Ninh Binh

You can buy exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs in Ninh Binh. The Rong Market of this region is famous for its delicious local snacks such as goat meat, Muong's pig, Eel, Van Long small shrimp, Kim Son rice wine, Ninh Binh rice crust and Dong Giao pineapple. These commodities can cost anywhere from VND 113700 to VND 795900.

ATMs are present here in Ninh Binh. However, it is advisable to carry enough cash before visiting this destination. ATMs of Saigon Commercial Bank, MBBANK, Techcom Bank are available here among others.

Gestures such as shaking hands, or passing an item over to another person are generally done with both hands. Do not touch anyone's head, or pass an item over their head. Public display of affection especially with the opposite sex is frowned upon. Ninh Binh is a conservative destination and tourists are expected to dress up modestly, unless on the beach where appropriate swimming gear is required.

Ninh Binh was an important centre of power during the events that preceded the Sino-French was of 1884. During this time, some powers were vying for control over the Tonkin region. The allegiance of Ninh Binh was of considerable importance to the French troops, and although the Vietnamese forces did not hinder the passage of the French through the Henry Riviere, they were openly hostile to the French. The French finally managed to capture the citadel of Ninh Binh in 1883 and went on to install a garrison there as well.

Being a popular tourist destination, Ninh Binh has plenty of eating options for one and all. The Trung Tuyet is a wonderful option for trying out some Vietnamese delicacies, along with varied options for vegetarians. You can try out some snail dishes at the Snail's Restaurant. Another popular outlet is Chookie's, which serves both traditional Vietnamese food and Western cuisines as well. Try some fresh produce at the Cho Bop market. You can also find some Japanese places and kebab shops here. The meals in any of these places can cost anywhere from VND 30,000 to VND 70,000.

There are two best times to visit Ninh Binh. One is from late-May to early-July, and the other one is from September to October. The former is the time when the locals harvest the summer rice, and during the later period, it’s time for them to reap the wet rice. During both these seasons, the natural beauty of the place is to the fullest with ripening rice fields. However, the place boasts of such picturesque locales that any time of the year is a good time to visit Ninh Binh. May-October is a bit hot and humid in this particular place in Vietnam. There’s also a lot of rainfall during these months and hence, travelling around the city might be a little difficult and uncomfortable. September is a bit risky for typhoons, and if you plan a trip during this month, you need to be prepared. November to April is the dry months in Ninh Binh when the weather is cold but dry. If you wish to witness the vivid greens of the rice paddy fields here, then the rainy season is the best bet for you. Also, these are the low months, and hence, airfares and accommodation costs are comparatively cheaper.