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Ninh Binh

Vietnam · City · VND · 20.253900, 105.975000
Family friendly 6.7/10 · Rank 1024 of 2 709
Best season: March-May, September-November

Best for

Ninh Binh is an ideal place for nature lovers, photographers and those who want to see 'Ha Long on land'. It is recommended for couples, families and solo travellers. Suitable for active travellers — there are many hiking trails, boat tours and cycling routes. Least suitable for those seeking vibrant nightlife or luxury resorts.

Best season

March-May, September-November

Daily budget
$45.00 (≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 1 102 500 VND)
For 7 days
$315.00 (≈ 26 435 ₽ · ≈ 7 717 500 VND)
Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long on land", amazes with its scenic karst mountains and emerald rivers. Here you can take a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River in the Tam Coc reserve, where rice fields emerge through the rocks, or visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. The city is an ideal destination for those wanting to see breathtaking landscapes away from the tourist crowds.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
14.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Ninh Binh residents are welcoming and friendly. The region retains an authentic Vietnamese atmosphere, with fewer tourists compared to popular resorts. People are open and ready to help.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique karst landscapes
  • 'Ha Long on land'
  • Affordable prices
  • Fewer tourists than in Hanoi and Ha Long
  • Many activities (boats, cycling, hiking)
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Calm and relaxed atmosphere

Cons

  • Rainy season from May to September
  • Hot and humid in summer
  • Limited nightlife
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
  • Lack of quality restaurants
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
30.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
35.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
17.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
20.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
14.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-September
Attractions

Trang An

A scenic complex of karst mountains and rivers, known as 'Ha Long on land'. A boat tour with visits to caves and temples.

Hang Mua Viewpoint (Mua Cave)

One of the most impressive viewpoints in Vietnam. Almost 500 steps to climb, but the views are worth it.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Vietnam's largest Buddhist temple complex with a giant Buddha statue and numerous pagodas. A very peaceful and majestic place.

Tam Coc

A 3-kilometre boat tour along the river among rice fields and karst mountains. Another 'Ha Long on land'.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

A historic complex with temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The birthplace of Vietnam's independence.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietnam's oldest national park with diverse flora and fauna, caves and trekking routes.

Best areas

Trang An / Tam Coc Area

The main tourist area with hotels, hostels and restaurants. Convenient for getting to the main attractions.

Ninh Binh City

The provincial centre with markets, shops and a bus station. Good for budget travellers.

Hoa Lu Area

A quiet historic area with ancient temples and a rural atmosphere.

Must-try food

Mountain goat meat

Ninh Binh's famous dish — tender goat meat served with rice, herbs and spicy sauce. Considered a delicacy.

Crispy rice (Com Chay)

Toasted rice with a crispy crust, served with pork or as a snack. The region's signature dish.

Eel vermicelli (Mien Luon)

A soup with eel and transparent vermicelli. A very rich and aromatic broth.

Goat fermented rolls (Nem De)

Fermented goat meat with spices, wrapped in leaves. A traditional appetiser.

Mountain snails

Snails steamed with lemongrass and spicy fish sauce. An authentic taste of Ninh Binh.

Grilled sausages (Nem Nuong)

Grilled pork sausages wrapped in rice paper with herbs and served with a sweet and sour sauce.

Where to go next

Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam, 2 hours away. Old Quarter, museums and street food.

Ha Long

The world-famous bay with thousands of limestone islands. 3 hours away.

Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietnam's oldest national park. 1 hour away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Ханой Международный Аэропорт Ной Бай (HAN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
E-Visa required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-May, September-November
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 196 000 VND
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 735 000 VND
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 1 347 500 VND
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 2 205 000 VND
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 1 715 000 VND
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 980 000 VND
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 98 000 VND
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 245 000 VND
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 49 000 VND
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 61 250 VND
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽ · ≈ 9 800 VND
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 122 500 VND
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 98 000 VND
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 61 250 VND
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 98 000 VND
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 735 000 VND
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 12 250 VND
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 73 500 VND
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 735 000 VND
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 147 000 VND
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 294 000 VND
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 612 500 VND
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 612 500 VND
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 196 000 VND
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 196 000 VND
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Frequently asked questions
Ninh Binh: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-May, September-November. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Ninh Binh: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +35.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Ninh Binh: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +14.0°C, during the day — up to +20.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Ninh Binh: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-September. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Ninh Binh: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $45.00 (≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 1 102 500 VND) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Ninh Binh: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $30.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $55.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $90.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $70.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Ninh Binh: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.40. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Ninh Binh: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Ninh Binh: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Trang An — A scenic complex of karst mountains and rivers, known as 'Ha Long on land'. A boat tour with visits to caves and temples.; Hang Mua Viewpoint (Mua Cave) — One of the most impressive viewpoints in Vietnam. Almost 500 steps to climb, but the views are worth it.; Bai Dinh Pagoda — Vietnam's largest Buddhist temple complex with a giant Buddha statue and numerous pagodas. A very peaceful and majestic place.; Tam Coc — A 3-kilometre boat tour along the river among rice fields and karst mountains. Another 'Ha Long on land'.; Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — A historic complex with temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The birthplace of Vietnam's independence.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Ninh Binh: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Mountain goat meat — Ninh Binh's famous dish — tender goat meat served with rice, herbs and spicy sauce. Considered a delicacy.; Crispy rice (Com Chay) — Toasted rice with a crispy crust, served with pork or as a snack. The region's signature dish.; Eel vermicelli (Mien Luon) — A soup with eel and transparent vermicelli. A very rich and aromatic broth.; Goat fermented rolls (Nem De) — Fermented goat meat with spices, wrapped in leaves. A traditional appetiser.; Mountain snails — Snails steamed with lemongrass and spicy fish sauce. An authentic taste of Ninh Binh.; Grilled sausages (Nem Nuong) — Grilled pork sausages wrapped in rice paper with herbs and served with a sweet and sour sauce.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Ninh Binh: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Trang An / Tam Coc Area — The main tourist area with hotels, hostels and restaurants. Convenient for getting to the main attractions.; Ninh Binh City — The provincial centre with markets, shops and a bus station. Good for budget travellers.; Hoa Lu Area — A quiet historic area with ancient temples and a rural atmosphere.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Ninh Binh: is a visa required?
Visa: E-Visa required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Ninh Binh: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Ханой Международный Аэропорт Ной Бай (code HAN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Ninh Binh: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — VND. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $45.00 (≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 1 102 500 VND). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Ninh Binh: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Ninh Binh: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Ninh Binh: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Hanoi — The capital of Vietnam, 2 hours away. Old Quarter, museums and street food.; Ha Long — The world-famous bay with thousands of limestone islands. 3 hours away.; Cuc Phuong National Park — Vietnam's oldest national park. 1 hour away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.7/10
Overall rank: 1024 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 317