HazelDiary

Just two hours from the bustling streets of Hanoi lies a place that feels worlds away. Ninh Binh is where time slows, landscapes soften, and nature quietly takes centre stage. Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land”, this peaceful province offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. It is ideal for a day escape from the city.

Read more: [VIETNAM TRAVELS] A Day Trip from Hanoi: Exploring the Beauty of Ninh Binh

From limestone karsts rising dramatically above emerald rice fields to tranquil boat rides through ancient caves, Ninh Binh reveals Vietnam at its most poetic.

Alternatively, you can just book a suggested day trip tour with pre-purchased tickets via the proposed itineraries below S$50.00 only.

1. Tour: Hoa Lu, Trang An, Tam Coc, Hang Mua
2. Tour: Ninh Binh Day Tour from Ha Noi with bus tour
3. Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave

Our journey began at Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam. Tucked amid mountains and rice fields, this former royal city dates to the 10th century. Walking through the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, you can feel the weight of history in the air — weathered stone courtyards, intricate carvings, and a quiet dignity that speaks of Vietnam’s early dynasties.

It’s a gentle reminder that Ninh Binh is not just about landscapes, but also deep-rooted heritage.

Next came the highlight of the day. The Trang An boat ride, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an experience that feels almost surreal.

Floating along calm emerald waters, we drifted through a series of caves, limestone tunnels, and open valleys framed by towering karsts. The silence is broken only by the sound of oars gliding through water and the occasional echo from within the caves. It’s peaceful, cinematic, and utterly mesmerising. The kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention, but quietly stays with you.

For those willing to work a little harder, Mua Cave Viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views in Ninh Binh. The climb up nearly 500 stone steps is no easy feat, especially under the sun but the reward at the top is worth every step.

From above, the sweeping panorama of winding rivers, patchwork rice fields, and dramatic limestone peaks unfolds below. It’s one of those moments where you pause, catch your breath, and simply take it all in.

Best Time to Visit:

• Morning hours are ideal — the weather is cooler and the lighting softer for photos.
• Avoid noon, as the stairs can get slippery and the heat is intense.
• Visit between May and July to catch the rice fields at their most vibrant green or golden yellow.

If time allows, there’s still so much more to see in Ninh Binh:

• Tam Coc – Endless rice fields framed by towering cliffs, especially stunning during harvest season
• Bai Dinh Temple – Majestic, serene, and one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia

Each spot offers a different rhythm, but all share the same sense of calm that defines this region.

Just a short ride from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect day trip for those craving nature, culture, and a slower pace .All without venturing too far. Whether you’re gliding through caves, standing atop viewpoints, or wandering ancient capitals, this hidden paradise offers a refreshing contrast to city life.

Sometimes, the most memorable journeys are the ones that feel quietly unforgettable and Ninh Binh is exactly that.

Follow me on Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | Telegram for insta updates