Ninh Binh is a small town in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. It is two hours from Hanoi and is known for its beautiful surroundings, full of karst mountains of different shapes and heights, surrounded by water, temples and villages.
We spent two days at Ninh Binh, which I can say were some of the best in Vietnam, especially in terms of landscape. We rented a motorbike and spent two days lost among rivers, rice fields, mountains and temples.
If you have more time you can even stay 3 or 4 days to relax, although two days is enough. But beware, you may fall in love with the place and want to stay all your life. You’ve been warned. Below, I will tell you about our experience during 2 days in Ninh Binh.
When to go and where to stay at Ninh Binh?
As always in Vietnam, the bus left us in the middle of a road at 5 a.m. Having no idea where we were, we followed a man who led us to his hotel right across the street.
He took us to the Xuan Hoa Hotel, and since it appeared in the Lonely Planet, and it was so early, we didn’t think twice. Even though there was no room for negotiation, we only paid $4 that night and €10 the following nights for a double room.
Nowadays, Ninh Binh has become a very popular destination, so you’re likely to find better options at similar prices. By the way, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is cooler and the landscapes are at their best. May and June are also ideal, as the rice fields turn golden just before harvest.
What to do and what to see in Ninh Binh?
1. Motorcycle by Ninh Binh
Almost every hotel in Vietnam offers tours, which can sometimes be unavoidable (like in the Mekong Delta). But if you can, the best way to explore is to grab a map, rent a motorbike, and go looking for marked spots, without fear of getting lost.
Often, the best things are the ones you find by accident. In our case, we didn’t even use a map, we got lost and stumbled upon incredible places by chance.
2. A boat ride in Tam Coc
While wandering around, we discovered a place called Tam Coc, an area of mountains, rivers, lakes, and caves. Often compared to Halong Bay, Tam Coc offers boat rides between rice fields and limestone cliffs. The route goes through three natural caves, making for a peaceful and picturesque experience.
There are several starting points for the boat tour. Ours was a two-hour ride through rivers, caves, and stunning karst landscapes. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Ninh Binh!
Trang An or Tam Coc: Which One is Better?
Many travelers wonder whether to do the boat ride in Tam Coc or Trang An. The truth is both are stunning. Tam Coc is more authentic and peaceful, with less tourist infrastructure, while Trang An is more organized and offers longer routes (some up to 3 hours), with stops at temples and beautiful views. If you have time, try both!
3. Visit the Hang Mua Viewpoint: the most famous viewpoint in Vietnam
In the same area, you’ll find the famous Hang Mua Viewpoint, with the best views in Ninh Binh. You’ll overlook the Ngo Dong River and the karst mountains of Tam Coc. Around the area, you’ll also find hidden temples in the cliffs and small villages where you’d least expect them.
By the way, years later, in China, I visited two places with similar karst mountains and equally spectacular landscapes:
4. Other Attractions Worth Visiting in Ninh Binh
Besides Tam Coc and Hang Mua, don’t miss the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, with giant statues, endless stairs, and panoramic views. You can also visit Hoa Lu, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam, home to historic temples dedicated to the kings Dinh and Le.
For nature and culture lovers, explore the Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and seeing langur monkeys at the Primate Rescue Center.
Practical Tips for Your Trip to Ninh Binh
If you’re planning a trip around Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a must. Often called the “Halong Bay on land,” this region combines breathtaking nature with the tranquility of rural life. The best way to get there is by train or bus from Hanoi, the ride takes just 2–3 hours.
If you have an international license, renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Main sights like Tam Coc, Trang An, Hang Mua, and Bai Dinh Pagoda are relatively close to each other, so you can group them by day. For example, you could do the boat ride and Hang Mua hike in one day, and save the temples and villages for the next.
Final Tips to Enjoy Ninh Binh in 2 Days
Pack light and comfortable clothes for walking and hiking, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and proper shoes for the motorbike. For the boat ride, have some cash ready, as payments are often made on the spot. Although tourism has grown recently, Ninh Binh is still affordable, perfect for backpackers and independent travelers.
Whether you go solo or with a guide, 2 days in Ninh Binh is an unforgettable experience. The karst landscapes, the friendliness of the locals, and the peace of the rice fields will make you want to come back again and again.
Next Destination: Trip from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
After two days enjoying Ninh Binh, we took a four-hour bus to Bai Chai, Halong City, the city right across from Halong Bay. Upon arrival, we booked a tour to spend the next two days in one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: The amazing Halong Bay.
Before we boarded, we went to celebrate the birthday of my fellow traveler partner. But that’s another story…
Comment, evaluate and/or share if this post has been useful to you. If you plan to travel to Vietnam, you may also be interested in:
In 2017, I was living in China working as an English Teacher in Kunming (Yunnan), and I went back to visit Ninh Binh with some friends. I can say that, although there are more tourists than before, it is still an ideal place to spend a few days disconnected from the bustling cities of Vietnam and enjoying the unique scenery.
Enjoy Ninh Binh and Vietnam!