Ninh Binh
Limestone peaks like Ha Long Bay’s, but standing in rice fields and rivers. The Trang An landscape complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the whole area is small enough to see in a day from Hanoi.
Highlights
- Trang An: two to three hours in a rowing sampan through caves and past riverside temples
- Mua Cave: about 500 steps to a dragon statue and the widest view over the valley
- Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, with temples to the Dinh and Le kings
- Bich Dong Pagoda and Tam Coc, the ‘three caves’ stretch of river
- Cycling between villages and rice fields, which turn gold in late May and early June
Best time to visit
Year-round. Rice fields are greenest in April and May and golden around late May to early June; winter is cool and misty.
Getting there
About 1.5–2 hours by road from Hanoi, on the way south to Hue and central Vietnam.
How long to stay
A full day from Hanoi, or two days to see it slowly.
Where to stay
Tam Coc has the small guesthouses and homestays; Trang An and the Van Long side are quieter, with resorts set among the karst peaks and rice fields. Many travellers visit on a day trip from Hanoi and skip the night here.
What to eat
Goat meat (de nui) with rice crust (com chay) is the dish the province is known for. Freshwater fish, snails and eel noodle soup appear on most local menus.
Good to know
- Since 1 July 2025 the province also takes in the former Ha Nam and Nam Dinh provinces.
- January to March is cool and full of local festivals; rice fields are golden around late May and early June.
- Bicycles work well around Tam Coc; elsewhere use a car or a motorbike tour.
Combine with
Hanoi · Ha Long Bay · Mai Chau
Tours that visit Ninh Binh
Questions about Ninh Binh? Message us on WhatsApp +84 345 827 501 or email booking@hynatravel.com.