Is one day enough in Ninh Binh?

How much time do you need in Ninh Binh?

Two, three days? Pshaw. Ninh Binh deserves more than a quick peek, like a squirrel eyeing a nut. Think more like four, five days, minimum! Like savoring a whole bag of chips, not just one. Got to soak it all in.

• Trang An grottos: Like a water park designed by Mother Nature. Rowboats, karsts, and temples. Forget two hours, you’ll want a whole day.

• Tam Coc: Similar, but swap the temples for rice paddies. Think Monet on steroids. Need a whole day, easily. Cycling through these paddies? Like riding a bike on the moon, but prettier.

• Mua Cave: Climbing. Like a goat. Worth the sweat for the view, which rivals anything you’ve seen, trust me. Half day, gone!

• Cuc Phuong National Park: Monkeys. Big spiders. Enough said. Another day, poof!

• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Huge! Bigger than my neighbor’s ego, seriously. Half day, at least.

So, two, three days? Yeah, right. More like double that. Unless you like rushing around like a caffeinated hamster. Which, admittedly, some people do. Not me. I’m more of a sloth when it comes to travel. My last trip to Hanoi involved four naps a day. Different story for another time, though. Ninh Binh? Take your time. Don’t skimp. You’ll thank me.

Is Ninh Binh City worth visiting?

Ninh Binh? Worth it? Pshaw, is a sunset worth watching? Is a kitten worth petting? Duh. Ninh Binh is a visual feast. Like a gourmet meal for your eyeballs.

Imagine mountains rising from rice paddies like majestic, green bread loaves. Temples clinging to cliffs, defying gravity and common sense. Goats, casually scaling sheer rock faces, clearly superior climbers to me. Seriously, goats give me an existential crisis.

Ninh Binh offers:

• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Massive. Ostentatious. A bit much, honestly, but you gotta see it. Think Vegas, but Buddhist.
• Trang An Grottoes: Boats, caves, and stunning scenery. Bring your Indiana Jones hat (but seriously, wear sunscreen).
• Mua Cave: 486 steps. Yes, I counted. My calves still ache. But the view? Worth. Every. Grueling. Step.
• Cuc Phuong National Park: Primates, plants, and picturesque paths. A good place to ponder the absurdity of existence while dodging monkeys.

Pro Tip: Rent a motorbike. Zipping through rice paddies is peak Vietnam experience. Beware of chickens though. They have the right of way. Always.

I went in 2024. Best pho of my life, near Trang An. Tiny little place, plastic stools, run by a woman who looked like she could wrestle a water buffalo. Can’t remember the name, but it was near the boat docks. Ask around, pretend you’re a local. “Pho, xin chao!” (I may have butchered that pronunciation). Good luck. You’ll thank me later. My calves probably still won’t forgive me for those stairs, though.

How long should I spend in Ninh Binh?

Two days minimum. Four, ideal.

Ninh Binh’s highlights demand time. Rush it, you’ll regret it.

• Trang An: Boat trip essential. Half-day easily gone.
• Bich Dong Pagoda: Ancient charm. Allow ample time.
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: History buffs – plan a full day.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Massive. Requires dedicated hours. Don’t skim.
• Tam Coc: Iconic. Another half-day, minimum.

My trip: Three days felt rushed. Next time, four. This is non-negotiable. I know my limits, unlike some tourists. Seriously.