From the yellow rice field of Tam Coc, to the stunning water grottoes of Trang An, Ninh Binh is a place that open your eye to a lively countryside of Vietnam.
This article includes all the essential information to know before you visit, a compass to help you fully enjoy the beauty of this area.
Entry requirements
To enter Ninh Binh as well as Vietnam, you must meet the general entry requirements for Vietnam, including a valid visa and passport.
Visa:
- 56 nationalities could enter Vietnam and stay without a visa for a maximum of 45 consecutive days. Check the list here.
- If your nationality is not on the exemption list, you can apply for an e-visa via Vietnam Immigration Website
Passport:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.
Time difference
Ninh Binh time is GMT +7.
Currency
The official currency of Vietnam as well as Ninh Binh is Vietnam Dong (VND; dong). Paper-made bills have small values: 1,000 VND to 5,000 VND (~20 cents). Bills made from polymer will have a higher value: from 10,000 vnd up to 500,000 vnd (~20 USD).
Most local shops will only accept Dong. Hotels or professional businesses may accept USD or sometimes EUR, but this is not guaranteed.
Foreign currency could be exchanged in hotels or jewelry shops for a small commission. Check the rate below to make sure you won’t get a bad deal:
Cash or card?
Cash and cards are both widely used in Ninh Binh.
Cash is preferable, from local vendors to luxury facilities. Ticket booths at attractions only accept dong. Local staff would also prefer to get tips in cash.
Cards are limited to being accepted only in accommodations, travel agencies, and in-door restaurants. All transactions need to be in Vietnam Dong, and depending on the business, you’ll need to pay an extra of 3% to 5% for each transaction.
Popular cards in Vietnam are Visa and Mastercard. You might find some businesses won’t accept American Express or other less popular cards.
Languages
The main language in Ninh Binh is Vietnamese. However, English speakers might find it comfortable traveling, especially if you stay around touristic areas. Most of the staff in restaurants, attractions, or hotels speak, or at least understand, a fair enough level of English.
Other languages than English are rarely used in Ninh Binh, and it’s highly recommended to have a translator app on your phone.
Below are some useful Vietnamese phrases:
- Hello – /Zin chow/. – Xin chào.
- Thank you – /gauhm uhhn/ – cảm ơn.
- Goodbye – /tam byet/ – tạm biệt.
- Yes – /vuhng/ – Vâng
- No -/kaumng/ – Không.
- How much? -/bahw ngew tee-uhn…/-Bao nhiêu tiền?
Etiquette
Ninh Binh’s tourism is booming, and locals are pretty open with foreign travelers. It’s not very strict in terms of manners rather than respectable behaviors.
However, as Ninh Binh is a Buddhist province, there are a couple of things you shall notice:
- Locals pay huge respect to religious monuments, and you should too. Remove your hat and wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders when visiting pagodas or temples.
- Try not to stand in front of or touch the altars, no matter if you see them along the street or inside someone’s house.
Drinking waters
It’s advisable not to drink tap water directly in Ninh Binh. Go for boiled water or bottles of water if possible.
Typical cost
A daily travel cost in Ninh Binh is pretty reasonable, only about avg.1,000,000 – 2,000,000 VND per person. Here’s a typical cost breakdown:
Meals:
- Breakfast: 30,000-70,000 VND.
- Lunch & Dinner: 100,000-200,000 VND.
Travel
- Taxi: 12,000vnd ~ 15,000vnd per kilometers
- Tickets: Free – 250,000vnd
- Tips: 50,000vnd – 100,000vnd
Accommodations
- Budget homestay or dorm: 100,000 VND-500,000 VND.
- Mid-range hotel: 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND.
Useful phone numbers
- Police: 113
- Fire department: 114
- Ambulance: 115
- Tourist support (24/7): +84 2293.886.068
