When you hear “Old Town,” you might think of ancient streets steeped in history. It’s important for me to share that Ninh Binh Old Town is a more recent creation, a beautifully designed space that recreates the atmosphere and charm of traditional Vietnamese towns. It’s a place built for enjoyment, for beautiful photos, and for experiencing a lively, festive spirit, especially as the sun sets. For my Indian friends who love vibrant colours, sparkling lights, and unique experiences, this spot is a real treat!
What is Ninh Binh Old Town? (And What It’s Not)
Think of Ninh Binh Old Town, locally known as Phố cổ Hoa Lư, as a loving tribute to Vietnam’s rich past. It is a modern, purpose-built tourist attraction that opened around 2022, designed to give you a taste of traditional Vietnamese architecture and culture in an accessible and enjoyable way.
Crucially, it is a stunning replica, not the authentic, 10th-century Hoa Lu Ancient Capital which is a separate historical site nearby. The Old Town’s primary purpose is to provide a centralized hub for evening entertainment, dining, and nightlife, perfectly complementing the daytime nature tours of the region. It’s an immersive experience where you can stroll along lantern-lit paths, glide on a boat through a man-made canal, and simply soak in a beautiful, almost magical atmosphere.
READ MORE: Best time to visit Ninh Binh
Essential Visitor Information: Planning Your Visit to Phố Cổ Hoa Lư
The Location
You’ll find Ninh Binh Old Town conveniently situated within the Ky Lan Lake Park complex in Ninh Binh City. Its central location means it’s quite easy to weave into your itinerary as a wonderful way to spend an evening after a day exploring the natural wonders nearby.
How to get to Ninh Binh Old Town?
Reaching Ninh Binh Old Town is quite straightforward:
From Hanoi
- Private Car/Taxi: The most comfortable option, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours directly to Ninh Binh.
- Limousine Bus: These comfortable vans will take you to Ninh Binh city, and from your drop-off point, the Old Town is just a short taxi or Grab ride away.
- Public Train: A scenic 2-2.5 hour journey from Hanoi Railway Station, offering a more cultural travel experience.
From your Hotel in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An,…)
- Taxi or Grab: This is the easiest and quickest way. Most drivers will know “Pho Co Hoa Lu.”
- Motorbike/Scooter: If you’re comfortable riding, it’s a short and pleasant journey of about 8km from Tam Coc or 4km from Trang An.
- Bicycle: If you’re staying very close by, a leisurely cycle on the flat, rural roads is a lovely option.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Entrance Fee: General entry to walk around the main areas is Free. This allows you to wander, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere without a ticket.
- Activity Costs: Specific activities inside, most notably the sampan boat ride, have a separate fee, typically around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person for a 30-45 minute ride.
- Opening Hours: The area is always open, but it truly comes alive when the food stalls open from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and cultural activities like folk games begin from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The best atmosphere is definitely after sunset.
Top 5 Things to Do at Ninh Binh Old Town
Ninh Binh Old Town offers a delightful array of activities perfect for a relaxing and memorable evening:
- Take the Illuminated Sampan Ride: This is the centerpiece attraction. Glide along the shimmering water, passing under charming bridges, with traditional-style buildings and colorful lanterns reflected on the surface. It’s incredibly picturesque. While this ride is on a purpose-built canal, it evokes the feeling of the larger natural waterways in the region. The journey on a real Ninh Binh River like the one in Trang An or Tam Coc offers a different, yet equally mesmerizing, perspective of the landscape.
- Indulge in the Night Market & Street Food: Explore dozens of stalls offering delicious Vietnamese street food. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try local snacks, grilled items, traditional sweets, and enjoy the inviting aromas.
- Capture Stunning Photos: The entire area is a backdrop for wonderful photography. The vibrant lanterns, traditional-style bridges, and reflections on the water are a photographer’s dream. You can even rent a traditional Ao Dai costume for truly unique pictures.
- Shop for Souvenirs and Local Crafts: Browse small shops selling local handicrafts, trinkets, textiles, and other souvenirs to remember your visit.
- Experience Vietnamese Folk Games: On some evenings, you can participate in or watch traditional games like bamboo dancing (nhay sap), adding a layer of interactive cultural fun to your visit.
READ MORE: Top places to visit in Ninh Binh
How Ninh Binh Old Town Fits into Your Wider Itinerary
The Old Town is the perfect evening activity after a day exploring the natural and historical wonders of Ninh Binh Province. Its festive atmosphere provides a wonderful contrast to the serene landscapes you’ll see during the day.
Combine your visit with these nearby must-see attractions:
- Trang An Grottoes: Just a short drive away, experience the breathtaking Trang An Grottoes, the heart of the Ninh Binh UNESCO World Heritage site with its incredible boat tours through caves and temples.
- Hang Mua (Mua Caves) & Lying Dragon Mountain: Climb the 500 steps for arguably the best panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley. An essential stop for any visitor.
- Tam Coc: Enjoy another stunning “Ha Long Bay on Land” boat trip, famous for its route through lush rice paddies (best from May to June).
- Thung Nham Bird Park: For nature lovers and bird watchers, a visit to Thung Nham Bird Park is an absolute must. It offers a tranquil escape where you can witness thousands of birds returning to nest in the late afternoon.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Visit the historic temples of Vietnam’s first capital—the very inspiration for the Old Town replica. This is the place for authentic history.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: Explore one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complexes. For those interested in spiritual sites, the region is home to many beautiful temples, and exploring a Ninh Binh Pagoda is a peaceful and enriching experience.
Food and Drink: From Street Stalls to Regional Specialties
While the Old Town’s night market is perfect for snacks and a casual meal, the Ninh Binh region is famous for its unique cuisine.
- At the Old Town: Focus on the variety available at the street stalls—skewers, Banh Xeo (crispy pancake), desserts, and fresh juices.
- Regional Must-Tries: Be sure to try Ninh Binh’s most famous specialty, Goat Meat (Dê Núi), often served in a variety of styles. Another local favorite is Com Chay (burnt rice), a crispy rice cracker served with a savory topping.
For my Indian guests craving familiar flavors after a day of exploration, you’ll be happy to know that the area caters to international tastes as well. There are several excellent Indian restaurants in Ninh Binh where you can enjoy authentic curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Near the Old Town and Beyond
- For Proximity: The Hoa Lu Hotel is located right within the complex, offering maximum convenience for visiting the Old Town.
- Tam Coc: The main tourist hub, bustling with a wide range of guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants. It has a lively vibe and is great for short stays.
- Trang An: A quieter, more serene area with homestays and eco-resorts nestled in nature. Ideal for longer stays and cultural immersion.
- Ninh Binh City: Offers standard city hotels, convenient for the train station and as a central base for exploring the entire province.
Tips for Your Visit
- Best Time to Go: Without a doubt, visit in the late afternoon (around 4-5 PM) and stay into the evening. This way, you experience it in daylight, witness the magical transition as the lanterns are lit, and enjoy its full nighttime splendor.
- A Photographer’s Dream: This place was made for photos! For my Indian visitors who love capturing vibrant moments, ensure your phone and camera batteries are fully charged. The reflections on the water at night are particularly beautiful.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking and strolling.
- Carry Cash (VND): While some larger shops might accept cards, most food stalls and small vendors will require cash.
- Food Exploration: Be open to trying new things from the food stalls! If you have dietary needs, don’t be shy to ask “Chay không?” (Is it vegetarian?).
READ MORE: Top 10 best restaurants in Ninh Binh
Conclusion
While Ninh Binh Old Town is a modern creation, it offers a genuinely delightful and picturesque experience. Its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful lantern displays, and charming boat rides make it a fantastic addition to your Ninh Binh adventure. By combining the breathtaking natural beauty of Trang An and Tam Coc by day with the lively, man-made spectacle of the Old Town by night, visitors get a complete and unforgettable journey in Vietnam’s ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’, perfect for creating beautiful memories.