Vietnam Unlimited- Ninh Binh, Halong Bay on land- Paddleboat tour in Trang An- Biking in Rice fields

A great addition to your Vietnam tour package is Ninh Binh. Located approximately 100 kilometers from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a perfect option for travelers who may not have much time but want to explore magnificent natural landscapes.

This captivating region is often considered as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its enchanting riverine landscape, where towering limestone mountains loom over verdant paddies. To truly appreciate this UNESCO-protected site, taking a paddleboat tour along the glistening rivers and scaling the legendary peaks is highly recommended.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ninh Binh also has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le dynasties, and many of the historical relics and monuments from this time period can still be seen today.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh Vietnam?

The best time to visit, based on Ninh Binh weather, is during the months of April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is relatively low.

The main towns in Ninh Binh province are Trang An and Tam Coc. This is where most people stay when visiting Ninh Binh province. The area here boasts stunning landscape with karst mountains, deep green valleys and winding rivers. It is here where the film Kong: Skull island was filmed – something Ninh Binh is now well known for.

If you only do one activity in Ninh Binh, make sure it is the boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape. It is without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ninh Binh.

Tickets for the Trang An boat ride are 150k vnd each (£5.30) and the boat seats 4 adults. If you have less than 4 people in your party, you will be paired up with other people to make a full boat. (If you want the boat to yourself, you can pay extra to have a private boat). The boat is rowed by hand and the guide will give you information about key sights along the way.

If you have seen photos of Ninh Binh, then you have most likely seen images of the Hang Múa viewpoint. This spot is one of the most visited attractions in Ninh Binh and rightly so, the views are incredible!

Hang Múa sits in between Trang An and Tam Coc, and therefore is easily accessible by bicycle from both places. The entrance fee for Hang Múa is 100k vnd each (£3.50) and you can park your bicycle at the entrance for 5k vnd (20p).