Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Sailing - Tour boats in the nearby Tam Coc area Ninh Binh-Tam Coc - Tam Coc

Ninh Binh is a city in North (Vietnam) | North Vietnam with population of 130,517 people.

Ninh Binh Halal Explorer

Ninh Binh is famous for the nearby karst scenery and the village of Tam Coc. There isn't much to do around, apart from drinking organic juice with the local residents, but it is useful as a base for the surrounding countryside.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO inscribed as a mixed natural and cultural property, a spectacular limestone karst landscape. The archeological remains found in caves trace human presence since 30,000 years. Part of the legacy is Hoa Lu and the old capital of Vietnam.

Travel to Ninh Binh

By taxi

Taxis from Hanoi cost USD88.

Taxis from Noi Bai international airport cost USD70, a 2-hour journey.

By bus

There are regular buses from Hanoi's southern bus terminal (Giap Bat) that leave every 15 min (or whenever full) 70,000 dong (June 2022). Journey time is 1½-2½ hours depending on traffic. Buy a ticket in the ticket hall or you will likely have to pay more than 70,000 dong.

Open tour buses will drop passengers off upon request but Ninh Binh is not a regular stop. Most open tour buses from Hanoi will arrive at 21:30. Tour buses from Hue arrive between 04:00 and 06:00, depending on the company.

Travel by train to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a station for northbound and southbound trains.

Daytime southbound trains to Dong Hoi and Hue (11PM arrival) depart at 11:21 and can be enjoyed in 2nd class seats rather than sleepers for those looking to avoid overnight journeys and long-haul buses.

Get around

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Rent a Car or Limousine in Ninh Binh

Guesthouses may provide organised al-tours/ tours by vehicle for USD20 per day. Taxis are also common and not different from the ones in Hanoi or Saigon, although a little cheaper.

By motorbike

A motorbike is the best way to view Ninh Binh and the surrounding area. A motorbike can be rented for about 100,000 dong per day, a motorcycle driver/guide to take you around the sites for about USD 17-20 a day.

The roads in general are quite well maintained and not overly busy, but the junctions, just like everywhere else in Vietnam, can be dangerous. Renting your own motorbike is feasible but not without risk.

By bicycle

Cycling is an excellent option for visiting nearby sights. Guesthouses hire out bicycles for about 40,000 dong/day. There is a country road (mountain bike is recommended) that connects Hoa lu and Tam Coc.

On foot

The town of Ninh Binh is quite small and walkable. However, most of the interesting sights are outside the city.

What to see in Ninh Binh

There are three main spots, where people board boat tours: Trang An, Tam Coc and Vân Long. Tam Coc being the most famous and therefore crowded of them.

Trang An area

Trang An Grottoes - 20.2528716, 105.9177947 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh - 150,000 dong entrance fee An easy bicycle ride away, Trang An Grottoes is similar to Tam Coc, but with many more caves to pass through. Tourists who have also visited Tam Coc prefer this trip as there are not as many hawkers. Most caves have been widened in order for the boats to pass through and as result their natural beauty has been compromised. The first two caves are the most natural and beautiful, but are also tight in places, so watch your head. Lots of concrete structures are being built all over the place, and Rice paddies are disappearing fast, but hopefully this area will not lose its splendor. It might be worth bringing a torch in case the power fails and the lights go out. Some of the tunnels are quite long and your rower may have forgotten his backup torch.
There is a parking fee of 15,000 dong for two wheelers (bicycle or motorbike) as of June 2016. The boat trip lasts more than 2 hours so make sure you carry water and some nibbles.

Hoa Lu ancient capital - 20.2849198, 105.904344 6 kilometers north of Ninh Binh and then 6 kilometers west of Highway 1 - 12,000 dong The ancient capital during Dinh (968-80) and Le dynasties (980-1009). Mostly destroyed and there is the temple of Dinh Tien Hoang and the temple of King Le Dai Hahn, Nhat Tru Pagoda, and on top of a hill, Dinh Tien Hoang's tomb. There are also boat trips on the river to Xuyen Thuy cave, less spectacular than other caves in the area. Entrance to cave is 15,000 dong.

Chua Bai Dinh 20.2755274, 105.8628 11 kilometers Northwest of Ninh Binh - Huge new Buddhist complex, mostly visited by Vietnamese.

Tam Coc area

Tam Coc - Tam Coc Bich Dong1 tango7174 - Bich Dong pagoda 9 kilometers south of Ninh Binh, along Highway 1. It's an easy bicycle ride from Ninh Binh, with no hills

Tam Coc 20.2159, 105.9368 - 150,000 dong per boat (maximum 2 foreigners per boat), plus admission of 120,000 dong per person One of Vietnam's most spectacular sights. A boat can be hired that will take you along the river. Excursion begins at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by Rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through three natural caves (Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba) and the largest of which is 125-m long with its ceiling about 2-m high above the water. Vast limestone cliffs rise out of the Rice paddies. The area is somewhat similar to Ha Long Bay, but more accessible and much less tourist. The best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon, when it's quieter and cooler with more shade. Last boats start out about 17:30 in the summer and 16:30 in the winter.

The area around Tam Coc is equally beautiful, and is best viewed from the back of a motorbike or by bicycle. There is also a temple atop one of the hills which provides incredible views.

Bích Động Pagoda 20.21738, 105.91584 2 kilometers west of Tam Coc Cave. Three temples carved into a limestone mountain, dating from the 15th-century reign of Le (Thai) To. The lower temple has a stone next to it that resonates when tapped, plus a Buddha footprint. The middle temple has an 18th-century bell, a cave and resonating pillars. The top temple has a view of the surrounding countryside, which is good for sunsets. Free entrance, although a fee is required to park the motorbike near the entrance. The lady charging the fee may try to overcharge by implying that it also includes the entrance to the temples, but this is a lie as the entrance is free. Do not pay more than 20k! Even 20k is too much for parking, just leave the bike farther away from the entrance to avoid paying at all.

Hang Mua 20.230554, 105.936845 5 kilometers from Ninh Binh - 100,000 dong entrance fee + 3,000 dong bicycle/motorbike parking fee - Hundreds of steps will lead you to a unimpressive temple on top of a hill with incredibly stunning views over Tam Coc and Ninh Binh’s countryside.

Van Long area

Vân Long Nature Reserve - 20.3731156, 105.873121
Dich Long Cave and Pagoda - Gia Thanh commune 20.360721, 105.911937
Beautiful Hoa Son, Tien caves and Van Trinh Grotto can be visited nearby.

Further afield

Cuc Phuong National Park - 20.3166717, 105.606144 45 kilometers from Ninh Binh - 20,000 dong A excellently maintained rainforest with an Endangered Primates Rescue Centre near the entrance. You can only visit the centre with a park guide, which costs an extra 20,000 dong per person and doesn't take long. There are about 150 primates here being prepared for release back in the wild. Most are from other parts of Vietnam and any releases will be where they originally came from. There is also a botanical garden near the entrance. From the entrance you can drive, motorbike or cycle a further 20 kilometers along a densely forested paved road, from which several bypaths lead you through the jungle to prehistoric trees and caves. Cycling is probably the most rewarding way to travel this 20 kilometers of often steeply inclined paved road and mountain bikes can be hired at the park entrance. The road ends at the park centre (Bong), from where there are several forest walks. The park centre has a restaurant and a place to buy Snacks. The best chance to see any animals here is at night. Guided night al-tours/ tours for overnight stayers are available. There are other points of interest along the narrow 20 kilometers road such as a cave, ancient trees, and walking trails. One of the amazing things about this drive is the thousands of colourful butterflies filling the roadway. Peak time for butterflies apparently is April - May, but in later months there may still be many to be seen. It is especially enjoyable to touch the thousand-year-old cho xanh (parashrea stellata) and sau (dracontomelum duperranum or dancorra edulis) trees, 50-70 m high. The park is also perfect for seeing birds, butterflies, and orchids. They are more concentrated than in a typical butterfly farm enclosure. A limited amount of overnight accommodation is available in either a detached bungalow or a stilt house.

Phat Diem Gothic Church 20.0932936, 106.0779 24 kilometers Southwest of Ninh Binh in the village of Kim Son - Gothic Church known for its scale and its oriental style. Completed in 1891. One of the earliest areas to be reached by missionaries; Portuguese priests were here in 1627.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ninh Binh

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ninh Binh

There is a fresh fruit market next to the main market across the bridge.

Halal Food

Mountain goat (de nui) Meat is a local speciality, often eaten with fried Rice (com chien). Another local speciality is com chay, which is the burnt Rice off the bottom of the pot, served with Beef. Duck is featured in some Halal restaurants, and there are numerous dog- Meat restaurants scattered throughout town (look for signs with a picture of a Great Dane or similar breed and the words thit cho).

The area near the train station has become a mini-backpacker area, and there are 4-5 backpacker cafes there with English menus and tourist prices (40,000-70,000 dong; Coffee 15,000-20,000 dong). The three most popular restaurants are called "Good Food", "Cheap Good Food" and "Fast Food Cheap" (all on Hoang Hoa Tham).

Chookie's 17 Luong Van TuyAcross from the Ngoc Anh Hotel - Good Burgers and also a decent selection of Vietnamese at reasonable prices. Staff speak English and can answer any questions you have about Ninh Binh.

Trung Tuyet Restaurant 14 Hoang Hoa Tham Half a block straight ahead from the train station entrance ☎ +84 303 874 510 Opening Hours: Open late A few tables on the street and one of the few restaurants in the city that caters to Westerners. The menu offers 3 or 4 sizes of portions at different prices, however even the small sized portions are larger than in other towns. Coffee 20,000 dong, Fruit salad 30,000 dong. Yogurt 8,000 dong. Chicken with Noodles 50,000 dong. - Pho bò 24 Le Hong Phong Street From Tran Hung Dao about 200 meters on the left

| hours A small restaurant for local residents with the food cooked in front of you. A few tables on the street and few inside. Soups and Noodles for 25,000 dong and 30,000 dong. Have an English menu.

Chookie's Beer Garden - Tam Coc - Bich Dong Road 700m from boat station on the way to Bich Dong Pagoda Opening Hours: Open from 9am - Great Muslim Friendly place to relax and have a drink and something to eat. Good burgers, salads and Smoothies. Plenty of Vegan options too.

There are plenty of bia hoi sellers along the river in the late afternoon and evenings. One glass usually costs 5,000 dong. Plenty of places sell a sugar cane drink with ice for about 5,000 dong.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ninh Binh, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ninh Binh. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ninh Binh and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ninh Binh. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ninh Binh. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNinh Binh: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ninh Binh.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ninh Binh: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ninh Binh, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ninh Binh.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ninh Binh, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ninh Binh, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ninh Binh and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ninh Binh, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ninh Binh, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ninh Binh without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ninh Binh is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ninh Binh.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ninh Binh is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ninh Binh, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ninh Binh Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ninh Binh

eHalal Group Ninh Binh is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ninh Binh. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ninh Binh.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ninh Binh ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ninh Binh. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ninh Binh, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a number of affordable hotels just outside the train station and next to the bus station. Other hotels are located near the downtown. As there is nothing to see in city, either area is suitable. The area near the train station has become a mini-backpacker neighborhood, complete with travel agents, agents, overpriced drinks and English-menu restaurants. While it is also feasible to stay near the wharf for the Tam Coc ferry, it is not recommended as the quality of the hotels and in particular the restaurants is very low.

Kim Lieng Guesthouse - Ngo 212, No. 54 (still listed on Google as Van Thanh No. 54) On a small and quiet side road not far from the downtown ☎ +84 306 250800 USD16-19 Run by the charismatic Madame Kim Lienh, a no frills and honest place to stay. Rooms are clean (USD16 for a double, + USD7 for air-con) but basic. Kim is very friendly, provides help with local transportation, arrangement of public bus tickets and transportation, and also sometimes offers to cook dinner for 70,000 dong per person (be prepared for loads of food). Doors close at 22:30, but the staff can be awakened by knocking on the doors, or preferably informing them of late arrival or excursions beforehand.

Ngoc Anh Hotel - 30 Luong Van Tuy Street ☎ +84 303 883768 USD12-27 . Family hotel, friendly staff, good location, rooms are clean, all rooms have air-con, en suite bath, cable TV with good reception, Wi-Fi. Deluxe rooms also have a computer, a fridge and balcony. There are 2 modern computers in the reception/restaurant area. The cheaper rooms are at 26 Luong Van Tuy and the more expensive at 30 Luong Van Tuy.

Nha Viet Hotel - Đường Lê Thái Tổ, phố Đẩu Long On the way to the stadium of Ninh Binh Vissai FC ☎ +84 915 531317 USD12 The family owners are very helpful. Will cook food that you want. English-speaking staff, motorbike rental, Wi-Fi, clean, laundry, convenient location, far enough from primary street to provide peace and quiet.

Queen Mini Hotel - 21 Hoang Hoa Tham One block in front of the train station - USD9-15 Near the train and bus station. It's popular, especially with French visitors, and often full. Rooms are clean enough, but can obtain insects. Wi-Fi in the lobby, but it doesn't reach all the rooms. The owner's refrain is "You pay now". They are affiliated with the Good Food Restaurant across the street. Be warned: there are four hotels sharing this name, and it's not clear if all of them are related: The Queen Mini (this one) and the Queen Hotel (across the street, upscale and owned by the same family as the Queen Mini) and the New Queen Mini Backpacker's Hostel (on the same street, often has grille down; they advertise rates of USD7 including breakfast!), and the New Queen Mini Hotel (two streets south).
Thanh Binh Hotel 31 Luong Van Tuy Street ☎ +84 308 72439 USD20 (double room) Some members of the staff are somewhat helpful and friendly. Possibility to rent motorbikes for USD9/day. Breakfast is not included. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is added to some of their Vegetarian food.

Thanh Thuy's Guest House and New Hotel - 128 Le Hong Phong ☎ +84 303 871811 USD9-10 (guest house), USD15-35 (hotel) The guest house rooms are large and pleasant with a shared bathroom. Hotel rooms have en suite baths and quieter as they're set back from the road. There is a reasonably priced restaurant adjacent to reception. Motorbike and bicycles available for hire. Staff can be a little brusque, but are helpful and speak good English.

37 P Minh Khai On the eastbound road from the downtown, next to a reservoir ☎ +84 308 80970 USD15-35 Helpful owner. Good food, bicycle and motorbike rental, convenient location, and far enough from the primary street to provide peace and quiet.

Go NinhBinh Hostel - No1 Hoang Hoa Tham street (Old train station) 20.251383, 105.979131Just about 15 minutes walk on foot from train station or 10 minutes walk from bus station ☎ +84 303 871 186 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 USD8-6 Developed on the old train station, this is a real hostel in Ninh Binh. The common spaces are very large and comfortable with swimmingpool table, darts, free computer, and bookswap in each floor. The dorm rooms are large and pleasant with shared bathroom or bathroom en suite, bunk bed has curtain, spot light, 220 V electric socket and coat hook, air conditioner. Hostel also has superior Muslim friendly rooms with toilet en suite, cable TV. There is a reasonably priced restaurant close to reception. Motorbike and bicycles available for hire USD7-4/day, free parking. Staff are friendly, helpful and speak English.

Stay Safe

Tips for Tam Coc boat excursion:

When leaving your motorbike at the departure point, beware of thieves (such as removing a mirror while the motorbike is parked and then selling it back to you for 100,000 dong). Look for official parking areas to avoid such scams.
When you catch the boat from the harbour, try not to board a boat that is loaded with boxes at departure. The boxes are filled with handicrafts and are intended for you to buy. During the return trip the rowers might suddenly turn from friendly rowers to pushy sellers. Don't ruin your experience by allowing this. Demand a rower/boat without handicraft/souvenir boxes.

News & References Ninh Binh

Travel Next

Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
Laos - There is a nightly bus from Hanoi that will stop in Ninh Binh on request. From there it is a grim 20 hours journey to Vientiane.