Ninh Binh Travel 2025: Must-visit destinations and essential tips for independent travel you shouldn’t miss

Located just about 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is an ideal destination for a short trip. With its mild climate, four distinct seasons, and diverse natural landscapes ranging from rivers and lakes to mountains, this ancient capital of Hoa Lư offers many attractive tourist destinations. If you are looking for independent travel tips, dining options, and accommodation in Ninh Binh, let’s explore the details with HaNoi Vip Tours below!

Best weather to visit Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is beautiful all year round, but each season offers a different experience, so you can visit at any time of the year.

January – March: This is the season when yellow mustard flowers, plum blossoms, and peach blossoms bloom, creating beautiful countryside landscapes. You can also join early spring festivals, especially the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival, which attracts many visitors.

May – June: This is the water season when rice fields turn lush green, creating breathtaking scenery viewed from boat rides along the river.

September – October: The rice harvest season in Tam Coc and Bich Dong, offering a romantic golden landscape perfect for nature lovers.

Travel experience in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is close to Hanoi and easily accessible from many provinces. Below are transportation options to help you plan your trip:

Getting to Ninh Binh

From Hanoi:

• Bus: Frequent buses from My Dinh and Giap Bat stations cost around 100,000–150,000 VND per trip.
• Motorbike: About 90 km from Hanoi, taking around 2–2.5 hours.
• Train: From Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Station, taking about 2.5–3 hours, offering a relaxing travel experience.

From southern Vietnam:

• Flight: Fly from Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, or Phu Quoc to Hanoi with airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Then continue to Ninh Binh by bus, motorbike, or train.
• Bus: Long-distance buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi cost around 800,000–1,000,000 VND, then continue to Ninh Binh.
• Train: Train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi cost around 600,000–1,000,000 VND depending on seat type, then travel onward to Ninh Binh.

Getting around Ninh Binh

• Motorbike: The most popular and convenient way to explore freely. Rental price: 100,000–150,000 VND/day.
• Taxi / Motorbike taxi: Suitable for short distances or fast travel. Taxi fares range from 15,000–20,000 VND/km.

Top 5+ most beautiful destinations in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Famous for limestone mountains and winding rivers through green rice fields. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the peaceful scenery and visit Bich Dong Pagoda.

Address: Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district

Hang Mua (Mua Cave)

Only 15 minutes from Trang An, Hang Mua is a famous attraction. Visitors must climb about 500 stone steps to reach the peak, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ninh Binh.

Address: Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district

Cuc Phuong National Park

One of the largest nature reserves in northern Vietnam, located in Nho Quan. It features rich biodiversity and peaceful forest scenery, ideal for trekking and wildlife exploration.

Address: Nho Quan, Ninh Binh

Bai Dinh Pagoda

One of the largest pagodas in Vietnam, famous for its giant Buddha statues and impressive architecture. It is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Address: Gia Sinh, Gia Vien district

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Known as the “bay without waves,” it features calm, clear waters reflecting untouched nature. Visitors can take boat rides and observe rare primates.

Address: Gia Van, Gia Vien district

Top 3+ famous dishes in Ninh Binh

• Ninh Binh crispy rice (Com chay): Crispy rice served with goat or chicken meat.
• Mountain goat meat: Famous for its chewy texture and rich flavor.
• Mountain snails: Special snails living in limestone mountains, often cooked simply to preserve natural sweetness.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

Homestays

• Friendly Homestay (near Trang An)
• Diep’s House (Tam Coc area)
• Palm Homestay (peaceful environment near attractions)

Price: from around 200,000 VND/person/nigh

Luxury resor

• Emeralda Resort: 5-star resort in Van Long Nature Reserve, starting from 2,000,000 VND/night
• Tam Coc Garden Resort: Scenic countryside resort with outdoor pool and gym
• Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort: Modern luxury resort with spa and pool

Affordable all-inclusive Ninh Binh tours by HaNoi Vip Tours

Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with all-inclusive services from HaNoi Vip Tours!

• All-in-one service: Transport, hotels, and tours to Tam Coc, Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and more.
• Flight booking deals: Cheap domestic flight booking services.
• Professional service: Experienced guides, modern vehicles, 24/7 customer support.
• Convenient travel experience: Ensuring a smooth and comfortable trip.

Contact HaNoi Vip Tours at hanoiviptours.vn or hotline 0966355819 for the best Ninh Binh tour packages!