What you need to know about Ninh Binh
Posted on: 23/01/2024
Ninh Binh is known locally as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks.
What you need to know about Ninh Binh
Introduction
Ninh Binh is known locally as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks.
History
Ancient is one way to describe Ninh Bình, which has traced its Vietnamese history back to over 1,000 years ago. In fact, the area around Ninh Bình used to be the capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. At this time, the capital was called Dai Co Viet and it was ruled by Vietnam’s Dinh and Lê dynasties.
Strategically, the hills of the province provided shelter to the capital, which protected it from attacks and invasions by Chinese armies. Though the ancient capital no longer exists, history can still be seen at sites throughout the province. Most of the province’s historical sites come in the form of temples and cathedrals.
Temple Riverside
Geography
Ninh Bình Province is located in northern Vietnam comprising 48 square kilometers; the 2007 city population was 130,517.
It takes 2 hours by coach to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Bình.
Top things to do in Ninh Binh
See the view from Hang Mua
Get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain. At the top, a lookout point offers a surreal vista of the river winding lazily among paddies and limestone outcrops.
Mua Cave
Take a sampan tour
At the Tam Coc and Trang An boat docks, each sampan is guided by a boat person who rows with their feet, not their hands. You'll be expertly guided along gentle waterways, past towering karsts, and into dripping grottoes.
Visit the ancient capital
Today the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, but in the 10th and 11th centuries that honor was held by Hoa Lu. This small ancient city was naturally protected from invasions by karsts and rivers. Today, it’s a good place to get a history fix.
Go in search of wildlife
An exotic row boat experience is a must-do at the Van Long Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes open for exotic friends, such as the black-faced spoonbill and the Delacour's Langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates.
Pay a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple
The largest complex of Buddhist temples in the country, Bai Dinh is a mix of old and new styles. Ancient temples are housed in caves you can only reach via a pretty climb of 300 steps, while the new temple area covers an area of 500 hectares.
Ninh Binh Weather
The temperatures in Ninh Binh are ideal from March to May and September to November. For the finest views, go during harvest season in October. If you visit in the hotter months from July to August, be prepared for random downpours and stormy moments.
Ninh Binh Transport
Regular buses depart to Ninh Binh from Hanoi every day. You can book a luxury van which includes transfer to Tam Coc, where plenty of charming accommodation options await. Private cars make the journey even quicker. For those with more time, several trains leave for Ninh Binh from Hanoi daily. The best way to get around Ninh Binh is by motorcycle tour or taxi. Cycling is a great option for visitors staying in Tam Coc.