Ninh Binh

The basics

Most travelers visit Ninh Binh Province on a day trip from Hanoi, and activity options are plentiful. Take in the gorgeous scenery of “Halong Bay on Land” from a traditional sampan boat, paddled by feet, along the meandering Hoang Long River. Cycle along quiet rural roads past rice fields and through small villages. Or, learn more about the region’s feudal dynasties cultural heritage with visits to the temples of Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Things to know before you go

• Nature lovers and photographers will get the most out of a trip to Ninh Binh.

• Ninh Binh tours from Hanoi can last upwards of 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as the area can get hot and humid.

• Wear shoes with good traction if you plan on visiting the caves; the ground can get quite slippery, especially during the wet season.

• Be sure to have some cash with you; there are no ATMs in Tam Coc or the area.

How to get there

You can reach Ninh Binh by bus from the Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi. The trip takes around 2.5 hours. You can also take Vietnam Railways trains from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Ha Noi). The journey takes about 2 hours with ticket prices and schedules varying by season.

Of course, the easiest way to get to Ninh Binh is on a guided tour that provides a door-to-door experience. Your guide, or driver, will pick you up at your hotel in a shuttle bus or private vehicle. For example, travelers who book the Luxury Full Day Ninh Binh Tour From Hanoi ride in a limousine van with “good air-conditioning.”

When to get there

There’s not really a bad time to visit Ninh Binh. While the rainy season (May to October) can get hot and humid, the rainfall means the rice fields are at their greenest and most photogenic. Visitors in the dry season (November to April) enjoy cooler, drier weather. If you want to see the rice fields in all their golden glory, visit during the harvest seasons. The first one is May and early June, and the second one is September and early October.

Finally, if you’re interested in getting the full Ninh Binh experience, consider visiting for the annual Hoa Lu Festival. This three-day traditional event is usually held in March (it varies by year depending on the lunar calendar). Formerly known as the Truong Yen Festival, it’s thought to be Northern Vietnam’s largest festival.

Other points of interest in Ninh Binh

While many visitors head directly to Tam Coc, the region boasts many other worthy sights. An easy bike ride outside of town, the Trang An Grottoes are a series of caves similar to those at Tam Coc but less touristy. Often referred to as Vietnam’s “Ha Long Bay on land,” Trang An is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.

Bird watchers should set aside time for a visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden, where the trees teem with nesting birds during the early morning and late afternoon. Adventure travelers will find plentiful hiking and biking opportunities within Cuc Phuong National Park, a rainforest area with a botanical garden and primate rescue center.