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Scenic view from Hang Mua, Tam Coc
Country: Vietnam
Province: Ninh Binh

Tinh Ninh Binh Holiday Weather today


Date/time of update: March 19, 2024, 12:27 am, Timezone: GMT+7
Light Rain

Temperature: 22.5°C
Temperature feels like: 23.26°C
Minimum Temperature: 22.5°C
Maximum Temperature: 22.5°C
Atmospheric pressure: 1017hPa
Humidity:94%
Visibility: 8335m
Wind speed: 3.08m/sec
Wind Direction: 31 degrees
Cloudiness: 100%
Sunrise: 2024-03-18 11:01:37
Sunset: 2024-03-19 11:07:14

Ninh Binh is tucked deep to the south-western corner the Red River Delta and characterized by lotus flower lakes, towering limestone mountains, vast rice paddies and evergreen untouched forests. Hoa Lu a district of Ninh Binh was the capital city of Vietnam in the 10th century A.D. Cuc Phuong National Park of Ninh Binh is among the best preserved national parks in Vietnam and was the starting point of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trails in the War.

Ninh Binh Travel Guide Overview

Traveling in Ninh Binh we can combine the trip to the authentic countryside of the Red River Delta with an eco tour of the Cuc Phuong park, a historical tour of Hoa Lu and sightseeing tour of Kenh Ga, Tam Coc, Bich Dong and Thung Nang. We can also travel further into the Catholic area of Phat Diem to adore the stone Cathedral of Phat Diem built mainly of stones.

Lotus flowers which adds more beauty and fragrance to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province
Lotus flowers which adds more beauty and fragrance to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province

Ninh Binh is suitable for any travellers, be it adventure or nature seekers or sightseeing fans. Families with kids and senior travelers may find Ninh Binh a great destination for family holidays: countryside as idyllic as in fairy tales, slow paced and authentic country life, a wide range of activities, lovely atmosphere and environment,… Discerning travelers with high demand for luxury travel service won’t be disappointed with luxurious hotels & resorts hidden amid pristine nature. Amazingly prices for travel services in Ninh Binh are very reasonable.

Beautiful mountain reflection in the water at Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Beautiful mountain reflection in the water at Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Geography

Ninh Binh is bordered to the north by Hoa Binh and Ha Nam, to the east by Nam Dinh and to the south by Thanh Hoa. The Day River flowing from the north-west to south-east forming the borderline between Ninh Binh and Nam Dinh to the east. There are several other small rivers (Hoang Long, Boi, An Vac, Lang...), canals, lakes and ponds, flooded fields in Ninh Binh which are convenient for the irrigation.

Tam Coc Market, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Tam Coc Market (Ninh Binh, Vietnam) still preserves lots of a traditional market in North Vietnam

There are three types of terrain in Ninh Binh:
+ Flat delta which are plain and river basins which account for 70% of the provincial area. This area is for growing rice.
+ Mountainous terrain is found in the west and south-west. Some of this area is covered with primeval forest and home to rich wildlife.
+ The coastal region is located to the south-east of the province which accounts for 4% of the provincial area. The water in this area is saline.

Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam
The idyllic countryside of Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam

The climate of Ninh Binh is monsoon tropic with 4 seasons. The average annual rainfall is 1,800mm, the temperature range is from 16-38oC. Autumn from late August through October is the best time to visit Ninh Binh for most travelers. For photographers, you may find lovely photos of golden rice of Ninh Binh in early June and late September.

Ninh Binh Travel Guide, Ninh Binh Tourist Attractions

1/Cuc Phuong National Park

The national park has an eco system of limestone mountains covered with rain forests. There are many endangered species still found in Cuc Phuong. Cuc Phuong is a great place for ecotourism & nature tours, bird-watching tours. Please refer to our national park section for more details.

rain forests at Cuc Phuong National Park
Rain forests at Cuc Phuong National Park

 

banyan tree at Cuc Phuong National Park
Rain forests at Cuc Phuong National Park

2/Kenh Ga

The site offers with a system of natural rivers snaking along the limestone mountain range. Visiting Kenh Ga you can not only adore nature's beauty, but also witness the tranquil life on the river of the local residents. Kenh Ga is visited by boat.

Idyllic landscape at Kenh Ga, Ninh BinhIdyllic landscape at Kenh Ga, Ninh Binh

3/Van Long Nature Reserve

The nature reserve is a flooded field with fantastic limestone outcrops and wildlife. Van Long is visited by sampan.

Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Nature Reserve

4/ Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu is a little valley surrounded by ranges of towering limestone mountains. The strategic terrain may have been one of the reasons that Hoa Lu was chosen the capital city of Vietnam in the 10th century under King Dinh Tien Hoang. Visiting Hoa Lu, we can enjoy a walking tour of the 2 temples dedicated to the 2 royal families of Vietnam of the time and enjoy the green countryside with sublime beauty. There is a lot of history to learn here, too.

The front pasture at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
The front pasture at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

 

The Dinh Temple dedicated to the Dinh Family at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
The Dinh Temple dedicated to the Dinh Family at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam

 

The Le Temple at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province Vietnam
The Le Temple at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province Vietnam

 

Captivating mountains at Hoa Lu, Ninh BinhCaptivating mountains at Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh


5/Tam Coc and Thung Nang

These sites are 2 adjacent flooded flat paddy fields encircled by towering ranges of limestone mountains. Visiting Thung Nang or Tam Coc, we'll enjoy 2 hours each on sampan making our way amid rice fields and with the mountains surrounding us.

Tam Coc Ninh Binh Vietnam
Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

Thung Nang Ninh Binh Vietnam
Pushing boat at Thung Nang (the Sunny Valley) of Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Tam Coc Ninh Binh

6/Trang An Ecotourist Site

Trang An comprises a system of forests, limestone mountains (70-105m in height), rivers, caves and flooded valleys. Trang An is not yet completely explored and researched and there several unknown details of the site. The area is rich in biodiversity of which many species of flora and fauna are listed as endangered. Trang An is visited by rowing boat.

A cave on a rowing boat trip at Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
A cave on a rowing boat trip at Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

7/Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral was built by Father Sau in 1875 with no plan at all. It's said that Father Sau just built the magnificent Cathedral following God's advice in the father's dream. Visiting the Cathedral you'll adore the workmanship and the architecture. We'll appreciate the works of Father Sau further if we know that the whole area was swampy in the past. Father Sau and local Catholics had to spend months reclaiming land, making the steady foundation and bringing the huge slabs of stone to the site for the construction.

8/Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda built into a limestone mountain cave from the 15th century is 2km from Tam Coc.

Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Bich Dong Pagoda, Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ethereal landscape at the Bich Dong Pagoda
Ethereal landscape at the Bich Dong Pagoda

9/Non Nuoc Pagoda, Duc Thuy Mountain & Truong Han Sieu Poet

The whole complex is right at the confluence of the Day and the Van River. The mountain command sweeping views of the whole surrounding including Ninh Binh City, Route1A and Route10. Truong Han Sieu was a great scholar, politician and madarin from Ninh Binh in the 14th century. His legacy includes several famed old poems.

The site was once a stronghold by the French for protecting Ninh Binh City and there were brutal battles which took place here between the Viet Minh's troops and the French troops during the Ninh Binh Battle in 1951. Visiting the complex you can still adore the fresh natural landscape around.

Non Nuoc Pagoda Ninh Binh
Non Nuoc Pagoda

 

A pavillion on top of Duc Thuy Mountain
A pavilion on top of Duc Thuy Mountain where poems were composed and recited

Truong Han Sieu Temple
Temple dedicated to Truong Han Sieu, a great poet of Vietnam from Ninh Binh

 

Things to do, Luxury Travel, Bird Tours and Family Tours in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh offers the travelers all kinds of tours such as sightseeing, trekking adventure tours, nature and eco tours, cultural and historical tours, and family holidays.

The fresh countryside of Tam Coc Ninh Binh Vietnam
The fresh countryside of Tam Coc Ninh Binh Vietnam

1/ Sightseeing Trips

For the travellers who are interested in sightseeing tours, you can enjoy the timeless moments with relaxing sampan cruises amid the green rice paddies and towering mountain cliffs in Thung Nang, Tam Coc, Trang An, Kenh Ga or Van Long.

You may not want to miss Hang Mua Mountain from the top of which you can adore the amazing countryside of Ninh Binh with panoramic views. Should it be about the rice harvest time, the whole region of rice fields turn into golden colors, you bet how beautiful it will be then!

Idyllic landscape at Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Idyllic landscape at Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

 

A view of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital from the Ma Yen Mountain
A view of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital from the Ma Yen Mountain

2/ Trekking or Hiking Tours at the Cuc Phuong National Park

For the adventure travelers you can go trekking in the jungle of Cuc Phuong National Park or do mountain climbing to Hang Mua. The hiking at the Cuc Phuong National Park can range from 2-3 days upon request.

A forest trekking trail at Cuc Phuong National Park
A forest trekking trail at Cuc Phuong National Park

3/ History and Culture Tours in Ninh Binh

For the travellers who would like to have a relaxing countryside tour combined with a bit of culture and history, you can join us to learn more about Hoa Lu and the history of Vietnam in the 10th century or visit the Stone Cathedral built by Father Sau and the local Catholics.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam

4/ Bicycle Tours in Ninh Binh

For the travellers who want to do something different than sampan cruising or trekking or hiking, you can join Paradissa on a bicycle tour through the evergreen rice paddies and through the sheer mountain cliffs, cycle through different villages and chat with the locals who make intricate embroidery.

Idyllic landscape at Thung Nang, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Idyllic landscape at Thung Nang, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

 

Biking amid limestone mountains in Ninh Binh Vietnam
Biking amid limestone mountains in Ninh Binh Vietnam

5/ Luxury Vacations in Ninh Binh

From Ha Noi Paradissa Travel offers 1 day, 2 - 5-day tours to Ninh Binh. Paradissa have special luxury vacation packages for families in Ninh Binh. Please don't hesitate to contact us for further information on tours in Ninh Binh.

There are several government-owned and private tourist companies in Ninh Binh most of which offer day tours in Ninh Binh to Vietnamese tourists only. There are only few travel agencies in Ninh Binh which offer tours to other destinations in Vietnam. These tour companies often work with tour operators in Hanoi in offering holidays overseas to Vietnamese tourists. Some hotels also offer bicycle rides in Ninh Binh.

The Ky Lan Mountain - Ninh Binh Town
The Ky Lan Mountain - Ninh Binh Town

6/ Bird-watching Tours at Cuc Phuong National Park

Paradissa offers 1-day, 2-day, 3-day bird watching tours at Cuc Phuong National Park. The best time for birding at Cuc Phuong National Park is from October through February. March is more quiet but still ok. 

The months of June and July, sometimes even August should not be good time for birding at the Cuc Phuong National Park. During these months, migratory birds are not present and resident birds go into breeding season in June which makes them hidden from sight mostly. If you still with to go on bird tours at Cuc Phuong in these quiet months, then you are likely to sight Dollar Bird, Common Kingfisher, Pied Falconet, bulbul...

Bird watching at Cuc Phuong National Park
Bird watching at Cuc Phuong National Park

7/ Family Tours in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is among the most kid-friendly senior-traveler-friendly tourist attractions in Vietnam taking into account the idyllic natural landscape, the quiet country roads and availability of tourist services catering to families with kids or senior travelers.

Families should enjoy Ninh Binh tremendously given the idyllic countryside and traffic-free country roads. The temples, pagodas and other tourist attractions in Ninh Binh are very peaceful and with lots of trees which make them ideal for families to do things together. Tam Coc, Trang An, Van Long Nature Reserve and Thung Nang are to be visited by rowing boat and should be good for families with kids from 5 years of age or older. Families should not have problems finding baby food either. Paradissa offers several family tours which focus on different aspect of Ninh Binh for different family interests.

Paradissa has tours in Ninh Binh for families with interesting and educational activities
Paradissa has tours in Ninh Binh for families with interesting and educational activities

8/ Walking Tours in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is an amazing place with idyllic rice fields with crisscrossing rivers amid towering limestone mountains. There are peaceful villages of which the inhabitants mostly live on agriculture and their life has remained just as ordinary and untouched as ever. 

Bucolic landscape of rice fields and mountains near the Thai Vi Temple at Tam Coc where we could spend a while walking amid peaceful nature
Bucolic landscape of rice fields and mountains near the Thai Vi Temple at Tam Coc where we could spend a while walking amid peaceful nature

There are several scenic village roads and footpaths amid the rice fields and valleys that are great for walking tours. Paradissa know of these and would assist our travelers with the best experiences on our leisurely walking trips in the countryside of Ninh Binh, be it you are in a secret valley surrounded by mountains, be it a village road with vivid local life and activities, be it amid breath-taking rice fields, be it you are in the middle of nowhere teeming with wild bird life...Our walking tours are well-customized to suit families with kids or senior travelers.

Accommodation in Ninh Binh

There are many hotels in Ninh Binh Town ranging from simple guest houses to 5* luxury hotels and resorts.

In Cuc Phuong National Park, the only choice is the guest house located in the middle of the forest. The facilities are simple, but the experience is cozy and unforgettable.

Ninh Binh is known for amazing luxury resorts amid breathtaking natural landscape
Ninh Binh is known for amazing luxury resorts amid breathtaking natural landscape

How to get to Ninh Binh and away

From Ha Noi or Hue or Vinh or Quang Binh there are different daily trains to Ha Noi with a stop at Ninh Binh Train Station. Please refer to our train time table section for more information.

Otherwise you may like to hire a private car/van and it takes 2 hours to get to Ninh Binh Town from Ha Noi. The road is excellent and traffic is not too busy.

Route 1A from Hanoi to Ninh Binh via Ha Nam Province
Route 1A from Hanoi to Ninh Binh via Ha Nam Province

 

Route 1A at Tam Diep (Ninh Binh) connects Thanh Hoa and Ninh Binh
Route 1A at Tam Diep (Ninh Binh) connects Thanh Hoa and Ninh Binh

 

Ho Chi Minh Road at Cuc Phuong National Park connects Hanoi, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa Provinces
Ho Chi Minh Road at Cuc Phuong National Park connects Hanoi, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa Provinces
Route 12b connects Muong Khen (Hoa Binh Province) and Nho Quan District (Ninh Binh Province) with pristine countryside
Route 12b connects Muong Khen (Hoa Binh Province) and Nho Quan District (Ninh Binh Province) with pristine countryside

Getting around Ninh Binh

You can go trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park or go hiking at Tam Coc. Alternatively you can hire a bicycle and ride through the countryside with fresh natural scenery.

Ninh Binh Average Monthly Rainfall and Temperatures


Vietnam Travel Guide