Introduction
Called as the land of the old capital, Ninh Binh tourism is one of the famous destinations in Vietnam. Not only domestic tourists, this land also attracts millions of international tourists every year. Everyone coming to Ninh Binh can’t help but admire and be amazed by the beauty of famous scenic spots such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Non Nuoc mountain… and many other attractive places to visit.
How to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
To travel the 95 km from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you have 5 options: You can take a “limo” van, train or taxi for 1.5 to 2.5 hours or join a day trip for 10 hours. Fares range from 102,000 VND ($4.30) to 974,000 VND ($41). For those with an adventurous spirit, you can rent a motorbike and travel by yourself.
- The train is an affordable yet comfortable option when travelling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Ticket prices start from 102,000 VND (~US$ 4.30) for a soft seat on Vietnam Railways.
- The “limo” van is a luxurious and convenient way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Most operators offer free hotel pick-up or drop-off. The limo vans also come with plush seats, and sometimes food & drinks. Rates start from 195,000 VND (~US$ 8).
- There are also very cheap local buses operating on this route for only 70,000 VND (~US$ 2.95). However, both bus stations in Hanoi and Ninh Binh are located well outside the tourist centres. This means that you’ll have to spend additional costs when getting to and from the bus stations.
- If you prefer to travel door-to-door, you can also book a private transfer. A 3-seater taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs around 974,000 VND (~US$ 41).
- For those with an adventurous spirit, traveling by motorbikes is a great option. you can rent a motorbike and travel by yourself to Ninh Binh. Motorbike rental ranges from 4 – 6 USD/day.
For more information, visit: https://www.geckoroutes.com/vietnam/hanoi-to-ninh-binh/
Means of transportation in Ninh Binh
Motorbikes: motorbike is the most popular way to travel in Viet Nam. Motorbike rental ranges from 4 – 6 USD/day.
Taxis: In Ninh Binh, you can easily call a taxi. Taxi fare is about 0.5 – 0.7 USD/km.
Buses: Bus is a familiar form of public transport in Ninh Binh. Bus fare is about 03. – 0.4 USD/route.
Where to visit in Ninh Binh?
Cuc Phuong national park
Cuc Phuong national park
Cuc Phuong National Park is the first national park in Vietnam, located on the boundary of 3 Northwest regions, Red River Delta and the North Central region, and belongs to three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, Thanh Hoa. This national park plays an important role in the conservation of rare and endangered animal species.
Coming to Cuc Phuong forest, you will admire and learn about the rich flora and fauna system characterized by the tropical rainforest. Besides, you will have the opportunity to participate in ecotourism activities with resorts, campfires, adventure or cultural – historical research.
Related information:
Address: Cuc Phuong Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh
Entrance ticket prices:
- Adults: 60,000 VND (~US$ 2.4)
- Students, students: 20,000 VND (~US$ 0.8)
- Children: 10,000 VND (~US$ 0.4)
Opening hours: 9:30 – 11:30 and 13:30 – 16:30 everyday
For more information: visit: http://cucphuongtourism.com.vn
Trang An
Trang An, located 7 kilometers west of Ninh Binh city center, is a popular Ninh Binh tourist destination that you should not miss. This is an eco-tourism area located in the Trang An World Heritage Complex – which preserves and contains many wetland ecosystems, forests on limestone mountains, archaeological sites, historical and cultural relics and heritages.
In 2014, Trang An eco-tourism area was ranked as an important national relic by the Vietnamese Government and recognized by UNESCO as a dual world heritage. Considered as “Ha Long Bay on land”, Trang An attracts tourists with its various systems of limestone mountains and natural caves.
The Blockbuster Kong: Skull Island was shot in various famous destinations in Vietnam including Trang An. After the success of the movie, the pictures of Kong: Skull Island at Trang An Ecotourism Area have been restored to serve tourists and become an attractive check-in location. For more information, visit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kong:_Skull_Island
Related information:
Address: Trang An commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh
Entrance ticket prices:
- Adults over 1.3m: 250,000 VND (~US$ 2.4)
- Children 1 – 1.3m: 120,000 VND (~US$ 2.4)
- Children under 1m: free
Opening hours: 7:00 – 16:30 (subject to change depending on weather conditions, seasonal time)
For more information, visit: http://trangandanhthang.vn
Bai Dinh pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is located about 15km from Ninh Binh city center. This is a large temple complex known for having the most records in Asia and Vietnam.
Today, Bai Dinh pagoda complex includes an old pagoda and a new one built in 2003. Not only is it a sacred place, but it is also impressed by its magnificent architecture and beautiful scenery such as: Bao Thap, 100m high Maitreya Buddha statue, Bell tower, Buddha Temple, Ho Phong Sinh… Therefore, this is definitely an indispensable destination in the handbook of places to visit.
Related information:
Address: National Highway 38B, Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh
Entrance ticket prices: free
Opening hours: 7:00 – 16:30 (subject to change depending on weather conditions, seasonal time)
For more information, visit: https://vietnamtravel.com/bai-dinh-pagoda/
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is located in Ngu Nhac Son, Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh. Belonging to Trang An – Tam Coc scenic complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong is recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage and is also ranked as a special national heritage.
“Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” – Tam Coc Bich Dong currently has a natural area of 350.3 hectares. Just like Trang An, to visit Tam Coc Bich Dong, visitors have to go by boat. You will be able to take a boat down the Ngo Dong River to admire 3 famous caves in turn. The scenery of Tam Coc is famous for the harmonious combination of rock and water. The mountains lie one after another, reflecting on the clear river.
Related information:
Address: National highway 38B, Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh
Entrance ticket prices:
Sightseeing:
- Adults: 120000 VND (~US$ 4.8)
- Children: 60000 VND (~US$ 2.4)
Boat ticket:
- 150,000 VND (~US$ 6) /boat/turn (4 Vietnamese or 2 foreign guests)
- Children under 3 years old are free of charge.
Opening hours: 8:30 – 18:30 everyday
For more information, visit: https://vietnamtravel.com/tam-coc-bich-dong/
Foods and drinks
Ninh Binh Rice Crust
Ninh Binh Rice Crust
Most specialty restaurants and popular tourist areas in Ninh Binh sell burnt rice to serve the needs of visitors. The dish is crispy, delicious. There are a lot of different types such as burn- rice with meat, shrimp, onion, …
Recommended places in Ninh Binh: Burn- Rice Hoa Lu – Vo Thi Sau, Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh Goat Meat
Ninh Binh Goat Meat
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is delicious. It is not soft and chewy, because goats are raised and grazed on the hills and food here mainly is natural food. If you want to buy Ninh Binh goat meat for the whole family, you can buy at the market or restaurants, food shops.
Recommended places in Ninh Binh: Duc De Restaurant: No. 29 Doan Ket, Ninh Phong Ward, Ninh Binh.
And many more Ninh Binh specialties such as: Can alcohol (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes), Nem Yen Mac – Fermented Pork Roll, Ricefield crabs are roasted in wild betal leaves, Ninh Binh floating cake – bánh trôi, Braised fish with Gao fruit, Ninh Binh Mountain Snail, Lai Thanh Wine, Hoang Long Sweet Potato, Kim Son Nhech Raw Fish, Salted shrimp Gia Vien – (Shrimp paste)…
In short, Ninh Binh is located about 100km south of the Vietnam capital. The tourist attractions in Ninh Binh not only have beautiful scenery but also contain the heroic historical significance of the whole nation. Therefore, in addition to attracting hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, this place is also a popular destination for many young people who love traveling in Vietnam.
For more information and to book a tour, visit: https://www.bestpricetravel.com/travel-guide/ninh-binh.html
