What Are The Ninh Binh Vietnam Attractions? Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting?

Ninh Binh or Halong Bay on Land is a UNESCO-protected site and a hidden gem in the tourism landscape of Vietnam. 

It has ancient temples, a surreal riverine landscape, and dramatic limestone mountains. A Ninh Binh boat tour and climbing up its beautiful peaks is the best way to explore this serene place. 

Moreover, if you see Ninh Binh on the map, you will find it in the northern region of the country. Along with its natural abundance, it is also known for its historical and cultural heritage. 

Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about what Ninh Binh is famous for, how to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi, the things to do in Ninh Binh, where to eat in Ninh Binh, and more. 

What Is Ninh Binh Famous For? 

What Is Ninh Binh Famous For

If you are a follower of the TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy, Ninh Binh will become your instant favorite. It’s authentic, sustainable, and perfect for mastering the art of slow traveling. 

In this way, Ninh Binh reminds me of Luang Prabang in Laos. During my Luang Prabang itinerary planner, I found out how it practices sustainable tourism. 

In fact, being environmentally responsible is a common feature of these two neighbors. 

Also, Ninh Binh is one of the most exotic places to watch the sunrise in Vietnam

Nevertheless, here are the reasons why Ninh Binh is famous for. 

1. Waterways And Wetlands

Ninh Binh is a lush and fertile region blessed by a network of waterways. The Red River and the Day River function as the lifeline of this region, and at the same time, many smaller rivers have added to the fertility and unique topography of the region. 

You can enjoy a boat tour of these waterways and experience an adrenaline rush. 

Moreover, these wetlands, especially in places such as the Van Long Nature Reserve, are home to different types of birds and other animals. 

2. Karst Limestone Cliffs

Trang An, Tam Coc, and Van Long Nature Reserve are some of the most famous Karst limestone cliff areas in Ninh. 

Most of the karst limestone formations here rise from the waterways and the rice paddies. Thus, this sudden rise against the lows of the waterway creates a sense of drama. 

3. Grottes And Caves

The limestone karsts in Nin Binh are all the more fascinating due to the underground exploration and adventure opportunities they offer. 

Some of them, especially the ones in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, come with caves and grottes. Moreover, these caves and grottes are some of the largest in Southeast Asia.

4. Proximity To Hanoi

Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, is one of the cheapest places to visit in the world

The Hanoi to Ninh Binh journey by road takes around 2 hours. Drive south from Hanoi, and you will reach the former capital of the country. 

However, despite this proximity, Ninh Binh has maintained its idyllic charm. So, often, it is the go-to destination for a day trip or weekend trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. 

5. Transportation Hubs

The Ninh Binh City railway station is the gateway to the Ninh Binh region for the rest of the country. 

Furthermore, Ninh Binh is well-connected via road. Thus, this scenic region of Vietnam is quite easily accessible. 

6. Gateway To Exploration

Ninh Binh is the gateway to Halong Bay in the east and the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. 

Furthermore, from Ninh Binh, you can explore northern regions such as Sapa and the Vietnam-China border. 

7. Historical And Cultural Heritage

Ninh Binh is home to Hoa Lu, the first capital of independent Vietnam. The Dinh and Early Le dynasties ruled over Hoa Lu from 968 to 1010 AD before the capital was moved to Hanoi. 

You will find here 10th-century temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le in Hoa Lu. 

Furthermore, Nin Binh has many ancient pagodas, and its cultural significance lies in being a UNESCO-Protected Site. 

8. Scenic Beauty 

The waterways of Ninh Binh are tranquil. Furthermore, the lush landscape and karst limestone formations act as the most dramatic backdrop. 

You will love trekking, birdwatching, and of course boating at Ninh Binh.

How To Get From Hanoi To Ninh Binh?

How To Get From Hanoi To Ninh Binh

A Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi is quite common. You can take a bus or train, or reserve a private car for the day trip. 

1. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Train 

You can take a train ride from Hanoi to the Ninh Binh Railway Station. 

Depending on the class, your ticket price will be between VND 60000 and 200000, or around $8 USD. 

Moreover, the travel time will be around 2.5 hours. 

2. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Bus

If you are a budget traveler, you can take a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The buses, however, take a little longer, and based on the traffic, it may take up to 3 hours. 

The ticket price for a Hanoi to Ninh Binh bus ride is around USD 6 or VND 70000-150000. 

3. Hanoi To Ninh Binh By Car 

You can book an Uber or just take a private car to reach Ninh Binh by car from Hanoi. Of course, it is the most expensive mode of transportation and costs around 1,380,000 VND or USD 60. 

Furthermore, the travel time will be around 1.5 hours. 

Moving Around Ninh Binh 

Moving Around Ninh Binh

Once you are in Ninh Binh and want to explore it locally, you can do it on foot. The city of Ninh Binh is very walkable. 

However, if you want to explore more, you can take a bicycle or rent a bike. 

1. Exploring Ninh Binh On A Bicycle 

It’s a miss if you are in Ninh Binh and don’t explore Tam Coc or other quieter areas of Ninh Binh. 

I got a bicycle from the homestay I was staying in for free. However, some homestays can charge a little for the bicycle rental. 

2. Exploring Ning Binh On A Bike 

Renting a motorbike is the best way to roam around Ninh Binh. You have to spend around $6 USD or VND 80,000–150,000 to rent a bike for a day. 

Then, you can explore all corners of this UNESCO Protected Site and explore how history speaks in its every corner. 

What Are The Things To Do In Ninh Binh? 

What Are The Things To Do In Ninh Binh

The Ninh Binh Vietnam attractions are endless. You have to just figure out the best time to visit Vietnam based on your areas of interest. 

Also, the things to do or the places to visit will depend on your duration of stay. Here, I have enlisted the activities that will fit well into your Ninh Binh itinerary for two days. 

Nevertheless, here are the details on what to do in Ninh Binh. 

1. Ninh Binh Trang An Tour

Tràng An is designated by UNESCO as a heritage site, and you can reach it by taking a no-hassle boat ride from Ninh Binh. 

The boatride in the serene rivers with the karst limestone cliffs in the background feels cinematic. 

Furthermore, on the way, you will find a few temples where you can sniff history and appreciate the architecture. 

Why Take A Trang An Tour

You must take a Trang An Tour because it is not as expensive as a trip to Bến Thạch Bích. Bến Thạch Bích tour is expensive and has now become a tourist scam. 

A tour to Trang An costs around $10 USD or 250000 VND per person. 

2. Hiking The Lying Dragon Mountain Or Núi Ngoạ Long

The boat rides through the ancient waterways, watched over by the karst limestones, are not the only adventures offered by Ninh Binh. 

You can plan a hike to the Lying Dragon Mountain top. You have to climb 500 steps to reach the top, and the view from there is unreal. 

From the top, you will see the lush paddy fields and the waterways winding through the limestone cliffs. There is even a temple on a rocky spire. 

Ideal Time For Hiking The Lying Dragon Mountain

Sunrise and sunset hours are the best for hiking the Lying Dragon Mountain. You can enjoy the golden and red glow from the top of the mountain. 

Also, if you are hiking early in the morning, you will have fewer people taking the steps to the top. 

Entry Fee And Parking Tip 

The entry fee for the Lying Dragon Mountain hike is 100,000 VND or $4 USD. However, please note that your parking fee is included in this fee. 

The parking attendants are very aggressive, and they will often misguide you by saying that the parking lot is full. So, be strict about not paying them extra or giving in to their tricks.

3. A Visit To Bich Dong Pagoda

The Bich Dong Pagoda in the Hoa Lu District was built by Ly Thai To. It is on the Truong Yen limestone mountain range, and its history dates back to 1428. 

However, it was abandoned for many centuries until Tri The and Tri Kien discovered it in 1705. Furthermore, it was named the Bich Dong Pagoda or Green Pearl cave by Lord Trinh Sam of Dang Ngoai in 1774. 

The Unique Structure Of The Bich Dong Pagoda 

The pagoda has three levels, and the Dark Cave and the Xuyen Thuy Cave. 

• Ha Pagoda Or Lower Pagoda

The Ha Pagoda, or Lower Pagoda, has 5 rooms and 10 roofs. 

Furthermore, there is a monolithic stone pillar adorned with the statues of Lord Buddha. The lower pagoda is used for worship, and you will smell incense once you enter it, and the smell evokes a spiritual feeling. 

• Middle Pagoda Or The Trung Pagoda

Then, you have to take 120 steps to reach the Middle Pagoda or the Trung Pagoda. It has beautiful tiles and scriptures written in Chinese. 

Also, you will find the figures of Lord Buddha, flying dragons, turtles, fairies, and little boys here. 

• The Upper Pagoda Or The Thuong Pagoda

Finally, you will take 40 steps to reach the upper pagoda or Thuong Pagoda. There is a forecourt, two rooms, and a stone altar in the outer room of the pagoda. 

Furthermore, there is an inner room, which has the idol of the Bodhisattva. Moreover, the Cam Lo pond near the upper cave is used for curing ailments. 

• Dark Cave Bich Dong

You will again climb 21 steps from the Upper Pagoda to reach the Dark Cave Bich Dong. 

You will find a large bronze bell there in 1707. Furthermore, inside the cave wall, you will find amazing embossed pictures. 

• Xuyen Thuy Cave

The Xuyen Thuy Cave is semicircular in form and has a length of around 350 meters. In places, the cave is 6-15 meters in width. 

4. Birdwatching At The Thung Nham Bird Valley

The Thung Nham Bird Valley is a great spot for nature lovers. You will find the birds early in the morning or late afternoon. 

However, if you are late in the morning or in the afternoon at the Thung Nham Bird Valley, you will find goats and ducks roaming. 

Overall, the view of the field is amazing. 

5. Exploring The Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu, or the ancient capital of Vietnam, is the place to enjoy the history of Ninh Binh. 

Being here feels straight out of a movie scene, and this place of reign by the Le and Dinh dynasties, with the surrounding mountains looks straight from a movie scene.

Where To Stay In Ninh Binh?

You will find many budget-friendly homestays and hotels in Ninh Binh. Having said that, these are my favorite picks. 

We stayed at the Ruby Homestay, and it offered a local and authentic experience. It was budget-friendly and still had amenities such as a pool. 

However, if you want a more luxurious experience, you can even try the Ninh Binh Royal Homestay. It is a resort with a 3-star rating. 

What To Eat In Ninh Binh?

The mountain goat meat cooked in various styles, braised fish, rice, and crispy rice are some traditional Vietnamese dishes you can eat in Ninh Binh. 

Furthermore, if you are more adventurous, you can try delicacies such as the snakehead fish salad and oakit or jackfruit snail. 

Chookie’s in Tam Coc and the local markets were our favorite go-to places for trying authentic Vietnamese cuisines and a mix of Western delicacies at times. 

Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting? 

Yes, Ninh Binh is worth visiting, and it is the heart of Northern Vietnam for tourists. It has pagodas and temples that go back to the 10th century. Furthermore, the winding waterways through the karst limestone formations simply create a landscape of contrast. 

Moreover, it is one of the best places to see sunrise and sunset in Vietnam. 

It’s soulful, sustainable, and fertile with lush greenery. Come, visit Ninh Binh. 

Ninh Binh, Vietnam: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about Ninh Binh. 

1. Which Is Better, Ninh Binh Or Halong Bay?

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a more celebrated attraction in Vietnam. Ninh Binh, despite being a UNESCO-protected site, is more like a hidden gem. 
However, Ninh Binh is closer to Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, and only a 2-hour drive south. 
Also, the experiences in these places are very different. In Ha Long Bay, the activities include swimming in the Gulf of Tonkin, overnight cruises, kayaking, and exploring the limestone karsts. 
Ninh Binh, on the other hand, with a more rural charm, has ancient temples, pagodas, rice paddies, waterways, and dramatic limestone karsts. 

2. How Many Days To Stay In Ninh Binh?

Two to four days are ideal for staying in Ninh Binh. From hiking up the Lying Dragon Mountain to boat rides to Trang An and Tam Coc, you can cover the major attractions of Ninh Binh in two days. 
However, if you want to explore the Cuc Phuong National Park or have an in-depth understanding of rural life, you must plan a trip for 3-4 days. 

3. How Far Is Ninh Binh From Hanoi?

The Ninh Binh and Hanoi distance is around 94 km. The travel time by road down south is around 1.5 to 2 hours. 
Of course, the travel time will depend on the mode of transport. For example, if you are traveling by bus, the travel time will be around 2.5 to 3 hours. 
Also, if you are taking a train, it will take around 2.5 hours. 

4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Nin Binh?

November to April is the best time to visit Nin Binh if you want to enjoy pleasant weather conditions. 
Having said that, the exact timing of planning your trip will depend on the kind of experience you want. 
For example, March to May is the ideal time for seeing the blooming flowers. However, if you want to see the golden paddies along the Ngo Dong River, you have to plan a visit in late May to early June. 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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Services include free high-speed internet, airport transportation, canoeing, a business center, free breakfast, a gym, and a pool for all guests! Club Med Kani - Maldives The resort is perfect for unwinding in the Maldives, within 2 km of swaying palms and powdery beach! They have all-inclusive services at the resort, so you can enjoy your stay along with experiencing some of the best underwater adventures, quite exhilarating. Per-night charges for the hotel rooms are $1282.34! Free services provided to the guests are free internet, outdoor play equipment for kids, canoeing, free breakfast, private beach access, a pool, and a fitness center. There are schools of tropical fish, snorkeling, and paddling across the shores that Club Med Kani Maldives Resort offers. There is a wide variety of cuisine, which will make your stay unforgettable! What Other Places You Can Visit From Vaadhoo Island? Apart from dipping your feet in the glowing Sea of Vaadhoo Island, there are other beautiful experiences that you can attain by visiting different places! On the Island, you cannot miss these natural events or experiences! Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve It is the seventh-largest coral reef, with biodiversity shooting through the roof! You will see the plankton flowing through the coral reef, which maintains the food chain in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, thus sustaining 1200 species of fish. The total area of the coral reef is 139,700 hectares, including 75 Islands in Baa Atoll! Out of the 75, there are only 13 islands inhabited mostly by Maldivians, while there is only one Island with one tourist resort! A variety of aquatic and marine lives. If you look in the water, you will find some endangered species, such as Napolean wrasses, green turtles, tawny nurse sharks, and hawksbill turtles. There are mangroves across all the islands! Thilafushi: The "Rubbish Island" Maldives attracts 750,000 visitors annually, and this Island is paying the price of that as the rubbish produced by the tourists is all dumped, ditched, and piled like heaps of trash on the smooth white sand and tranquil blue water. The rubbing produced on a per-day basis is almost 3.5 kg! It was initially a collection of shallow coral reefs, but in 1992, the Male government decided to dump all the garbage here; thus, it has been since called the "Rubbish Island"! The land suffered severely from the 330 tons of trash. Then, the garbage excavators, migrant workers, and refuse freighters were used to handle the Island! Over the years, the Island has become hazardous while rubbish dumping has been stopped in 2011! It is a place you can check out if you are an environmentalist and want to make a study out of it. Keahole Point Blowhole During the winter months, you can check out Keyhole Point, located in Kailua-Kona town, in the western part of the Big Island. Spectators will be fortunate to see the mammalian blowholes, especially because not all are so organically and perfectly made! When the water rushes through the lava tube opening, which the low viscosity pahoehoe lava has created, the spouts of ocean water swell consistently, battering the rocks! Feeling Otherworldly Yet… Now that you know about the Sea of Stars Maldives, you must learn about some safety details! Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, so there is hardly any chance of getting hurt! Yet, considering the glowy water is an attraction for people, it can be an attraction for other animals and marine life predators. It is important to understand that even if you live in a resort, you must be careful when visiting the beach! Comment below about your plans to visit the glowing beach and why! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii: Hiking Adventure’s Hidden Gem Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

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Exploring The World While Investing In It: The Vacation Property Guide

BY  Shahnawaz Mar 1, 2024

In today's world, where wanderlust meets savvy investment strategies, there's a growing trend among travelers and investors alike: vacation properties. This unique approach not only satisfies the urge to explore new destinations but also presents a prudent financial investment through the acquisition of real estate. Here's how blending the love for travel with the intricacies of mortgages can create a rewarding venture. Why Consider Vacation Properties? Vacation properties serve dual purposes; they are a getaway retreat for you and your family and a potential source of income through rental. In picturesque locales, from the sandy beaches of Bali to the quaint villages of Tuscany, these properties beckon with the promise of adventure and the allure of financial returns. Investing in a vacation property has a lot of benefits. The first thing is, as mentioned above, it is an amazing source of passive income. When you rent out the property, you get back substantial returns, especially during the peak seasons. Moreover, vacation rentals have higher rental rates as compared to long-term rentals, which gives you more revenue. Along with the financial benefits, when you own a vacation rental property, you get to spend a lot of time enjoying your personal vacations as well. You can spend a lot of time on your own property when the place is vacant. You get to enjoy all the amenities you have set for others.it is a perfect relationship between investment and vacation home. Understanding the Mortgage Process for Vacation Homes Investing in a vacation property often involves navigating the mortgage landscape, which can be daunting for both seasoned investors and first-time buyers. The process entails several unique considerations: Interest Rates and Terms: Mortgage loans for vacation homes may come with different interest rates and terms compared to primary residences. Lenders often view these properties as higher risk, which can influence the loan conditions. Down Payment Requirements: Typically, vacation homes require a larger down payment, sometimes as much as 20-30% of the purchase price, reflecting their status as luxury or non-essential purchases. Rental Income Consideration: If you plan to rent out your vacation home, lenders might take potential rental income into account, which can aid in qualifying for a mortgage. However, this requires thorough documentation and, sometimes, previous landlord experience. The Joy of Travel and the Wisdom of Investment Owning a vacation property allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite destinations. Whether it's a ski lodge in the Rockies or a beachfront villa in the Caribbean, these homes offer a personal escape with the warmth and comfort of your own space. Beyond personal enjoyment, these properties can be rented out to vacationers, providing a steady income stream that can offset mortgage payments and maintenance costs. Navigating Challenges and Rewards The journey of buying and owning a vacation property is not without its challenges. From managing the property remotely to understanding local real estate laws, it requires diligence and research. Yet, the rewards can be substantial. Not only do you enjoy personal retreats in beloved locales, but you also stand to gain from property appreciation and rental income. A Call to Adventure and Investment As we navigate our world, the concept of investing in vacation properties presents a compelling blend of adventure and financial prudence. It embodies a spirit of exploration, not just in the sense of travel but in the realm of financial growth and stability. For those bitten by the travel bug and those seeking to expand their investment portfolio, vacation homes offer a horizon worth exploring. Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is essential. Here are some of the crucial factors that you should consider: Factors you should consider while choosing the location of the property Picking the correct location for your vacation rental property is important. Here are some of the important factors that you should consider: Local attractions and tourism demand How successful your vacation rental property is going to be depends on the demand of the place. Before you invest, check for the popularity of the place among travelers. Identify the local attractions that are drawing the visitors to itself. Consider the things that are making the place popular. Whether it is their cultural heritage, its natural beauty, or how close the place is to the popular destinations. Properties that are close to tourist spots or close to vacation destinations have a tendency to attract more renters. You can choose coastal destinations, urban hotspots, ski resorts, historical and cultural sites, and some emerging destinations. Along with the well-established vacation sports, the emerging destinations are a good investment.  Look for places that are rapidly developing; they have high potential for getting you a high rental return. Rental and seasonality demand Having a good understanding of the tourist season in the place is important. Research about the holidays, special events, and the peak tourist seasons that will take the rental demand to the next level. If the location is such, which has a year-round demand, it is going to get you a consistent source of income. But if the property is in a seasonal location, then you might get fluctuations in the rental bookings. Regulatory environment Before you get a vacation rental property, it is important to know the regulatory environment of the location. Some countries and cities have specific rules and regulations regarding short-term rentals. Get yourself familiar with the restrictions and local laws to make sure you abide by all the regulations. Try not to ignore the legal aspects, as that could land you with a penalty or even cause your rental business to close. Amenities and infrastructure Think about the accessibility and proximity of the essential infrastructure as well as the amenities. Choose an area that has good transportation links, restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options. Guests always prefer properties that are convenient and have easy access to the services and local attractions.  Final Thoughts Before embarking on this journey, it's crucial to conduct thorough research, consult with real estate and financial professionals, and consider all aspects of the investment, including the potential need for a mortgage. With the right preparation and mindset, owning a vacation property can be an enriching experience that combines the joys of travel with the benefits of real estate investment. ADDITIONAL READING: A Guide To Planning Your First Family Ski Trip The Ultimate Business Traveler’s Guide To Bangkok From Britain To Australia: A Guide For Brits Making The Move Down Under