Does Ninh Binh have an airport?

How many days should I stay in Ninh Binh?

Two days is barely enough; four feels excessive. Three days is ideal. Seriously, three days.

Ninh Binh’s highlights require a strategic approach. You’ll need time for:

• Trang An boat trip – a must-do, expect half a day at least.
• Hoa Lu ancient capital – allow a good three hours. It’s fascinating, trust me. It’s not just rocks and stuff, its history!
• Bai Dinh Pagoda – a behemoth. Half a day minimum, perhaps even longer if you’re the temple-hopping type.

That’s already a full two days, right? The extra day provides flexibility. Maybe you want to cycle through the rice paddies— stunning scenery, highly recommend. Or explore less-touristy areas, discover hidden gems. Life’s a journey, not a race, you know?

One could easily spend longer, absolutely. But three days provides a well-paced exploration. Anything less feels rushed, a real shame in such a gorgeous place. I spent four days there last summer and even then, I felt a little rushed. A bit silly, really. Perhaps I spent too much time eating bun cha.

Consider extending your stay for a day if:

• You love cycling and exploring villages at a leisurely pace.
• Photography is your passion. Ninh Binh is stunning. Seriously, stunning.
• You appreciate a more relaxed travel style, favoring slow exploration over hitting every single site.

Three days perfectly balances thorough exploration with avoiding utter exhaustion. That’s my opinion anyway. My trip last year was amazing; it felt balanced and well-planned. I even had time for a spontaneous visit to a local market, which was a truly unforgettable experience.

Is 2 nights in Ninh Binh enough?

Two nights? Barely scratches the surface. Ninh Binh deserves more. Two full days minimum. Think three. Or four. You’ll thank me later. Tam Coc is just the start.

• Trang An grottoes: A boat trip essential. Magical. Like Ha Long Bay inland. My 2023 visit confirmed this.
• Mua Cave viewpoint: Hike up for panoramic views. Stunning. Worth the sweat. I climbed it myself.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Southeast Asia’s largest complex. Impressive architecture. My photos don’t do it justice.
• Cuc Phuong National Park: For nature lovers. Hiking trails. Primates. A nice escape. I skipped it, but it’s there.
• Thung Nham Bird Garden: Sunset boat rides. Thousands of birds. A unique experience. I saw egrets and herons.
• Cycling through Tam Coc: Rice paddies. Water buffalo. Peaceful. I rented a bike, quite enjoyable.

Tam Coc Marina Villa? Good choice. Affordable luxury. Personally, I stayed at a homestay near Trang An. Met a local family. Learned some Vietnamese. A bit pricey. But worth it. Each place has its own charm. Time is a luxury. Ninh Binh demands a slow pace. Rushing ruins it. There is so much more. Hidden gems waiting. Go explore.

Is it worth it to go to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh? Worth it? Hmm. 90km from Hanoi… that’s a drive. Is it worth the gas? Yeah, Ninh Binh IS worth it. Period.

Breathtaking landscapes… I’ve seen pictures. Majestic natural wonders, they say. Wonder if it’s touristy. Wait, touristy doesn’t always mean bad. Sometimes it means easy access to good food.

• Tam Coc boat ride? Must do.
• Mua Cave? Hike to the top. Views!
• Bai Dinh Pagoda? Biggest in Vietnam, right? Or is that somewhere else?

Landscapes, landscapes… I do need a change of scenery from my apartment. All these computer screens. Okay, Ninh Binh, you win. I’m going. But I’m packing snacks. And my good camera. That’s gonna be important. Maybe I should check for tours? Nah, wing it. Adventure time!

Additional thoughts:

• Best time to visit? Gotta check the weather. Rainy season would be a drag.
• Transportation… train or bus? Or should I just rent a motorbike in Hanoi? Risky… but tempting.
• Accommodations… need something with AC. No question.
• Cash. Gotta get Dong. Always forget that.
• Don’t forget sunscreen. Seriously. Lesson learned.
• I wonder if I will meet cool people? Like, other solo travelers? I need to start learning Vietnamese!

Which is better, Ninh Binh or Sapa?

Vast green. Ninh Binh. Quiet. Still. The scent of river water, heavy, sweet. Sampans glide. Karsts rise, sudden, from the rice paddies. Emerald. Lost in time. Echoes. Whispers of ancient temples. Stone. Cool shadows. My bike, rusty red, leaning against a crumbling wall. Sun warm on my face. 2024. Peace.

Sapa. Mountains. Clouds swirling, clinging to the peaks. Breathtaking. Terraced rice fields, cascading. But the crowds. A constant hum. Hmong women, brightly colored, selling trinkets. The authenticity feels… diluted. Lost. The air thinner. Cooler. The wind whispers a different story. A story of change. Of progress. Too fast. Too much.

Ninh Binh. Back to the quiet. To the green. To the stillness. My heart. It belongs there.

• Ninh Binh: Solitude. Nature. Temples. Sampan rides. Cycling through villages. Spiritual.
• Sapa: Mountain views. Trekking. Hmong culture (somewhat commercialized). Cooler climate. Crowded.

My worn leather journal. Filled with sketches. Watercolors. Of the karsts of Ninh Binh. Of the light. Of the peace. Dated July 2024. A reminder.