Ninh Bình is a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. It is the capital of Ninh Bình Province.
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Hoa Lư was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009. It lies in Trường Yên Thượng village, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province. The area is one of ricefields broken by limestone mountains, and is approximately 90 km south of Hanoi.
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Tràng An is a scenic area near Ninh Bình, Vietnam renowned for its boat cave tours. On 23 June 2014, at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in Doha, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn more Book this experienceFeel the atmosphere ancient in Hoa Lu capital and explore Trang An landscape by boat in Ninh Binh. Discovery peaceful local villages with bikes & hiking 500 steps to Mua Cave with overview to Tam Coc
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Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu on a day trip from Hanoi. Enjoy a buffet lunch with over 30 dishes, and take a boat ride along the river in Tam Coc and enjoy beautiful sunset on top of Mua Cave.
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Gia Viễn is a rural district of Ninh Bình province in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. As of 2008 the district had a population of 119,284. The district covers an area of 176 km². The district capital lies at Me.
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Nam Định is a city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam. It is the capital of Nam Định Province. The city of Nam Định is 90 km south-east of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi.
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Travel to Ninh Bình if you like:
🗼 Landmark ⛰️ Hill station 🏞️ River 🏞️ Waterway 🐾 Wildlife 🌲 EcoregionNinh Bình, a hidden gem in Vietnam, offers the perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences. Traveling to this destination allows you to explore stunning limestone karst formations, ancient temples, and local Vietnamese culture, all while avoiding the crowds of more popular tourist destinations.
To get to Ninh Bình, you have several options. It's located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, making it easily accessible by train, bus, or private car. The train journey from Hanoi takes around 2 hours, while buses take approximately 3 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike or car and drive yourself, providing the opportunity to explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace.
It's advisable to book guided tours in advance, especially if you'd like to visit popular attractions like Tràng An, Tam Cốc-Bích Động, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lư. Pre-booking ensures you secure a spot on the tour and can often save you money compared to purchasing tickets on the day.
The costs of traveling in Ninh Bình are relatively low compared to other tourist destinations in Vietnam. Budget accommodations can be found for as little as $10-15 per night, while mid-range hotels typically cost between $30-50. Meals at local restaurants are also affordable, with prices ranging from $1-5 per dish.
Some of the best things to do in Ninh Bình include:
- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tràng An by boat
- Visiting the ancient temples of Hoa Lư
- Cycling around the picturesque countryside of Tam Cốc-Bích Động
- Hiking to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Watching the sunset over the stunning karst formations at Hang Múa viewpoint
For dining options, consider trying local Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants like Trung Tuyết or Chookie's Beer Garden, both known for their delicious dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Another option is to visit the Tam Cốc street food area, where you can sample a variety of local specialties.
When it comes to accommodations, consider staying at the Tam Cốc Garden, a charming boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens and rice paddies. For budget travelers, the family-owned Trang An River View Homestay offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Off the beaten path:
For a truly unique experience, head to the Thung Nham Bird Garden, a lesser-known bird sanctuary located within the limestone karst landscape. Best visited in the early morning or late afternoon, this serene park is home to over 40 species of birds, including storks, herons, and egrets. Rent a rowboat and glide through the tranquil waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, as you observe the birds in their natural habitat. This off-the-beaten-path adventure offers a rare glimpse into the untouched beauty of Ninh Bình and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.
Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Located in the north of Vietnam just 90 km from Hanoi is the town of Ninh Binh. As such, Ninh Binh is not a city with great attractions but it is famous and visited for the attractions that we can find in its surroundings, where we can discover the incredible beauty of its natural surroundings and learn more about the history of Vietnam.
The main attractions and activities to do in Ninh Binh are as follows:
- Visit Tam Coc, the Halong Bay of land: Located only 9 km from Ninh Binh we can find the incredible Tam Coc or known as the Halong Bay of land because of its similarity with the Halong Bay area on the coast. To visit Tam Coc and its caves we will have to take a rowing boat tour.
- Visit the Bich Dong Pagoda and Mua Cave: Located 12 km in the direction of Tom Oc is the Bich Dong Pagoda. The Pagoda has an incredible view of the area. Mua Cave is located a little more than 4 km from Bich Dong and it also has a great view over the whole area.
- Visit Hoa Lu Citadel: Located 14 km from Ninh Binh is the ancient Imperial City of Hoa Lu and the remains of its citadel. The capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty and the Le Dynasty, only part of the monumental complex remains today. In the visit to the Citadel of Hoa Lu we can see different buildings such as the Temple of King Dinh and the Temple of King Le and the Nhat Tru Pagoda. Apart from the ruins, the surroundings where it is located, at the foot of Mount Mae Yan and on the banks of the Sao Khe River, which served as natural defences along with its fortified walls, are particularly noteworthy.
- Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda: Located 5 km from Hoa Lu Citadel, Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most important pagodas in Vietnam. The Bai Dinh Pagoda stands out for its incredible Buddha statue, its sculptures surrounding the complex and its gigantic bell.
- Getting around the area: The area around Ning Binh is also known for its people and rural atmosphere. In the area you can visit many small villages and get an idea of the daily life of its people. In Ninh Binh you can get to know a less touristy Vietnam and for this you will simply have to wander around the area.
Here, you can :
Cruise by rowing boat. ...
Bike ride in Ninh Binh.
Jade pagodas (Bích Động)
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
The stone cathedral of Phat Diem.
The pagoda of Bai Dinh.
The bird garden of Thung Nham.
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⛰️ Hill station spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏞️ River spots 🌲 Plain spots 🏞️ Reservoir spots Rowing spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏰 Historic site spots 🌴 Jungle spotsExplore popular touristic places around Ninh Bình