Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Why You'll Love Ninh Binh

Welcome to Ninh Binh, a charming destination in Vietnam that is sure to captivate you with its beauty and tranquility. Located in the northern region of the country, Ninh Binh boasts of natural landscapes that are simply breathtaking. You can expect stunning mountains, caves, rice fields, and waterways that make you feel like you have stepped into a magical world.

One of the main attractions in Ninh Binh is the Tam Coc-Bich Dong, which is also known as Halong Bay on land. Here, you can take a boat ride down the river, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and green rice paddies. It's an experience that can leave you feeling relaxed and calm.

Another place worth visiting in Ninh Binh is the Trang An Grottoes where you can explore spectacular caves, take in the panoramic view of the surroundings, and see ancient temples. The place is also a filming location of the blockbuster movie Kong: Skull Island and Game of Thrones.

If you are looking for some culture while in Ninh Binh, visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of the Vietnam empire where you can learn a great deal about the rich history of the country.

Overall, Ninh Binh is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the natural beauty and culture of Vietnam without the crowds typically found in more popular tourist destinations.

Getting to Ninh Binh

From Hanoi, the nearest airport and major city, you can reach Ninh Binh by taking a bus or hiring a car/taxi for a 2-hour drive south. There are also trains available from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

The closest city to Ninh Binh is Hanoi, in Red River Delta.

Travelling from Noi Bai International Airport to Ninh Binh

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ninh Binh, Vietnam is between February and April or September and November when the weather is dry and pleasant.

Weather and Climate

In Ninh Binh, Vietnam, the weather varies throughout the year.

From December to February, the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures averaging around 15-18°C (59-64°F) and little to no rainfall.

From March to May, the weather begins to warm up, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and occasional rain showers.

From June to August, it is hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30-35°C (86-95°F) and frequent rainfall, sometimes in the form of thunderstorms.

From September to November, it becomes cooler and less rainy, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) and occasional rain showers. Overall, Ninh Binh is best visited from December to February when the weather is cool and dry.

Costs When Visiting

In Vietnam, the currency is the Vietnamese Dong.
Some sample costs when travelling around Ninh Binh are:

- Budget accommodation: $5-15 per night
- Mid-range accommodation: $20-60 per night
- High-end accommodation: $80-150 per night
- Street food: $1-2 per dish
- Local restaurant meals: $3-7 per meal
- Western-style meals: $7-20 per meal
- Coffee or tea: $0.50-2 per cup
- Beer: $1-2 per bottle

Safety Rating

Ninh Binh, Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The crime rate is relatively low and incidents targeting tourists are rare. Women travelers should exercise the same caution they would in any unfamiliar place, but there are no specific safety concerns for women in Ninh Binh. Vietnam is a generally tolerant country, and discrimination based on race or sexual orientation is not common in most areas, including Ninh Binh. LGBTQ travelers may want to be more cautious in rural areas and smaller cities, but should not experience any problems in Ninh Binh.

Local Population

The population of Ninh Binh, Vietnam is predominantly Vietnamese, with a small percentage of other ethnic groups such as Muong, Tay and Dao. The majority of the population is Buddhist, while there are also smaller numbers of Catholics and other religious groups. Vietnamese is the official language, although many people also speak English as a second language. The gender ratio is fairly balanced, with slightly more females than males. The population of Ninh Binh is primarily middle-aged, with a relatively low proportion of young people. Overall, it is a culturally diverse community that values its traditions and heritage.

Things to Do

Some of the common activities for tourists in Ninh Binh, Vietnam include visiting the Trang An Landscape Complex and going on a boat tour, exploring the Tam Coc area and its limestone caves, trekking to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the region, visiting the ancient Hoa Lu citadel and temples, cycling through the picturesque countryside, and trying local cuisine such as goat meat and crispy rice dishes.