100km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh has long been known as "Halong bay on land". The water-painting scenery, the karst limestone mountains dotted with green or yellow rice paddies, the meandering rivers, peaceful and picturesque villages make Ninh Binh a must-see place during your holiday in Vietnam. US travel site Insider has just named Ninh Bình province of Vietnam as one of the 50 best spots to visit in 2018.

How to get there?

By road: It takes around 2 hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. If you want to take a public bus, Giap Bat is the right bus station (20 minutes by taxi from your hotel in Hanoi). However, it is better to book a group or private day tour from Hanoi and you can visit the main attractions of Ninh Binh in a day.

By train: This is not a good option unless you want to experience Vietnam by local train.

Trang An, Ninh Binh view from Flycam(Source: Flycam 4K)

Things to see and do in Ninh Binh

To see all the tourist attractions of Ninh Binh, it takes around 3 days and here are our suggested places to visit.

1. Hoa Lu ancient capital
2. Trang Ang grottoes
3. Tam Coc caves
4. Bai Dinh pagoda
5. Bich Dong pagoda
6. Mua cave
7. Van Long natural reserve
8. Kenh Ga floating village
9. Cuc Phuong national park
10. Phat Diem stone church

In Ninh Binh, tourists can take boat trips to visit Trang An, Tam Coc, Van Long natural reserve or cycle around rural villages. If you love wild life, trekking in Cuc Phuong national park is an option.

Accommodation in Ninh Binh

Accommodation in Ninh Binh is availble from homestay, budget hotel to luxury ones. However, Vietnam Travel Top recommends that you choose Tam Coc garden, Ninh Binh Emeralda Resort.