Ninh Binh
Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Daily Budget
~US$20
per day
Best Months
Climate
Dry Season / Winter
Vibe
Off the beaten track
Overview
Ninh Binh province is often called the "dry Ha Long Bay" or "Ha Long Bay on land" for its spectacular karst limestone mountains rising from lush green rice paddies and winding rivers. The area includes the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and the sprawling Bai Dinh Pagoda. It is one of the most photogenic areas in all of Vietnam and increasingly popular with backpackers as either a day trip or 2–3 night stay from Hanoi.
Editor's Pick
Ninh Binh stands out for: Jaw-dropping karst scenery without the cost of a Ha Long Bay cruise; Tam Coc boat ride through rice paddies and cave tunnels is magical; Easy to reach from Hanoi as a day trip or short stay.
Things to Do
View all 19 activitiesBoat ride through Tam Coc
Boat ride through Tam Coc ("Three Caves") — a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and cave tunnels (~$3–5 for the boat)
Boat ride through Tam Coc— a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and cave tunnels
Boat ride through Tam Coc ("Three Caves") — a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and cave tunnels (~$3–5 for the boat)
Top Hostels
View all 5 hostels
Hostels
5 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
19 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Ninh Binh?
- Budget around US$20 per day in Ninh Binh, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Ninh Binh are May, Jun, Sep, Oct, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Ninh Binh?
- Top-rated hostels in Ninh Binh include Tam Coc Westlake Homestay, Ninh Binh Backpackers, Chenh Venh Homestay. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from US$20 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Ninh Binh?
- Must-do activities in Ninh Binh include Boat ride through Tam Coc, Boat ride through Tam Coc— a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and cave tunnels, Climb Mua Cave. There are 19 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
