Ninh Binh, which is roughly 90 kilometres from Hanoi, is a great option for travellers who want to experience Vietnam’s magnificent natural treasures. This lovely province offers a wide variety of stunning landscapes that will surely astound you.
Ninh Binh, which is located in Northern Vietnam’s Red River Delta, is a mesmerising location that offers the ideal fusion of scenic natural beauty, illustrious history, and cultural significance. Place Ninh Binh at the top of your Vietnam travel itinerary if you’re thinking about visiting the S-shaped nation.
1. The history of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh Province
About 90 kilometres south of Hanoi, in the northern part of Vietnam, is the province of Ninh Binh. For its breathtaking natural beauty, extensive history, and distinctive cultural legacy, it is renowned.
The province of Ninh Binh is home to a number of well-known tourist destinations, including the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque Tam Coc, sometimes known as “Ha Long Bay on Land,” the mesmerising Bai Dinh Pagoda, and many others.
Ninh Binh is known for its natural beauty as well as its extensive history, which dates back thousands of years. Many of the historical artefacts and monuments from the Dinh and early Le dynasties can still be seen today. It originally served as the capital of Vietnam.
The humid subtropical climate of Ninh Binh features hot, wet summers from May to September. From November to March, there are chilly, dry winters, with April and October serving as the start and end of spring and fall, respectively. With an annual average temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius, it’s a fantastic place to travel at any time of the year.
2. The best time to visit Ninh Binh
The climate of Ninh Binh is humid subtropical. The area has distinct seasons, each of which offers travellers a different experience. According to the weather in Ninh Binh, the ideal months to visit are from April to June and from September to October, when the climate is pleasant and rainfall is generally low.
The average high temperature in Ninh Binh from April to June is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Exploring the breathtaking karst mountains, caverns, and rivers that make Ninh Binh famous is made charming by the colourful, lush landscapes and the rice paddies’ lovely shades of green.
The weather in Ninh Binh is often cool from September to October, with average highs of 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. Outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and boat cruises can be enjoyed throughout this time of year thanks to the good weather. In addition, September is rice harvest season, giving tourists the spellbinding opportunity to see golden rice fields.
For those who want to attend local festivities, February and March are also fantastic months to travel to Ninh Binh. In these months, Ninh Binh comes alive with colourful events that highlight the locals’ traditions, practises, and religious convictions.
3. The best attractions in Ninh Binh Vietnam
There are many captivating sites in Ninh Binh to discover. The top ten locations in the area that you really must see are listed as follows:
3.1. Ninh Binh’s Cuc Phuong National Park
One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is to explore the natural splendour of Cuc Phuong. It is the first national park in Vietnam and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species that are sure to enthral nature lovers.
The butterfly season, which lasts from April to June, when tens of thousands of vibrant butterflies may be seen fluttering around, is one of the park’s most breathtaking attractions. If you happen to be in the area during this time, you can go on guided tours of the park to see this lovely spectacle and discover more about the ecology of the area.
Along with the butterfly season, the park offers a variety of hiking routes, an endangered primate rescue facility, and numerous limestone formations and prehistoric caverns for tourists to explore.
3.2. Trang An Ninh Binh
One of Ninh Binh’s most well-liked tourist destinations is Trang An, which is renowned for its breathtaking karst formations, which include limestone mountains, caverns, and rivers. It was used as a filming site for the movie Kong: Skull Island and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary beauty.
You can take a boat excursion to explore Trang An through the twisting riverways, going through various caves to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. A different option is to climb one of the mountains for a sweeping perspective of the region. The majority of visitors can access the hiking trail because it is maintained and simple.
You will have a memorable experience whether you decide to explore Trang An on foot or by boat. Adults must pay 250,000 VND to enter Trang An, while children under 1.4 metres only pay 100,000 VND. A tour guide is an additional 300,000 VND.
Along with the butterfly season, the park offers a variety of hiking routes, an endangered primate rescue facility, and numerous limestone formations and prehistoric caverns for tourists to explore.
3.3.Mua Caves
Among the various caves in Vietnam, Mua Caves, also known as Hang Mua, is a popular attraction that provides stunning views from Mua Mountain. According to a legend, Emperor Tran Thai Tong frequented this location to attend dance performances, hence the name “Hang Mua,” or “dancing cave.”
You will need to hike up Mua Mountain in about 500 stairs, which are quite steep. However, the trek is well worth it because you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the beautiful mountains and enormous rice fields in the area. The exquisite sculptures and old shrines found in the actual caves contribute to the attraction’s appeal and historical value.
Visit Mua Caves in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as strong and the vista is at its best for the best experience. Each person must pay 100,000 VND to enter Hang Mua.
3.4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
For historians and fans of the outdoors, Ninh Binh’s Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a must-see destination. During the Dinh and early Le dynasties, which ruled from the 10th to the 11th century, it served as the nation’s capital.
The temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two former monarchs of Vietnam, are among the numerous, well-preserved artefacts and structures that can be found in the old city. Through the many exhibits and artefacts on display, you may immerse yourself in the rich history of the historic city while learning about the customs and culture of the feudal Vietnamese dynasties.
Hoa Lu is renowned not just for its historical significance but also for its spectacular natural beauty. Tall limestone mountains and lovely rice terraces encircle the nation’s capital. A ticket for entry into the historic centre is available for 20,000 VND.
Visit Mua Caves in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as strong and the vista is at its best for the best experience. Each person must pay 100,000 VND to enter Hang Mua.
3.5.Bai Dinh Pagoda
For individuals who are interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture, the Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh is a must-see location. It is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest temple complexes, spanning 539 hectares.
The complex, which includes the old Bai Dinh Pagoda and the recently completed one, was built between 2003 and 2010 using a blend of traditional and modern architectural works. You can visit this place to take in the pagoda’s tranquil ambience and stunning natural surroundings.
The complex’s centrepiece is a huge 100-ton bronze Buddha statue that stands 10 metres tall. As a result, it is the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and a well-liked tourist destination. The compound also houses 500 Arhat statues, each with a distinct expression.
You can explore the facility on foot or for 30,000 VND per person per journey by renting an electric automobile.
4. How to get to and around Ninh Binh while on the tour?
4.1.To travel to Ninh Binh
You can take a limousine bus, with prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND, to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. It takes roughly two hours to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Jetstar, Vietnam Airlines, and Vietjet Air offer flights to Hanoi for travellers arriving from Ho Chi Minh City. From there, they can take one of the aforementioned airlines’ buses to Ninh Binh.
Tickets for the train can be bought at the train station or on the Vietnam Railways website by tourists from other provinces. Conveniently situated in the heart of the city is the Ninh Binh train station.
4.2. To discover Ninh Binh
The tourist attractions in Ninh Binh are spread out rather far apart, thus it is advised to rent a motorbike for between 100,000 and 150,000 VND per day to navigate about the city. Calling a taxi is a more economical choice if you’re travelling in a group.
5.2 Top mouthwatering dishes to taste when visiting Ninh Binh
Vietnamese cuisines from Ninh Binh are tasty and distinguished by their distinctive flavours. These cuisines are a must-try while visiting Ninh Binh: 
Ninh Binh, a picturesque destination in Vietnam, allures travelers with its plethora of activities and attractions. You can discover a variety of cultural and natural attractions, from the breathtaking limestone karsts of Tam Coc to the historic temples of Bai Dinh. Set out on an exciting adventure into the heart of Vietnam’s natural splendour by making travel plans to Ninh Binh today!
