Ninh Binh is a province with great tourism potential, boasting many UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites. Let’s explore all the ins and outs of traveling to Ninh Binh on your own in the article below.
Introduction to Ninh Binh
Endowed with unique natural landscapes, Ninh Binh features magnificent and poetic scenery with numerous eco-tourism and spiritually attractive destinations, drawing millions of tourists here every year. As the land of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, it converges all the elements of geographical, human, and spiritual factors in harmony.
When traveling to Ninh Binh, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural space at Bai Dinh Pagoda, visit the scenic complex of Trang An, conquer nearly 500 stone steps at Hang Mua’s summit – the most attractive check-in coordinates…
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
Learn about the weather in Ninh Binh during different seasons of the year below!
January – March: The weather during this time is cool but not as cold as winter, and there is less rain, making it very convenient for traveling to Ninh Binh. As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, many festivals take place during this period: Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, La Temple Festival, Traditional Festival of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, etc.
April – June: During this time, the festivals are less crowded, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, the climate is not too hot or too cold, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment. However, June marks the beginning of summer, so be prepared for the hot sun and make sure to have sun protection measures.
July – September: Starting from July, the lotus flowers begin to bloom. The weather during this time often experiences storms, so if you plan to travel to Ninh Binh, pay attention to the weather forecast before departure for the best preparation.
October – December: This is the time when many tourists choose to visit the ancient capital and relax. This period is chilly, so tourists should pay attention to their health.
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from January to March of the Lunar calendar. Tourists can combine sightseeing with participating in spring festivals and pagoda festivals. In addition, visiting Ninh Binh during the ripe rice season (May – June) also offers many romantic check-in points.
What to Prepare when Going to Ninh Binh?
To make your trip to Ninh Binh more complete, you need to prepare the following items in your luggage:
Personal Documents
ID card/passport, driver’s license. If you are traveling with someone under 14 years old, bring a copy of their birth certificate. These documents will assist you during the check-in process for flights, hotel check-ins, and car rentals. If staying with someone of the opposite sex from a foreign country, bring a copy of the marriage certificate as required by each hotel.
If you are traveling by train or booking a flight to Hanoi and then going to Ninh Binh, remember to bring your train/flight ticket.
Clothing
Since you’ll be moving a lot during your trip, choose comfortable and breathable outfits. If you want to check-in, choose outfits with vibrant colors such as red, purple, pink, yellow, white, and avoid green as it may not stand out. Additionally, bring an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and a traditional hat for unique check-in photos.
Cash
Cash is an essential factor in every trip. However, you only need to prepare an appropriate amount to avoid risks. During your journey, be mindful of securing your personal belongings. You can also bring an ATM card for convenience.
Other Personal Items
Personal items such as toothpaste, face towels, razors, and cosmetics.
First aid kit: Motion sickness medicine, headache relief, fever reducer, insect repellent cream, etc.
Electronic devices: Phone, camera, power bank, memory card, etc.
How to Move around in Ninh Binh?
Taking a train is safe and economical, but inconvenient in terms of time. Alternatively, if you arrive in Hanoi and then travel to Ninh Binh, you’ll need to find other means of transportation to reach the tourist attractions.
Transportation to Ninh Binh
The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is less than 95 km. You can get here by train or bus, or use personal vehicles along National Highway 1A.
Bus
If you choose the bus, there are dozens of daily trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh between 5 am and 11 pm. Some bus companies you can consider are Sao Viet, Cuong Hung, Hoang Long, Gia Minh, with a travel time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and prices ranging from $3.3 – $4.12/ticket.
Train
Depending on the time of ticket purchase, the passenger’s category, and the seat location, ticket prices vary from $4.12 – $10.3/ticket. There are six trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh each day: SE7 (6:00 am – 8:14 am), SE5 (9:00 am – 11:17 am), SE35 (1:10 pm – 3:35 pm), SE9 (2:30 pm – 5:13 pm), SE3 (7:30 pm – 9:44 pm), SE19 (8:10 pm – 10:22 pm).
The total travel time for each train journey is over 2 hours. It is essential to carefully check the train schedule to choose the departure time, avoiding late trips that may affect your travel itinerary. Moreover, when you arrive in Ninh Binh, you still need to find other means of transportation to reach hotels and tourist destinations.
Personal Vehicle
If you enjoy exploring, you can travel by motorcycle. This method is both economical and allows you to control your time according to a predetermined schedule.
If departing from Hanoi, tourists will travel along the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway, continuing in the direction of Cau Gie – Phu Ly – Ninh Binh. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach your destination.
Motorbike Rental: Tourist motorcycle rental services have developed strongly in Ninh Binh in recent years. This means of transportation allows tourists to enjoy the local scenery freely without worrying about time constraints. Motorbike rental prices range from $4.12 – $7.42 depending on the type of motorcycle.
Taxi: Suitable for groups or families. Each taxi company has different pricing regulations based on the type of car, seating capacity, and distance traveled. Some reputable taxi companies you can refer to include:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 0229 625 2525 – 0229 6251 888
- Ninh Binh Taxi: 0229 3633 788
- Xuan Thanh Taxi: 0229 368 6868
- Thuy Duong Taxi: 0229 372 7272
- Hoa Lu Taxi: 0229 2211 444
Which Hotel to Choose When Traveling to Ninh Binh?
Accommodation options in Ninh Binh are diverse, including homestays, guesthouses, and hotels of all levels. Prices vary depending on the location and quality of service.
Some hotels and resorts that you can consider when traveling to Ninh Binh are:
- Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort & Spa: Located in Van Long Nature Reserve, this resort offers a luxurious and tranquil space, surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of Ninh Binh.
- Tam Coc Garden Resort: Situated near Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the resort features a unique design inspired by traditional Northern Vietnamese village houses. It is an ideal place for those who love nature and want to experience the rural atmosphere.
- Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort: Located in the heart of Ninh Binh city, the hotel offers convenient access to popular tourist destinations such as Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Ninh Binh Legend Hotel: With a convenient location, the hotel is suitable for those who want to explore the beauty of Ninh Binh. It has a swimming pool and spacious rooms with modern amenities.
- Tam Coc La Montagne Resort: Nestled in the peaceful countryside, this resort provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The rooms offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rice fields.
Ninh Binh is a beautiful destination with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Traveling to Ninh Binh on your own allows you to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, spiritual landmarks, or enjoying local cuisine, Ninh Binh has something to offer for every type of traveler. Plan your itinerary carefully, and make the most of your time in this captivating province.
