Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is some time described as Ha Long bay and you can notice why. The scenery full of limestone cliffs if astonishing. One of the highlights is one of the boat trips amid karst landscapes and nature lovers will love a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park.
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Things to do in Ninh Binh
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Ninh Binh Adventure: Ancient Capitals and Limestone Landscapes
Discover the natural beauty and historical charm of Ninh Binh on a full-day tour. The journey begins at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where visitors explore centuries-old temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. A knowledgeable guide provides insight into the region’s rich history, bringing its past to life through detailed stories and architectural highlights.
Midway through the tour, a buffet lunch offers a taste of local specialties, including vegetarian options. After the meal, the experience continues with a peaceful boat ride through Trang An. As the boat glides along the Sao Khe River, passengers pass through limestone caves and see remnants from the King Kong film set, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
The day concludes with a climb up nearly 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave, where panoramic views of Tam Coc stretch into the distance. The breathtaking scenery provides a rewarding end to the adventure, with opportunities to capture memorable photos. With an expert guide, comfortable transportation, and well-planned logistics, this tour offers a seamless way to experience the highlights of Ninh Binh.
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Hike up Hang Mua Peak
If you're up for a bit of a workout with an incredible payoff, don't miss climbing Hang Mua Peak. It's a steep climb up 500 steps, but trust me, the view from the top is worth every drop of sweat. As you ascend, you'll pass by intricate dragon sculptures and catch glimpses of the surrounding landscape.
Once you reach the summit, prepare to have your breath taken away (if you have any left after the climb!). You'll be treated to a stunning panorama of the Tam Coc area, with its patchwork of rice fields, winding rivers, and dramatic limestone mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. It's the perfect spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light paints everything in golden hues. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water!
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Cycle through Tam Coc
One of the best ways to experience the charm of Ninh Binh is by hopping on a bicycle and pedaling through the countryside of Tam Coc. Rent a bike in town and set off on the quiet roads that wind through rice paddies and karst mountains. You'll pass by local farmers tending their fields and water buffalo cooling off in muddy ponds.
The flat terrain makes for an easy ride, and you can stop whenever you want to snap photos or chat with friendly locals. Don't miss the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda, a three-tiered temple complex built into the side of a mountain. As you cycle, you'll get a real feel for rural Vietnamese life and the stunning landscapes that make this area so special. Just remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially if you're cycling during the heat of the day!
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Best hotels in Ninh Binh:
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Friendly Home Hotel (budget hotel)
Friendly Home Hotel in Ninh Binh offers a cozy and welcoming experience for travelers. The family-run guesthouse is located in a quiet area just a short walk from the train station. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with amenities like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
The real highlight is the warm hospitality from the owners. They go out of their way to help guests plan activities, arrange transportation, and even offer personalized tours of the area. The hearty breakfast gets great reviews too. With bike and scooter rentals available on-site, it's easy to explore Ninh Binh's stunning landscapes and attractions.
While not luxurious, Friendly Home Hotel provides excellent value in a convenient location. The homey atmosphere and attentive service make it feel more like staying with friends than at a hotel. For budget-conscious travelers looking for a local experience, it's a great choice in Ninh Binh.
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Tam Coc Friends Bungalow (homestay)
Tam Coc Friends Bungalow is a charming spot in Ninh Binh that offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The property features cozy bungalows and rooms set around a central courtyard with a swimming pool. It's a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Tam Coc and Trang An.
The friendly staff go out of their way to make guests feel welcome, offering tips on local sights and even surprising visitors with birthday cakes. The rooms are clean and comfortable, with nice touches like mosquito nets and outdoor seating areas.
While it's tucked away from the busy tourist areas, the bungalow is still conveniently located - you can borrow bikes to pedal to nearby sites or arrange tours through the helpful front desk. After a day of sightseeing, the pool and garden are perfect for relaxing. Overall, it's an affordable and laid-back place to stay that gives you a taste of local hospitality.
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Liberty Hall Tam Coc Hotel & Villa (luxury hotel)
Liberty Hall Tam Coc Hotel & Villa is a hidden treasure in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. The hotel sits just far enough from the main street to offer peace and quiet, while still being within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops. Its location provides stunning views of the surrounding rice fields and limestone mountains, especially from the rooftop bar at sunset.
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with balconies overlooking the scenic landscape. Guests can cool off in the indoor pool or borrow free bicycles to explore the area. The friendly, English-speaking staff go above and beyond to help with anything from early check-ins to arranging tours and transportation.
While the included breakfast gets high marks, the real star is the breathtaking setting. Whether admiring the view from your private balcony or sipping a drink on the terrace, Liberty Hall offers a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty that makes for an unforgettable stay in Ninh Binh.
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Tam Coc Golden Rice (medium range hotel)
Tam Coc Golden Rice is a charming spot in Ninh Binh that offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. The hotel sits right next to Tam Coc lake, giving guests incredible views and easy access to boat tours. With its outdoor pool, lush gardens, and spacious rooms, it's a great place to relax after exploring the area.
One of the highlights here is definitely the food. The breakfast gets rave reviews from visitors, with freshly cooked dishes made to order each morning. There are lots of tasty restaurants nearby too if you want to try some local specialties. The staff are super friendly and go out of their way to help guests plan activities or just make their stay more comfortable. Overall, Tam Coc Golden Rice seems like an ideal base for experiencing the stunning landscapes and attractions of Ninh Binh.
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The Goat Boutique Resort (resort)
THE GOAT BOUTIQUE RESORT in Ninh Binh is a stunning escape surrounded by lush landscapes and mountain views. The resort features charming bungalows with modern amenities, set against a backdrop of tropical gardens and limestone karsts. The outdoor pool area is a real highlight, perfect for relaxing after exploring nearby attractions like Bai Dinh Temple.
The on-site restaurant serves up delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and there's a bar for evening drinks with a view. Staff go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, helping arrange tours and transportation. With its peaceful vibe and beautiful setting, it's an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
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Best hostels in Ninh Binh:
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Trang An Freedom Hood (boutique hostel)
Trang An Freedom Hood is a cozy spot tucked away in Ninh Binh's stunning landscape. The family-run hostel sits right in the heart of Trang An, surrounded by limestone mountains and winding rivers. It's the perfect base for exploring the area's natural beauty.
The rooms are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning to beat the heat. What really makes this place special though is the warm hospitality. The owners go out of their way to help guests plan activities and make the most of their stay. They can set you up with bike rentals, recommend hiking trails, or arrange boat tours through the grottoes.
One of the highlights is relaxing on the terrace, taking in the incredible views while chatting with other travelers. The breakfasts here are also a treat - hearty portions of both Western and Vietnamese options to fuel your adventures. If you're looking for a laid-back, nature-focused stay in Ninh Binh, Trang An Freedom Hood is hard to beat.
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The Banana Tree Hostel (hostel)
The Banana Tree Hostel in Ninh Binh is a backpacker's dream come true. Located right next to the Tam Coc boat station, it's the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the stunning karst landscapes this area is famous for. The hostel has a great social vibe, with a lively bar and restaurant area where travelers can mingle around the pool.
The dorms are clean and comfy, with capsule-style bunks that give you a bit more privacy than your average hostel bed. There's free wifi throughout, bike rentals available, and the staff are super friendly and helpful with booking tours and onward travel. Best of all, it's really affordable - you can snag a dorm bed for under $10 a night. If you're looking for a fun, social place to stay in Ninh Binh, The Banana Tree Hostel is hard to beat.