Is it worth going to Ninh Binh?

Is Ninh Binh City worth visiting?

Ninh Binh? Totally worth it, dude. Think Halong Bay, but less…touristy. Like, way less. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones, minus the snakes (mostly).

Seriously stunning landscapes. Picture this: rice paddies so green they’ll make your eyes pop, limestone karsts that look like giant broccoli florets, and ancient temples clinging to cliffs like stubborn barnacles.

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: History buffs, rejoice! It’s like stepping back in time, only with better Wi-Fi. (Probably).
• Trang An Grottoes: Kayaking through caves? Check. Feeling like a Viking exploring uncharted waters? Double check. Bonus points for the possible bat sightings. (Not guaranteed, though).
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: This pagoda is HUGE. Seriously, it’s bigger than my apartment, and my apartment is, uh… spacious.

The food? Forget about those tourist traps. Find a local eatery. Trust me. You’ll thank me later. I’m still dreaming about that pho I had last year in July, during my trip to Ninh Binh, it’s amazing. My friend Mark was with me; he loved the bun cha.

Things to know: It can get hot as Hades in summer. Pack light clothing. And sunscreen, unless you want to resemble a lobster. Also, learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases – it’ll make your trip ten times better. Seriously.

Go. Now. Before everyone else figures it out. My sister Susan went this past April and she’s already planning to go back. She says she even saw some monkeys. Crazy, right?

How long should I spend in Ninh Binh?

Three days? Nah, four is better. Definitely four. Got to see Tam Coc. That boat ride, amazing. Plus, Trang An. So many caves! Ugh, hot though. Need more time to soak it all in. Wish I’d brought a better hat. Mine was totally inadequate.

Seriously, four days minimum. You’ll need a day for the temples. Bich Dong Pagoda, right? Stunning views from there. And then there’s the Mua Cave. That climb. Killer. But worth it. The panoramic view… breathtaking. Totally worth the sweaty climb.

I’m thinking about going back next year. Maybe in the fall. Less humid. Should book flights now. Damn, airfare’s expensive these days! Need to check Kayak again later.

Should’ve spent more time in Hoa Lu ancient capital. Only saw a small part. Regret that. My friend went last month, she loved it! Totally regret missing more of it. Should’ve planned better. More time needed for hiking. There were so many trails I didn’t have time for.

Key things:

• Four days is ideal. Not three.
• Tam Coc is a must. Book a boat trip!
• Trang An caves are amazing. Prepare for humidity.
• Mua Cave is strenuous but rewarding. Bring water!
• Hoa Lu needs more time. Plan for a full day there next time.

Things to consider:

• Better hat.
• Good hiking shoes.
• Airfare prices.
• Fall travel, less humid.

Is one day enough in Ninh Binh?

One day insufficient. Two minimum.

Independent exploration crucial. Tours restrict.

Ninh Binh’s beauty demands time. Rushed experiences lack depth.

My recommendation: Avoid structured itineraries.

• Hoa Lu ancient capital: Half-day minimum.
• Trang An: Boat trip essential. Allow ample time.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Impressive scale. Requires dedicated hours.
• Tam Coc: Scenic boat ride. Plan accordingly.

2024 travel update: Expect increased tourism. Book accommodations in advance. My trip last year, I stayed at the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel. It was adequate.

Consider extending your stay. Three days ideal for comprehensive exploration. Even then, some may feel short. Prioritize. Don’t overschedule. The landscape’s beauty isn’t hurried. It’s overwhelming.

Avoid the crowds. Sunrise and sunset offer unique perspectives. It’s worth it.

Which is better Sapa or Hanoi?

Sapa versus Hanoi? Apples and oranges, darling. One’s a breathtaking mountain hike, the other, a chaotic culinary adventure.

Sapa: Think emerald rice terraces clinging to impossibly steep slopes; think air so crisp it stings your lungs delightfully. Perfect if you’re a hobbit, or just enjoy escaping the concrete jungle. My cousin, bless his cotton socks, spent a week there last year, returned looking ten years younger. Seriously.

Hanoi: A sensory overload, a delicious maelstrom of motorbikes, pho, and ancient temples. Think a vibrant tapestry woven from history, street food, and the occasional chaotic traffic jam. I, personally, adore the noise. It’s invigorating.

• Sapa: Nature’s canvas, stunning vistas, hiking boots required.
• Hanoi: Urban symphony, historical charm, comfortable shoes recommended.

The “better” city is purely subjective. Are you a mountain goat or a city slicker? Choose wisely. My recommendation? Do both! Experience the serene beauty of Sapa, then immerse yourself in the frenetic energy of Hanoi. Your soul will thank you. Unless, of course, your soul prefers quiet beaches. In that case, Nha Trang.

Is Sapa still worth visiting?

Sapa? Still breathes.

Worth it? Depends on your grit.

Overrun? Undeniably.

Still breathtaking? Absolutely. Rice terraces shimmer. Tribes endure. Trekking calls.

Crowds a plague? Avoid peak. Spring’s fleeting grace. Autumn’s golden hue.

• Shoulder seasons rule.
• Unbeaten paths exist. Seek them. I found solace near Cat Cat village, oddly.
• Culture, if you look. Authentic glimpses, not staged shows.
• Luxury hotels mar, don’t they? Homestays whisper secrets.

Was better before? Irrelevant. Now exists. Endure it or shun it.

More Information:

• Best Time: April-May (rice planting), September-October (harvest).
• Getting There: Overnight train/bus from Hanoi. Painful choice.
• Trekking: Hire local guides. Essential. I trust only Mrs. Mai.
• Alternatives: Ha Giang. Untamed. For now.
• Ethical Tourism: Support local businesses directly. Avoid intermediaries. I always do.

Sapa changed. Everything changes. Adapt. Or move on.

Is January a good time to go to Vietnam?

January…Vietnam…

It was January 2018 when I was there. The streets of Hanoi buzzed. Still, I felt…distant.

Hoi An. Old Town’s lanterns. Soft glow. January was good.

But was I good?

• Weather: Mostly dry. Sunny days were present. Still, a chill lingered. You feel it in your bones sometimes, you know.
• Hoi An: Ideal, sure. Swimming? I didn’t even dip a toe. The water didn’t call.
• My Trip: I was looking for peace, I guess. Did not find it.

I keep going back to Ha Long Bay. The water, very still. Was it cold? I don’t remember. My ex was there. Maybe that’s it.

Now, 2024, Vietnam still exists. I exist. Crazy, huh?

There is more? Oh, I remember now…

• Crowds: There were people. Everywhere. It’s not empty like I wanted.

• Food: I had pho. Many times. What else? All a blur. Did I even taste it, really?