Ninh Binh is a well-known tourist destination in the northern region of Vietnam, though I had never had the chance to visit it before. Last year, during my trip to Hanoi, I took a one-day tour to Ninh Binh, and I was truly captivated by its stunning landscapes of mountains and nature.
After a few days of exploring Hanoi, enjoying dishes like bun cha and nem chua, and taking a boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, I decided to spend the last day of my trip in Ninh Binh. The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is relatively short, about 1.5 hours by car. I opted for a one-day tour package from a travel agency, which was more affordable than traveling on my own.
If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi or other northern provinces but have limited time and want to explore Ninh Binh, a one-day tour is an excellent option as it’s convenient and budget-friendly compared to traveling independently for just one day.
Ninh Binh – A Beloved Destination
Ninh Binh is a land blessed with poetic beauty, majestic mountains, and a rich history and culture. Visiting Ninh Binh gives me a sense of calm and serenity, and it feels like reconnecting with the roots of Vietnamese culture, especially with the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which holds significant cultural and historical value.
The tour I chose included two main destinations: Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An, though there are other places you can select based on your preferences. The tour was quite affordable, although it didn’t cover the electric cart ride inside the pagoda.
Bai Dinh Pagoda – A Famous Tourist Spot in Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. The first stop on my Ninh Binh tour was Bai Dinh Pagoda, a sacred site that attracts many visitors and Buddhists due to its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Located about 15 kilometers from the center of Ninh Binh city, this pagoda was once recognized as the largest in Southeast Asia, known for its traditional architectural style from the Ly dynasty, with intricate details in its artistic design.
The pagoda is home to the tallest and heaviest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, as well as the largest well and the most stone statues of Arhats in the country. It also boasts the largest set of three Buddha statues in Vietnam. The pagoda is massive, and it would take a full day to explore all its areas. Due to limited time, we could only visit some specific sites as guided by the tour leader.
Afterward, we had a buffet lunch, which included a variety of dishes such as braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, grilled pork skewers with lemongrass, fried goat meat, Ninh Binh’s specialty rice crust, and fruit for dessert.
Trang An – A Must-See Landmark in Ninh Binh
One of the unmissable destinations in Ninh Binh is Trang An, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. A visit to Trang An will leave you mesmerized by its picturesque landscapes, which resemble a living painting, with boats passing through limestone caves, mountains, rivers, and a sea of clouds in a breathtaking natural setting.
During the boat tour, visitors are grouped together to row through the scenic areas. The boatmen take you along the river, surrounded by towering mountains, creating a majestic and poetic view. The boat passes through caves and makes stops at designated spots, where visitors can rest, explore, and take photos. The boat ride lasts for about two hours before returning to the dock.
Trang An is incredibly mesmerizing, with its crystal-clear water leading the way to stunning views. Everyone in my group was in awe of Ninh Binh’s waterway landscapes and couldn’t stop praising how beautiful the place was. We all agreed that we should have visited Ninh Binh sooner and would definitely come back in the future.
Ninh Binh’s Specialty – Com Chay (Crispy Rice)
On our way back to Hanoi, the tour bus stopped at a local shop selling Com Chay (crispy rice), bánh tráng (rice paper), and other Ninh Binh specialties. It was a perfect ending to our trip.
The tour cost around 700,000 to 800,000 VND, depending on the tour company, which I found reasonable and much more affordable compared to traveling independently. After comparing the costs of bus tickets and other expenses, I realized that the tour was not only cheaper but also more convenient. If you have limited time, a one-day Ninh Binh tour is a great option to explore a few key destinations and experience the natural beauty of the region.
If you have more time to travel in Ninh Binh, check out this post for more detailed information to help you plan your trip.
And if you’re thinking of visiting Da Lat, don’t miss out on my other travel blog post HERE. I hope my experiences from these trips will offer you helpful options for your future travels.