Ninh Binh

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Ninh Binh, VN
5:56 pm, May 23, 2025
temperature icon 27°C
overcast clouds
88 %
1005 mb
10 mph
Wind Gust: 19 mph
Clouds: 100%
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 5:17 am
Sunset: 6:28 pm

OVERVIEW OF NINH BINH

Ninh Binh feels like a dream painted in limestone and water — where emerald rice fields meet towering karst cliffs and ancient temples rest in peaceful valleys. Often called “the Halong Bay on land,” this quiet gem offers more than just scenery; it offers stillness, depth, and a deep connection to Vietnam’s spiritual roots. Drift along silent rivers, listen to the wind through the caves, and discover a place where nature and culture live in harmony.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Emple of Literature – Imperial Academy

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Hoan Kiem Lake

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Ta Hien Street – Beer Street

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Hoa Lo Prison

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USEFUL INFORMATION

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💰 Currency

  • Official currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Most local shops and street food vendors only accept cash
  • Credit cards accepted in larger hotels, malls, and some restaurants
  • ATMs are widely available in tourist areas

📶 SIM & Internet

  • SIM cards available at Noi Bai Airport, convenience stores, or mobile shops
  • Top providers: Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone
  • 4G/5G coverage is strong in Hanoi; plans are cheap
  • Free Wi-Fi available in most cafes, hotels, and restaurants

🚕 Getting around

  • Use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Xanhsm, Be to get around
  • Walking is the best way to explore the Old Quarter
  • There are electric buses and public buses, but signs are in Vietnamese
  • Be careful with taxi meters

🙏 Local Etiquette

  • Remove shoes when entering homes or temples
  • Dress modestly at religious sites (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Avoid loud talking in sacred places
  • Smiling and polite gestures go a long way in Vietnam

LOCAL CUISINE – WHAT TO EAT IN HANOI

🟡 Known for its limestone peaks and peaceful river valleys, Ninh Binh also delights travelers with rustic dishes rooted in ancient tradition. The cuisine here is simple but distinctive — drawing from rice fields, rivers, and rural gardens. Earthy, home-cooked, and often found in family-run kitchens, Ninh Binh’s food is deeply tied to the land and the slow rhythm of countryside life.

🍲 Cơm Cháy Ninh Bình (Crispy Rice with Savory Goat Sauce – Crunchy & Flavorful)
🐐 Thịt Dê Núi (Mountain Goat Meat – Grilled, Steamed, or Stir-Fried with Lemongrass)
🥬 Rau Rừng Luộc Chấm Tương Bần (Boiled Wild Greens with Local Soybean Paste)
🍜 Miến Lươn Ninh Bình (Glass Noodles with Eel – Hearty and Warming)
🍚 Xôi Trứng Kiến / Xôi Ngũ Sắc (Sticky Rice Variants with Eggs or Natural Dyes)
🍵 Trà Cúc Hoa (Chrysanthemum Tea – Light & Fragrant Digestive Drink)

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🍽️ Tap here to discover the best local food spots — with videos, maps, and traveler-friendly info.

 TRAVEL ITINERARY

Planning your time in Hanoi can be overwhelming — the city is full of history, culture, amazing food, and endless alleyways to explore. To make your trip easier, we’ve created 3 recommended itineraries that suit different schedules and travel styles. Whether you only have a day or you’re staying for a long weekend, you’ll find something here that fits perfectly.

1 Day In Hanoi

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2 Day In Hanoi

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3 Day In Hanoi

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REAL IMAGES

Why do travelers compare Ninh Binh to Halong Bay?

Ninh Binh features similar limestone karst landscapes, but on land and along peaceful rivers. Boat rides through caves in Trang An or Tam Coc offer dramatic scenery without the crowds of Halong Bay.

Stay in Tam Coc or Trang An area for better views, fresh air, and easy access to nature. Ninh Binh City is more functional, but lacks the charm and atmosphere most travelers are looking for.

All three! Boat trips are a must for the scenery, while biking through rice paddies and temples gives a deeper feel of the countryside. Hire a car or motorbike for longer distances like Bai Dinh Pagoda or Mua Cave.

It’s just 2 hours by train, bus, or private car from Hanoi. While a day trip is possible, staying 1–2 nights lets you explore at a slower pace and enjoy sunrise or sunset views in the countryside.

Late May to early June is rice harvest season—perfect for golden fields. September is also beautiful and less hot. Avoid rainy days if you want clear photos and dry cycling paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit our full FAQ section for detailed answers.

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