| Hoa Lu | capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 |
|---|---|
| Dynasties | the Dinh, Early Le, Ly and Tran dynasties all began in the Ninh Binh area |
| Trang An | the Hoa Lu – Trang An special-use forest is part of the Trang An World Heritage site |
| Biosphere | part of the Red River Delta biosphere reserve |
| Coast | a 90 km coastline |
| Caves | Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Van Trinh, Tien, Thien Ha and Trang An caves |
Vietnam – Getting to know Ninh Binh
The city of Ninh Binh is about two hours south of Hanoi, and the interest lies in the countryside around it. However, once you reach the city’s outskirts it’s a very different situation, as you pass into a most dramatic landscape of lakes, rivers, caves, rice paddy fields and huge limestone karsts. The region shares its karst geology with Ha Long Bay and is often referred to as ‘Halong bay on Land’.
Mua Cave – Ninh Binh
What to do in Ninh Binh
A thousand years ago the nearby settlement Hoa Lu was capital of Vietnam, and the ancient citadel and two temples can still be visited today. Tam Coc is the best known of the region’s caves, and is in fact a series of three inter-linking waterways.
There is also the rural region surrounding Vuon Thi, where you can be sure of an exhilarating afternoon learning about farming techniques, the art of Vietnamese cooking, and enjoying some of Vietnam’s most compelling scenery from the saddle.
It is possible to visit the Ninh Binh region on a day trip from Hanoi, but ideally we’d suggest you stay overnight, to allow a more comfortable pace of travel.
Ancient capital and limestone country
Vietnamese Wikipedia describes Ninh Binh as the old capital Hoa Lu from 968 to 1010 and the birthplace of four successive dynasties: the Dinh, Early Le, Ly and Tran. It lies on the southern gateway to Hanoi, where the Northwest, the Red River delta and the north-central region meet. The province holds the Trang An World Heritage landscape and the Red River Delta biosphere reserve. Its flooded limestone mountains form caves such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Van Trinh, Tien, Thien Ha and Trang An, and Bich Dong is nicknamed the second cave of the south. We have not verified boat times, prices or cycling routes, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Ninh Bình. Last checked November 2026.
Ninh Binh: FAQ
When was Hoa Lu the capital of Vietnam?
From 968 to 1010.
Is Trang An a World Heritage Site?
Yes. The Hoa Lu – Trang An forest is part of the Trang An World Heritage landscape.
What caves are near Ninh Binh?
Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Van Trinh, Tien, Thien Ha and Trang An, among others.
How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
It is at Hanoi’s southern gateway; allow about two hours by road, which is the usual guide figure.
How many days do you need in Ninh Binh?
One or two nights.