Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay on land," is a captivating province located in the northern region of Vietnam. Nestled amidst the stunning karst landscapes of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. Let's explore this beautiful province with Asia King Travel!

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay on land of Vietnam

History of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, located in northern Vietnam, has a rich history dating back over a thousand years. It was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. The region's ancient capital, known as Hoa Lu, was a center of political power and cultural development during this period. It played a significant role in shaping Vietnamese history, particularly in the fight against foreign invaders. 

History of Ninh Binh

In more recent history, Ninh Binh was heavily affected by the Vietnam War, with many battles taking place in the surrounding countryside. Since Vietnam regained its independence, Ninh Binh has become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, including limestone karst formations and picturesque rice paddies.

On July 1, 2025, the merger of the three provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh into the new Ninh Binh Province officially took effect. Following the merger, the province now covers a natural area of approximately 3,942.61 square kilometers and is home to more than 4.4 million people, making it the sixth largest in the country by scale.

This is a strategic step to streamline the administrative apparatus and utilize each region’s outstanding potential, competitive advantages, and unique identities. With these combined assets, the new Ninh Binh province is expected to drive economic growth and elevate its tourism sector.

Weather in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Province in Vietnam generally has a tropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring, which occurs from January to March, is described as having cool but not too cold weather. From April to June, Ninh Binh experiences the only ripe rice season of the year, and the weather during this time is characterized as pleasant and warm.

How to get to Ninh Binh?

To get to Ninh Binh, you can follow these general guidelines: 

1. From Hanoi:

   - By Train: One of the most convenient ways to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by taking a train. The Ninh Binh Railway Station is well-connected to Hanoi's main train station, Hanoi Railway Station. Trains are comfortable and offer scenic views during the journey.

   -  By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. You can catch a bus from the Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations in Hanoi.

2. From Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai International Airport):

   - After arriving at Noi Bai Airport, you can take a taxi or airport shuttle to Hanoi's city center and then follow the steps mentioned above to get to Ninh Binh by train or bus.

3. By Private Vehicle:

   - If you prefer flexibility and have access to a private vehicle or a rental car, you can drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours via the AH1/National Route 1A.

There are various ways to get to Ninh Binh

4. By Motorbike:

   - For adventurous travelers, riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is an option. The route is straightforward, but make sure you have the necessary licenses and are comfortable with Vietnamese traffic conditions.

5. By Tour Package:

   - Many travel agencies in Hanoi offer day trips or multi-day tours to Ninh Binh, including transportation, guides, and visits to popular attractions like Tam Coc, Trang An, and Hoa Lu.

Famous attractions

Trang An

Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh, Trang An enchants travelers with its majestic limestone mountains, emerald rivers, and mysterious caves. Known as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an exciting adventure into stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. 

Trang An

Xuan Thuy National Park

Xuan Thuy National Park is Vietnam’s and Southeast Asia’s first Ramsar Area. Spanning vast mangrove forests and wetlands, it is home to hundreds of bird species, including many rare migratory ones. This is an ideal place to paddle along narrow rivers, watch flocks of birds in their natural habitat, and have a night camping out to enjoy the fresh, untouched beauty of the coastal ecosystem.

Xuan Thuy National Park is a perfect spot for bird watching

Tam Chuc Pagoda

Tam Chuc Pagoda is a famous attraction of the former Ha Nam Province. It is considered the world’s largest pagoda and is renowned for its grand architecture, peaceful landscape, and the spiritual atmosphere that blends harmoniously with nature.

Tam Chuc Pagoda

Tuyet Tinh Coc

Hidden between towering limestone cliffs in Ninh Binh, Tuyet Tinh Coc is a tranquil gem with emerald-green water and ancient pagodas. Although its original name is Am Tien Cave, travelers mostly mention this place by the name “Tuyet Tinh Coc”, like the famous location in the martial arts novel "The Return of the Condor Heroes". It’s because both places have a poetic scenery, with a blue lake reflecting the steep cliffs, dark caves, and dense trees.

Tuyet Tinh Coc

Explore Ninh Binh with Asia King Travel

Ninh Binh, Vietnam, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage, Ninh Binh offers an unforgettable travel experience. At Asia King Travel, we invite you to embark on a journey that takes you through the enchanting beauty and historical significance of Ninh Binh. Let us be your guide to this remarkable destination, where natural wonders and cultural treasures await your exploration.

Read more: Northern in Depth - a tour of famous destinations in Northern Vietnam