Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh sits at the southern gateway of the Red River Delta and is famous for limestone karsts rising out of rice paddies and rivers. The Trang An Landscape Complex was named a UNESCO mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site in 2014.

Top sights

• Trang An Eco-tourism Area – row-boat through caves tunnelled under the mountains, past temples and flooded valleys (about 2 – 3 hours).

• Tam Coc – Bich Dong – boat along the Ngo Dong River through the paddies; most beautiful when the rice ripens in May – June.

• Mua Cave – climb about 500 stone steps to a summit with a panoramic view of Tam Coc.

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the 10th-century capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties.

• Bai Dinh Pagoda – one of Vietnam's largest temple complexes, known for its bronze Buddha and 500 arhat statues.

• Van Long Nature Reserve and Phat Diem Stone Cathedral – for quiet nature and unique architecture.

Local food

Ninh Binh crispy rice, mountain goat (lemon-cured, grilled or in hotpot), eel vermicelli, mountain snails and Kim Son rice wine.

Best time to visit

May – June when the rice turns gold; December – March for cool weather and misty landscapes. Avoid weekends and holidays if you prefer fewer crowds.

Getting there

From Hanoi it is about 95 km along the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, 2 – 2.5 hours. Trains also run from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh Station.