My Trip to Ninh Binh: The Truth About Whether It’s Still Worth Visiting
If you ask me 100% yes. But it comes with a but. Ninh Binh not only has points why the go of course it also has its downsides. Let me first introduce you to this lovely place.
Ninh Binh is just a few hours south of Hanoi. It is also called Ha Long Bay on land. And if you see the picture you quickly know why. With its karst limestone peaks, winding rivers, and ancient temples, Ninh Binh was Vietnam’s best-kept secret. And yes I mean it when I say was. Due to Instagram it has become a backpacker’s hub. It is not as touristy as Ha Long Bay or Hoi An. But it is definitely more for the backpackers than the locals. At least Tam Coc where I stayed in. I am pretty sure there are more villages with no tourists at all.
With this said. If you can look beside that Ninh Binh or especially the town Tam Coc has a lot to offer.
What makes Ninh Binh special?
For me personally the most special thing about Ninh Binh is d100% the Nature and also the quietness that comes with that. You can expect to see a lot of rice fields, limestone karst and winding rivers. I would highly recommend to do one of the Trang an Boat tours. It is touristy but if you go early in the morning really worth it.
But Ninh Binh not only has stunning nature to offer. It is also a Cultural and historical site. Hoa Lu was the former Capital of Vietnam and there are a lot of temples of the Dinh & Le dynasties that are worth a visit.
Although it is touristy I don’t think is has lost its charm or welcomeness still retains a sense of authenticity and the locals where all very friendly and helpful.
When & how to visit to get the most out of it
I would recommend to not do a Day trip from Hanoi. I get the charm of it but Ninh Binh truly deserves more time. Id say 2 to 3 days can give you a taste of this truly stunning place. With this timeframe you can explore the Major sites on a more relaxes timeframe rather than a rushed Day trip. Try to stay in a homestay in Tam Coc and explore by bike.
The Best time depends on what you want and expect to see. For golden rice fields: late May / early June. For lotus blooms or cooler weather: spring (Jan-Mar) or summer seasons.
My itinerary idea:
- Day 1: Arrival, Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Day 2: Hang Mua sunrise climb, Trang An grotto boat tour, local village bike ride.
- Day 3 (optional): Nature reserve like Cuc Phuong National Park and Bing Dong Pagoda or relaxing countryside.
Who is it for – and who might skip it
If you love Nature are a photographer and need a break from the Busy City in Vietnam and a calmer alternatives to major hotspots you have to visit Ninh Binh. I promise you will be blown away. If you is just interested in the history side of it maybe just a day trip from Hanoi also could suite you.
Maybe skip it for this time if you are pressed for time and or just prefer the city nightlife. Also if you are more of a beach person Ninh Binh might not be for you. Although id always say go out of your comfort zone sometimes.
Final Thoughts
I loved Ninh Binh and I absolutely will come back to explore even more. For me Ninh Binh is one of those rare places that sneaks up on you. It doesn’t rely on flashy attractions or big-city buzz — instead, it draws you in with quiet moments: the sound of oars on water, the golden shimmer of rice fields at sunset, the slow rhythm of village life. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just someone looking to escape the chaos for a while, Ninh Binh offers a kind of peace that’s hard to find elsewhere.
It still has not the fame of Vietnams most popular destinations, so I think it it’s the perfect time to go. Let me know what was your favorite spot in Ninh Binh? Or ask any questions about your upcoming travels in the comments. And if you want to know more about Ninh Binh or Vietnam in General here are my other post and stories about it.