Nihn Binh is a lesser-visited gem in Norther Vietnam about 2 hours from Hanoi the capital. There are many ways you can reach Ninh Binh; by bus, train, taxi, and motorbike. So why visit Ninh Binh? Well, for starters, it’s a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of most other noisy & crowded cities in Vietnam. Its scenic surroundings will make you do a double-take. Nature is genuinely un-spoilt and the local food will take your taste buds on a wild ride. I’m here to tell you why Ninh Binh needs to be on your travel itinerary for Vietnam ASAP. Let’s get started!
1. View the emerald green limestones.
When many people think of Vietnam, they usually picture the green limestone stones of Ha Long Bay. Well, in Ninh Binh, you can find those same stones, on land. In a less polluted way than Ha Long Bay. When you get to Ninh Binh, rent a motorbike and get on your way. I highly recommend just driving around and soaking up the scenery. From the rugged mountains, freshwater lakes, to endless rice fields, just take it all in. I’m not lying when I say you will be in awe of it. Every time I visited, I felt this sensation of gratitude for being in Vietnam and being able to experience these natural beauties. Renting a motorbike will only cost you around $4 per day, and another $2 for petrol
2. Visit the Dong Giao pineapple farms.
This isn’t something you usually read about, which makes it more of a hidden treasure. The picturesque pineapple farms are about a thirty-minute ride outside of Tam Coc by motorbike. It was fascinating to see how the pineapples were grown and just roam through the fields. The bright green yellows colors of the pineapple fields create a colorful landscape perfect for photography lovers. My friends and I had such a good time taking photos throughout the fields and still respecting the landscape by not trampling on the branches and not picking any of the pineapples. You can support the local businesses there buy purchases some of the pineapples from the farmers. Especially since the visit won’t cost your wallet any damage.
3. Get up close and personal with a dragon on Hang Mua Peak
This exhilarating hike up 500 steps will take you about thirty minutes. Beware, the walk is a bit steep. I can promise you that the views are worth it. There are two peaks that you can hike to. The highest one is where you will see the lying Hang Mua dragon. On the way, there will be several points you can stop to rest and admire the stunning views. At the top, you will be greeted with panoramic views of Tam Coc valley, bright green rice fields, and more jagged emerald green rocks. Although when I visited it was a bit crowded with tourists, it was still a win in my book. The Hang Mua Dragon is essential to the locals & represents prosperity. Be sure to catch the best views during sunset, as the sky transforms brilliantly red and orange.
4. Visit monkeys and turtles in an ethical way.
Head to Cuc Phuong national park to see the endangered primates rescue center & turtle conservation. The primate center dedicates it’s work to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, and research of Vietnam’s endangered primates. A tour guide will take you through the center, explaining the different breeds of animals, and how the center supports them. I was able to encounter numerous species of monkeys such as
the Gibbon, the Langur, and the Lorris. The center is home to 180 primate species and fifteen different species. I found it interesting to hear about how the animals were educated and trained before being released back into the wild. The animals were kept in large enclosures during their training and in some semi-wild areas – this protected them as they prepared to enter back into the wild. The employees monitor their progression before releasing them. Afterward, head over to the turtle conservation and learn about the fantastic work being done here. The turtle conservation is a rescue holding center for tortoise and freshwater turtles, which were seen in the extensive illegal wildlife trade. The centers hold 600 turtles, and 19 of Vietnam’s 24 native species. Learn about how they protect these species, and about the critical threat of survival, the turtles are phasing. You can visit both from 7:30 AM-4:00 PM, and it will cost you about $2USD.
5. Relax as you float down the Ngo Dong river.
Head to Tam Coc for an excellent boat ride through the Ngo Dong river. It felt like a genuine Vietnamese experience as we boarded the small wooden boat and our tour guide paddled us by foot through the river.
Along the way, you will experience sights such as green limestone stones popping on every corner, misty caves, and ancient temples. The boat will stop at several different temples so you can explore the sights, get those perfect shots. As you sit back and relax, you will see many tourists and local people rowing down the river. The tour was about 2 hours and cost about 10 USD. For fewer tourists, get there early. Opening hours are from 8 AM-6 PM. Be sure to bring a hat or sunscreen too, the sun can be scorching.
6. Visit one of the oldest civilizations in Vietnam.
Make your way to Hoa Lu – the capital of an ancient Vietnamese Kingdom called Dai Co Viet in the 10th century. Hoa Lu was the first capital of Vietnam, and you can visit several different historical sites there. In the year 968 the King Ginh Bo Linh the capital here at Hoa Lu and ruled it until the year 980. Afterward, Hoa Lu also existed for almost 30 years, until it was moved to what now is Ha Noi. Nowadays, Hoa Lu is an ancient capital that has maintained lots of ancient temples and relic sites in Vietnam. Take in the naturally beautiful surroundings of the capital while you’re there, such as the green mountain peaks and Hoag Long river that borders the city. Visit the city from 7 AM-5 PM.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
7. Be mesmerized by beds of lotus flowers.
For a dazzling experience that will be easy on the eyes, find your way to Hang Mua. Once you pay the
entrance fee of $4USD, experience all the attractions inside – including visiting the lotus flowers, the
Hang Mua peaks, caves, and an assortment of cafes inside. As you walk in on your left side, you will find the bed of lotus flowers. I hadn’t a clue that they were there, I was so happy I followed the crowd of people walking over that way. The lotus flowers are lovely pink charming flowers that will stun with their beauty. Admire the flowers and snap a few shots. These attractive flowers are Vietnam’s national flowers. Lotus flowers grow from the muddy pond but their seed grows toward the direction of the sunlight, which represents the purity of spirit. The symbolism behind lotus flowers is a perfect representation of the purity & beauty of Vietnam.
8. Party on a bus.
So, you’ve explored your way through Ninh Binh and now it’s time to kick back while enjoying a cocktail and some conversation. The nightlife in Ninh Binh is not too happening but this bus bar is definitely the spot to go. The bus serves up a multitude of cocktails and beer. The music is loud and the atmosphere is funky. Enjoy your beverage as you reflect on your magnificent day of exploring. Their Pina Coladas were pretty banging!
Bus Bar Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province, Vietnam
9. Eat local delicacies
For me, food is a huge part of travel. When traveling, I love to try local foods to understand the town or city better. In Ninh Binh, the local delicacies might be a little out of the ordinary for you but I recommend you try a few of them!
- Rice crust (Com Chay)
- Goat Meat
- Raw Nhech fish salad
- Nem Chua Yen Mac (Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll)
- Ruou Can Nho Quan (wine drunk out of a jar through pipes)
10. Trek through the oldest national park in Vietnam
For a rich and enchanting experience, head to the Cuc Phuong National Park. In Cuc Phuong, you will see landscapes that will make you feel grounded. As you wander through the many trails, you will stumble across natural beauties such as 1,000’s of species of flora and fauna, karst mountain ranges, and abundant valleys. Not only will you find beauty in nature, keep your eyes out for the 22 species of reptiles and amphibians, 336 bird species, and 135 species mammals – including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet, and Asian Black Bear. During April and May, you will find thousands of butterfly fluttering around you – truly making your trek feel like a childhood fairy tale. Talk to the local ranger when you buy your entrance ticket to the park for about $2USD. The park ranger will give you the low down on how you can explore the park and provide you with a map of some of the highlights. Lodging and restaurant facilities are located at the front of the park. When I visited, we hiked through the jungle to reach the “Dong Nguoi Xua” (cave of prehistoric man). This was quite the adventure, and it took us about two hours to reach from the entrance. Little did we know that the experience had just begun when we reached the gate. To reach the cave, you must trek up a steep set of steps. Entering the cave, there was an eerie feel, darkness, and bats flying around. It will send chills down your spine. Archaeologists found three ancient tombs lying deeply under the ground here, stating that prehistoric men lived here 7,000-12,000 years ago. Lastly, to make the park an even more engaging & cultural experience, you can visit traditional stilt houses, waterwheels, bamboo rafts, and brocade loom built by the Muong minority people. The Muong minority people still live in villages across the park.
Well, that’s a wrap! I hope that you are currently adjusting your Vietnam itinerary to fit Ninh Binh in!
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
