Ninh Binh Travel Guide

1. Where is Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is a province in the Red River Delta, located in the southern region of the capital Hanoi, Vietnam. With diverse terrain, from high mountains and midlands in the West. To the fertile plains in the central region and coastal areas in the southern region. It is about 95 km south of the capital Hanoi with geographical location:

• Bordering the capital Hanoi to the North.
• Bordering Hung Yen and Thai Binh provinces to the East.
• To the West, it borders Hoa Binh province.
• Bordering Thanh Hoa province to the South.
• Bordering the East Sea to the Southeast, in the Gulf of Tonkin area.

2. How is Ninh Binh unique?

Ninh Binh is a land that combines amazing natural beauty and unique cultural and historical depth. Moreover, this place stands out with the Trang An scenic complex, Hoa Lu ancient capital. Or Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua cave, Van Long lagoon, Cuc Phuong national park. These are famous destinations of national and international significance. Not only possessing a diverse natural ecosystem and fresh air. Ninh Binh is also home to thousands of historical relics, traditional craft villages and unique folk festivals.

The unique feature of Ninh Binh is also the harmonious blend of spiritual culture and daily life. Sacred pagodas, traditional festivals and rich cuisine. Such as: Vu Dai village braised fish, Phu Ly rice rolls or fresh seafood from the neighboring sea all contribute to its unique appeal. In particular, this land is also famous as the “kingdom of churches” with hundreds of unique religious architectural works in European style. With outstanding values ​​of nature, culture and people. Ninh Binh is the ideal destination for all journeys of experience and discovery.

3. When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is located in a humid subtropical climate zone, with four distinct seasons: spring – summer – autumn – winter. Each season here has its own beauty, so you can come to Ninh Binh at any time of the year. However, according to the Ninh Binh travel experience of tourists who have been here. Spring, from January to March of the lunar calendar and early summer – from April to June, are considered the most ideal time to explore this land.

In spring, the weather is cool and fresh, very convenient for spring activities. You can visit temples and participate in traditional festivals that take place throughout the region. This is also the time when Ninh Binh attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists looking for cultural and spiritual values.

Summer, especially from April to June, is when Ninh Binh puts on its brilliant beauty of golden rice fields, lush nature and sparkling cave systems. This is the ideal time to experience boat tours, explore caves or relax in the peaceful nature.

4. How to get to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh is a province not far from the capital Hanoi, with many national highways and expressways passing through, so traveling here is relatively easy.

4.1. Traveling by bus

Passenger cars are the means of transportation to Ninh Binh chosen by many tourists in the North and North Central of Vietnam. There are many bus companies from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day with different time frames.

If departing from Hanoi, visitors can buy tickets at major bus stations: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station to get to Ninh Binh bus station. Travel time between the two provinces is about more than 1 hour. Some reputable bus companies that tourists can refer to: Hai Thang, Anh Vu, Thuy Duong, Hoang Thin, Anh Dong…

4.2. Traveling by train

Ninh Binh is a province with the North-South railway running through so visitors can easily buy tickets and get here by train. The travel time is relatively long due to having to go through many stations, but it can help visitors save money and experience a new feeling when riding the train.

For tourists departing from Hanoi, you can buy tickets at Hanoi train station with many trains at different time frames of the day. Trains from Hanoi passing through Ninh Binh: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and SE19.

4.3. Traveling by motorbike or personal car

Traveling by motorbike or personal car is suitable for travelers who love to explore, this will definitely be the perfect choice. This form of transportation will help tourists be proactive in their time and freely enjoy the beautiful scenery during their trip to Ninh Binh.

For tourists traveling by motorbike, starting from Hanoi inner city, go straight along National Highway 1A to the South. It takes about 2 hours to reach tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. Tourists riding motorbikes should pay attention to wearing helmets and bring all documents when participating in traffic.

For tourists traveling by private car, depart from Hanoi inner city, follow Giai Phong street, pass Giap Bat bus station, turn in and go straight on CT01 Hanoi – Ninh Binh highway. Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes to visit attractions in Ninh Binh.

4.4. Traveling by plane

Ninh Binh is a province without an airport, so tourists from far away who want to travel here by air must buy tickets to Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.

Foreign tourists or tourists in the South and Central of Vietnam buy tickets from where they live to Noi Bai airport by buying tickets online or at the ticket counter. After that, tourists choose means of transportation such as passenger cars, motorbikes, and cars to get to Ninh Binh.

5. Sightseeings in Ninh Binh

If you are wondering where to travel to Ninh Binh, let’s join Origin Vietnam in listing the famous attractions in Ninh Binh that tourists should not miss right here!

5.1. Trang An scenic spot

Trang An scenic spot is located in Dong Thanh district, Ninh Binh province, with an area of ​​6,226 hectares. This place is famous as “Ha Long Bay on land”. Thanks to its majestic mountain scenery and beautiful winding small river. Trang An is recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage and cultural heritage.

When coming to Trang An, you will be overwhelmed by the masterpieces that nature bestows on this land. With a mysterious natural cave complex and unique limestone mountain system. Surrounded by a small river with cool, blue water, it will definitely bring visitors unforgettable experiences.

5.2. Hoa Lu ancient capital

Hoa Lu ancient capital is an architectural complex of great historical value and is also the first capital of the centralized feudal state of Vietnam. After more than 1,000 years of history, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu still retains architectural works built in the 17th century such as city walls, caves, tombs, and temples.

The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core areas of the Trang An World Heritage complex. Coming here, visitors can not only see the relic complex with unique architecture, but also learn about the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.

5.3. Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a key tourist area of ​​Vietnam. Bich Dong is famous as “The Second Cave of the South” with a dry cave and a water cave piercing through the mountain. Tam Coc means 3 caves including Ca cave, Hai cave and Ba cave, created from a Ngo Dong river flowing through the mountain.

Down the Ngo Dong river, visitors will feel the cool, fresh air, see majestic high limestone mountains and stalactites in uniquely shaped caves. On both sides are ripe golden rice fields and long-standing ancient pagodas, hidden behind the green canopy of ancient trees.

5.4. Hang Mua

Hang Mua is the “Great Wall” of Vietnam. Mua Cave is more than 4 hectares wide, including many unique caves, rocky mountains and beautiful landscapes. To reach the top of the cave, visitors must conquer 500 stone steps.

From the top of Mua Mountain, looking far into the distance, visitors can admire the entire beauty of Ninh Binh with views of mountains, rivers and vast ripe rice fields. All create beautiful natural scenery, attracting millions of tourists from near and far to come here every year.

5.5. Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous as a large pagoda complex, holding many records in Asia and Vietnam. The pagoda complex has an area of ​​1,700 hectares including: the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda area and the new Bai Dinh pagoda area. Bai Dinh Pagoda attracts tourists by its outstanding architecture with large, majestic shapes bearing the mark of Vietnamese pagoda architecture.

The pagoda is notable for its many shrines and many large and small Buddha statues. In particular, the pagoda has a corridor called the Arhat corridor, spread throughout the temple grounds with 500 Arhat statues arranged along the entire corridor.

With a very large campus, visitors to the pagoda can not only visit, sightsee, but also have a peaceful place to purify each person’s soul. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual tourist destination where tourists from all over come to offer incense and worship Buddha every year.

5.6. Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

Phat Diem Stone Cathedral is a Catholic church complex of about 22 hectares, built in 1875 and completed in 1899. The church is one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. They built the church entirely of natural stone and wood, very sturdy and includes a large church and 5 small churches.

The Catholic church was built with some Western-oriented features. But has a boat-shaped curved roof that follows the style of traditional Vietnamese communal houses, temples, and pagodas. That uniqueness has contributed to increasing the number of tourists coming to visit and admire the beauty of the stone church.

5.7. Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s first national park, famous for eco-tourism and the environment and has an area of ​​about 22,000 hectares. This place has a rich and diverse flora and fauna, many species of flora and fauna at high risk of extinction have been discovered and preserved here.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong can explore primeval forests, admire beautiful natural landscapes, and breathe fresh air. In addition, visitors can participate in ecotourism, relaxation, adventure and cultural and historical research programs.

5.8. Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden is famous as the ideal “home” of many species of birds, about 40 species and more than 50,000 birds. This is also the largest nature reserve in Northern Vietnam. The bird garden is located in the middle of green Tien Lake, with an area of ​​about 18 hectares.

Visitors can row boats down Tien Lake to admire the natural scenery and many species of birds such as storks, cauldrons, teal, fire warblers, teals, especially two rare species listed in the red book: Hang Hac and Hong Hoang. Tourists should come here around 5pm to see flocks of birds flying and returning from searching for food.

5.9. Tuyet Tinh Coc

Tuyet Tinh Coc, also famous as Am Tien cave, is a lake located halfway up the mountain at an altitude of 500m above sea level. This place is surrounded by towering mountains, with a cool year-round climate and fresh air.

Visitors to Tuyet Tinh Coc can admire the beautiful lake scenery, see the cave with magical stalactites and can offer incense to Buddha at Am Tien Pagoda. The space here is calm and peaceful, creating a peaceful experience for tourists.

5.10. Van Long lagoon

Van Long Lagoon is famous as a large wetland nature reserve, with many migratory birds stopping here to feed and avoid the cold. The lagoon has an area of ​​more than 3,500 hectares, was put into operation in 1998 and quickly became a key tourist destination in Vietnam.

Van Long Lagoon owns 2 records from the Vietnam Record Book Center in 2010. Visitors coming here will admire the wild beauty, vast flooded space and diverse natural ecosystem. Thanks to that, this place was chosen by the Hollywood film crew as the main filming location for the blockbuster movie Kong – Skull Island.

5.11 Tam Chuc tourist area

The complex of Tam Chuc pagoda in Ha Nam has a total area of ​​about 5,000 hectares, including 3 areas: lakes, natural rocky mountains and valleys. This place has majestic natural beauty, combined with ancient architectural designs, attracting a large number of tourists to visit, praying for luck and sightseeing.

To fully visit Tam Chuc tourist area, you can buy tickets: 90,000 VND/round trip tram ticket & 250,000 VND/round trip yacht ticket. Take a tour around the area and cruise on the lake.

5.12 Tran Thuong Temple

As a typical relic of Ninh Binh, Tran Thuong Temple worships the national hero Tran Quoc Tuan, his family and generals who have contributed in the resistance war against the Mongols in the 13th century. Here you will be able to visit and learn historical information of the time against the Mongols.

5.13 Lanh Giang Temple

Lanh Giang Temple worships 3 famous gods of the 18th Hung Vuong dynasty and Princess Tien Dung with an area of ​​more than 3,000 m2. Coming here, you will feel the simple life of the people with longan forests, wharfs, lotus ponds, modified the aura of a talented, peaceful and prosperous spiritual land.

5.14 Truc Temple

Truc Temple – Ngu Dong Thi Son is covered by rows of cool, green bamboo, bringing a sense of peace and comfort. If you are looking to relieve your body’s worries, setting foot in Truc Temple is a reasonable choice.

5.15 Vu Dien Temple

Vu Dien Temple (Ba Vu Temple) is located in Chan Ly commune, Ly Nhan district. Entering the temple, you will see a very unique design with 2 high rise roofs, outstanding as a blooming lotus.

5.16 Three Names Pagoda

“As empty as Ba Danh pagoda” is a famous saying expressing the emptiness of the temple. But only for the old times. Now, Ba Danh pagoda always attracts a large number of tourists to pray for peace, visit and listen to the legend of the beauty of the people here.

5.17 Tien Phong Stone Pavilion

Tien Phong Stone Communal House is located in An Mong village, Tien Phong commune, Duy Tien district. The communal house worships Princess Nguyet Nga – the female general of Hai Ba Trung. The communal house has a unique architecture and is elaborately carved with art. Thanks to that, it brings a soft, lively and unique beauty. This is one of the few houses made of stone that is still preserved until now.

5.18 Tien Ong Temple

Tien Ong Temple was built during the reign of King Tran Nhan Tong. It’s located in the middle of Tuong Linh mountain, about 200m high. Especially it’s looks like an elephant kneeling, in the shape of a Tam, including 5 pavilions, 3 pavilions and 1 harem. The façade is architecturally styled with eight curved roofs, four soft dragon-shaped corners, and regular male roof tiles. The middle building was built in the style of a three-dotted pendulum, with an arched harem.

Tien Ong Temple is sacred with legends and history left to the people and this land. It is now the destination of thousands of tourists on their spiritual journey in Ninh Binh.

5.19 Long Doi Son Pagoda

Referring to Ha Nam ancient pagoda, we must mention Long Doi Son pagoda. The ancient mossy pagoda, nearly 1,000 years old. It belongs to Doi Son commune, Duy Tien district, in the middle of a low-lying area jutting out a mountain named Doi mountain. Over 1,000 years old, the ancient temple still preserves many precious antiques. In particular, the most valuable is the stele Sung Thien Dien Linh. The ancient stele is nearly 900 years old, placed in front of the Three Jewels – a glorious Buddhist relic of the Ly dynasty, which has been recognized as a national treasure.

5.20 Bat Canh Son

Bat Canh Son is a relic site in Tuong Linh commune, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam. This place is known as a famous scenic spot not only with beautiful scenery. But also a sacred spiritual tourist destination with dignified temples and pagodas. Such as: Tien Ong Temple, Tam Giao Pagoda, Kieu Pagoda, Ba Pagoda, etc.

The scenery here is very beautiful and peaceful. The charming landscape imbued with cultural and spiritual relics makes many people fall in love with the beautiful scenery. Every New Year comes, spring comes, the temples here are much more crowded. Because tourists from all over the world come to worship.

5.21 Ao Dong

Ao Dong is one of the most attractive and interesting eco-tourism destinations in Vietnam. It is made up of high mountains, with forests on the side of the mountains. The harmonious combination of mountains, trees, blue sky, clear water, and the sound of forest birds. It created a majestic natural picture and became a valuable eco-tourism destination of Ninh Binh.

5.22 Phuc Long Cave

Phuc Long cave has the shape of a dragon tied in a bag, there are many bats clinging to the wall, so the locals also call this a bat cave. Dong Phuc Long can accommodate several hundred people. The cave is in harmony with the landscape of Chua mountain, right next to it is the communal house and pagoda in Chau village, forming an attractive scenic relic for tourists near and far.

5.23 Luon Cave

Luon Cave is also one of the most attractive and interesting eco-tourism destinations. It is quite small in size, but the arch of the entrance to the cave is slightly wider with the way the mountains, protrusions, and depressions. In the dry season, it is easy to enter the cave because in the rainy season the water floods the mouth of the cave. Inside the cave still retains the natural beauty of the stalactites falling from the ceiling with attractive shapes. The deeper we go, the more dim light and the sound of water falling makes us feel mysterious.

5.24 Jade Mountain (Ngoc Mountain)

Ngoc mountain is a limestone mountain next to the Day River. The mountain is not very high, there are many trees around. On the top of the mountain is an ancient sycamore tree over a hundred years old. Standing on the top of the mountain and immersing in the nature of the mountains and breathing in the fresh air is wonderful. At the foot of the mountain is the ancient worship of a craftsman who has contributed to the village.

5.25 Mountain orange

Cam Mountain is famous for its thick and green flora, which is extremely rich in species. This place is home to many large and tall trees with a single age of hundreds of years. Every spring, the whole Forbidden Mountain in Ha Nam is white with a flower color. This is a tourist area with charming natural scenery and mountains. There is also the mysterious sacredness of the mountains and forests with a unique cave system.

5.26 Tam Chuc Lake

Tam Chuc Lake has color, incense, ancient legends, and spiritual potential. The lake is gently beautiful in the dawn, shimmering in the golden sunshine and fanciful, mysterious when the sunset falls behind the mountains, casting a shadow on the lake area, changing the scenery like a fairyland. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island and a communal house located on the island, called Tam Chuc communal house. Next to Tam Chuc lake is the relic of Ba Sao pagoda, which is being embellished from an ancient temple built a long time ago.

5.27 Ngu Dong Son

Ngu Dong Son is five caves connected to each other to form a continuous series of caves. With a length of 100m in the heart of a mountain. In the caves, there are many stalactites with different shapes, appearance, color, emulsion skin, porosity, and gloss of the stalactites are also very different. On the walls of the wonderful natural cave, many beautiful scenes have been drawn, evoking vivid imaginations of human life and surrounding life.

5.28 Ba Kien’s House

Ba Kien’s 100-year-old house has long become a tourist attraction. The house is located on a land area of ​​nearly 900m2 in Dai Hoang village, Hoa Hau commune, Ly Nhan. You will be very surprised about the house when you know that it has been over 100 years, but the 3-room house with ironwood columns and elaborately carved stone pillars still stands, the tile roof and carved patterns are still intact.

5.29 Vu Dai craft village

Vu Dai braised fishery village is imbued with Vietnamese national identity. Coming to Vu Dai village in the days close to Tet, we will see the atmosphere is bustling, all over the village, everywhere is the smell of fragrant braised fish with laughter and chatter by the fire, guests everywhere pour in. To buy braised fish for Tet or as a gift for Tet.

5.30 Nha Xa Silk Weaving Village

Nha Xa Silk Village is located on the left bank of the Red River in Moc Nam Commune, Duy Tien, right below the foot of Yen Lenh Bridge. Coming to Nha Xa, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of a rural village in the Northern Delta, interwoven with ancient French-style villas, but also can choose for yourself the most beautiful silks, which are decorated with beautiful silk fabrics. weaving and dyeing by traditional methods from the skillful hands of experienced artisans.

5.31 Thanh Ha Lace Embroidery Village

Embroidery in Thanh Ha appeared more than a century ago with extremely sophisticated and skillful embroidery works. For each Thanh Ha craftsman, each stitch gives them endless inspiration. Coming here, you will experience learning lace embroidery from local people.

5.32 Drum Doi Tam Village

Doi Tam drum making and drum products always play an important role in social life. Because, the drum product of Doi Tam craft village is a special product with many different uses. Such as: Drums for worship, drums in folk art life, drums are used as tools to convey information… Therefore, the craft of making drums and drum products has a certain historical, cultural and artistic value in the national history of the country.

5.33 Bamboo and Rattan Village Ngoc Dong

Ngoc Dong craft village has a long tradition of producing and trading handicrafts derived from raw materials from rattan, bamboo and bamboo… for a long time. Ngoc Dong bamboo and rattan products are confirmed not only in the domestic market but also abroad.

5.34 Nam Dinh Old Quarter

Nam Dinh Old Quarter, also known as Thanh Nam Old Quarter, was formerly located next to the Vi Hoang River. With more than 800 years of history, this tourist destination includes 40 small neighborhoods with rustic names. Like Hang Mam, Hang Ghe,… When visiting Nam Dinh Old Quarter, you will see ancient houses with unique architectural features. It is a blend of Vietnamese architecture, Western architecture and Chinese architecture.

Today, Nam Dinh Old Quarter still retains its peacefulness like the past, despite having gone through many historical changes. Just like Hanoi Old Quarter, Nam Dinh Old Quarter helps you see and imagine the cultural and social life of the people here hundreds of years ago.

5.35 Tran Temple

Tran Temple is a historical relic built in 1695. It worships 14 kings, their families and mandarins who served the Tran Dynasty. Every year, Tran Temple holds two important festivals: Tran Temple Festival, which takes place from the 15th to the 20th of the 8th lunar month. And the Spring Opening Ceremony takes place on the 14th to the 15th of the 1st lunar month.

This relic site includes structures such as: Co Trach Temple, Thien Truong Temple and Trung Hoa Temple. Thien Truong Temple is located right in the center of the temple, this is the place to worship the mandarins and meritorious subjects of the Tran Dynasty. Co Trach Temple has an altar of Tran Hung Dao and his family. China Temple was built in the West, and worships 14 statues symbolizing 14 kings of the Tran Dynasty.

5.36 Textile Museum

Nam Dinh Textile Museum is located on Hoang Hoa Tham Street, built in the traditional ancient house architecture style. It is owned by Nam Dinh Textile Factory Joint Stock Company. This is the place to preserve artifacts and traditional values ​​of the textile industry from ancient times. Since 1889, this tourist destination has been one of the leading factories in Vietnam with 6,000 workers.

Moreover, the Museum has an area of ​​nearly 1.2 hectares and is imbued with classical French architecture. Inside, the exhibition space is divided into many areas with different themes. When you come here, you will admire the fabric and garment products of ancient Vietnam. And the sewing machines and weaving machines, which made the glory of the country’s textile industry in the previous centuries.

5.37 Hung Nghia Church

Hung Nghia Church in Hai Hung Commune, Hai Hau District, was built in 1927. This is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Vietnam, with Gothic architecture bearing the imprint of ancient Spain and France. In addition, this is also a check-in point that cannot be missed for tourists when traveling to Ninh Binh.

From afar, Hung Nghia Church is very attractive with its mysterious beauty, like an ancient castle in the West. With attractive gray tones and sophisticated architectural details. Therefore, for those who love “virtual life”, this is an ideal place to create unique artistic photos.

5.38 Two Cups Ruined Church

Although it has been ravaged by time, Hai Ly Ruined Church is still a favorite destination for many tourists from near and far. Especially young tourists and photographers because of its ancient appearance and unique architectural features. Moreover, the Church is also known as Trai Tim Chua Family Church, built in 1877, formerly belonging to Xuong Dien fishing village.

In addition, the area around the Ruined Church is a local fishing village. There are many temporary shelters and huts for people to buy seafood. Therefore, you can ask to stay there to wake up early in the morning to take pictures of the sunrise and watch the fishing nets being pulled, also to better understand the life of the fishing village people.

5.39 Thinh Long Beach

Thinh Long is a beach over 3km long located in Thinh Long town, Hai Hau district. The sea here is quite clean with a long, smooth, and poetic sandbank. Although it is a new beach, the sea water at Thinh Long has high salinity and big waves, so it is very attractive to tourists in the hot summer.

When coming here, you not only enjoy the pristine beauty but also experience the fresh and airy space. The rows of casuarinas on the far shore create a highlight for the pure and open beauty of Thinh Long.

5.40 Phu Day

Phu Day is a complex of traditional religious architecture of the Vietnamese people, spread across Kim Thai commune, Vu Ban district. This complex includes more than 20 relics related to the life of the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh in her second incarnation. The works include Phu Chinh Van Cat, Phu Tien Huong, Phu Bong (Nguyet Du Cung). Or Phu Giap Ba, Phu Dinh, Phu Da, Phu Noi, Phu To (Khai Thanh), Trinh temple.

In addition, there are also sacred pagodas such as: Tien Huong pagoda, Linh Son pagoda, Dan pagoda, Goi pagoda, Van Cat pagoda, … This tourist destination has a very high value in terms of architectural and artistic level from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. When visiting Phu Day, you will not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also have the opportunity to receive blessings and luck from the Mother Goddess.

5.41 Nam Dinh Flagpole

Previously, Nam Dinh Flagpole was also called Ky Dai and was one of four flagpoles built in the early Nguyen Dynasty. Currently, this Flagpole consists of three main parts: the base (the pedestal), the column body (the long body) and the watchtower (the watchtower). Nam Dinh Flagpole is 23.84m high, located in the south of the Citadel, about 100m from Vong Cung communal house (now Vong Cung pagoda). In addition, the Flagpole Yard was previously built into a square ceremonial yard with railings on all four sides.

To the south are two cannons. To the east is an incense burner commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the resistance war against the French in 1873 and 1883 to protect the Flagpole and the Citadel. Therefore, this is an ancient architectural work with historical and cultural value. At the same time, it is a spiritual symbol, arousing love for the homeland and country. And a sense of pride and determination to protect the sovereignty, independence, and freedom of the Vietnamese Fatherland.

5.42 Hai Hau Salt Fields

People in Hai Hau have been attached to the salt making profession for many generations. Located close to the sea, right at the foot of the dike is a vast salt field stretching far and wide, alternating between two colors: black and white. The black square is the sand drying yard, the white square is the salt drying yard, in the middle are small ditches leading seawater into the fields. As the sunset gradually falls on the salt fields stretching along the coast, the scene appears as beautiful as a painting.

In the evening light, called hands are constantly raking salt. Then, bare, veined feet are struggling to pull wheelbarrows laden with salt home after a hard day’s work. The silhouettes of salt workers are like a highlight for the vast salt field scene.

5.43 Vi Xuyen Lake

Vi Xuyen Lake is the name of a freshwater lake, located right in Vi Xuyen ward, Nam Dinh. Vi Xuyen Lake possesses a poetic and peaceful beauty, it is quite similar to Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi but smaller in size. In addition, there are many shady trees along the lake, in the distance are the towers of churches with classical Western architecture. All of this creates a scene that is both tranquil of a Northern province and a bit of a Western landscape. 6.11 Pho Minh Tower

Pho Minh Tower was built in 1305 under the Ly Dynasty, located in Loc Vuong Commune, about 5km from the center of Nam Dinh. This is one of the oldest towers in Vietnam with an architecture of 14 floors, up to 20m high. In the past, this tourist destination was used as a place for chanting and practicing by many mandarins and nobles under the Tran Dynasty.

Today, when coming to Pho Minh Tower, you will enjoy the coolness of the lotus pond, admire the shady old trees, and the ancient roofs,… All of which seems to take you to the memories of the past, back to ancient times.

5.44 Co Le Pagoda

Co Le Pagoda is located in Co Le town, and is a complex of Buddhist and religious architecture. Although it is a Buddhist temple, it has the appearance of a Catholic cathedral. This tourist destination has also been recognized as a special national historical and cultural site, a famous scenic spot in the Red River Delta.

From afar, the pagoda looks quite like a church, but when observed closely, we will see a pair of very large dragons in front and other decorative motifs. When you come here, you can enjoy the beauty of the pagoda. Such as: Cuu Pham Lien Hoa tower, three-span curved bridge, Chu Tich Lake, Trinh Pagoda, Linh Quang Tu temple, Dai Hong Chung bell, …

5.45 Phu Nhai Basilica

Phu Nhai Church is located in the center of Xuan Phuong commune, more than 1km from Xuan Truong town. This is also one of the largest churches in Vietnam. The original architecture of the church is in the Spanish Gothic style, then rebuilt in the French Gothic style.

The church has dimensions: 80 meters long, 27 meters wide, 30 meters high. Two 44-meter high bell towers hold 4 bells cast from France with the weight of: 2,000 kg – 1,200 kg – 600 kg and 100 kg. When standing on the high tower of Phu Nhai church, you will admire the whole view of Xuan Truong area.

5.46 Xuong Dien Church

If you travel to Nam Dinh and ask about famous architectural works, perhaps Xuong Dien Church will be the first name mentioned. This is a famous cathedral in Thanh Nam, with a majestic appearance and an interior architecture made entirely of wood, creating a unique feature. Built in July 2018, this church is currently the main place of activity for more than 4,500 parishioners in Xuong Dien Parish.

On major holidays such as Christmas, the church attracts a large number of parishioners to participate in religious activities and celebrate the festival. In addition, many non-religious tourists also come to visit and take photos with the wish for a peaceful new year.

5.47 Ngam Mountain Ecotourism Area

Ngam Mountain Eco-tourism Area (Ngam Resort), located in Vu Ban District, is about 1.5km from Phu Day relic complex. Ngam Resort is located at the foot of Ngam Mountain and is one of the rare tourist destinations with mountains, with an area of ​​about 15 hectares. This is an ideal destination for tourists to visit and relax.

Moreover, the landscape at Ngam Resort is extremely poetic with a large space and beautiful mountains and rivers. It combines wild lines and fresh air, creating a relaxing space for nature-loving tourists. And brings a truly comfortable and quiet experience, helping them escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

5.48 Pagoda Hanh Thien Glue

Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas in Vietnam that has been preserved almost intact after 400 years. Because it was built earlier, the architecture of Keo Hanh Thien Pagoda has a strong influence on Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh. In front of the pagoda is a crescent-shaped lake with clear blue water. The pagoda space is very massive with 13 large buildings including 121 consecutive compartments.

This is a harmonious combination of the architecture of the inner gate with five compartments, built in the overlapping style. It is 7.50 m high with a graceful shape, with a curved seven-sided edge. Besides the architectural beauty, this tourist destination preserves ancient relics from the 17th century. Such as: altars, altars, Buddha statues, bells, gongs, steles, horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, Chinese books, etc. about Pagoda Glue. Every year, this place attracts many tourists and people to visit and admire the cultural landscape.

5.49 Bao Loc Temple

Bao Loc Temple, formerly An Lac Temple, is a temple built on the land of the Hung Dao King’s father – An Sinh King Tran Lieu. Nam Dinh people built the temple to commemorate his merits. Initially, the temple was built along the Chau Giang River, but after the riverbank was eroded, the temple was moved to the south of the village. The construction has a small area, built in the style of ‘eight-roofed roof’ and was restored in the early 20th century.

Today, Bao Loc Temple is divided into the main temple, Khai Thanh Temple, worshiping the King’s father, King’s mother, and two daughters of Hung Dao King and built in the shape of the letter Dinh. In the main area, the tablet of Saint Tran is in the middle, followed by the statue of Tran Hung Dao sitting. On both sides are the statues of Hung Vu Vuong Nhien and Pham Ngu Lao, his son and son-in-law.

5.50 Temple of Grand Tutor Tran Thu Do

The Temple of Grand Tutor Tran Thu Do is also known as Luu Pho Temple. It was built on the ancient site of Luu Vien, where Grand Tutor Tran Thu Do used to live and work when he had the opportunity to pay respects to the King. The temple was built to worship and show gratitude to the people for the Grand Tutor.

5.51 Giao Xuan ecotourism area

When traveling to Giao Xuan, people focus on preserving and developing the coastal lagoon ecosystem. There are many rare species of birds, plants, and animals, especially crocodiles. When coming to Giao Xuan, you will experience interesting activities. Such as: visiting the lagoon, fishing, bird watching, hiking, swimming, visiting traditional craft villages. And participate in activities related to community life such as planting rice, picking vegetables, cooking, weaving, etc.

5.52 Pagoda salary

Luong Pagoda or Phuc Lam Pagoda was built in the late 15th century, located right north of Luong market. Until now, Luong Pagoda has become a fascinating landscape of Ninh Binh land. And every third lunar month, villagers often hold festivals to pray for peace, favorable weather and favorable weather.

Luong Pagoda has gradually become the pride of the people here, symbolizing human strength, building the foundation of happiness for Hai Hau people. Luong Pagoda is recognized as historical and cultural, restored and maintained, becoming a place that attracts a large number of relics of tourists.

5.53 Ecohost Ecotourism Area

Ecohost Hai Hau ecotourism includes ancient houses, and gathers typical cultural characteristics of Ninh Binh. With unique bonsai trees, ancient wooden houses, stone bridges, fish ponds, green spaces typical of the Northern Delta. It is a source of inspiration to help you get away from everyday life, leave behind the hustle and bustle to live slowly, immerse yourself in nature. You will enjoy a Vietnam eco-vacation full of wonderful experiences.

5.54 Pagoda covered bridge

The covered bridge is a historical relic in Hai Anh commune. The bridge was built 500 years ago, and is one of the famous ancient covered bridges in Vietnam. The bridge is built on 18 square stone pillars, each side 35 cm long, arranged in six rows to support all 9 houses of the bridge. On the stone pillars is a system of large, sturdy ironwood crossbeams and longitudinal beams to support the beams, raise the bridge floor, and the bridge house.

In addition, the bridge floor is designed in two distinct parts. The floor of the bridge is 2m wide, consisting of many ironwood bars joined together on a row of curved beams, and at the same time there are many shorter wooden bars with rounded edges to create many raised edges so that pedestrians do not fall when walking on the bridge. On both sides of the bridge are two corridors that are curved along the bridge. Moreover, the bridge corridor is also a place where visitors can stop to rest and admire the river and countryside scenery.

5.55 Xuan Thuy National Park

This is the first mangrove forest in Southeast Asia to participate in the international RAMSAR convention. Xuan Thuy National Park is considered the “home” of many rare bird species. Such as: spoonbill, large web-footed stork, spoonbill, Chinese white stork, yellow-billed stork, pelican, short-billed gull, Indian stork,… With an area of ​​up to 7,100 hectares and a buffer zone of 8,000 hectares, including 3,000 hectares of mangrove forest. The fauna here is notable for nearly 220 species of birds. This national park also has many valuable aquatic species.

5.56 Dong Que Museum

Dong Que Museum is a place that fully recreates the image of the ancient Northern countryside. The museum campus is located on an area of ​​up to 6,000m2 with 3 main areas. Including: outdoor exhibition area; indoor exhibition area; countryside culinary culture area. This is considered a red address to educate the young generation to love their roots and be proud of the traditional cultural values ​​of their homeland.

When coming to the Dong Que Museum, you will be able to go back in time to witness the life of the Northern countryside in the past. Or experience traditional occupations through traditional labor tools. When visiting the museum, you can also enjoy and experience making traditional dishes such as dong vermicelli, sticky rice, gai cake, making soy sauce, … Or experience farming with activities such as growing vegetables, catching fish, milling rice.

6. Specialties when traveling to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also known for its attractive and rich cuisine. Let’s learn about the specialty dishes here!

6.1. Burnt rice (Com Chay)

When coming to Ninh Binh, visitors will see scorched rice sold in every tourist destination of the province. Ninh Binh scorched rice is meticulously prepared by mixing two types of dry rice and sticky rice together. Then, fry the rice until the rice grains are evenly puffed, crispy, golden and spongy, adding a little salty shrimp and typical spices.

In particular, scorched rice brings a delicious flavor, crispy, fatty and more salty than shrimp. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh, you should enjoy this scorched rice specialty or buy it as a gift for family and friends.

6.2. Mountain goat meat

Goats in Ninh Binh are raised naturally on the mountain slopes so the meat is very firm, moderately soft, not too tough and has a characteristic aroma. What creates the special flavor of Ninh Binh mountain goat dishes is the traditional spices of the people here.

There are many dishes made from goat meat for visitors to enjoy such as: rare goat with lemon, stir-fried goat, grilled goat, grilled goat, scorched rice with goat sauce, goat cooked with plum wine, steamed goat, stewed goat, hot pot… Visitors can eat it with raw vegetables and ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness of mountain goat meat.

6.3. Fish salad

Specialty Fish salad is considered one of the most delicious local specialties. After being cleaned, the fish is marinated with spices such as ginger, lemongrass, and dried onions. Fish salad served with raw vegetables such as sour star fruit, figs, chili, herbs and sweet and sour dipping sauce.

When eating fish, the sweet taste is mixed with the sour taste of vinegar, the spicy taste of ginger and the fleshy taste of roasted sticky rice mixed with the slightly astringent taste of vegetables, making the dish unique and leaving an impression on visitors. guest.

6.4. Eel vermicelli

Eel vermicelli has long become a famous specialty of Ninh Binh. The special feature of Ninh Binh eel vermicelli dish is that it is made from arrowroot vermicelli and fresh eel. The broth is carefully stewed from eel bones and tibia bones for many hours, creating a sweet taste.

When eating, you will clearly see the sweet, chewy, naturally fatty, not at all fishy taste of eel and is often eaten with herbs, chopped banana flowers and a little slice of lemon and chili, both delicious and strange. This will definitely be a dish that every visitor to Ninh Binh will love.

6.5. Ant egg sticky rice

Ant egg sticky rice is a famous specialty of Nho Quan district. Brown ant eggs are taken by people from forests in limestone mountains, washed with warm water, marinated with spices, fried with dried onions, chicken fat until fragrant, then steamed with sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

When eating ant egg sticky rice while still hot, you will clearly feel the softness, the special aroma of the sticky rice, the sweet, greasy taste and the cracking sound of the ant eggs. This promises to be a special specialty dish that visitors should try once in their lives.

6.6 Phu Ly rolls

Phu Ly rolls not only satisfy dinners from afar. It is also the pride of every local people whenever it is mentioned. Phu Ly rolls also have a unique feature that cannot be found anywhere else. Cake without filling is served with grilled rolls and raw vegetables, especially with banana vegetables.

6.7 Vermicelli with perch

This is a simple dish, but it is impossible not to mention when talking about Ha Nam specialties. Ha Nam perch vermicelli noodles attract people to eat thanks to the yellow meat mixed with the green color of vegetables, the sweet and fragrant taste of the broth.

6.8 Braised fish in a clay pot of Vu Dai craft village

Vu Dai village’s braised fish is elaborately processed with more than 10 different spices, which is very famous and has become a specialty of Ninh Binh. Enjoying this fish dish, you will feel the richness permeated in each fiber of fish, delicious and irresistible.

6.9 Mrs. Phong’s tea

The nearly 20-year-old lady’s tea shop on Chau Cau street is a famous delicious place in Phu Ly. There are many types of tea: mixed tea, Hue royal tea, An Giang pomelo tea, Saigon tea, black bean tea, red bean… with many different flavors.

6.10 Bun Tai Kenh

Bun Tai Kenh is just a rustic and simple dish. But it still makes foodies flutter and warms the hearts of foodies everywhere whenever they come to Ninh Binh. The white vermicelli fibers are clear, supple, and hunting fibers become raw materials for processing many attractive dishes such as noodle soup, vermicelli, vermicelli, pork vermicelli, etc.

6.11 Banh Chung in Dam village

It is a famous brand of banh chung in Ninh Binh. Banh chung in Dam village has its own flavor perhaps because it’s boiled with rain water.

6.12 Nam Dinh beef noodle soup

The special feature of Nam Dinh beef noodle soup is the characteristic flavor of the broth. And they selected the beef from fresh ingredients. Each family will keep a different family recipe for beef noodle soup, the secret to attracting diners from near and far. In general, the noodles are small and soft, not too mushy. When put into the broth from the bones, it is fragrant, rich in the smell of beef, the light taste combined with soft, sweet pieces of beef.

6.13 Grilled fish in a pot

This is a specialty dish that is not only strange in its name. But also in the way it is prepared and often appears on holidays and Tet of local people, which is grilled fish in a pot. After cleaning and marinating the fish, it will be placed on a layer of straw, surrounded by baked bricks. Then, they were covered with an aluminum pot on top of the fish.

Then, light a fire around the edge of the pot for about 30 minutes, then cover the pot with a thick layer of rice husks and straw. Especially grill for another 4-5 hours until the fish is cooked. Grilling the fish requires great care, because if the fire is too high, it will burn black, if the fire is not even, it will not cook evenly. The grilled fish will be fragrant, the fish meat will be sweet and firm, eaten with sweet and sour dipping sauce and raw vegetables.

6.14 Lang Kenh rice rolls

Lang Kenh rice rolls have long been a specialty of Ninh Binh, not inferior to Thanh Tri rice rolls in Hanoi. The layers of cake are as thin as silk but still have a chewy texture, sprinkled with minced meat, wood ear mushrooms and rolled up. When enjoying, you will sprinkle some fragrant, crispy fried onions on top. They served this cake with sweet and sour fish sauce and spicy chili, making the dish irresistible.

6.15 Nam Dinh sticky rice with pork

If you like sticky rice with pork, a nutritious breakfast dish, you should not miss sticky rice with pork. The sticky rice grains are cooked soft, white and fragrant. They combined it with the sweet and fatty taste of Chinese sausage and char siu. And the rich and spicy sauce will make you ecstatic every time you eat it.

6.16 Xiu Pao Cake

Xiu Pao Cake is a dish that has followed the Chinese to Nam Dinh since ancient times. The shape of the Xiu Pao cake is like a mini fried bun. But the filling is like a baked cake and the outer shell is similar to a pia cake. To make the cake, people marinate pork with minced garlic, five-spice powder, oyster sauce, honey, then fry until fragrant and turn brown like char siu.

They diced and mixed the char siu with wood ear mushrooms, lard and boiled eggs to make the filling. The char siu skin is golden yellow, the filling is fatty and fragrant with ground pepper. This is also a familiar daily gift of Ninh Binh people and is always in the backpack of every tourist returning from Ninh Binh.

6.17 Giao Thuy spring rolls

Giao Thuy people are still proud of this dish. Because this is a rare delicacy that was offered once to King Tran on important occasions. Tourists who have experienced traveling to Ninh Binh all buy Nem Mam as gifts. The main ingredient to make spring rolls is pork skin mixed with rice bran.

People made the brand from Ninh Binh jasmine rice to have a good smell. They must select the pork skin from healthy pigs, clean and have a little fat. They boiled the skin and then hand-sliced ​​into small strands with thinly sliced ​​boiled lean meat. The above ingredients are mixed well with rice powder. So that each tiny grain is tightly attached to the skin strands.

7. Specialties to buy as gifts when traveling to Ninh Binh

7.1 Longan cake:

They made this cake from yellow sticky rice of Hai Hau, chicken eggs, sugar, and cooking oil. When eating, the enjoyer will feel the crispy pieces of cake with the aroma of eggs, the sweetness of sugar. It creates an extremely attractive cake.

7.2 Siu Chau candy:

People make the Siu Chau candy from peanuts, sesame, and sugar through the skillful hands of Ninh Binh people. They screened, selected and combined the peanuts with a secret method to create delicious Ninh Binh Siu Chau candy.

7.3 Ninh Binh stuffed candy:

Nam Truc is a famous hometown for its sweet stuffed candy. For a long time, in the district, there have been many families producing small-scale candies, selling them in rural markets and towns. Then, it gradually reached the city and spread to many places.

7.4 Ninh Binh Nieng:

This type of tuber is only available once a year and the Nieng season only lasts exactly one month. Therefore, many people take advantage of this time to come here to buy them as gifts.

7.5 Green bean cake:

Hanh Tu green bean cake has a dark yellow color, with the aroma of green beans and grapefruit flowers. People usually wrapped this cake in polyuya paper or cashew paper, later wrapped in yellow dyed nylon paper.

7.6 Ninh Binh Gac rice paper:

They made the rice paper from rice flour mixed with finely ground gac into a liquid dough. Then, people pour it onto a cloth mold stretched over a pot of boiling water, sprinkle it with sesame. And use bamboo tubes to remove each piece and dry it on bamboo mats.

7.7 Ninh Binh ham:

From pork, Ninh Binh people have created a sweet, rich, soft, yet crispy. And fragrant ham that is very popular with hotels and restaurants. To have a delicious ham, the maker must be careful from the stage of choosing the ingredients to removing the pig’s hair. Then, they pound and season it with fish sauce and spices.

7.8 Souvenirs:

Small, cute, beautiful, unique gifts will help you not have to think about whether to buy or not. Because the price is extremely affordable and the designs are very diverse.

8. Accommodations when traveling to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has a wide range of hotels and guest houses ranging. From Vietnam luxury hotels, international standards, resorts to groups and individuals, homestay close to nature.

• Tam Coc Garden Resort. Address: Hai Nham Village, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh.
• Wyndham Grand Vedana Ninh Binh Resort. Address: Village, Dong Tam, Nho Quan, Ninh Binh.
• Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort. Address: No 9, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Center, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
• Emerada Resort Ninh Binh. Address: Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Xa, Gia Van, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh.
• SOJO Hotel. Address: No. 272 ​​Tran Hung Dao Street, Ba Trieu Ward, Ninh Bình.
• Det Hotel. Address: No. 64 Nguyen Hien, Tran Dang Ninh Ward, Ninh Binh.
• Nam Cuong Hotel. Address: 538 Tran Hung Dao, Hoa Vuong Ward, Ninh Binh.
• Malisa Hotel. Address: 110 Nguyen Cong Tru Street, Loc Hoa, Ninh Binh.
• Meliá Vinpearl Phu Ly. Address: 60 Bien Hoa, Minh Khai, Ninh Binh.
• Hoa Dong Hotel Ha Nam. Address: No. 73 Ngo Gia Tu, Le Hong Phong, Ninh Binh.
• Riverside Hotel Ha Nam. Address: Le Hoan, Hai Ba Trung, Ninh Binh.
• Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam Hotel. Address: Le Hoan, Hai Ba Trung, Ninh Binh.

9. Some important notes when traveling to Ninh Binh

To make your Ninh Binh trip complete, economical and safe, you should note the following important points:

• Monitor the weather before the trip to prepare suitable luggage and avoid rainy and stormy days that affect the schedule.
• Book hotel rooms and homestays at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Especially during peak season, to have more options and avoid running out of rooms.
• Plan your itinerary in detail. Especially if you combine many attractions in a day.
• Prepare clothes suitable for the weather, terrain and activities. Such as: boating, trekking or visiting temples (should wear modest clothes when going to spiritual places).
• Bring all necessary personal documents for convenience when checking in, renting a car or buying tickets.
• Pay attention to personal property, especially in crowded places; keep valuables in a safe place.
• Check the price before buying specialties or eating, to avoid paying too high a price.
• When renting a car, you need to clearly agree on the pick-up and return times. Costs and terms in writing if necessary to avoid disputes.
• Always maintain public hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately to protect the natural landscape and tourism environment.

Possessing pristine natural beauty, mysterious cave systems, and many famous scenic spots. With unique historical and cultural relics and rich cuisine. Ninh Binh promises to bring you an interesting and memorable journey of discovery. Not only is it an ideal resort, Ninh Binh is also a destination that takes you back in time. It deeply feeling the cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese people.

If you are planning to travel to Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Vietnam, please contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. With a team of dedicated and experienced consultants, we are committed to accompanying you on the tour in Ninh Binh in the most complete and meaningful way.