Discover the magic and charm of Ninh Binh, a gem in the heart of Northern Vietnam. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of karst mountains and dotted with ancient temples and lush rice paddies, this region invites you to enter a dream world straight out of a fairy tale. Planning on visiting Ninh Binh? You're in the right place! In today’s post, we’ll be covering all the travel tips and giving you a detailed Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night itinerary! So stick around and find out !

Is Ninh Binh worth visiting?

Ninh Binh, tucked away in northern Vietnam about 100 kilometers southeast of Hanoi, is a hidden gem bursting with natural beauty. This enchanting province is famous for its stunning karst mountains, endless rice paddies, and winding rivers. The fertile lands of the Red River Delta contribute to its rich biodiversity.

Ninh Binh's history spans over a thousand years. It was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century under the Dinh and Le dynasties, leaving behind a rich cultural and architectural heritage, including the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest in Vietnam.

But what makes Ninh Binh worth visiting is its breathtaking landscapes. The karst mountains soar above the rice fields, forming sharp peaks that seem to touch the sky. Rivers weave through these rock formations, leading to hidden caves and grottoes. One of the highlights is Tam Coc-Bich Dong, often called the "Halong Bay on land." Here, visitors can enjoy traditional boat rides through the magnificent scenery.

How many days are enough for Ninh Binh ?

2 to 3 days in Ninh Binh are usually enough to soak in the highlights. In two days, you can explore the main attractions like Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh, and Trang An. If you have an extra day, you can take it easy and maybe visit some off-the-beaten-path spots or just enjoy the stunning landscapes at a more relaxed pace. So, whether you’re on a tight schedule or have a bit of extra time, Ninh Binh has plenty to offer in just a couple of days.

When to visit Ninh Binh?

Before figuring out the best time to visit Ninh Binh, it’s helpful to know a bit about the region’s climate. Ninh Binh has a humid tropical climate with four distinct seasons:

Spring (January to March): The weather is mild and pleasant, with nature coming alive with color and vitality.

Summer (April to June): It's warm, but not too hot, with frequent rains.

Autumn (July to September): Expect clear days and gentle breezes, creating a magical atmosphere.

Winter (October to December): The weather is cold and dry, with temperatures that can drop as low as 5 degrees Celsius.

From our experience, the best times to visit Ninh Binh are early spring and early summer.

Early spring (January to March)

The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and soaking in the beautiful scenery. It’s also a great time for spiritual activities like visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Complex, or the stone church.

Early summer (April to June)

The weather is nice, without extreme heat or cold, making it ideal for exploring Ninh Binh. You can admire the golden rice fields in Tam Coc or the diverse ecosystem in the Cuc Phuong forest. With sunlight illuminating everything, it's a fantastic time to take beautiful photos that will make your trip unforgettable.

How to get to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh doesn't have its own airport, but the Ninh Binh to Hanoi distance is just 100 km, making it easily accessible. Most tourists travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

From Hanoi: You can take a bus from Giap Bat bus station or book a limousine service. The journey takes about 2 hours.

From Other Northern Destinations: If you’re coming to Ninh Binh from Ha Long Bay or Pu Luong, you can also take a bus or book a direct limousine service to Ninh Binh.

From Central or Southern Destinations: If you’re coming from cities like Danang, Hue, Hoi An, or Ho Chi Minh City, the best option is to fly to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines and then take a bus to Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hang Mua

Morning

Vietnam Original Travel's bus and guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and drive you, your Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night adventure begins. You'll start by exploring Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century; the King Dinh and King Le Temples and the excavation area next to Le Dai Hanh Temple. After that, visit Hang Mua Cave. Climb 500 stone steps to the top of Mua Mountain. From there, you'll get breathtaking views of the vast, serene Hoa Lu landscape.

Noon: Return to a restaurant for a well-deserved lunch break.

Afternoon:

Your guide will take you to the pier, where you'll board a boat to explore Tam Coc along the Ngo Dong River, with rice fields flanking both sides. Discover 3 majestic and mysterious caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, each offering a unique, majestic experience. Then, head to Thai Vi Temple, a ttribute to the brave general Tran Hung Dao, a legendary figure in Vietnamese history.

After the visit, return to Tam Coc Pier. The bus will then take you to your hotel for check-in and some rest.

Night: Relax and unwind at your hotel after a day full of exploration.

Day 2: Ninh Binh - Bai Dinh - Trang An - Hanoi

Morning:

Enjoy breakfast and the fresh morning air, and maybe buy some local products. Continue your Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night tour by checking out of the hotel and heading to Bai Dinh Temple, a famous temple complex that holds several records in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. This vast complex spans 107 hectares and includes Tam The Temple and Phap Chu Temple, spread over thousands of square meters.

Noon: Visit a local restaurant for lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon:

The bus will take you to Trang An pier to explore Trang An Eco-Tourism, a magical place where limestone rock formations, valleys, and rivers create a mesmerizing space. You'll take a boat ride to visit caves with impressive stalactites such as Hang Toi, Hang Sang, Hang Nau Ruou, Hang Sinh, Hang Si, Hang Ba Giot, and Hang Dia Linh.

After the visit, you'll return to the bus and head back to Hanoi.

Night

Arrive in Hanoi, concluding your memorable Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night.

What to eat in Ninh Binh

Com Chay Ruoc (Crispy Rice with Shredded Salted Meat)

This famous dish features a layer of rice stuck to the bottom of the pot, dried in the sun, and then fried to a crispy texture. You can find it everywhere from Bai Dinh to Tam Coc and Trang An. 

Ninh Binh Mountain Goat Meat

Known for its firm and flavorful meat, as the goats are raised in the rocky mountains. There are various delicious preparations like nem de (goat rolls), de hap (steamed goat), de nuong (grilled goat), and the famous de tuong gung (goat with ginger), which is highly nutritious. Goat meat is also believed to have healing properties, making it a must-try.

Goi Ca Nhech (Fresh Salted Fish Salad)

This dish showcases Ninh Binh's culinary richness. The fresh fish is meticulously prepared and flaked into fine strands. The accompanying sauce is a perfect blend of spicy, aromatic, and savory, enhancing the dish's flavor. It's an unforgettable dining experience you shouldn't miss during your Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, in groups of friends, or alone, you can choose to stay in homestays near the sights, which offer a cool, quiet atmosphere and friendly service. Some popular and conveniently located addresses are Ninh Binh Friendly Homestay, Hang Múa Ecolodge, Diep's House, and Ninh Binh Palm Homestay, among others.

Those who wish to enjoy more luxurious services and amenities such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, and bars, can opt for 4 or 5-star resorts, such as Emeralda Resort Tam Coc, Ninh Binh Legend, among others. Room rates range from 1.7 to 6 million dong per night.

Well, there you have it! We hope that this travel guide comes in handy when planning for your Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night ! As a local travel agency, Vietnam Original Travel is dedicated to offering you tailor-made and customized tours. This means you have the freedom to tailor your trip according to your preferences. Here are some of the offers that include Ninh Binh as part of your complete Vietnam experience.

=> Ninh Binh Day Trip From Hanoi