Ninh Binh, affectionately known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” has long been an unmissable destination on Vietnam's travel map. With the pristine beauty of its rolling mountains, serene winding rivers, and ancient historical and cultural relics, Ninh Binh offers an experience that is both peaceful and magnificent. Among its jewels, Trang An and Tam Coc are the two brightest, attracting millions of tourists each year. Let's explore the complete set of tips for a memorable trip to this ancient capital land!

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh boasts a unique beauty in every season, but to fully appreciate its scenery, you should consider the following periods:

• Spring (January - March): The weather is cool and pleasant, not too hot or rainy. This is an ideal time for spring outings, temple visits, especially participating in the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival at the beginning of the year. The landscape is full of life with budding trees and flowers.
• Summer (April - June): This is considered the most beautiful time of year in Ninh Binh. Especially in late May and early June, the rice fields in Tam Coc turn a brilliant gold, creating a magnificent natural painting. Gliding on a boat along the Ngo Dong River, between golden fields of rice, is an unforgettable experience. The weather is quite hot, so be sure to bring hats and sunscreen.
• Autumn (July - September): Autumn in Ninh Binh is gentle and romantic. The weather is cool, and the sun is less harsh. While there are no golden rice fields, you can admire blooming lotus and water lily ponds in the Trang An tourist area or at Mua Cave.
• Winter (October - December): The weather is cool and less crowded, offering a sense of peace and tranquility. During this season, the landscape is more subdued with fields of white reeds swaying in the wind, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle.

How to get to Ninh Binh?

Located just about 90km from Hanoi, traveling to Ninh Binh is very convenient with many options:

• Coach/Bus: This is the most popular and economical option. You can catch a bus from major bus stations in Hanoi like Giap Bat or My Dinh, with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 - 120,000 VND per trip. The travel time is about 1.5 - 2 hours.
• Train: If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, the train is an interesting choice. The North-South Reunification Express trains all stop at Ninh Binh station. Ticket prices vary from 90,000 - 200,000 VND per trip depending on the seat type.
• Motorbike: For young people who love adventure and want flexibility, a motorbike is the ideal vehicle. The route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is quite beautiful and easy to navigate, just follow the old National Highway 1A.
• Limousine/Private Car: If you are traveling in a large group or a family with elderly members or children, renting a limousine or private car will provide the most comfort and convenience.

Detailed 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary for Trang An - Tam Coc?

To explore the main highlights, a 2-day 1-night itinerary is just right. Here is a detailed suggestion for your Ninh Binh travel adventure:

Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Trang An – Mua Cave

• Morning: Depart from Hanoi, arrive in Ninh Binh, check into your accommodation, and drop off your luggage.
• Noon: Have lunch with local specialties like goat meat and scorched rice. Then, head to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le to learn about the nation's heroic history.
• Afternoon: Explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. You will take a sampan boat ride along the crystal-clear water, weaving through mystical caves and visiting ancient temples and pagodas.
• Late Afternoon: Conquer the peak of Mua Cave by climbing nearly 500 stone steps. The reward is a panoramic view of the entire Tam Coc area and the majestic limestone mountain ranges, especially at sunset.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner and explore Ninh Binh at your leisure.

Day 2: Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Hanoi

• Morning: After breakfast, take a boat trip to explore Tam Coc - Bich Dong. The Ngo Dong River will take you through three caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba) and past lush green or golden rice fields (depending on the season).
• Noon: Have lunch and take a rest.
• Afternoon: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Vietnam with many Asian records. The vast temple complex with its magnificent and grand architecture will leave you in awe.
• Late Afternoon: Board the vehicle back to Hanoi, concluding a fulfilling trip.

What to eat in Ninh Binh? Top unmissable specialties

Ninh Binh's cuisine is rustic yet incredibly distinctive. Don't forget to try the following dishes:

• Mountain Goat Meat: Goats are raised on limestone cliffs, making their meat firm, fragrant, and low in fat. There are many delicious dishes made from goat meat, such as goat with lemon, grilled goat, steamed goat, and goat hotpot.
• Scorched Rice (Com Chay): The specialty dish that defines Ninh Binh. The crispy scorched rice, served with a rich dipping sauce made from goat meat or pork heart and kidney, is a perfect combination.
• Mountain Snails: These snails live only in rock crevices, are very rare, and only appear during the rainy season. They can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, grilled, or in a salad. The snail meat is chewy, crispy, and has a slight herbal taste.
• Eel Glass Noodles (Mien Luon): A familiar breakfast dish for locals. The eels used are the 'com' variety, with firm meat. After preparation, they are stir-fried with spices and added to a bowl of hot glass noodles, fragrant with Vietnamese coriander.
• Kim Son Eel Salad (Goi ca nhech): A sophisticated but worthwhile dish. The eel is cleaned, thinly sliced, then mixed with fragrant roasted rice powder, served with various herbs and a special dipping sauce.

How much does a self-guided trip to Ninh Binh cost?

The cost for a 2-day 1-night trip to Ninh Binh is quite reasonable, ranging from 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND per person, depending on your choice of transportation, accommodation, and personal spending. Here is a breakdown of estimated costs:

• Transportation: 200,000 - 500,000 VND (bus, train, or motorbike fuel).
• Accommodation: 300,000 - 800,000 VND/night (homestay or 2-3 star hotel).
• Entrance Fees: Around 500,000 - 600,000 VND/person (Trang An, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital).
• Food & Drinks: 500,000 - 800,000 VND/person for 2 days.
• Miscellaneous: 100,000 - 200,000 VND.

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