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shopping in Ninh Binh
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What to Buy and Where to Shop in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a famous destination with beautiful sightseeing and peaceful landscapes. For that reason, nobody thinks that they can buy something in this land. The fact is that tourists are not sure about the items to purchase and where to shop.

Shopping in Ninh Binh
Shopping in Ninh Binh

It is lucky if you have a resident to help you. In case you cannot find anyone, you possibly read a guide before starting your trip. This post may support you know the things you can buy in Ninh Binh.

Places to buy something in Ninh Binh Province

Ninh Binh is located towards the North of Vietnam; this is a province with a lot of things to supply. Aside from the natural terrains around and the concrete jungle have many small shopping malls, increasing the variation to the natural sights in Ninh Binh.

Going around the streets of this destination and the markets, a person feels free to select with all of the local products. The entrepreneurial spirit of residents and the high-quality items may make you reach the wallet at least once.

The shopping experience probably makes you fall in love with this tranquil place. Taking something souvenirs with you before turning home might help you save memories of this trip.

Local markets

As usual, the market is a crowded place where most of group activities happen every day. In the past, poets used the market’s image or fairs to describe the life of a land, typically in the countryside area.

Local market in Ninh Binh
Local market

Most of the time, pictures of a countryside market leave the deep attraction and probably touches our hearts. By saving photos from the markets, we can save the ancient capital of Vietnam as well as the local culture. Markets may convey its cultural features and this is a reason that visitors would like to come. There are many markets with a variety of goods like Dragon Market, Quang Trung, Dong Giao, Dong Thanh, and Dong Van. Most of the well-known sites often have private markets for visitors, so we completely have opportunities to explore culture features in countryside areas.

Shopping malls

Do you think that Ninh Binh is not a famous town for going shopping in a mall like Hanoi? The fact is that this town has several malls to shop for something in the shopping malls.

Big C shopping center
Big C shopping center

List a few modern shopping centers in Ninh Binh will help you realize where to buy local products such as Tam Hang Plaza, Dong Thanh Plaza, Este Boutique, Big C, and Da Nam Cao Cap shopping center.

In these shopping centers, you will find all the products which you can seek in any mall in your city. The experience within those shopping malls may create a wistful feeling. And it will transport you to come back home for such memorable moments.

What goods should we buy during the trip?

In the hypothesis, the markets are important parts of daily life in a local place, whether they are huge or small. Markets construct shopping habits and behaviors of the consumers.

It is always a common topic for people to search for and a good way to build up a local economy. The market also creates a new picture of culture, trading, and ethnicity.

With Ninh Binh, tourists satisfy with all goods, including specialties like raw goat meats, salted shrimps, mountain snails, and scorched rice.

There are several things you ought to find in this land, which is clean and fresh at all to relish. Such dishes are outstanding in Ninh Binh no matter you found them in a small road or a narrow corner. And they are always available in local markets.

Local market in Ninh Binh
Local market

I remembered the taste of scorched rice a lot although I can buy this item in another city like Hanoi or HCMC. This is because I may discover the feeling of sauce’s salty along with the aroma of rice. The taste is so charming.

Visiting Ninh Binh, travelers ought to take various experiences from the country’s market due to local factors with a wide range of activities of the market. They show the local cultural elements, ancient values of the Ninh Binh market, and the entire nation in general. With a diversity of ethnic people, the colorful markets in Ninh Binh have been increased.

When enjoying Ninh Binh specialties, you can bring something to your home as souvenirs. It could be Yen Mac fermented pork roll, Nho Quan wine drunk, Gia Vien shrimp sauce, and so on.

If you visit Kim Son village or Phat Diem Cathedral, you will want to buy some craft products from sedges. Most of the tourists like book baskets, lanes, sandals, vases, and mats.

These items can become good souvenirs for your family and friends. The list is a few items that are waiting for our exploration.

Bonus: Visit Dragon Market

If you ask a local about the most stunning markets in Ninh Binh, I bet that he or she will point out the Dragon Market (Rong Market). This is the biggest and well-known market in Ninh Binh Province. It is also the first trading place of buying and selling goods with other markets in the city as well as other regions.

Dragon Market
Dragon Market

In the past, Dragon Market was a small shopping center in the city. Today, it is expanding some areas to meet the demand of economic exchange, currency exchange, and other trading activities in the local and the region.

With the advantages of location, Dragon Market is always a famous place for residents and tourists to buy something and enjoy the fresh air. The area is located near the Van River’s confluence, Van Giang Ward, Ninh Binh.

The Market has three buildings with two zones along the Van River. The A zone provides kitchen utensils while the B zone offers food.

People tend to buy fresh goods like fruits and veggies in the Dragon Market. Locals also select utility tools, clothes, fabrics, and home appliances; which are essential products in their lives.

Dragon Market is not sightseeing but also an economic exchange site of citizens and foreigners. It contributes a lot to the local economic growth and local society.

Go shopping is one of the most excellent activities during our journey. This is an incredible way to learn the culture of the local people.

And of course, we can give our mind a rest when shopping. Put this experience in the Ninh Binh trip, you will achieve more than you would lose and purchase souvenirs before coming back home.

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where to stay in Ninh Binh
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Where to stay in Ninh Binh

If you are going to take a journey to Ninh Binh, you will need to choose some places. In the previous post, I have already pointed out a lot of itineraries. I think that you can select some of them in your plan.

However, you should find out accommodation as well. This task will also be painless if you still stay tuned for this post – where to stay in Ninh Binh.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Where to stay in Ninh Binh

If you drop in Tam Coc area (Bich Dong Pagoda, Hang Mua Cave, and Tam Coc)

No matter you determine to choose Tam Coc is the first destination or the last one, you could consider a homestay or luxurious accommodation.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel and Resort

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel and Resort
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel and Resort

This is a new accommodation opened in 2016 which is a treasure in the region. With the beautiful mountain sceneries around, this location possibly provides a fantastic experience to tourists.

Each room has all the primary amenities like an air conditioner, a coffee maker, a high-end screen TV inside. In the bathroom, the granite is being used in the decoration making it is luxurious.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel and Resort wishes to bring travelers the highest experience when serving many facilities, including a swimming pool, a Yoga club, and children playroom. Bring your body and soul in one of these activities might help you feel better and stronger again. In other words, you can refill energy for your body with ease.

Tam Coc Garden

Tam Coc Garden has been a common option among visitors since 2013. Serving a little more magnificent tourists, the hotel provides a fashionable boutique alternation to the fancy Emeralda Resort. Tam Coc Garden is located in the middle of the paddies, made in a cave, a few miles away from Bich Dong Pagoda.

There are three main kinds of bungalows around a central garden. Each bungalow has a terrace in the countryside and is comfortably decorated, supporting the most convenient of natural materials and making nice interiors.

When going around the area, there is a pool that you may order a cocktail from the bar. In that place, the Lemongrass Restaurant has a marvelous menu for dining, so you do not have to concern about getting some grub.
Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort

In the paddle fields of Tam Coc, we have another choice – Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort. The style of the whole resort is about conventional Vietnamese countryside and the most fabulous natural experience.
It probably becomes a new taste for any tourist. The most incredible factor of this resort is that you can explore the beauty of Ninh Binh region and rest in a traditional bungalow.

In each bungalow, the room has a private bathroom and other vital amenities such as water bottles, a safe box, comfortable beds, and a balcony. Furthermore, the heating system and fans are available in the room because the temperatures of the day and night are different.

This resort has a wonderful location as we just drive one kilometer from Bich Dong Pagoda, three caves of Tam Coc, and some famous sites in Ninh Binh. Once you have visited all sites around, you are able to participate in other activities in the resort such as a cooking class, a fishing pond, and a special rowing class.

Tam Coc River View Homestay

Tam Coc River View Homestay
Tam Coc River View Homestay

Tam Coc River View Homestay is located on the river bank, so we ought to see the sun goes down the mountain during the afternoon. In this tranquil homestay, you can pick one of two main types – private room (including double-bed rooms, bungalows, and a big family room) and shared rooms (consisting of a bunk-bed room and four beds).

Every snug room at the homestay has standard facilities such as cozy beds, air conditioners, TV, and of course the private bathrooms. Even a wood bunk-bed in the shared room has a soft mattress, so guests can rest their backs after a full day of activities, including curtains and a reading light.
Moreover, there are two collective bathrooms in the dormitory to support travelers who do not have to wait for taking a shower. Despite knowing as a homestay, it provides a breakfast package in the room price like other hotels.

Many prior visitors agree that breakfast is quite enormous and delicious. Not only have some slices of stale bread or a bowl of noodles but also cheese, sandwiches, fried, fried bananas, coffee and teacups, and tropical fruits.

These make me feel thoughtful from the catering way of employees. There is a beautiful garden that you want to take a seat on bamboo chairs with tables and watching people sailing in Ngo Dong River. This is truly an excellent spot to sit down and help your mind relax.

Tam Coc West Lake Homestay

Tam Coc West Lake Homestay
Tam Coc West Lake Homestay

Tam Coc West Lake Homestay is not located in the center of the main Ninh Binh town, but this is a great point for those who love natural at all.

Constructed in Tam Coc, all of the houses are new and set around a central courtyard by a lake. All rooms are not designed fancy, but basic amenities are available with comfy beds, towels, toiletries, TVs, and extra duvets for cold nights.

The homestay has a restaurant with a huge range of dishes from Western dishes to local ones on the menu. When you want to pick you up and drop off at the bus station, contact to the reception area.

Tam Coc Boutique Garden

Tam Coc Boutique Garden
Tam Coc Boutique Garden

The design of Tam Coc Boutique Garden embodies chic style with brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a new hotel, so everything is flexible. The resemble glass boxes are put around a garden.

With warm furnishings, an outdoor bar, and heaters, this is a suitable option for visitors in the winter season. There are wide ranges of room to select: king, double, twin, and family rooms.

All rooms also come with adjoining bathrooms. In the hotel room, the hotel also offers a breakfast and free-of-charge bicycles in the package.

In Van Long Reserve

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh is commonly known as an excellent accommodation in the region. Visitors will submerge in the great nature and relax with a lot of activities in the resort. This resort is completely a good selection for those who would like to take their traveling time in the best accommodation.

There are two restaurants and two bars that you can enjoy distinguishable products and features. The Sen Restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese style and a variety of local dishes while the Organics Restaurant has a mixed menu between Eastern and Western cuisine.

The Winebar provides a tremendous option of wine and a pool bar, where you can relish the air and music with your families.

Choosing the resort will give you several activities to entertain during your free time. If you love sports, it is possible to enjoy a mini-golf course with modern equipment.

The cooking class is available to discover Vietnamese cuisine with other people. For your children, they may be excited about a kid club in the green garden.

In Ninh Binh city center

The Vancouver Hotel

The Vancouver Hotel
The Vancouver Hotel

This is a family hotel and praised for a calm location with nice employees and comfortable rooms. Although it is not a fancy accommodation like Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, it is still a respectable place for your journey in Ninh Binh. Located in the city center, you simply travel to other destinations in a few minutes.

The Vancouver Hotel has been renovated in 2015; all rooms have a diverse range of facilities such as bathrooms, air conditioners, a refrigerator, and high-speed wireless. Additional services in the hotel are flight booking, tour organizing, vehicle hire, and foreign currency exchange.

Ninh Binh Legend Hotel

Ninh Binh Legend Hotel
Ninh Binh Legend Hotel

Due to the fresh garden and natural area, Ninh Binh Legend Hotel is a good choice on the list of accommodation in Ninh Binh, which provides amazing rooms and services.

All of the buildings are based on the French style that makes us quietly surprised. Although it names a hotel, there are several activities inside. A swimming pool, billiards, a gym center, a tennis court are good examples to prove this place is like a small resort.

For those who are looking for a quiet corner to reading or working, the hotel also offers that place with the Internet. Sometimes, there are some cooking classes in the downstairs that you can join in. Go around and visit a souvenir shop to buy a present for someone are also amazing.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh is not a tricky question to find an answer. Though Ninh Binh is a peaceful destination on the tourist map, it still has plenty of places to stay overnight. I am done with this homework for you. Now, it is your turn to select and book a room on time.

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When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh
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When is the Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh province is known as the land of scenery hiding the glamour of Northern countryside in Vietnam. This is the paradise for nature lovers and valuable visiting. Ninh Binh is extravagant and engrossing with beautiful mountains, forest, pagodas, paddies, streams, and ancient relic.

Moreover, this place provides a lot of options like community travel, eco-tourism, sports areas, and religious exploration. If you want to have an enjoyed trip in that destination, you will need to know when the best time to visit Ninh Binh is.   

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh
Trang An Lanscape Complex

Best time to visit Ninh Binh

From January to April

Spring is a romantic time to travel to Ninh Binh. The weather is not hot and cold, so it is perfect to get around and lost in nature. In addition, the local holidays like Tet, the climate is so perfect to participate in festivals and enjoying terrains.

Besides the picturesque spots like Tam Coc and Trang An, this season is suitable for reaching historical sites and tourist destination. Some famous temples you should visit such as Duyen Ninh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Dinh Pagoda.

Between late May and early June

In this season, it is also the greatest time to discover the golden fields in Ninh Binh. When traveling, you also avoid the humid and hot weather of the city in such places. For instance, Tam Coc has bright yellow in rice paddies and green color of the mountains, making a natural picture. In Tam Coc area, Hang Mua (Dance Cave) is a good place to take many shots at the golden rice paddles.

September and October

This season is called rice harvesting time in Ninh Binh. If you book a boat tour to Bich Dong River, you will also find out how beautiful the Trang An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Tam Coc.

November and December

The last quarter of a year is also the right time to fly to Ninh Binh. This is because the weather is a bit cold without the crowds in the evening. You will feel peaceful in the mountains and caves.

There is one downside if you choose this season. The rice harvesting season is close, so you cannot see the picture of yellowish fields. Generally speaking, the climate is pleasant to chill out at nights.

Biking tour in Ninh Binh
Biking tour in Ninh Binh

Think of places to travel in Ninh Binh

For delightful rice paddies and boat rides

Having photos in the beauty of ripening rice fields that makes you feel excited, haven’t you? In Ninh Binh, you do that if you travel to that place from late May to early July. Locals collect rice harvest in this season, and the wet rice time is available on the early September. According to all residents, you also enjoy the charming time in Bich Dong complex.

Another tremendous thing you would not miss is floating the natural streams in Tam Coc. Bich Dong is also known as another version Ha Long Bay. Sitting boats in the streams surrounded and taking wonderful photos are truly unforgettable journey.

The immaculate beauty of Tam Coc is a combination of simple and nice landmarks in spiritual life of locals. This is a practical part in contributing pristine landscape from all regions in the world.

For exploring the lotus forest

If you have already relished the yellow of rice fields in Bich Dong Complex, you will find an opportunity to catch the lotus forest. Water lily and lotus are common flowers in Ninh Binh; especially in Tam Coc Grotto. When floating along the stream to Tam Coc, you probably come back to the Le Dynasty history.

When could we see lotus? The fragrance of this flower often happens in June and you know that this is an amazing time to watch it. For those who love flowers, June is a time to travel to Ninh Binh and having a special moment in the beauty of mountainous regions.

Boat trip in Trang An
Boat trip in Trang An

For keening on your trip in Trang An

There is no doubt that Ninh Binh is a spiritual land with many pagodas and temples. It also has Trang An Complex with special karst peaks with valleys. Because of the remarkable sightseeing, Trang An is a worth place to continue your journey.

To see everything in perfect look of Trang An, you need to visit between February and March. This is a fabulous atmosphere to see how local people enjoy their Tet holidays in the middle of great nature.

In general, there are two great times to visit Ninh Binh. One is from May to July and the other one is between September and October. The summertime is the most fantastic time to discover how residents do with their harvest. The latter is also fine for recapping wet rice harvest.

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Ninh Binh Train Station
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How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

It is a good idea if you can combine a tour of Hanoi and Ninh Binh as this province is not far away from the capital. In case you do not select a travel tour from your local place, you should know how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi.

From Hanoi, how to get to Ninh Binh

The good news is we have a huge variety of transportation mode from private cars to buses or trains. However, the bad news is you have no idea which one is suitable. Therefore, you should come across each and pick for your situation.

Trang An Boat Station
Trang An Boat Station

By Train

You will depart from Hanoi through the Reunification Express Train Hanoi, stop one station in Nam Dinh City and straightly come to Ninh Binh Train Station. If you choose this mode, you will take two hours and 30 minutes.

The ticket price is not expensive, from $2.5 to $5 for one ticket, relying on the ticket type and the seat.Please keep in mind that you can book a ticket online or directly at the Hanoi station.

Ninh Binh Train Station
Ninh Binh Train Station

By Bus

The distance from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is moderate; traveling by bus is suitable and easy. This is because you can reach a bus from Giap Bat station at any time. The price ticket is also reasonable at only $3 for one ticket. The Ninh Binh Station, on the other hand, is located in the city center for easy getting around. Minh Long and Hoang Long are high-quality service bus companies.

By Mortobike

Visiting by a motorbike could be a great option for a traveler relishing scenery the beauty of Vietnam villages, rice paddies, mountains, and rivers on the road. The routine is quite simple that you cannot take a map because you drive on the National Highway 1A and draw close attention to milestones only.

Rent a motorbike is accessible in many stores, travel agents, and hotels in Hanoi. The price is approximately $10 per day. Nonetheless, you need to deposit an amount of money and your identification paper to rent.

Mortobike in Ninh Binh
Mortobike

By Bike

If you are sure that your overall health is good, you can try this method. Additionally, you should have experience of biking in a new country to solve problems on the go.

You also have to follow a similar routine with motorcycles. Rent a bike in a travel agent of Hanoi Old Quarter. The bicycle renting price is about $5 per day and the deposit is around $200.

By Taxi

Most tourists choose this transportation way as it is easy and safe. The only thing you have to do is catch a taxi from your hotel and show the taxi driver about the destination you wanted. Then, you pay the fee in Ninh Binh.

The driving time is up to 5 hours, so you have time to go around the ancient city. Two-Way taxi fare is $100 for a full trip around Ninh Binh.

By Private Car

Ninh Binh private car
Private car

This method is perfect for those who have more than 10 persons in a big group. You might choose the pick-up location, time, the type of car, and the destination.

The price is quite expensive than buying a train ticket or a bus one, but it is much more comfortable and fun. However, be sure that you or a member of your group can drive and handle all situations on the road. Rent a car in a travel agent in Hanoi is not complicated.

The traveling time from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is around two hours as the distance is about 90 kilometers in the South of Hanoi. Because of a well-developed traffic system, the route is more convenient, easier, and simpler. Therefore, we can pick any type of transportation. Consider 6 options above and select the one is ideal for you.

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