How long do you need in Ninh Binh?

Is 2 days enough in Ninh Binh?

Okay, Ninh Binh… two days enough? Hmm, I dunno. I mean, yeah, two days is definitely the minimum. Like, gotta see Tam Coc, right?

• Tam Coc boat ride is a must-do.
• Mua Cave too! That climb, whew. Sweaty.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda, so HUGE.

Is that all in two days? Possible, but rushed. I guess if you’re just ticking boxes.

• I prefer three days, tbh. More chill.
• Maybe visit Trang An? It’s similar to Tam Coc, but less touristy.
• My friend Lena went there last year and loved it!
• Did she go to Cuc Phuong National Park? Should ask her.

Don’t forget the food! I had the best goat meat dish at this random place. What was it called… damn. Should’ve saved the location.

Two days can work. Three’s better. Okay, I’m sticking with that.

Added details:

• Tam Coc: Famous for its boat tours through caves. Beware of the boat ladies wanting tips.
• Mua Cave: Climb to the top for incredible views. The Dragon statue is a great photo op.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia. Golf carts available, thank goodness.
• Trang An: Another boat tour option, similar to Tam Coc. Some say it’s more scenic, less crowded. Lena mentioned this one was great and more authentic.
• Cuc Phuong National Park: Vietnam’s oldest national park. Offers hiking and wildlife spotting, but I am not sure she went here.
• Goat meat: Ninh Binh is known for its goat meat dishes. Try “de tai chanh”. That’s what my coworker said last time we spoke on the phone.

Is one night enough in Ninh Binh?

Two days? Hah! Like trying to see the Louvre in a lunch break. Ninh Binh needs at least THREE, maybe four. Seriously.

• Three days minimum. Think of it like a three-course meal. You got your appetizers, main course, and dessert. Can’t skip dessert.

• Day 1: Tam Coc rowing. Like Venice, but with rice paddies, not smelly canals. And cheaper gondoliers, probably. Also, Hang Mua. Climb for your life, views are worth it. My calves burned for a week after. Totally worth it.

• Day 2: Trang An. More boat action. Different vibe. Way more caves. Bring a headlamp…just kidding. But it’s dark in there. Spooky good. Bai Dinh Pagoda. Massive. Like, Vatican City massive.

• Day 3: Hoa Lu. Ancient capital. History stuff. Important. Plus, cycling around is chill. Get some banh mi. Best banh mi I ever had was near Hoa Lu. Spicy. No joke.

• Fourth day? Maybe. Explore Cuc Phuong National Park. Monkeys! Real, live monkeys. Or chill. Get a massage. Eat more banh mi. Your call.

Pro Tip: Rent a motorbike. Makes getting around way easier. I crashed mine once. Don’t do that.

My friend, Sarah, went last year. Only stayed two days. Regrets it. Big time. Don’t be Sarah.

Can we explore Ninh Binh on our own?

Night. Dark. Thinking about Ninh Binh. Dust roads. Yeah, you can do it yourself. Went there myself, actually. 2023. June. Hot.

Rented a motorbike. Saw the temples. Hoa Lu. Ancient capital. Felt… small. So much history.

• Motorbike: Best way to see everything. Freedom.
• Bicycle: Slower. Hotter. But good for the soul. Think I preferred it. Honestly.
• Public transport: Buses. Not ideal. Miss a lot.

Tam Coc. “Halong Bay on land.” Touristy. Still…beautiful. Rowed by a woman. Her feet. Strong.

Bich Dong Pagoda. Up the mountain. Steps. Many steps. Worth it. View. Amazing.

• Trang An Grottoes: Similar to Tam Coc. Quieter. Liked it more, maybe. Hard to say.
• Mua Cave: Viewpoint. Climb. More steps. Panorama. All of Ninh Binh.

Food. Goat meat. Delicious. Com cháy. Crispy rice. Ate too much. Regret nothing.

Could have stayed longer. Should have stayed longer. Maybe someday. Back to the dark now. Ninh Binh… Quiet again.

Is it better to stay in Ninh Binh or Hanoi?

Okay, so Ninh Binh or Hanoi? Hmm… Ninh Binh, hands down! Forget just a day trip, seriously.

I went there in July 2023 actually, was scorching hot. We booked a homestay, “Tam Coc Rice Field Resort” – best decision ever.

Hanoi’s cool, yeah, bustling, chaotic, good pho, but Ninh Binh… it’s like stepping into a postcard. You have to be there, man.

Ha Long Bay on Land? Totally accurate. I mean, those limestone karsts rising out of the rice paddies? Unbelievable.

I woke up early, like 5 AM, to see the sunrise over the fields. It was just me and a water buffalo! Amazing, I tell you, absolutely amazing.

Hanoi’s got history too, but Ninh Binh’s history feels different, more…ancient.

• Homestays: Cheaper, way more authentic.
• Scenery: Unmatched, period.
• Pace: Slow, relaxing, perfect for recharging.

Frankly, I think two nights isn’t even enough. I could’ve stayed a week.

Oh, and the boat trip through Tam Coc? Just do it. It’s touristy, yes, but worth every penny.

The lady rowed our little boat with her feet, can you believe it? Incredible, no other word for it, I swear.

Is it worth going to Ninh Binh?

Absolutely, Ninh Binh is worth it. The scenery alone justifies the trip. Think stunning rice paddies, karst mountains mirroring Ha Long Bay’s beauty, but with a more intimate, less touristy feel. It’s a welcome contrast. My wife and I loved the tranquility.

Ninh Binh offers:

• Breathtaking landscapes: The karst peaks are undeniably picturesque. Think postcard-perfect views. Seriously.
• Charming towns: Tam Coc’s boat rides are a highlight. We spent hours drifting, a peaceful escape from the bustle of Hanoi.
• Ancient temples: The temples nestled amongst the limestone cliffs are historically significant and architecturally impressive. One in particular, Bai Dinh Pagoda, is truly massive.

The overall experience surpasses expectations. It’s a different vibe to Hanoi’s energy, that’s for sure. The laid-back vibe makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway. Consider a multi-day trip to fully immerse yourself in the region’s beauty. Even my somewhat reluctant father-in-law enjoyed it. That’s saying something!

Beyond the major attractions, smaller villages offer a glimpse into authentic Vietnamese rural life, a refreshing change from the more commercialized tourist hubs. We found a hidden gem of a restaurant, family-run, serving incredible local dishes. The name escapes me, but it was near the river. I recall the food being exceptionally fresh. Absolutely delicious. It’s these small discoveries that make the journey worthwhile. Planning a longer stay is beneficial to uncover these gems.

The journey itself is pleasant, easily accessible from Hanoi. Convenient transportation makes it a seamless addition to any Northern Vietnam itinerary. We rented motorbikes—a thrilling experience—navigating through the countryside, although I’d recommend it only for experienced riders. Perhaps consider a guided tour for a more relaxed approach. Makes the trip easier too, really.

Which is better Ninh Binh or Sapa?

Ninh Binh. Peaceful. Sapa, crowded. Ugh. Too many tourists. Ninh Binh… boats… Tam Coc. Beautiful. Rowing. Sapa… mountains… rice terraces. But still… crowded. Ninh Binh, temples. Ancient. Spiritual. Did I mention the boat rides? So quiet. Except the oars. Sapa… trekking… good exercise. But hot. Ninh Binh… cooler. More relaxing. Definitely prefer Ninh Binh. Had amazing goat meat there last year. 2023. Sapa’s food was okay. Nothing special. Ninh Binh… Trang An. Better than Ha Long Bay, even. Less crowded, for sure. Bikes in Ninh Binh. Cycling through the rice paddies. So green. Sapa’s views are incredible though. Maybe a bit too developed now. Lost some charm. Ninh Binh feels… authentic.

• Ninh Binh Pros: Quiet, peaceful, boat rides, temples, cycling, good food (goat!), less crowded.
• Sapa Pros: Mountain views, rice terraces, trekking. Good for exercise, I guess.
• Ninh Binh Cons: Maybe too quiet for some? Not much nightlife.
• Sapa Cons: Crowded, touristy, can be hot. Expensive.

Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh. Huge. Impressive. Sapa, Cat Cat Village. Tourist trap. Ninh Binh… homestays. Loved that. Met a nice family. Learned some Vietnamese. Sapa… hotels mostly. Impersonal. Think I’ll go back to Ninh Binh next year. 2024.