If you’re seeking a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, Ninh Binh is a fascinating destination that is worth visiting. Its timeless charm and vast landscapes promise unforgettable experiences for all who venture there. So, let’s explore Ninh Binh travel guide below together with Asia Legend Travel and get ready for your upcoming trip to this peaceful area!
Ninh Binh Travel Guide: Overview of Ninh Binh
Located just 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a province that lies at the southern gateway of northern Vietnam, situated at the boundary of three geographical regions: Northwest, Red River Delta, and North Central Coast. This place is an ideal destination for tourists who wish to discover the majestic nature, even with limited time.
Ninh Binh Province, a land with a rich history, was once the capital of Vietnam during the dynasties of Dinh, Early Le, and Early Ly from 968-1010. Throughout history, it has also been a strategic military area. Its unique position in transportation, geography, history, and culture, combined with two world heritages (Cuc Phuong National Park and Trang An Scenic Landscapes Complex), has led to Ninh Binh’s development as a tourism center with vast potential.
When visiting Ninh Binh, be sure to sample the local cuisine. For food enthusiasts, Ninh Binh is a culinary paradise. It offers a variety of delicious local delicacies such as crispy burnt rice, mountain goat meat, sticky rice with ant eggs, Vietnamese rice paddy eel salad, Nho Quan straw liquor, and field crab roasted with guise leaves.
Ninh Binh Travel Guide: Must-Visit Destinations
Let’s check out a list of some amazing destinations in Ninh Binh that you definitely don’t want to miss with our comprehensive Ninh Binh Travel Guide below.
Trang An Scenic Landscapes
Trang An is an exceptionally scenic area filled with countless breathtaking sights that impress any visitor. The winding mountain ranges and natural streams leading to mysterious caves are awe-inspiring, making for an unforgettable experience.
Cuc Phuong National Park
As a nature enthusiast, you will find a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park to be a truly worthwhile experience. Not only can you take part in eco-tourism activities and admire the stunning environment and landscapes, but exploring the prehistoric caves within the park will also provide a wealth of fascinating discoveries for tourists.
Bai Dinh Temple
Situated on Bai Đinh Mountain, Bai Đinh Temple, also known as Bai Đinh Temple Spiritual and Cultural Complex, is a magnificent complex of Buddhist temples. With its vast expanse, it is considered the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam and has become a highly sought-after destination for Buddhist pilgrimages across the country.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
As one of Vietnam’s national relics, Hoa Lu was the first capital of the feudal system in Vietnam. It is imbued with numerous historical marks, including the national unification, the glorious defeat of the Song and Champa armies, and the process of establishing the capital in Hanoi.
Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave)
Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave) is a breathtaking destination that has been aptly compared to a “sleeping princess” nestled in the lush forests of Ninh Binh. Visiting this enchanting landscape will transport you to a land reminiscent of a Hong Kong martial arts movie, making it an essential stop on your journey to Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh Travel Guide: Must-Try Local Food
Besides its breathtaking landscapes, Ninh Binh is famous for its diverse and mouth watering local cuisine, which truly captures the essence of this idyllic region. A must-try delicacy is Goat Meat, a dish that locals take great pride in. The goats are free-ranged freely on rocky mountain slopes, resulting in meat that is firm and satisfying to chew. There are several ways to prepare goat meat, including goat hotpot, raw goat meat with lemon, steamed goat with ginger and soy sauce, and more.
Another delightful specialty to try is Rice Crust (Com Chay). However, it is not burnt rice at the bottom of a pot. The rice is cooked to perfection, then shaped into thin circles, and left to cool and dry. When customers order the dish, the dried rice shapes are fried with sesame oil until they become crispy, fragrant, and sizzling. This dish is not only enjoyed at local restaurants in Ninh Binh but can also be bought as a gift to share with friends and family.
In addition to these, Ninh Binh offers a variety of other flavorful local delicacies, such as mountain snails, eel vermicelli, Nhech fish salad, and sticky rice with ant’s eggs, among other mouthwatering dishes. You can enjoy these delicious treats at numerous local restaurants in Ninh Binh. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a journey to Ninh Binh to discover its vibrant food scene while immersing yourself in the captivating landscapes today!
Ninh Binh Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Whether you are interested in history, nature, or culture, a trip to Ninh Binh offers something for you. Let’s explore some exciting activities in Ninh Binh you can experience with our comprehensive Ninh Binh Travel Guide now!
Admire the breathtaking natural wonders of the Trang An Landscape Complex
Trang An Landscape Complex is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that encompasses 3 protected areas: the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest. With a Ninh Binh boat tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of limestone rocky mountains, stunning caves, and peaceful waterways.
But that’s not all! As you explore this complex, you will also uncover the rich history of Vietnam. The remnants of its ancient capital will transport you back in time, allowing you to truly understand and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the country. A visit to the Trang An Landscape Complex promises an enriching experience that combines natural wonders with profound historical significance, making it a perfect destination for any traveler.
Explore a variety of national parks and reserves
For nature lovers, Ninh Binh offers a plethora of breathtaking destinations to discover. From the mesmerizing Cuc Phuong National Park to the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve and the picturesque Thung Nham Bird Park, there is no shortage of wonders to explore.
Here, you can embark on thrilling treks through the dense forest, where you’ll stumble upon hidden gems and encounter delightful surprises at every turn. And don’t forget to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you can learn about the crucial conservation efforts being made to protect endangered primate species. Get ready for an amazing adventure and happy exploring!
Discover the rich culture of the area
Ninh Binh is a truly magnificent destination for a cultural adventure! You’ll be captivated by the numerous Ninh Binh temples and pagodas that hold great historical significance and offer breathtaking scenery.
Among them, Bai Dinh is an absolute must-visit. The temple proudly stands on the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of a beautiful deep blue lake and majestic rocky peaks. It also holds several Asian and Vietnamese records, such as having the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in all of Asia, the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia, and the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. So, if you ever find yourself in Ninh Binh or simply in need of some peace and tranquility, a visit to the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda is really a good choice!
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
The rainy season in Ninh Binh occurs from May to October, with August and September being the most challenging months due to heavy rainfall, flooding, storms, and occasional typhoons. So, it is not advisable to travel during these two months. The optimal time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this period, the weather is cooler and drier, providing better conditions for exploring the area.
How Long to Spend in Ninh Binh
In general, spending two days is ideal for exploring all the main attractions in Ninh Binh. However, even if you have less than 24 hours, it is still possible to have a fulfilling travel experience, although a more relaxed pace would be preferable.
Hopefully, the information in the Ninh Binh Travel Guide above is helpful for you. With so many things it offers, Ninh Binh is truly an fascinating place that every traveler should visit if they want to explore the heritage of Vietnam. So, let’s include this land on your itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the essence of the country!
