Ninh Binh: A guide to exploring the land of 'Ha Long Bay on land'

Located just about 100km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is an ideal choice for a short trip, combining exploration of majestic nature with learning about the history of the ancient capital.

Dubbed "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh attracts tourists with its picturesque landscape of majestic limestone mountains, winding rivers, and lush green rice fields. Located just about 100 km from Hanoi, it's the perfect destination for weekend getaways to relax and explore .

An overview of the prominent destinations in Ninh Binh .

Must-see destinations

Ninh Binh boasts many famous landmarks, each with its own unique beauty, from the majestic scenery of nature to the ancient charm of history.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site, Trang An is a system of caves, valleys, and rivers interspersed among limestone mountain ranges. The experience of riding in a small boat through the dimly lit caves and admiring the magnificent natural landscape is an activity not to be missed.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Tam Coc impresses visitors with its boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, flanked by golden or lush green rice fields depending on the season. Bich Dong, also known as "the second most beautiful cave in the South," is an ancient temple nestled halfway up the mountain, offering a sense of tranquility and peace.

Explore Ninh Binh with a variety of activities.

Hang Mua

To admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc from above, visitors need to conquer nearly 500 stone steps to reach the summit of Mua Mountain. The reward is a spectacular view, especially at sunrise or sunset, where you can take in the beauty of the rice fields and the winding river.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

As the first capital of Vietnam's centralized feudal state, Hoa Lu bears a rich historical imprint. Visitors can explore the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hành to learn more about a glorious period in the nation's history.

Suggestions for local experiences and specialties.

Experience the local cuisine.

The trip wouldn't be complete without trying the local specialties of this ancient capital region. Ninh Binh cuisine is famous for its simple yet uniquely flavored dishes.

• Mountain goat meat: Goats raised on limestone mountain slopes have firm and flavorful meat. Popular dishes include goat meat with lemon dressing, grilled goat meat, and goat hot pot.
• Crispy fried rice: Ninh Binh's most distinctive dish, featuring pieces of rice fried until crunchy, served with a rich sauce made from goat meat or heart and kidneys.

Useful information about transportation and accommodation in Ninh Binh.

Useful tips for tourists

The ideal time

You can visit Ninh Binh at any time of year. However, the best time is from January to March (lunar calendar) when the weather is cool and spring-like, and there are many festivals. Additionally, late May and early June is the season when the rice fields turn golden, creating stunning landscapes.

Means of transportation

From Hanoi, tourists can easily reach Ninh Binh by bus, train, or private vehicle such as car or motorbike. In Ninh Binh, renting a motorbike is the most flexible option for freely exploring the attractions.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ninh-binh-cam-nang-kham-pha-vung-dat-ha-long-tren-can-410581.html