Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land,” is not a hidden gem anymore. It is a real gem nestled in the heart of Vietnam. This charming province, just a few hours south of Hanoi, offers a unique and captivating travel experience bound to leave you in awe. If you found this blog by the name Tam Coc, you are also in the right place. In this mega thread, I will explain almost everything related to those two famous names. You will find a long list of places that you might want to visit. These places should take at least a day in your itinerary and could even extend to a week or more.

 

Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land,” is not a hidden gem anymore. It is a real gem nestled in the heart of Vietnam. This charming province, just a few hours south of Hanoi, offers a unique and captivating travel experience bound to leave you in awe. If you found this blog by the name Tam Coc, you are also in the right place. In this mega thread, I will explain almost everything related to those two famous names. You will find a long list of places that you might want to visit. These places should take at least a day in your itinerary and could even extend to a week or more.

What is Ninh Binh? Tam Coc? Trang An?

Nestled in the northern region of Vietnam, just approximately 100 kilometres from the bustling city of Hanoi, Ninh Binh Province had been there for thousands of years. This enchanting province is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness, encompassing several remarkable destinations that are a must-visit for any traveller exploring Vietnam. Among these, Tam Coc, Trang An, Bai Dinh, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Van Long, Thung Nham, and Cuc Phuong National Park stand out as the crown jewels of Ninh Binh. Though Ninh Binh is a must, some places offer similar experiences that you can skip.

What to see in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh City

I usually skip this unless I have a business there. It is a new city, and yes, you should expect it to be like a city. Ninh Binh is not as crowded as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. You can find a slower living there. Last year (2022), they built something called Hoa Lu Ancient City. It turned out to be a walking street with activities like in Hanoi. But they have a river and many shops with traditional products in the weekend. I did not take any photos when I was there, you can check the review in this link before deciding. It is a very short experience, not worth half a day so it’s better to combine it with other activities.

Tam Coc