A short distance from bustling Hanoi lies one of Vietnam’s most underrated regions: Ninh Binh. With spectacular nature, a variety of activities and a growing number of boutique hotels, EXO is excited to introduce this under-the-radar region to our travellers.
In fact, EXO Vietnam can’t get enough of Ninh Binh! In order to enhance our knowledge of the area and to build and improve our products. Maeve and Trang from the Product team visited the area six times in 2023.
Ninh Binh’s immediate appeal is its natural surroundings. Often referred to as ‘Halong Bay on Land’, the centrepiece of Ninh Binh is the Tam Coc River. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the river is surrounded by limestone karsts jutting out of verdant fields. The region is also home to Hoa Lu, an ancient capital, and Cuc Phuong National Park which is home to a number of conservation projects.
The blend of natural beauty and historical richness, as well as being located only two hours from Hanoi, makes Ninh Bin a compelling destination.
Although it is possible to visit Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi, with a growing number of boutique hotels, EXO is excited to promote the Ninh Binh region as an overnight destination. Read on to learn more!
Ninh Binh’s landscapes are on par with some of the most beautiful in Vietnam.
Tam Coc & Hoa Lu
Ninh Binh’s landscapes are on par with some of the most beautiful in Vietnam and no visit to the region would be complete without a trip along the Tam Coc River by sampan. These traditional-style wooden boats, helmed by a local oarsman or woman, glide across the water allowing guests to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding limestone karsts and green fields.
Tam Coc translates to ‘three caves’ and during or after the sampan ride, guests can visit Galaxy Cave which is noted for its spectacular stalactites. The uniquely named But Cave is also worth a visit with its peculiar-shaped rock formations.
Ninh Binh is also the home of Hoa Lu, the former 10th century Vietnamese capital. Home to well-preserved temples dedicated to emperors of the time, Hoa Lu offers insight into the country’s feudal culture and architectural traditions of Vietnam.
Cuc Phuong is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a vital hub for animal conservation.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park, situated an hour from Tam Coc, is Vietnam’s first national park and the country’s largest nature reserve. It is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a vital hub for animal conservation.
The park is renowned for its Bear Rescue Centre, established by Four Paws, a global animal welfare organisation. Additionally there is a Turtle Conservation Centre, a Primate Rescue Centre and the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program. Together, these centres play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating victims of illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding these unique species, often threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
Cuc Phuong is also home to the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’, where human skeletons and stone tools dating back 7,500 years have been found.
‘Sampans on the river, cycling through bucolic scenes plus cool temple visits- there is a great variety of activities.’
Active pursuits
Ninh Binh and its surroundings are the ideal backdrop for soft adventure. Easy hikes can be arranged along trails through the limestone karst hills. A half-hour walk is rewarded with spectacular views over Hoa Lu and its picturesque surroundings. There is also a short walk to Bich Dong Pagoda,, entailing a 200-step climb to the top for sweeping views of the landscapes below or, for the more ambitious, a 500-step climb to Hang Mua for sunset viewing
For a different but equally enriching experience, guests can opt for a scenic bike ride around local villages. This ride, meandering alongside lush rice fields set against the backdrop of dramatic limestone mountains, offers a unique way to explore the rural charm of Vietnam.
Maeve Nolan, Director of Product Development for EXO Vietnam, explains, ‘Sampans on the river, cycling through bucolic scenery plus cool temple visits- there is a great variety of activities. Also, nature lovers and families will love the combo of visiting the wildlife sanctuaries at Cuc Phuong for the day.’
‘The charming town of Tam Coc is attracting well deserved attention due to its location, natural beauty, great food and a growing choice of wonderful hotels.’
Although Ninh Binh can be visited as a day trip, such as our Authentic Ninh Binh and Tam Coc Discovery, EXO strongly recommends at least a one-night stay to fully appreciate the beauty of the region. Maeve explains, ‘The charming town of Tam Coc is attracting well deserved attention due to its location, natural beauty, great food and a growing choice of wonderful hotels.’
There are a handful of charming hotels to chose from. Among EXO’s preferred hotels are:
Designed as an authentic Tonkinese village, Tam Coc Garden Resort boasts 25 well-appointed bungalows set amid lush greenery.
With a nod to traditional architecture, the bungalows feature stone walls with tile roofs and local decor throughout.
The 13-bungalow property offers an ‘intimate and cosy stay with charming design and gorgeous views’.
With a small garden area, a petite lobby and modest swimming pool, Nham Village is a relaxed oasis and a great option if its sister property, Tam Coc Garden, is full.
Ninh Binh is accessible year-round and a located just two-hour journey from Hanoi and four hours from Halong Bay.
Planning a visit
Weather: Ninh Binh is accessible year-round, with cooler temperatures from October to February and the warmest months being June-August. Although there is rain from around May to July, it is rarely enough to disrupt a day of sightseeing.
Getting there: From Hanoi, the journey to Ninh Binh takes two hours along smooth, well-maintained roads. The drive from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh, or vice versa, takes approximately four hours. To reach Cuc Phuong adds one hour to the travel time. At present, there are no trains or flights to the region.
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