Tiếng Việt
Ninh Binh – Ancient Capital Land
Located in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a truly unique destination where majestic natural landscapes blend harmoniously with centuries of historical and cultural heritage. Home to striking limestone mountains, mysterious caves, expansive rice fields, and ancient temples, the area offers a peaceful and culturally rich atmosphere. Once the capital of Vietnam’s first independent dynasty, Ninh Binh is now an ideal stop for those who love nature and history. Despite growing tourism, many areas still retain their pristine beauty.
Destination Highlights
• Trang An – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An is a spectacular complex of limestone caves and emerald rivers winding through dramatic mountains. A boat ride through the area takes visitors past caves like Hang Toi, Hang Sang, Hang Nau Ruou, and sacred temples such as Den Trinh and Den Tran.
• Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Tam Coc offers tranquil scenery of rice paddies along a river, especially beautiful during the harvest season (May–June). Nearby is Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient temple built into a mountain with three levels: Ha, Trung, and Thuong.
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – The first capital of independent Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le dynasties. It preserves important historical relics, including temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, King Le Dai Hanh, and other ancient ruins.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda – The largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, known for its giant bronze Buddha statues, hundreds of Arhat statues, and the longest temple corridor in Vietnam.
• Hang Mua – A popular hiking spot offering panoramic views of Tam Coc. Although the 500-step climb can be tiring, the reward is a breathtaking landscape featuring the Ngo Dong River and surrounding mountains.
Cuisine
• Crispy rice with Ninh Binh goat – A signature dish combining crispy rice served with rich dipping sauce and various goat meat preparations like grilled, steamed, or stir-fried. The goats are raised naturally in the mountains, making the meat firmer and more flavorful.
• Mountain snails – A seasonal delicacy available from April to August. These snails are found in rock crevices and prepared in various ways: steamed, stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, or grilled with scallion oil. They have a distinct sweet and crunchy taste.
• Ninh Binh eel vermicelli (mien luon) – Freshwater eel cooked dry or in broth, served with chewy vermicelli noodles, Vietnamese coriander, and fried shallots – simple yet irresistible.
• Yen Mac fermented pork (nem Yen Mac) – Similar to Thanh Hoa sour pork rolls but with a unique flavor thanks to guava leaves used in fermentation, giving it a mild sourness and fragrant aroma. Often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Shopping
While Ninh Binh isn’t a shopping hub, you can find many local specialties in markets like Cho Rong or Cho Nho Quan. Popular items to take home include:
• Packaged crispy rice
• Kim Son rice wine – A famous traditional rice liquor
• Sweetleaf and lotus tea
• Handwoven textiles from nearby Muong ethnic villages
Accommodation
Ninh Binh offers a variety of accommodations, from budget options to upscale resorts. Homestays in Tam Coc or Trang An are highly popular for their serene natural surroundings. For more comfort, 3–5 star hotels are available in Ninh Binh City or near Bai Dinh. Popular choices include:
• Tam Coc Garden Resort – An eco-friendly retreat surrounded by rice fields
• Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh – Country-style luxury near Cuc Phuong National Park
• Chez Loan Homestay – Friendly, well-equipped lodging close to Tam Coc
Transportation
Getting to Ninh Binh
From Hanoi, you can reach Ninh Binh by train, bus, or private car. The journey takes just 1.5 to 2 hours. High-quality limousine services such as Ninh Binh Excursion and Trang An Limousine are popular for their comfort and reliability.
Getting around
You can rent a motorbike, bicycle, or take local taxis to explore the area. Many homestays offer bike or scooter rentals for around 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day. For groups, renting a private car with a driver is a convenient way to travel between attractions.
