A guide to Ninh Bình

For some of the most breathtaking and majestic landscapes in the world, there's no better place to visit than Ninh Bình. It may only be a couple of hours drive away from Hà Nội, but once you arrive at this picture postcard destination, you may as well be a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Việt Nam's capital.

Thinking of going?

Here's a few tips on the best things to do and the best places to see:

Travel 

By train: Takes a little over two hours and costs between US$3 and $10. 

By bus: Takes about two hours 40 minutes and costs around $5.

Places to stay

Homestays start at around $6 a night and hotels range to up to $40 per night. High end hotels will set you back at around $75.

Things to do

A boat trip around the famous waterways and caves lasts around 2-4 hours and costs around $9.

To climb the Ngọa Long mountain peak make sure you have plenty of stamina and around $4 to enter the park.

Thung Nham Bird Garden may be a little off the beaten track, but lovers of birds are in for a treat as this is where most of the regions birds call home. 

Motorbikes in Tam Cốc can be rented from $5/day. Bikes for half that price. 

Food prices are not too dissimilar to Hà Nội. Expect nice local cuisine for around $5 while a bowl of phở should be around $2. 

VNS