Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City: tips to do
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5 x things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Ninh Binh is a breathtaking province in Vietnam. A rural area consisting of nothing but limestone mountains, vast caves and narrow rivers. Ninh Binh is a fine serene escape from the hustle and bustle and chaos of the city of Hanoi. It is a place where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Spend 2 days in this magical region and go exploring. These are the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam!
Where is Ninh Binh located?
Ninh Binh is a city located in the province of the same name Ninh Binh and is in northern Vietnam, about 3 hours' drive from Hanoi. In this article, we mainly share beautiful sights and tips for fun activities you can do in Ninh Binh province. The city of Ninh Binh does not have much to offer. So focus mainly on exploring the province's rural life.
You can easily get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi and Halong Bay by booking a bus ticket at a hotel or hostel. If you are traveling from Hoi An or Hué, or just towards these cities, you can also buy a ticket for the night train. Just keep in mind that you need to buy these tickets on time because of their popularity. If you our itinerary through Vietnam follows then your next destination is Phong Nha. To get here you will use the night bus.
What to do in Ninh Binh?
You won't find many sights in Ninh Binh, but there are enough activities to keep you entertained for two days. This rural region is the perfect destination in Vietnam to take it a little easier. Don't skip at least the following activities in Ninh Binh.
Explore the area by bicycle
One of the more fun activities to do in Ninh Binh is to rent a bicycle from your hotel. You have complete freedom to cycle through the rural landscape, stopping at beautiful viewpoints and having a chat with the friendly locals you meet along the way. Renting a bicycle or scooter is also the way to sightsee in Ninh Binh, as cabs don't run here.
Take a boat ride at Tam Coc or Trang An
The Ninh Binh region is also known as Halong Bay on land. An appellation that refers to the gigantic karst mountains that rise up to 200 meters above the countryside. As you also see at Halong Bay, where they then only rise above the water.
Nature in the province is spectacular and the best way to see it for yourself is at Cuc Phuong National Park where you can take a boat trip. You can take a 1.5-hour boat ride at Tam Coc and a 3-hour boat ride at Trang An. Tam Coc is the most famous location for taking the boat ride, so if you want to go here, make sure you arrive early. That way you can enjoy the surroundings in peace. By the way, both locations are stunning. It is a unique experience to take a rowboat among the rice fields and limestone mountains.
Climb to the Hang Mua Viewpoint for breathtaking views
How big and impressive the rural landscape of Ninh Binh is you really see when you stand at the top of the Hang Mua Viewpoint. It's a tough climb to the top that takes about 20 minutes, but once at the top, it's well worth the effort. Enjoy panoramic views of the Cuc Phuong National Park and the city of Ninh Binh. The best time to be here is during golden hour, the hour before the sun sets, only to watch the sun disappear behind the mountains. A magically beautiful moment!
Visit one or more impressive pagodas
You will find several pagodas to visit in Ninh Binh, of which the Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most popular. The pagoda is about 3 kilometers from Tam Coc and can be combined well with a boat trip in Tam Coc and a visit to the Hang Mua Viewpoint.
If you take a boat trip at Trang An, you can combine this activity with a visit to the largest pagoda and temple complex in Southeast Asia: Bai Dinh. Another impressive complex you can visit in Ninh Binh is Hoa Lu, the former capital of the Dai Co Viet kingdom.
Stay overnight in the middle of nature in Ninh Binh
In such a beautiful area as Ninh Binh, sleeping in nature is an absolute must. You will find beautiful accommodations where you sleep in a cozy bungalow among the rice fields or limestone mountains. Some accommodations have swimming pools where you can relax in the heat of the day. One thing you should definitely check before booking an accommodation is whether there is (free) bike rental, which is very convenient!
Our favorite accommodation in Ninh Binh, Nguyen Shack Ninh Binh, is temporarily closed. Should this insane place reopen its doors we will of course update you in this article. Here you sleep in huts adjacent to a lagoon surrounded by nothing but giant karst mountains. By the way, the location is also ideal as it is next to the entrance to the Hang Mua Viewpoint.
Our favorite accommodations in Ninh Binh
What is the best travel time to visit Ninh Binh?
Actually, Ninh Binh is an attractive destination to visit in Vietnam all year round. Even when it rains hard, because that is precisely when the rice fields take on their beautiful green color.Â
In the dry season, from November through April, it is a lot more pleasant in terms of temperature and humidity. The perfect travel time to explore Ninh Binh by bicycle.
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Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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