Ninh Binh is an Absolute Must See in Vietnam!
When I used to think of myself living in Vietnam, I thought I would be living here, in the midst of a rice terrace in beautiful Ninh Binh. Wrong. So wrong. Instead I find myself scavenging the internet in my tiny Saigon apartment to find places this breathtaking.
Don’t get me wrong I love Ho Chi Minh City, but Ninh Binh is quintessential Vietnam. It’s the Ha Long Bay on land thanks to its magical riverine landscape. As you travel Ninh Binh for yourself you’ll get to see the true beauty of Vietnam for miles upon miles. There is so much to do in Ninh Binh, it will make you want to stay for a lifetime.
If you’re looking for what to do in Ninh Binh, where you should stay in Tam Coc or just curious to see the beauty this stunning province of Vietnam has to offer, keep reading!
How To Get To Ninh Binh
The best way to get to Ninh Binh is through booking a bus or private transfer. You can hop on one of the many buses that leaves daily. Or your hotel in Hanoi will be able to help you book a private transfer in advance.
A word of advice is to book your transportation to Ninh Binh/Tam Coc while you’re in Hanoi. Booking online only seems to be more expensive and with so many buses going to and from, you’re bound to find a better deal just by asking the concierge at your hotel, guesthouse or hostel!
Where To Stay In Ninh Binh
You need to stay in Tam Coc Village. When people say “go to Ninh Binh” they really mean go to Tam Coc. Tam Coc has beautiful and affordable homestays, guesthouses and dorms right in the middle of the rice fields. Isn’t that what you came to Ninh Binh for anyways?
Luxury Stay Tam Coc: Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh
The Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh provides you with luxury in the countryside. The accommodation features room service, babysitting service, currency exchange, air conditioning, a bar, garden and outdoor swimming pool. A delicious continental or a buffet breakfast is also included every morning!
Check Prices For Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh HERE!
Check Prices For Aravinda Resort Ninh Binh HERE!
Mid Range Stay Tam Coc: Little Tam Coc Homestay
If there was one place in Vietnam that I would keep coming back to it’d be Little Tam Coc Homestay. For around USD $50 this homestay comes equipped with a restaurant, free private parking, bar, shared lounge, room service, air conditioning and wifi throughout the property. There’s also a great breakfast buffet with Vietnamese options available every morning. On top of this the owners are absolutely lovely and so accommodating!
Check Prices For Little Tam Coc Homestay HERE!
Check Prices For Little Tam Coc Homestay HERE!
Budget Stay Tam Coc: Green Mountain Homestay
Green Mountain Homestay is one of the best budget accommodation in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Offering up air conditioned dorm rooms, a shared lounge, pool, free wifi and a garden for as little as $11 per night sounds pretty good!
Check Prices For Green Mountain Homestay HERE!
Check Prices For Green Mountain Homestay HERE!
↓ More places to stay in Tam Coc↓
What To Do in Ninh Binh
Spend time in some of the prettiest and most unspoilt parts of Vietnam. If you want to take the road less traveled, Ninh Binh is the perfect choice! So here are the best things to do in Ninh Binh!
→ Climb Mua Caves To Get Breathtaking Views
One of the most amazing sites you’ll take in is from 500 steps above Tam Coc. Once you make it to the top and take a breather from that gnarly climb, these are some of the most stunning views you’ll see in Vietnam. And congrats for making it to the top!
→ Take A River Cruise Through Trang An
Known for its scenic water ways, float down the Sao Khe River through indescribable caves. Take a boat past beautiful towering limestone pillars, walk through King Kong’s Skull Island and bask in the beauty of the countryside.
Boat trips from Trang An usually last between 2-3 hours depending on which route you choose! Don’t forget to tip your boat driver, they work so hard!
→ Visit The Beautiful Mountain Side Pagoda Bich Dong
Simply gorgeous, this 15th century pagoda is a set of three temples enclosed in the side of a mountain. Surrounded by lily pads you must cross the narrow path to explore further. How mysterious.
→ Relax At Chookie’s Beer Garden
An absolute fave. This is the spot to grab a beer, a burger or smoothie all while relaxing hammock side. They also have some delicious vegetarian and vegan options! The nightlife scene in Ninh Binh is minimal, but this is a good spot to chill if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings.
→ Visit Southeast Asia’s Largest Buddhist Complex Bai Dinh Pagoda
Consisting of several temples and over 500 intricately carved statues of Buddha, the Bai Dinh Pagoda is definitely a place to see for pagoda lovers. A bit of a hike from Tam Coc and Ninh Binh this Buddhist complex offers more breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It’s definitely worth the drive!
→ Take A Local Boat Ride Through The Streams Of Tam Coc
Right downtown Tam Coc you can hop on a local boat from the pier! Taking you through the beautiful limestone valleys of the surrounding Tam Coc, spend about an hour soaking in all the glorious sights.
→ Stroll Through The Beautiful Thung Nham Bird Park
This ecological tourist area spreads over 334 hectares and has many beautiful poetic places. It’s the largest bird park in Vietnam and is home to a variety of birds like storks, herons, teals and tropical starlings. It’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon!
→ Go For A Bike Ride Through Tam Coc
Tam Coc itself is a sight to see! Whether you rent a bike or motorbike, getting lost among the small paths of the Tam Coc’s rice patties is the whole point of exploring this place!
Best Restaurants in Tam Coc
It’s been an epic day exploring Ha Long Bay on land and you must be getting pretty hungry! Check out one of these fantastic restaurants that you’ll be thinking about for years to come!
→ Chookies Beer Garden for great food, a great atmosphere and great vibes
→ Ninh Loan Rose a family run restaurant serving up authentic Vietnamese food
→ T-Pub Restaurant for a cool laidback place serving up some tasty Vietnamese-Euro dishes
→ The Napoleon Fine Italian Cuisine if you’re craving some tasty pizza and pasta
→ Ngon Vegan Restaurant for some delicious vegan dishes
Best Cafes in Tam Coc
After an eventful day soaking up everything Ninh Binh has to offer you must be in need of a serious Vietnamese coffee. So if you’re still feeling sleepy these cafes will not disappoint!
→ Chookies Beer Garden for great smoothies, coffees and cakes
→ La Carte Bar and Hotel a beautiful traditional Vietnamese coffee house
→ Brick Coffee Shop for a cute little coffee shop serving up a great coconut coffee
→ Luciole Bistro a quaint little cafe off the beaten path
→ Doi Cafe & Bakery a cute vintage cafe for any day of the week
Best Bars in Tam Coc
After dinner grab a drink at one of these trendy go-to’s! A night out in Tam Coc is a night to remember!
→ King Kong Coffee Bar for a fun place to hangout
→ Chookies Beer Garden for chilled place to have a beer or two or three
→ T-Pub Restaurant for a cool laidback pub with comfy outdoor seating
If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!
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After living in Vietnam for over 4 years, a piece of my heart will always be left in Ho Chi Minh City! Vietnam should be a top destination for all travelers! White sand beaches, limestone mountains, terraced rice fields and incredible street food make Vietnam a bucket-list destination! From foodies to beach hoppers, arts & culture buffs to adventure seekers, Vietnam has something for everyone! Checkout more of my Vietnam blogposts below!
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