Neither Ninh Binh nor Halong Bay is definitively "better," as they offer different experiences: Halong Bay excels with iconic, dramatic limestone seascape cruises and water activities, while Ninh Binh (often called "Halong Bay on Land") provides serene river boat rides, rural charm, rice paddies, and cultural sites like Mua Cave, making it more varied and land-based. Choose Halong for grand seascape immersion and luxury cruising; choose Ninh Binh for countryside exploration, cycling, and quieter adventure, though many recommend visiting both for a complete Northern Vietnam experience.
If you prefer a cruise and island exploration, Ha Long Bay is a unique experience. If you prefer a quieter, more nature-oriented visit, Ninh Binh might be more enjoyable with its variety of activities, especially for a more laid-back experience.
The best Ha Long Bay alternative is Bai Tu Long Bay. It has the same limestone cliffs and emerald water as Ha Long Bay but far fewer boats, cleaner water and a more peaceful atmosphere. If you want an active trip with kayaking and swimming, Lan Ha Bay is another top choice.
What is the best city to visit in Vietnam for first timers?
Hanoi Hanoi, the country's capital -- but not the most populated city -- is perhaps the best city to start exploring Vietnam, allowing for a journey from north to south while easing in with a slightly less hectic intro than Ho Chi Minh City.
Ha Long Bay VERSUS Ninh Binh (Vietnam Travel Guide)
What is the prettiest part of Vietnam?
There's no single "most beautiful" place in Vietnam as it offers diverse landscapes, but Ha Long Bay (UNESCO site with limestone islands), Ha Giang Loop (dramatic rice terraces, mountains), Hoi An (ancient town, beaches), Phong Nha (massive caves), and Ninh Binh (karst landscapes, river cruises, temples) are consistently ranked as top contenders for sheer natural and cultural beauty.
It depends on your style. Ninh Binh is perfect if you love boat rides, caves, and easy sightseeing. Sapa is best if you enjoy trekking, mountains, and meeting ethnic minority groups.
Most travellers spend 2 days in Ninh Binh, which is enough to see Trang An or Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh or Hoa Lu, and a few scenic spots without rushing. If you enjoy nature and slower travel, 3 days can also be nice — but 2 days is the standard.
US casualties across South Vietnam were 2,169 killed for the entire month of May making it the deadliest month of the entire Vietnam War for US forces, while South Vietnamese losses were 2,054 killed. The US claim that VC/PAVN losses exceeded 24,000 killed and over 2,000 captured.
Kong Skull Island was filmed in Halong Bay in 2016. A-list Hollywood actors such as Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Goodman came to Vietnam with more than 200 film crew members and stayed for nearly a half year to record. The main setting of the movie is in Vietnam.
Taking a limousine bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is a highly recommended option due to its time efficiency, seat availability, and comfort. These buses travel on well-maintained roads with designated stops. The travel time is between 3.5 and 4 hours.
Top things to do in Ninh Binh include exploring the UNESCO-listed Trang An caves, hiking Hang Mua for panoramic views, visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and cruising through the scenic rivers of Tam Coc. In this complete guide, discover the top 7+ local-recommended experiences you shouldn't miss in Ninh Binh.
If you want dramatic scenery and vibrant tourist energy, Tam Coc is your best bet. If you prefer peace and heritage, Trang An or Hoa Lu are perfect. For early morning views, stay near Mua Cave. And if budget and transport are your focus, Ninh Binh City is the most practical.
The temperatures in Ninh Binh are ideal from March to May and September to November. For the finest views, go during harvest season in October. If you visit in the hotter months from July to August, be prepared for random downpours and stormy moments.
There's no single "most beautiful" place in Vietnam as it offers diverse landscapes, but Ha Long Bay (UNESCO site with limestone islands), Ha Giang Loop (dramatic rice terraces, mountains), Hoi An (ancient town, beaches), Phong Nha (massive caves), and Ninh Binh (karst landscapes, river cruises, temples) are consistently ranked as top contenders for sheer natural and cultural beauty.
Avoid: If you want to do a homestay, avoid winter in Sapa (December - January) as it gets very foggy and cold. The homestays are very basic with no heating, so it may not be the most comfortable!
Delicate suits and jackets are recommended, especially when you have to visit your friend's houses during the festival. We recommend you to pack some red clothes or jackets as this colour is considered as the appearance of luckiness according to Vietnamese culture.
Bed bugs are not only in Vietnam but also other Asian, African countries. These pests are most often encountered in budget hostels, older guesthouses, shared dormitories, and occasionally even in hotels with insufficient pest control.
