Ninh Binh is a province located in the northern region of Vietnam. The province is approximately 93 kilometers to the south of Hanoi. Ninh Binh Province shares border with Hoa Binh Province and Ha Nam Province in the north, Nam Dinh Province in the east, Thanh Hoa Province in the west, and the Gulf of Tonkin in the south.

Weather in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh belongs to the tropical climate with two distinct seasons: hot and wet summer (from May to September) and cold and dry winter (from November to March). The average rainfall fluctuates from 1,700 – 1,800 mm each year, meanwhile, the sunny hours during a year is from 1,600 – 1,700 hours. The average temperature and the average relative humidity are respectively 23.5oC and 80 – 85%.
Although tourists can travel to Ninh Binh all year round, the best time to visit the province is from February to May. In the spring, the weather is excellent for setting off on a tour throughout the province. In addition, late May and early June is the time of ripen rice season in Tam Coc, therefore, visiting Tam Coc during this time, tourists will have a wonderful opportunity to admire the natural beauty of ripen rice fields and take great photos.

Attractions of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is an interesting tourist destination in Vietnam with a variety of well-known scenic spots and cultural and historical monuments. Especially, the province is notable for Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – a mixed UNESCO Heritage Site, Bai Ngang-Con Noi – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and “ca trù” (“Tally Card Songs”) – Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Undergone many geological changes over time and made of sand and earth that was left by rivers or floods, Ninh Binh is considered as “a terrestrial Ha Long Bay”. The province is like a small miniature of Vietnam with full convergence of caves (Bich Dong Cave, Van Trinh Cave, Thien Ha Cave…), mountains (Non Nuoc Mountain, Ky Lan Mountain…), rivers and lakes (Dong Chuong Lake, Yen Quang Lake…), natural reserves (Van Long Natural Reserve, Thung Nham Bird Garden…), national parks (Cuc Phuong National Park, National Wildlife Park…), world’s biosphere reserves (Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Kim Son – Con Noi…), and national tourist zone (Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Kenh Ga…).
Besides, if tourists are interested in historical relics or spiritual tourism, Ninh Binh is the right destination for you. The cultural and historical site – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital was recognized as a special national monument with 47 outstanding relics such as King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple, King Le Dai Hanh Tomb, King Ly Thai To Memorial, etc. In terms of spiritual tourism, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Phat Diem Cathedral are important sites that you should not be missed once visit Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh Cuisine

Regarding to Ninh Binh Cuisine, it will be a big mistake without mentioning Mountain Goat (dê núi Ninh Bình). Among many delicious dishes, Mountain Goat is considered as the most special and unique local delicacy in the province. Ninh Binh goat meat is more delicious compared to other regions because goats are farmed in limestone mountains. Being served with different types of local herbs, Ninh Binh Mountain Goat has become more special and palatable. In addition to Mountain Goat Meat, Ninh Binh is also reputable for other local specialties such as Kim Son Wine (rượu Kim Sơn), Fried Rice (cơm cháy Ninh Bình), Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll (nem chua Yên Mạc), Tong Truong Tilapia (cá rô Tổng Trưởng), and Dong Giao Pineapple (dứa Đồng Giao).

How to get to Ninh Binh

By car/ taxi: From Hanoi, tourists can take a taxi or rent a private car, however, travelling by these vehicles will cost a lots. Of course, the more comforts you get, the more money you have to pay!
By bus: In comparison to taxi and car, bus is a cheaper choice, nonetheless, it is less convenient and easy. To catch a local bus from Hanoi, you have to go to Hanoi Southern Bus Terminal (Giap Bat Terminal) to buy a ticket.
By train: It is possible to travel by train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and vice versa because Ninh Binh is a regular station of Reunification Express with trains coming from both the North and the South. Regular trains will daily depart from Hanoi at 6:00am, 9:00am, 1:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:10pm, and 10:10pm. It takes around 2 hours

Other attactions in Ninh Binh: Trang An Scenic landscape complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Hoa Lu Ancient capital, Cuc Phuong National park, Phat Diem stone cathedral, Van Long Nature reserve – Kenh Ga Hot Spring