Ninh Binh
Nestled in the northern corner of Vietnam, is Ninh Binh, a city in the province of the same name and a perfect base to some of the more remote - and naturally beautiful - areas of the country. The city itself is home to under 150,000 people, but with its close proximity to cliffs, caves, and cathedrals, it has become a hub for travelers looking to visit some up-and-coming hotspots.
On a journey either north or south through Vietnam, Ninh Binh is the perfect stop to catch one's breath and see some spectacular - and not overcrowded - sites. As it has grown as a tourist destination, Ninh Binh has become very accessible on both bus and train routes, making it an easy stop for a couple days - with just the right number of things to do.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Welcome to the rainforest: just an hour from Ninh Binh is Cuc Phuong National Park, a rainforest housing an endangered primates rescue centre, a botanical garden and a turtle center. Visitors may motorbike, drive, cycle or walk through the 12 miles of jungle trails, where they can see an incredible amount of flora and fauna, including thousands of butterflies.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, this ancient capital holds an annual festival in the streets to celebrate its rich history. But anytime of year is a good time to explore this city - a short bike ride from Ninh Binh - and visit its temples: Dinh Tien Hoang, Nhat Tru Temple and Le Dai Hanh.
Ma Yen Mountain
Standing majestically behind King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is Ma Yen Mountain, a two-peaked mountain that is said to represent King Dinh Bo Linh sitting and looking down upon the country. Visitors can climb a stairway up this mountain, leading to a stunning panorama of Tam Coc and the surrounding area.
Phat Diem Cathedral
For architecture gurus, a visit to Phat Diem Cathedral is a must. Mixing a number of architectural styles and incorporating Buddhist influence, this Catholic cathedral is designed as a main church with four smaller churches and gardens surrounding it, creating an impressive, tranquil estate.
Tam Coc
A must-see during your time in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc, a marvelous site of limestone cliffs, rising majestically out of rice paddies. On a hired boat, visitors navigate their way down the river, marvelling at the expense of rice paddies on either side of them, shadowed by the incredible cliffs.
Trang An Grottoes
Similar to Tam Coc, a visit to Trang An Grottoes will have visitors navigating in their hired boat by expansive cliffs, but also through a series of natural caves of all different sizes, many of which give way to secret green and blue grottos.
Vietnam Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
The Lens Leads: Photography Expeditions in Vietnam
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Travelers want to photograph unique, specialist views of Southeast Asia as they explore, taste, and savor the charms of rural Vietnam. To get the very best out of their lens, they’re going to need an expert.
Finding Vietnam Getaways for Disabled Travelers
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From the Mekong of the south to Halong Bay in the north, there are plenty of wheelchair accessible options for the Vietnam traveler.
All Hands on Deck for 5 Luxury Asia Yachting Journeys You’ll Love
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Indonesia phinisi or luxury yacht? Baikal or the Kerala Backwaters? These 5 luxury yachting journeys combine everything from diving to private jets.
What Others Say
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Friends from Washington DC and New York
The guides they selected were very good and, in three cases (Seoul, Hoi An/Hue, and Angkor Wat) simply outstanding.
Two couples from France and Switzerland
Our party preferred a French-speaking local guide and you found someone who was both knowledgeable and helpful. We would recommend her to anyone with the same needs.
A Couple from California
Your on-the-ground guides and logistics were top-notch, and I would recommend you to anyone.
