Ninh Binh is famous for its natural beauty in Vietnam. Located only 100 km from Hanoi Capital, this province is blessed with a peaceful countryside atmosphere, yellow rice fields, and stunning mountains. That’s why when traveling to Ninh Bình, not many travelers are looking for a stay in the city center but rather to stay close to the province’s attractions.
If you’d love to have a lively nightlife and be near everything, stay around the Tam Coc area. For natural lovers who prefer something more quiet, Trang An area is the best for you. If you want to stay local and live like local, then our suggestion would be the less touristy Van Long area.
Tam Coc: The most central area
Stay here if:
- You’d like to be in the central of everything
- You’re looking for a lively nightlife
Tam Coc area is the most popular place to stay among foreign travelers. It’s is like a “Hanoi” of Ninh Binh, where everything is available at your doorstep. Most of the locals here could speak acceptable English, which might be better for you to navigate around. Located right by the Tam Coc dock, the area is packed with many shops, travel agencies, and hotels.
Being the tourist hub of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc area offers accommodation options for all types of travelers, from luxurious resorts and authentic bungalows to budget hostels.
Food is also a huge part of the Tam Coc area experience. There’s various good restaurants of many choices, from local cuisine like An Tam Coc to western favorites like Dao Phuket Bar.
Staying here will make you stay close to several famous tourist attractions, such as Bai Dinh Pagoda (10 km), Mua Cave (8 km), and etc. Most of the accommodations offer bikes for free, making getting around easier than ever.
Note that it may be a bit noisy due to the lively nightlife, so stay a bit further from downtown.
Where to stay in Tam Coc Area
For luxurious
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay with full amenities, Emeralda Resort Tam Coc is the perfect choice.
Emeralda offers 88 suite rooms, spread along a private peninsula and an island on the bank of Tam Coc wharf. Every corner of this resort is inspired by the ancient beauty of the Tonkin Mansion of Kinh Ky, showcasing the aesthetics of traditional aristocratic architecture.
This resort offers you the chance to experience the Bach Co-Bao Lau Exhibition, a space infused with the beauty of Vietnamese culture through thousands of years.
For mid-range
Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow is uniquely designed, with half of it carved into a huge cave while the other half surrounded by the beautiful nature and yellow rice field of Ninh Binh. Its bungalows are mostly made of bamboo with straw decor roofs, delivering a feeling of traditional Vietnamese houses. Inside each, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay: AC, TV and even a mosquito tent.
Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow is only about 800 meters from Tam Coc Wharf, close enough to get there by walk but far enough to make sure you’re separated from the noise of Tam Coc downtown.
For budget
Sitting only 160m from Tam Coc downtown, Tam Coc Full House homestay is an ideal choice for a convenient stay. The homestay offers clean private balcony rooms, breakfast, and even a swimming pool.
Trang An: For natural lovers
Stay here if:
- You’re a natural lover
- You’re looking for a relaxing stay
Located alongside the Sao Khe River, Trang An area appears to be a better place to stay in Ninh Binh if you’re looking for a more quiet and natural atmosphere. This area is at the heart of the Trang An Landscape Complex, and it takes only a few minutes to walk to Trang An Grottoes or a 10-minute bike ride to Mua Cave.
What’s great about Trang An area is that most hotels and homestays here tend to be more spacious and nature-attached. They’re hidden in huge mountains, lush green forests, and romantic rivers.
Unlike the busy Tam Coc area, Trang An has fewer choices of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment facilities. So, if you’d like to have a lively nightlife, it’s better to stay in other parts of Ninh Binh.
Where to stay in Trang An
For Luxurious
Trang An Ecolodge might be an expensive option, but it’s worth every penny. The ecolodge leans on a mountain and is separated from the main street by a vast green jungle. Rooms are spacious, with full amenities and choices of views overlooking the lodge’s swimming pool or Sao Khe river. Their bathroom is semi-open, so you can almost shower and enjoy the fresh air in the jungle at the same time.
For Mid Range
Unlike hotels and homestays with modern designs, Trang An Heritage Garden showcases a deep love for Vietnamese culture through its traditional designs made of wooden and red bricks.
It’s placed inside a mountain canyon, surrounded by a huge lake, making you feel like you’re isolated from the busy outside.
Rooms are pretty simple, to be honest, yet spacious and super clean.
For budget
Hoalu Ecolodge Homestay is absolutely a great bargain. With only 8 USD per night, you’ll have a clean, comfortable dorm bed and free use of the homestay’s swimming pool.
The lodge organizes a daily “family dinner” where you can dine with the host and other guests—a huge plus if you’re a cultural lover.
Van Long: For an authentic experience
Stay here if:
- You want to see how the real local life is
Van Long is an area near Van Long Wetland Natural Reserve, a bit north of Ninh Binh city center.
Unlike other famous neighborhoods like Trang An or Tam Coc, Van Long is more quiet and less touristy. Staying here is a huge plus because of the easy access to the Wetland Reverse.
You’ll also have the opportunity to truly experience Ninh Binh’s life. Most of the homestays here are family-owned, with friendly hosts barely speaking English but willing to invite you to join their dinner. Facilities are pretty basic but spacious and clean.
Aware that there’s very limited options of restaurants around the Van Long area, it’s better to book meals with your accommodations in advance to avoid going an extra few kilometers just for food.
Where to stay in Van Long
For Luxurious
Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh offers a luxurious relaxing stay, just a 3-minute drive from Van Long Wetland. Aside from just its luxurious suites, the resorts offer many interesting workshops, such as making clay figurines, creating scented candles, planting trees, and painting conical hats.
For budget
Van Long Family Homestay features a design that is very close to nature, lying deep within lush gardens. With only 15 USD per night, you will have a clean room with window, free bike renting, and a delicious breakfast.
Ninh Binh City: Best for a quick rest
Stay here if:
- You just stay for 1 night before traveling to other parts of Vietnam.
Ninh Binh City is the commercial hub of Ninh Binh, holding the modern mark of the province. Things are busy here, with big business hotels, industrial complexes, and lively local life. Therefore, if your intention is to explore Ninh Binh’s natural beauty, the city is not the ideal place to do so.
However, it’s worth noting that staying in Ninh Binh city will give you super easy access to the transportation hubs, like the bus station or train station.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh City
For Luxurious
Ninh Binh Legend is the first international 4-star hotel in the city. The hotel offers a range of services, from 108 suites room to outdoor pool, free private parking, fitness center, etc.
For budget
Wafami Homestay is hosted by Thoa, a Ninh Binh local who loves her hometown so much. All the rooms here are designed with a courtyard and garden views so you can enjoy the fresh nature. The entire homestay has a kind of party vibe, so consider if you’d prefer a quiet night.
