A Complete Guide to Ninh Binh (and Tam Cốc)
Just an hour or two away from Hanoi lies Ninh Binh, a breathtaking region often described as "Ha Long Bay on land" due to its dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald rice paddies. During my visit in February 2025, I spent five incredible days based in Tam Cốc (a small town just outside Ninh Binh city where most travellers stay).
What surprised me about Tam Cốc was the unexpectedly vibrant nightlife for such a tiny place – think 7k beers (that's about 30 cents, to me and you) and a karaoke bus that has you singing until the early hours. Ninh Binh might be known for its ancient temples and stunning boat tours through the rice fields, but I quickly discovered there's so much more to experience in this underrated gem of northern Vietnam.
While Ninh Binh city itself is quite industrial (with little to do beyond private karaoke bars), Tam Cốc offers that perfect blend of stunning natural scenery, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and laid-back traveller vibes.
Whether you're floating through the peaceful Trang An grottoes, climbing to the Mua Cave viewpoint (aka Lying Dragon Mountain) for that rewarding panoramic view, or simply cycling through rice fields as the sun sets, Ninh Binh, Vietnam offers some of the most beautiful landscapes I encountered throughout my entire Southeast Asia journey.
Contents
- An Intro Guide to Ninh Binh
- How to Get to Ninh Binh
- Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
- Weather & Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
- How to Get Around Ninh Binh
- Things to Do in Ninh Binh
- Where & What to Eat in Ninh Binh
- Best Bars in Ninh Binh
- Prices and Money in Ninh Binh
- FAQs About Travelling in Ninh Binh
An Intro Guide to Ninh Binh
If you're planning a trip to Ninh Binh Vietnam, I'd recommend setting aside 2-3 days to experience the region properly. Three days is honestly the sweet spot – enough time to take in the essential sights like the Trang An boat tour, Mua Cave viewpoint, and the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, while still having some downtime to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Tam Cốc.
The city of Ninh Binh itself is quite industrial and lacks tourist appeal, but it serves as the gateway to the stunning natural attractions that surround it. For the best experience, I'd strongly recommend basing yourself in Tam Cốc – it's where all the action happens for travellers, with easy access to the main attractions that make Ninh Binh worth visiting.
How to Get to Ninh Binh
Like many travellers I met, I arrived in Ninh Binh straight from the Ha Giang Loop (literally half the people from my Ha Giang tour group did the same). The overnight bus journey takes about 8 hours and, while not the most comfortable experience, gets you there by early morning.
If you're coming from Hanoi, you're in luck – it's just a 1-2 hour bus ride south, making it perfect for a weekend getaway from the capital.
If you're travelling south to north, you'll likely reach Ninh Binh from Phong Nha (about seven hours bus ride away) or Hoi An (about fourteen hours by bus). There's also a train option for those who prefer rail travel – the Reunification Express train stops at Ninh Binh station, though you'll still need to arrange transport to Tam Cốc from there.
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Ninh Binh, your best bet is to stay in Tam Cốc rather than Ninh Binh city. Tam Cốc offers a much more scenic and traveller-friendly base, with most hostels and hotels within walking distance of restaurants, bars and shops.
The main street in Tam Cốc is where you'll find most of the accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to more upscale homestays. If you're after a more secluded experience, consider staying near the Trang An area, which offers a quieter atmosphere with stunning views of the rice fields and limestone formations.
During my stay, I found Tam Cốc had the perfect balance of convenience, beautiful surroundings, and social atmosphere – plus it's where all the boat tours depart from, making it ideal for early morning excursions before the day-trippers arrive from Hanoi.
🇻🇳 Recommended reading: Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
Weather & Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
Timing your visit to Ninh Binh Vietnam requires some careful planning, as the weather can significantly impact your experience. The region has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. I visited in February 2025, at the tail end of winter, and honestly? The weather was miserable! It was supposed to be around 20 degrees, but they hit a cold spell and temperatures plummeted as low as 11°C at the height of the day, with no sun in sight.
What made it particularly challenging was that buildings in Ninh Binh aren't designed for cold weather – most places lack proper heating, and I found myself wearing all my layers indoors! The best time to visit is from October to April during the dry season, with peak months being December to February when the rice fields are lush green.
If you want warmer temperatures, aim for March to May, though be prepared for the possibility of rain as the wet season approaches. September to November offers a good compromise with decreasing rainfall and comfortable temperatures, plus fewer tourists.
How to Get Around Ninh Binh
Getting around Ninh Binh depends largely on where you're staying. If you're based in Ninh Binh city, renting a scooter is ideal as the main attractions are spread out across the countryside. For those staying in Tam Cốc, the town itself is completely walkable – you won't need any transport to reach restaurants, shops, or even some nearby attractions.
However, for visiting further sites like Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, or the Van Long Nature Reserve, you'll need transportation. Renting a scooter costs around 100k-150kVND (4-6€) per day and gives you the most flexibility.
If you're not comfortable riding, Grab is available but can get expensive for longer journeys. Many hostels also arrange day tours with transportation included, which is how I visited some of the more distant attractions.
Bicycle rental is another great option for exploring the immediate surroundings of Tam Cốc, with rentals costing around 50kVND (2€) per day.
Things to Do in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh Vietnam offers an incredible mix of natural wonders and cultural experiences that make it well worth a few days of exploration. The undisputed highlight is taking a boat tour through either Tam Coc or Trang An (I preferred Trang An for its cave systems and less crowded atmosphere). The boat ride through Trang An takes about 3 hours and costs 250kVND (10€), with a local rower guiding you through limestone caves and past ancient temples.
For breathtaking panoramic views, climbing the 500 steps to Mua Cave viewpoint is a must, and it's not as much of a workout as it looks!
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich history, while Bich Dong Pagoda, built into a mountainside, provides a serene escape with far fewer tourists. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Thung Nham Bird Valley is home to endangered bird species and an authentic nature experience.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: Things to do in Ninh Binh
Where & What to Eat in Ninh Binh
The food scene in Ninh Binh was a delightful surprise during my stay. My absolute favourite discovery was Bing Boong restaurant & cafe, which serves what I can only describe as the BEST mango coffee that's ever existed for just 20kVND (0.80€). It's basically a huge ice cream dessert disguised as coffee.
They also offer excellent Banh Mi sandwiches with plenty of veggie options for 20-30kVND (0.80-1.20€).
Another standout was Thuy Linh restaurant, which quickly became our group's go-to spot – one of my friends ate there about five times because it was cheap and the spring rolls were so good. They serve fantastic traditional Vietnamese dishes at very reasonable prices.
I found a tiny local spot that serves steaming bowls of beef or vegetarian pho for just 35kVND (1.40€) called Pho Bo Trung Kien on Google Maps.
Don't miss trying Ninh Binh's specialty dish, com chay (cơm cháy), which is crispy rice topped with a savory meat sauce – even the vegetarian version I had was incredible. Most restaurants in Tam Cốc close relatively early (around 9-10pm), so plan your dinner accordingly!
For brunch lovers, there's a wonderful brunch place near the main street called SisterFields Boutique Cafe that serves western-style breakfast alongside Vietnamese options.
Best Bars in Ninh Binh
For such a small place, Tam Cốc has a surprisingly lively nightlife scene! The highlight has to be the karaoke bus – yes, an actual converted bus where you can sing your heart out with fellow travellers and locals alike.
It's parked near the main street in Tam Cốc and offers an experience you won't forget. Most of the better bars are attached to hostels, which is perfect for meeting other travellers.
The absolute best part about drinking in Tam Cốc? The 7kVND (0.28€) beers! Even for Vietnam, these beers are cheap - for comparison, you'd usually pay 20-30kVND (0.80-1.20€) for a beer in most places, or up to 50-60kVND (2-2.40€) in fancier bars. If you're staying in Ninh Binh city itself rather than Tam Cốc, you'll find several decent karaoke places where you can rent a private room with friends, which seems to be the preferred night out for locals.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: The Best Hostels in Ninh Binh
Prices and Money in Ninh Binh
Tam Cốc is refreshingly affordable, even by Vietnamese standards. As I've mentioned, the 7kVND (0.28€) beers were probably the cheapest I found anywhere in Vietnam.
Accommodation is equally budget-friendly, with hostel dorms averaging around 100kVND (4€) per night, and usually include breakfast. Private rooms in guesthouses start from about 250kVND (10€), while more upscale options with pool access can be found for 500-800kVND (20-32€).
Food costs are similarly low – a good meal at a local restaurant will set you back 40-70kVND (1.60-2.80€), while the 20kVND (0.80€) mango coffee and 20kVND banh mi I mentioned earlier are absolute steals.
When it comes to handling money in Tam Cốc, be prepared with cash. There's only one free ATM in the town – TP Bank – and it's frequently out of cash, especially on weekends when tourists flood in.
Most places don't accept cards, though a few higher-end restaurants and hotels might. The ATMs typically dispense large bills (500k notes), which can be difficult to break at smaller establishments, so I'd recommend withdrawing money before you arrive to get ahead. For boat tours and entrance fees to attractions, always carry enough cash, as card payment isn't an option at these sites.
FAQs About Travelling in Ninh Binh
How many days are enough for Ninh Binh?
I'd recommend spending 2-3 days in Ninh Binh. Two days allows you to see the main attractions like Trang An or Tam Coc boat tours and the Mua Cave viewpoint, while three days gives you time to explore at a more relaxed pace and visit additional sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda, Van Long Nature Reserve, or simply enjoy cycling through the beautiful landscape of rice fields and limestone karsts.
Is Ninh Binh, Vietnam worth visiting?
Absolutely! Ninh Binh offers some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Vietnam without the overwhelming crowds you might find at Ha Long Bay. The combination of emerald rice fields, dramatic limestone mountains, ancient temples, and authentic local experiences makes it well worth the detour from Hanoi. It's also significantly more affordable than many other tourist destinations in Vietnam.
Which is better, Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh?
They offer different experiences – Ha Long Bay features karst formations rising from the sea, while Ninh Binh showcases similar landscapes but with mountains emerging from rice fields. I personally preferred Ninh Binh for its more authentic feel, fewer tourists, and better value for money. Ha Long Bay is certainly spectacular, but the commercialization and crowds can detract from the experience. If possible, visit both to compare for yourself!
Should you stay in Ninh Binh or do a day trip?
While many tourists visit Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi, I strongly recommend staying at least one night. Day trips barely scratch the surface and often arrive when sites are at their busiest. By staying overnight, you can experience the beautiful late afternoon light, visit attractions early before day-trippers arrive, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Tam Coc in the evening. Plus, the journey from Hanoi takes 1-2 hours each way, which eats into your sightseeing time on a day trip.
Conclusion
Ninh Binh Vietnam offers that perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and authentic Vietnamese charm that I found myself craving after the hustle of Hanoi. Despite the unexpectedly chilly weather during my February visit, the region's dramatic landscapes completely won me over – there's something magical about watching the mist roll over limestone karsts while sipping mango coffee that costs less than a euro!
Whether you're floating through caves on a traditional sampan boat, climbing to viewpoints for panoramic vistas, or simply enjoying a few beers with fellow travellers, Ninh Binh delivers experiences that feel both adventurous and peaceful at the same time.
If you're plotting a journey through Vietnam, I'd consider Ninh Binh an essential stop rather than an optional detour. The region offers a perfect counterbalance to Vietnam's bustling cities and gives you a glimpse into rural life that feels increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world.
Just remember to pack layers if you're visiting in winter (learn from my mistakes!), carry cash, and allow yourself enough time to explore beyond the main attractions. Ninh Binh may not have the international fame of Ha Long Bay or Hoi An, but that's precisely part of its charm – for now at least.
