Northern Vietnam
Ninh Binh
Limestone peaks, rice fields and quiet rivers: Halong Bay on land.
About Ninh Binh
Rivers, Caves And Rice Fields Between The Karsts
Ninh Binh is often called Halong Bay on land. Here the limestone peaks rise straight out of rice fields and rivers, and the landscape of Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural beauty and its long history.
A thousand years ago this was the capital of Vietnam, and the temples of Hoa Lu still honour the first kings. Today the best way to explore is slowly: by rowboat through caves and wetlands, by bicycle along village lanes, and on foot to viewpoints like Hang Mua for a view over Tam Coc.
The main boat piers can be crowded, so we use quieter routes such as the Thung Nham wetland and the back lanes of Tam Coc, where the rowers are local villagers and the only sounds are birds and oars. Ninh Binh works well as a day trip from Hanoi, but a night here is even better.
Best time to visit
Late May to early June for golden rice; September to November for mild weather. Spring is green and fresh; summer is hot.
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Hanoi.
How long to stay
1 to 2 days.
Good for
Cycling, rowboat trips, photography, families.
Highlights
What We Love About Ninh Binh
Rowboat through caves
Glide through limestone caves and wetlands, rowed by local villagers.
Hang Mua viewpoint
About 500 steps to a dragon-topped peak with views over Tam Coc.
Hoa Lu
The ancient royal capital, with temples dedicated to the first kings of Vietnam.
Village cycling
Flat lanes between rice fields, karsts and small family farms.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Vietnam’s oldest national park, with forest trails and a primate rescue centre.
Van Long Reserve
A peaceful wetland of reflections, birds and rare langurs.
Tours
Ninh Binh Tours
Day trips by bike and rowboat, and longer journeys that link Ninh Binh with Pu Luong and Halong Bay.
New Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh Back Roads by Bike and Rowboat
Ancient temples, a karst-top viewpoint and quiet canals far from the busy boat piers.
Halong Bay
Pu Luong to Bai Tu Long Bay
A seven day journey through hill tribe villages, limestone rivers and the islands of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Plan Your Trip To Ninh Binh
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