exchanges with friendly hosts.
Bai Dinh Pagoda - the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, is a popular pilgrimage spot for Vietnamese Buddhists and gets very crowded during Buddhist holidays. You’ll need plenty of time to see thousands of Buddha statues, beautifully carved bells, and a 13-story tower with amazing views of the countryside.
A Ninh Binh motorbike tour is a fantastic way to discover hidden back roads in Ninh Binh. Moreover, it's an awesome way to explore local life, zooming past limestone karsts, paddy fields, and wildlife like goats, water buffalo, and ducks.
Cuc Phuong National Park in Butterflies season
If you're looking for a hiking tour in Ninh Binh, hiking in Cuc Phuong is the best choice. Just an hour from Ninh Binh City, Cuc Phuong is one of Vietnam's oldest national parks. There, you can visit centers for reptiles and primates and walk trails to see ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old.
Each of these activities promises a unique perspective on Ninh Binh’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. That makes Ninh Binh Tours among the top tours loved by foreign tourists.
Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip is a full-day tour. Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip starts in Hanoi and ends in Hanoi.
The tour starts from Hanoi from 08.00 AM - 08.30 AM with a bus or private car/van and our tour guide for 2 drive to Hoa Lu - The ancient capital of Vietnam 1000 years ago. You will learn more about the history of Vietnam through our guide's story dating back to a thousand years ago. Take a transfer to a restaurant for a delicious lunch then head to Tam Coc for the sampan boat trip to visit Tam Coc cave.
Tam Coc cave is considered Halong Bay on the mainland as its beauty is like Halong Bay but on the mainland. You will enjoy the boat trip for about 1 hour and 30 minutes admiring the beauty of this area and you will have a chance to communicate with the boat rower.
Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Trip is one of the best options for your day trip from Hanoi. Your Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day trip ends in Hanoi around 5.30 - 6.00 PM.
Bicycle tour in Ninh Binh
This Hoa Lu Tam Coc and Halong Bay Tour brings you the best experience for Northern Vietnam Tours.
You will do this tour in 2 days.
On the first day, you will visit Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Day Trip visit Hoa Lu Ancient Captial and enjoy the Boat trip in Tam Coc then go back to Hanoi on the same day. If you join in a Vietnam Group Tour for 2 days you will go back to Hanoi by the shuttle bus. If your tour is a private tour you can stay in Ninh Binh. That will be a great chance for you to learn more about the local life in Ninh Binh.
In the afternoon, you may go to the local market to see the local life or just go to a local coffee shop for a sip of coffee and see the life going.
On the second day of your Hoa Lu Tam Coc and Halong Bay, you will take the transfer of Hoa Lu from Hanoi or Tam Coc ( if you stay in Tam Coc overnight for the private tour) to Halong Bay.
Hop onto the Halong Bay day trip with Incredible Asia Journeys and listen to the itinerary briefing. You will enjoy the delicious lunch and then have time for relaxing in the sundeck.
Then, you will visit one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay - Thien Cung Cave or Heaven Palace Cave. After visiting Thien Cung Cave you will join in kayaking activities or stay on the sampan boat to discover Halong Bay. Go back to your cruise then cruise back to the harbour for ending your trip.
Tourists can visit Halong Bay after visiting Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh province is famous for being a stunning tourist destination that draws large numbers of visitors. If you're in Hanoi and need to plan a trip to Ninh Binh, there are several transportation options available to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. You can take a train (2 hours and 16 minutes), a bus (1.5 hours), a motorbike, or a private car. Let’s take a closer look to find out how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh!
Now, Vietnam Railways operates 7 trains daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh train. So, if you choose to go by train, you will not be bound by a fixed schedule. The first train departs at 5:50 AM, and the last one leaves Hanoi at 10:15 PM. Trains depart from Hanoi station (120 Le Duan Street, Hanoi) and arrive at Ninh Binh station (01 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thanh Binh Ward, Ninh Binh province).
For a quick journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, tourists can choose a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and a limo bus is an excellent choice. Most limousine companies offer free hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter and drop-off in Trang An or Tam Coc…
Ninh Binh Shuttle Bus
Exploring Ninh Binh by motorbike or private car is also popular among tourists, as it provides the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery. The quickest route by motorbike is National Road 1A (QL1A), which takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes. For cars, the Hanoi-Ninh Binh Expressway is the fastest, taking approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Affordable motorbike and car rentals make a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh a feasible option for many travelers.
Besides, if you’re in Halong, Ha Giang, or Sapa and want to visit Ninh Binh, you also can refer to a bus to head there.
With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Ninh Binh offers a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient temples or enjoying serene boat rides, this captivating province has something for everyone. In this blog, we've shared Ninh Binh tips for planning your Ninh Binh Tours & Excursions. Hope these help you enjoy your trip with Incredible Asia Journeys!
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