About 2 hours drive from Ha Noi, Ninh Binh is one of the striking destinations in Vietnam that is relatively known by international travel lovers. Its magical riverine landscape with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies, are a playground for adventurers and an oasis for nature lovers.
Ninh Binh Province is a location where Vietnam’s capital - Hoa Lu, was established in the second half of 10th century. The area today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is full of mossy pagodas, striking limestone karsts, and surreal landscapes. Above all, It is truly a hidden gem for travellers to explore and eager to try more when coming.
The most ideal time to visit Ninh Binh is from March to May and September to November, when the temperatures are average with cool breeze and light sunny rays. For the finest view, October would be the perfect time.
Visitors can boast of buses from Ha Noi every day to visit this mesmerising spot. Cars, coaches and trains are also available to transfer visitors to the destination. To enjoy on the spot, motorcycle tours or cycling are great options.
Ninh Binh was recently praised by Time Out magazine as one of precious gems in Southeast Asia and obviously there are plenty of things this hidden gem can offer visitors from around the world. Getting a bird-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua is one of the recommendations. Taking 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua is worth your effort for panoramas of Tam Coc valley below, with the faint outlines of karsts stretching toward the horizon.
Hang Mua (Photo: TITC)
The historic site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital will be the first introduction to Ninh Binh. These grounds nowadays are surrounded by limestone karsts and natural moats. Visitors can feel free to wander around this centuries-old site, and admire its temples, pagodas, and artefacts.
Visiting the Trang An Landscape Complex should be included in the Ninh Binh hit list of visitors. Clamber aboard a rowboat and settle in for a stunning ride and ready to be impressed with jungle-covered karsts towering above. Stories about the people that lived in these mountains in prehistoric times are an exclusive opt when on board that for sure to draw all visitors’ attention.
Boast on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc (Photo: TITC)
For a peaceful mind and a little escape from the hustle and bustle of life, wandering the Bai Dinh Pagoda is worth the visit.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Photo: TITC)
Bai Dinh Pagoda is an enormous complex and one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Thousands of Buddha statues, elaborately carved bells and a 13-story watchtower, offering sweeping views of the countryside.
Ninh Binh’s culinary specialities include goat meat, crispy popped rice crackers, fish cakes on lemongrass skewers, stir-fried greens and steamed rice