{"id":371,"date":"2026-05-31T18:28:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T18:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/cam-nang-du-lich-ninh-binh-tips-huong-dan-tu-a-den-z\/"},"modified":"2026-06-08T11:45:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T11:45:48","slug":"travel-guides-ninh-binh","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/travel-guides-ninh-binh\/","title":{"rendered":"Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2026 \u2013 Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\ud83d\udccd Ninh Binh, Vietnam \u00b7 100km south of Hanoi<\/div>\n
Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2026<\/div>\n
Everything you need to plan your trip \u2014 transport, entrance fees, best season, and insider tips from locals.<\/div>\n
\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f UNESCO Heritage<\/span> \ud83c\udfac Kong: Skull Island<\/span> \u2b50 9.9M visitors\/year<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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In this guide<\/div>\n
\n\ud83d\udcc5<\/span> Best time to visit<\/a>
\n\ud83d\ude86<\/span> Getting there<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udef5<\/span> Getting around<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfab<\/span> Entrance fees 2026<\/a>
\n\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f<\/span> Itineraries<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udf5c<\/span> What to eat<\/a>
\n\ud83c\udfe8<\/span> Where to stay<\/a>
\n\ud83d\udcb0<\/span> Money & tips<\/a>
\n\u2753<\/span> FAQ<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udcc5<\/span><\/p>\n

Best time to visit<\/h2>\n

Year-round destination<\/span><\/div>\n

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Spring<\/div>\n
Feb \u2013 Apr<\/div>\n
\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/div>\n
Festival season<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Early Summer<\/div>\n
May \u2013 Jun<\/div>\n
\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/div>\n
Best for photos<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Rainy Season<\/div>\n
Jul \u2013 Aug<\/div>\n
\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/div>\n
Dramatic mist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Harvest<\/div>\n
Sep \u2013 Oct<\/div>\n
\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/div>\n
Golden fields<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Winter<\/div>\n
Nov \u2013 Jan<\/div>\n
\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/div>\n
Fewer crowds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udca1 Local tip:<\/strong> Go early morning regardless of season \u2014 the light is better, boats less crowded, and climbing Mua Cave is cooler. At Trang An on weekends, queue before 8:00 AM.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\ude86<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Ninh Binh is 100km south of Hanoi<\/strong> \u2014 about 2\u20133 hours depending on transport.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\ude86 Train<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2h \u2013 2h30<\/div>\n
80,000 \u2013 120,000\u0111<\/div>\n
Book via dsvn.vn \u00b7 2\u20133 days ahead on weekends<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\ude8c Limousine bus<\/div>\n
Easiest option<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2h \u2013 2h30<\/div>\n
120,000 \u2013 180,000\u0111<\/div>\n
Hotel pickup in Old Quarter \u00b7 most convenient<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\ude8c Public bus<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2h30 \u2013 3h<\/div>\n
60,000 \u2013 80,000\u0111<\/div>\n
Giap Bat or My Dinh station \u00b7 cheapest option<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\ude97 Private car<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
1h45 \u2013 2h15<\/div>\n
900k \u2013 1.5M\/car<\/div>\n
Hotel pickup \u00b7 best for groups and families<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Train tip:<\/strong> Trains SE5 and SE7 sell out fast on weekends. Ninh Binh station is 4km from Tam Coc \u2014 take Grab or xe \u00f4m to your hotel.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udef5<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting around Ninh Binh<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udeb2<\/span><\/p>\n
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Bicycle rental<\/div>\n
30,000\u201350,000\u0111\/day. Best in Tam Coc \u2014 flat terrain, scenic rice field roads.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udef5<\/span><\/p>\n
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Motorbike rental<\/div>\n
100,000\u2013150,000\u0111\/day. Maximum flexibility. Light traffic outside city centre.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udcf1<\/span><\/p>\n
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Grab app<\/div>\n
Transparent pricing \u2014 always agree fare before getting in a non-Grab taxi.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83c\udfab<\/span><\/p>\n
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Guided tour<\/div>\n
Most convenient \u2014 transport, tickets, and guide all included. Ideal for first visits.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udca1<\/strong> The route Tam Coc \u2192 Hoa Lu \u2192 Hang Mua is easily cycled in half a day. Mostly flat with stunning countryside views.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfab<\/span><\/p>\n

Official entrance fees 2026<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Official booth prices as of mid-2026. Cash only<\/strong> at almost all venues \u2014 stock up in Ninh Binh city before heading out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Attraction<\/th>\nTicket type<\/th>\nAdult<\/th>\nChild<\/th>\nKey tip<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Trang An<\/strong>UNESCO Heritage<\/small><\/td>\nBoat + entry<\/td>\n300,000\u0111<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n9 grottos by rowboat, 2.5h. Queue before 9 AM on weekends.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tam Coc<\/strong><\/td>\nBoat + entry<\/td>\n250,000\u0111<\/td>\n120,000\u0111<\/td>\n3 natural caves. Tip your rower 20\u201350k.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hang Mua<\/strong>From 01\/04\/2026<\/small><\/td>\nHeight over 1m<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n486 steps. Go before 8 AM or after 4 PM for best light.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bai Dinh \u2013 Standard<\/strong>From 15\/04\/2026<\/small><\/td>\nLo\u1ea1i 150K<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n100,000\u0111<\/td>\nLargest Buddhist complex SE Asia. Electric cart 30k optional.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bai Dinh \u2013 Mid<\/strong><\/td>\nLo\u1ea1i 200K<\/td>\n200,000\u0111<\/td>\n140,000\u0111<\/td>\nVisit on weekdays to avoid pilgrim crowds.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bai Dinh \u2013 Premium<\/strong><\/td>\nLo\u1ea1i 300K<\/td>\n300,000\u0111<\/td>\n210,000\u0111<\/td>\nBest views and access.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital<\/strong><\/td>\nTemple entry<\/td>\n20,000\u0111<\/td>\n10,000\u0111<\/td>\n968\u20131010 AD. Cover shoulders & knees.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thung Nham<\/strong>From 01\/04\/2026<\/small><\/td>\nGeneral entry<\/td>\n250,000\u0111<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\nBird sanctuary & cave. Go early morning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Van Long Wetland<\/strong><\/td>\nHeight over 1m<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nLargest wetland N.Vietnam. High primate sighting chance.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Show Anh Hung Co Lau<\/strong>Thu\u2013Sun, 20:45\u201321:45<\/small><\/td>\nGeneral<\/td>\n250,000\u0111<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n~50 performers at S\u00e2n Kh\u1ea5u Th\u1ee7y \u0110\u00ecnh, Hoa Lu.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dong Thien Ha Cave<\/strong><\/td>\nVN visitors<\/td>\n200,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nCheck foreign visitor pricing on arrival.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Doi Thong Ho Dong Chuong<\/strong><\/td>\nBy bicycle<\/td>\n250,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nPine hill + lake. Price includes transport.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nBy electric car<\/td>\n250,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pho Co Hoa Lu Boat<\/strong><\/td>\nStandard<\/td>\n100,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\nEvening boat on the old capital waterway.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nVIP (covered)<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tuyet Tinh Coc<\/strong><\/td>\nGeneral entry<\/td>\n100,000\u0111<\/td>\n30,000\u0111<\/td>\nScenic valley. Good for cycling & rowing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Thung Ui<\/strong><\/td>\nGeneral entry<\/td>\n150,000\u0111<\/td>\n100,000\u0111<\/td>\nRice terrace valley. Less visited, very scenic.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\ud83d\udccc General rules:<\/strong> Children under 1m enter free. Children 1m\u20131.3m get 50% discount at most sites. Cash only at almost all ticket booths. Opening hours: 7:00 AM \u2013 5:00 PM daily.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n

Suggested itineraries<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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1 day trip<\/div>\n
2 days 1 night<\/div>\n
3 days slow travel<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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07:30<\/div>\n
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Depart Hanoi<\/div>\n
Limousine bus or train. Arrive Ninh Binh ~09:30.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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10:00<\/div>\n
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Hoa Lu Ancient Capital<\/div>\n
Vietnam’s first royal capital. Two temple complexes. Allow 45 min. Entrance: 20,000\u0111.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
11:30<\/div>\n
\n
Lunch \u2014 local restaurant<\/div>\n
Try c\u01a1m ch\u00e1y (crispy rice cake) \u2014 the signature Ninh Binh dish.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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13:00<\/div>\n
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Trang An boat tour<\/div>\n
2.5 hours through 9 grottos. UNESCO World Heritage Site. 300,000\u0111\/person.<\/div>\n
\u26a0\ufe0f Book ahead on weekends \u2014 on-site queues can run 1\u20132 hours<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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15:30<\/div>\n
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Hang Mua climb<\/div>\n
486 steps to the best panoramic view in Ninh Binh. Allow 1h. 150,000\u0111.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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17:00<\/div>\n
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Return to Hanoi<\/div>\n
Arrive Hanoi ~19:30. Or stay overnight \u2014 strongly recommended for a much richer experience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udf5c<\/span><\/p>\n

What to eat in Ninh Binh<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udf5a<\/div>\n
C\u01a1m ch\u00e1y<\/div>\n
Crispy rice cake \u2014 the signature dish. Deep-fried with saut\u00e9ed meat or mushrooms.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udc10<\/div>\n
D\u00ea n\u00fai<\/div>\n
Mountain goat \u2014 leaner and more flavourful. Try grilled or steamed with lemongrass.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83e\udeda<\/div>\n
Nem n\u1eafm Giang<\/div>\n
Fresh herb rice paper rolls from Gia Vien \u2014 a true local specialty.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udc1f<\/div>\n
L\u01b0\u01a1n om chu\u1ed1i \u0111\u1eadu<\/div>\n
Eel slow-cooked with unripe banana and tofu. Ninh Binh comfort food.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udf76<\/div>\n
R\u01b0\u1ee3u Kim S\u01a1n<\/div>\n
Local rice wine up to 40\u00b0. Great souvenir from Kim Son district.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\ud83c\udf5c<\/div>\n
B\u00fan m\u1ecdc<\/div>\n
Light pork bone broth with mushroom meatballs. Common breakfast in Ninh Binh city.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udca1 Where to eat:<\/strong> Best local food is at small family restaurants on the roads between Tam Coc and Trang An \u2014 not on the main tourist strip.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfe8<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to stay<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfe1 Budget \u2014 Guesthouses<\/div>\n
200,000 \u2013 500,000\u0111 \/ night<\/div>\n
Family homestays in Tam Coc, often with rice field views. Book direct via Zalo\/WhatsApp.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfe9 Mid-range \u2014 Boutique hotels<\/div>\n
500,000 \u2013 1,200,000\u0111 \/ night<\/div>\n
Small hotels with pool, breakfast included. Best value in Tam Coc \/ Trang An area.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfe8 Luxury \u2014 Eco-resorts<\/div>\n
1,500,000\u0111+ \/ night<\/div>\n
Heritage-style eco-resorts with full facilities and stunning karst views.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83c\udfd9\ufe0f City centre<\/div>\n
200,000 \u2013 600,000\u0111 \/ night<\/div>\n
More budget options, better transport links. Practical for early\/late trains.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udca1<\/strong> Book ahead for weekends and Oct\u2013Nov harvest season \u2014 Ninh Binh fills up fast. Tam Coc \/ Trang An area is the best base for most visitors.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udcb0<\/span><\/p>\n

Money & practical tips<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\ud83d\udcb5<\/span><\/p>\n
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Cash is essential<\/div>\n
No ATMs in Tam Coc or Trang An. All ticket booths are cash only. Stock up in Ninh Binh city.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udc58<\/span><\/p>\n
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Dress code<\/div>\n
Cover shoulders and knees at Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu temples. Some provide sarongs.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udcf6<\/span><\/p>\n
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SIM card<\/div>\n
Viettel or Vinaphone for best rural 4G coverage. From ~100,000\u0111 for 30 days of data.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83e\udd1d<\/span><\/p>\n
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Tipping<\/div>\n
Not mandatory but appreciated. Boat rowers work hard \u2014 20,000\u201350,000\u0111 per boat is kind.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83c\udf27\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n
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Weather gear<\/div>\n
Light rain jacket year-round. Sun hat and sunscreen May\u2013September. Afternoon showers arrive fast.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\ud83d\udeb0<\/span><\/p>\n
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Water<\/div>\n
Don’t drink tap water. Bottled water 5,000\u201310,000\u0111 per 1.5L. Hotels provide drinking water free.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u2753<\/span><\/p>\n

Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Is Ninh Binh worth visiting if I’ve already been to Ha Long Bay?<\/span>\u203a<\/span><\/div>\n
Yes \u2014 they’re often compared but quite different. Ninh Binh is on land, quieter, cheaper, and more culturally rich (ancient temples, rice farming villages, local food). Many travellers actually prefer it.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Can I do Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi?<\/span>\u203a<\/span><\/div>\n
Yes \u2014 depart by 7:30 AM for 6\u20137 hours on the ground. But an overnight stay is strongly recommended: less rushing, evening Pho Co Hoa Lu atmosphere, and morning light on the rice fields.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Do I need to book boat tickets in advance?<\/span>\u203a<\/span><\/div>\n
You can buy on-site, but weekend queues at Trang An and Tam Coc can run 1\u20132 hours in peak season (Sep\u2013Oct). Tours with tickets included save time and often money.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Is Ninh Binh suitable for children and older travellers?<\/span>\u203a<\/span><\/div>\n
Very much so. Boat tours are flat and calm \u2014 suitable for all ages. Bai Dinh has electric carts. Hang Mua steps are optional. Children under 1m enter most sites free.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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How do I combine Ninh Binh with Ha Long Bay?<\/span>\u203a<\/span><\/div>\n
Popular route: Hanoi \u2192 Ninh Binh (1\u20132 nights) \u2192 Ha Long Bay \/ Cat Ba (1\u20132 nights) \u2192 Hanoi. Direct transfers between Ninh Binh and Cat Ba avoid returning through Hanoi.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Ready to explore Ninh Binh?<\/div>\n
Browse curated tours \u2014 boats, caves, night shows, and private guides.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Browse all tours \u2192<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udccd Ninh Binh, Vietnam \u00b7 100km south of Hanoi Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2026 Everything you need to plan your trip \u2014 transport, entrance fees, best season, and insider tips from locals. \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f UNESCO Heritage \ud83c\udfac Kong: Skull Island \u2b50 9.9M visitors\/year In this guide \ud83d\udcc5 Best time to visit \ud83d\ude86 Getting there \ud83d\udef5 Getting […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_angie_page":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-371","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=371"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":751,"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/371\/revisions\/751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tourninhbinh.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}