Gracie’s Guide to STUNNING Ninh Binh, Vietnam (2023)
Ninh Binh, oh beautiful Ninh Binh. This small town in Northern Vietnam is straight outta an Avatar film. Towering limestone cliffs jut from the base of rice fields, creating a vision so other-worldly that I felt like I traveled to another dimension. Riding bicycles through the cliffs is an immersive, ‘holy-shit-I-can’t-believe-this-is-real’ experience. Mother Nature carved Ninh Binh into this world just for us to witness!
Most people take a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, but I personally believe it’s worth at least 3-4 days for ultimate exploration & peak relaxation at a local homestay. Ninh Binh was in my top 3 favorite places in all of Vietnam. It’s criminally underrated.
Ninh Binh’s vibe is relaxing, cozy, and tranquil. Just what we craved after crazy Hanoi. If you’re more into nature & off-the-beaten-path typa places, then this village is for you!
Keep reading for personal recommendations, awe-dropping pics, & major travel inspo to make you wanna get your butt to Ninh Binh ASAP!
Ninh Binh Logistics:
Ninh Binh is a small town ~2 hours south of Hanoi. It’s incredibly easy to get to by van or train.
I took the van from Hanoi –> Ninh Binh (~$7) & I took the train back from Ninh Binh –> Hanoi ($5). The train was super fun with beautiful views, but I’m a sucker for trains so I’m almost always going to recommend them over vans. I booked on 12goAsia for an easy process.
There is a sister town close to Ninh Binh called Tam Coc where I know a lot of tourists stay. Personally, I stayed in a homestay near(ish) to Ninh Binh town (close to Trang An) which I would highly recommend!
I stayed 4 nights at Blue Garden Homestay (~$12 / night). It’s a peaceful homestay run by a lovely Vietnamese family, far away from civilization. They didn’t speak English, so GoogleTranslate helped us communicate. They constantly offered us tea & coffee, and oozed warmth and genuine kindness. Some of the nicest locals I’ve met in my entire month traveling through Vietnam!
We rented bicycles from our homestay and rode around the grounds, gazing at the wonderful nature surrounding us. There are stunning rice fields and mountains everywhere you look, & so. freaking. much. to explore! I’d recommend a bicycle over a motorbike. We used bicycles to get everywhere we needed to & it was a more immersive experience.
General service announcement: Bring warm clothes & bug spray! I traveled to Ninh Binh in late March, & the weather was misty & cool (freezing to me after living in Thailand for over a year). BUT it felt amazing & incredibly refreshing! Great weather to bicycle and hike. Also there are hella bugs lol, it is a small village after all!
What To Do In Ninh Binh:
There are a few must-do experiences in Ninh Binh, experiences that I can personally vouch for! Besides the viewpoint and river cruise, I say relax and chill in nature. Ninh Binh is supposed to be a break from reality, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to constantly be doing things.
Ride Bicycles & Explore
Like I mentioned above, rent bicycles & go exploring on your own! Riding bikes through the tranquil countryside, towering cliffs surrounding you on all sides, is an unreal feeling. With the misty air on my face, my cheeks rosy from the exercise, surrounded by incredible nature … peace & nostalgia rushed through my entire being! I felt like a child again.
Viewpoint Đầm Sen Hang Múa
Go on a hike to the Viewpoint Đầm sen Hang múa. This is a common activity to do in Ninh Binh, so I’d recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
It’s a STUNNING steep trek to the viewpoint with temples literally carved into the mountainside. It’s a ton of stairs, probably around 500 ish. So be prepared to get your glutes movin’. The overarching views of the limestone cliffs were epic, it’s worth the effort! Bring cash (100k) for the entrance fee inside the complex.
Tràng An River Cruise
The other must-do activity is the UNESCO-World Heritage Site, the Trang An river cruise. We showed up to the location around 11am and were quickly ushered on a wooden boat with one solo traveler & our local guide. It cost 200k. I believe we chose route 2.
Our guide rowed us through the emerald waters of Tràng An to witness massive caves, historic temples, and untouched nature. Again, it felt like I was on another planet, one where nature existed differently than I had ever seen it.
The serenity and natural beauty created a beautiful spiritual energy as we rowed past extraordinary waterways and caves. The vibes were on point! I’d go early if you want to experience it with less people around.
Where To Eat In Ninh Binh:
Listen to me. Go to Chef Dung restaurant for a food experience unlike anywhere you’ve been before! I was recommended this place by a person in a Facebook group, and seriously BLESS THEM because I loved this place sooo much. It costs 130k per person.
There are 2 set menus, meat & vegetarian. You tell them which one you want and *voila* you have a massive, beautifully curated Vietnamese feast brought out right to you. The owners grow their own produce and it’s a local, farm-to-table spot in Vietnam. The restaurant is also located in nature, with stunning views as you eat. A totally niche experience that I highly highly recommend!
Bánh Mì Giòn is a delicious, cheap Banh Mi place in Ninh Binh town. Really really good banh mi options for 25-30k. Great vegetarian options too!
Wrapping Ninh Binh Up
I love love love Ninh Binh & I hope to go back in my lifetime. It’s called the ‘Halong Bay of the Land’ (& personally I liked it wayyy more than Halong Bay) due to the stunning geographical miracles that surround the village.
Ninh Binh has a small-town energy that I love, while also giving a more authentic Vietnamese experience than other places *cough, cough I’m looking at you Cat Ba*
You must absolutely visit when you’re in Northern Vietnam. I hope this travel guide gave you inspiration to book 3-4 days in Ninh Binh, and let your mind and body relax. Until next time! xx Gracie
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