Ninh Binh

Why visit Ninh Binh?

Although some travellers may skip Ninh Binh from their Vietnam travel itinerary, it’s still one of the country’s greatest treasures. Home to stunning scenery that you can easily cycle or walk among, friendly locals and plenty of opportunities to get active, it’s adventure holidaying at its best – yet one that caters for every fitness level, age and budget.

Only a couple of hours by train from Hanoi, it’s strange that more people don’t visit, even if just for a day trip. Maybe they think they’ve had their fill of limestone karsts by taking in Ha Long Bay – and that’s on water so surely that’s better?!

Not necessarily. Of course, Ha Long Bay is magical…but there’s something about being able to walk around the karsts of Ninh Binh, to see the surrounding rice fields shine yellow at harvest time and blooming with lotus flowers in the summer – and to step back in time by entering a cool, almost gothic, cave in the heart of it all.

Ninh Binh may be compared as the land version of Ha Long Bay – but really, it’s so much more. And by planning a custom made trip to Ninh Binh’s hotspots, you can be sure of seeing the best the area has to offer.

Top things to do in Ninh Binh:

• Rent a bike and pedal around the area til your heart’s content
• Check out Tam Coc if on a daytrip from Hanoi, or stay in this area if stopping over
• Enjoy a boat tour through the Trang An Complex, a UNESCO site with karst formations, waterways, pagodas and temples.
• Visit the Primate Rescue Center: Deep within Cuc Phuong National Park, you can explore this safe haven for rescued animals – warning, your heartstrings will be tugged!

When to visit Ninh Binh

In terms of the best scenery and the mildest Ninh Binh weather, most people recommend visiting a) from May – July when you can see yellow rice fields and lotus season (which is in June) or b) during September and October, around harvest time and when the weather is cool.

Still, Ninh Binh can be enjoyed at other times of year – and even if you miss ‘the classic’ photo of limestone karsts in front of yellow fields, purple swaying lotus flowers in the foreground, there’s plenty to love about this area during off-season. It will be quieter, you’ll have more Ninh Binh accommodation options (particularly in Tam Coc, which can fill up quickly) and your boat tour will be a relaxing experience instead of overly busy.

Anytime between November and April are also great times to visit Ninh Binh: you might miss the harvest season but you’ll benefit from dry, cool weather: perfect for cycling, trekking and whatever else you’ve planned during your Ninh Binh tour.

Ready to book your Ninh Binh holiday?

Even if you’re planning on seeing Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh is well worth a trip. It’s another chance to escape the bustle of city life, to reconnect with nature and to get your exercise fix with plenty of steps you can climb for a view (worth it, btw!).

Our local travel team can advise you on the best time of year to visit Ninh Binh, the top places to stay (depending on the kind of holiday you’re after, who’s going with you, and your budget) and what to do in Ninh Binh when you arrive.

We’re just a phone call away so whether you need help with a flat tyre, or the best place to sample mountain goat (it’s free range here, and delicious!) we can sort you out.

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