Is February a good month to visit Ninh Binh?
February is unquestionably the best month to see Ninh Binh at its most authentic. The month usually hosts Tết Lunar New Year—the most important holiday of the Vietnamese during the year. Although it might get pretty cold at times throughout February, the weather is generally cool, bringing freshness to Ninh Binh’s stunning nature.
What’s the weather like in Ninh Binh in February?
The temperature in Ninh Binh in February ranges from 12℃ to 26℃, normally cold at the beginning and getting warmer toward the end of the month.
Besides, in the early morning before 6 am and after 5 pm, you might feel particularly chill when the temperature tends to drop lower than the rest of the day. Layered clothes will be necessary.
On another note, February is one of the driest months in Ninh Binh. It only sees 1.4 rainy days on average, while the rainfall remains relatively low at 28 mm.
*Data is based on 2024 metrics.
Things to do in Ninh Binh in February
Join the colorful Lunar New Year Celebration.
Lunar New Year (Tết) is the most important event during the year for Vietnamese, and Ninh Binh is no exception.
The celebration normally falls in the first half of February. Ninh Binh’s local houses and shops will be beautifully decorated with red decorations and peach blossoms. The street will get particularly busier.
On New Year’s night, a huge celebration, including a countdown party and fireworks, will be held at Ninh Binh Walking Street.
Besides, it is worth noting that during the first 3 days of the New Year (Lunar Calendar), most shops and restaurants will be closed, so plan accordingly. They’ll gradually open from day 4 and be fully back to normal a week after.
Notes: Some accommodations, especially local homestay might not accepts new guests during the first day of the new year. So, make sure to confirm with the owners before booking.
Attend Bai Dinh festival
The Bai Dinh Festival is another important cultural event that you shouldn’t miss. It’s a pretty long festival, actually; it begins in the middle of February and lasts until the end of March. However, February is when the most significant activities take place. The festival is held at Bai Dinh Pagoda, honoring the heroes who have made crucial contributions to Ninh Binh in particular and to Vietnam in general.
The festival is divided into two parts: the “Lễ” (ritual) and the “Hội” (celebration). The “Lễ” part, the first three days, is dedicated to offering prayers to Buddha and spirits, with colorful and traditional rituals you can’t find elsewhere.
“Hội,” coming right after, offers interesting folk games or traditional music performances such as Chèo, Xẩm, and Ca trù (local forms of traditional singing and dance).
See the panoramic view of Ninh Binh from Bich Dong Pagoda.
February’s freshness is perfect to see Ninh Binh from above and Bich Dong Pagoda is the place you should go.
The 1000-year-old pagoda, hidden among the lush green, consists of three small pagodas: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda, layered from the foot to the top of Truong Yen Mountain.
After conquering 160 steps to Upper Pagoda, the highest of the three, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Ninh Binh, surrounded by the five peaks of Ngu Nhac Son (five big mountains). Along the way, don’t forget to pray for luck and happiness—a Vietnamese tradition when visiting a pagoda—at Lower and Middle Pagoda.
