PIXEL VISA

Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land," is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, characterized by towering limestone karsts, lush landscapes, and meandering waterways. This northern Vietnamese province is celebrated for its enchanting landscapes, including the picturesque Tam Coc - Bich Dong with its emerald-green rice paddies and riverine karsts, as well as the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring caves, valleys, and ancient temples. Ninh Binh holds historical significance as the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, evident in the remnants of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The region is also home to culturally significant sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of Southeast Asia's largest pagodas. Ninh Binh's charm lies in its harmonious blend of natural wonders, cultural heritage, and a serene countryside, attracting visitors seeking an immersive experience in Vietnam's diverse landscapes and rich history.

Ninh Binh is a small town in Vietnam with gorgeous Karst scenery. Although small, Ninh Binh is very touristy, with the tourist center being Tam Cốc – Bích Động. Tam Cốc is a part of the Tràng An UNESCO complex. Staying in Tam Cốc is worth it for the scenery, but more expensive than Ninh Binh. The activities in the area are spread out, but are accessible by taxi. There are no official Gojek cars in Ninh Binh, but instead the Grab app operates to connect users to Taxis. This town reminded me a lot of Vang Vieng, but a bit less adventurous. The tours are nice to see some picturesque Vietnamese landscapes and structures. However, many of the UNESCO site temples are recently built to attract tourists and do not serve as cultural heritage landmarks.

Known as "Halong Bay on land," this region features limestone karsts, caves, and the Ngo Dong River. It is a prominent part of the landscape, offering boat tours through picturesque scenery.

Bus / Van

Traveling to Ninh Binh by bus or van is a convenient option from various popular departure cities in Vietnam. For instance, from Hanoi, the capital, the bus journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, covering around 90 kilometers. Ticket prices for a comfortable bus ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh typically range from $5 to $15 USD. If departing from Da Nang, a central coastal city, the bus ride spans about 800 kilometers and takes around 12 to 14 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $40 USD. From Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the bus journey covers a substantial distance of approximately 1,700 kilometers and takes around 30 hours, with ticket prices varying from $30 to $60 USD. Ninh Binh's bus and van services offer cost-effective and accessible transportation options, providing a practical means for visitors to reach the captivating landscapes and historical sites of the region.

Train

To arrive in Ninh Binh by train, you can access the city from various popular departure cities in Vietnam. From Hanoi, the capital, the train journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, covering a distance of around 90 kilometers. Tickets for a standard train ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh can cost between $5 to $15 USD, depending on the class and type of train chosen. The route from Da Nang, a central coastal city, spans approximately 800 kilometers and takes around 10 to 12 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $50 USD. For those arriving from Ho Chi Minh City in the south, the train journey covers a considerable distance of approximately 1,700 kilometers and takes around 30 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $30 to $60 USD. The train station in Ninh Binh is well-connected and serves as a convenient entry point for visitors eager to explore the natural and cultural wonders of the region.