1. Why is Ninh Binh an ideal destination for the March 10th holiday in Northern Vietnam?
1.1. Proximity to Hanoi, convenient for short trips
Ninh Binh is located about 100 km south of Hanoi, with a travel time of only about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or train, making it very convenient for short trips. Thanks to the developed transportation system with highways and national roads directly connecting, visitors can easily depart early in the morning and start their exploration journey within the same day. The not-too-far distance makes Ninh Binh an ideal choice for short holidays like March 10th, when many people want to find a destination that is both familiar and rich in experiences. This locational advantage allows visitors to easily arrange a 1 to 2-day itinerary while still visiting many famous landmarks. With just a short trip, visitors can escape the urban pace of life, immerse themselves in the peaceful natural space, and enjoy the fresh air of the ancient capital region. This is also why Ninh Binh is always on the list of destinations chosen by many tourists from Northern Vietnam during holidays or weekends.
1.2. Famous natural landscape of the "Ha Long Bay on land"
Ninh Binh has long been known as the "Ha Long Bay on land" thanks to its majestic limestone mountain landscape rising amidst fields and gently winding rivers. Hundreds of millions of years old limestone mountains create a magnificent natural picture, combined with a system of caves and rivers, creating a landscape that is both wild and poetic. The harmony between mountains, water, and rice fields has given this place a unique beauty rarely found elsewhere.
Visiting Trang An, visitors will admire the magnificent system of water caves, layers of limestone mountains reflected under the clear blue water. (Source: Collected)
When visiting Ninh Binh, visitors can experience a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, winding through cool caves or admiring the Trang An Landscape Complex with its picturesque natural scenery. Layered mountains reflected on the water surface, interspersed with lush green or golden rice fields depending on the season, creating a landscape as beautiful as a watercolor painting. This unique natural beauty is the reason why Ninh Binh is always on the list of the most attractive destinations in the North.
1.3. Unique spiritual cultural space
Not only outstanding with its magnificent nature, Ninh Binh is also a land rich in historical and spiritual cultural values. This was once the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and Tien Le dynasties, so it preserves many ancient relics associated with the nation's history. Landmarks such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or Bich Dong Pagoda not only have architectural significance but are also associated with many long-standing historical and spiritual stories of the Vietnamese people.
The spiritual space amidst majestic mountains creates a pure and solemn atmosphere, especially suitable for early spring trips. When visiting ancient pagodas and temples, visitors can not only admire the unique architecture but also clearly feel the cultural depth of the ancient capital region. It is the combination of nature, history, and beliefs that has made Ninh Binh a destination offering many complete experiences for tourists during the 10/3 holiday.
2. Where to go in the North on March 10th? Outstanding tourist attractions in Ninh Binh
2.1. Trang An Landscape Complex
Located not far from Ninh Binh city center, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a prominent destination chosen by many tourists when wondering where to go in the North on March 10th. This scenic area is famous for its millions-year-old limestone mountain system, interspersed with winding rivers and water, creating a magnificent and poetic natural picture. It is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, attracting domestic and international tourists to explore.
Tourists take a boat trip to visit Trang An. (Source: Collected)
The most characteristic experience in Trang An is taking a boat trip along the clear blue water, winding through limestone mountains and mysterious natural caves. Each journey usually lasts a few hours, taking visitors through many caves with unique shapes, and visiting ancient temples and shrines nestled amidst the serene mountains. The peaceful atmosphere and majestic scenery make a boat trip in Trang An an unforgettable experience in the journey to explore Ninh Binh.
2.2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
When mentioning Ninh Binh, many tourists immediately think of Tam Coc Bich Dong, a place likened to a picturesque landscape painting of the North. This area is characterized by the gentle Ngo Dong River winding through rice fields and overlapping limestone mountain ranges. During the rice harvest season, the scenery here becomes vibrant with golden hues stretching along both sides of the river, creating a breathtaking natural painting.
Visitors to Tam Coc often experience rowing a boat along the Ngo Dong River to explore three famous caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. During the leisurely journey amidst nature, visitors can clearly feel the tranquility of the Bac Bo countryside as the oars gently glide on the water's surface with mountains reflecting around. It is this simple and poetic beauty that makes Tam Coc Bich Dong an indispensable stop on any Ninh Binh tour.
2.3. Hang Mua
If you want to admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc from above, you can visit Hang Mua, a famous check-in spot in the ancient capital region. This place impresses with a stone path of nearly 500 steps leading to the mountain peak, winding like a miniature Great Wall amidst the mountains of Ninh Binh. Although the mountain climbing journey is quite challenging, the majestic scenery along the way always excites visitors.
The stunning view of Mua Cave from above. (Source: Collected)
Upon conquering the mountain peak, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc with the Ngo Dong River winding through rice fields and overlapping limestone mountains. From above, the scene unfolds vast and peaceful, especially beautiful at dawn or dusk. This is also one of the most beloved photo spots in Ninh Binh, where many tourists linger to capture memorable moments.
2.4. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Not only boasting majestic nature, Ninh Binh is also famous for its large-scale spiritual sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda. This is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, featuring monumental architecture, vast spaces, and many impressive records. Right from the Tam Quan gate, visitors can feel the solemnity of the pagoda nestled amidst a limestone valley.
Inside the premises are numerous outstanding structures such as a large bronze Buddha statue, a long corridor of Arhats, and a majestic tall stupa. The atmosphere here always brings a sense of tranquility, especially at the beginning of the year when many visitors come to worship Buddha and pray for peace. With its combination of grand architecture and harmonious natural landscape, Bai Dinh Pagoda becomes an unmissable spiritual destination when visiting Ninh Binh.
2.5. Sun World Ha Nam
Besides the natural and spiritual attractions in Ninh Binh, visitors can also combine their trip with an exploration of Sun World Ha Nam, a new entertainment complex located in Ha Nam province, not far from Ninh Binh. This is a large-scale complex for entertainment, relaxation, and cultural experiences, offering a modern entertainment space for tourists traveling in the Northern region.
Sun World Ha Nam Water Park: A summer cooling paradise with huge offers. (Source: Collected)
Here, visitors can experience many entertainment activities, visit unique architectural works, and enjoy a well-planned landscape. The combination of nature, architecture, and recreational activities makes the journey to explore the North more diverse. Therefore, if visitors are looking for suggestions on where to go in the North on March 10th, combining a visit to Ninh Binh and Sun World Ha Nam will provide a relaxing trip with many memorable experiences.
3. Experiences not to be missed when traveling to Ninh Binh on March 10th
3.1. Boat trips to explore caves and waterways
One of the most characteristic and attractive experiences when visiting Ninh Binh is taking a boat trip to explore the cave and waterway system. Visitors will sit on small boats rowed by local people, gently drifting along the clear river, weaving through majestic limestone mountains.
At the Trang An Landscape Complex, the boat journey takes visitors through many unique natural caves, each with its own beauty and magical stalactites. The peaceful atmosphere, the sound of oars splashing water, and the wild natural scenery create a sense of relaxation and closeness to nature.
Meanwhile, Tam Coc – Bich Dong impresses with its rice fields, the Ngo Dong River, and small boats drifting slowly on the water. The peaceful scenery here creates photos rich in nature and the culture of the Northern countryside. This is an activity that strongly represents Ninh Binh tourism that visitors should not miss.
3.2. Check-in at famous scenic spots
Ninh Binh boasts many beautiful scenic spots, a paradise for photography lovers and nature explorers.
One of the most famous check-in spots is Mua Cave. Visitors need to conquer nearly 500 stone steps to reach the mountain peak, where they can gaze at the panoramic view of Tam Coc with the river winding through the majestic limestone mountains. This is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Ninh Binh.
At the Trang An Landscape Complex, many beautiful photo spots are located along the boat journey, especially the stretches of river winding between rocky mountains, caves, and ancient temples.
Meanwhile, Tam Coc – Bich Dong impresses with its rice fields, the Ngo Dong River, and small boats drifting slowly on the water. The peaceful scenery here creates photos rich in nature and the culture of the Northern countryside.
Time Square, an "indispensable" entertainment "hangout" for locals and tourists when visiting Ninh Binh. (Source: Collected)
Additionally, visitors can also check-in at Time Square, a new destination with a modern space, impressive architecture, and many unique photo spots, very suitable for youthful and dynamic photos.
3.3. Enjoy famous Ninh Binh specialties
Ninh Binh tourism is not only attractive for its natural beauty but also for its unique cuisine with many famous dishes.
One of the famous specialties is Ninh Binh Mountain Goat. Goats are raised naturally on rocky mountains, so the meat is firm, fragrant, and low in fat. Goat dishes can be processed into many attractive dishes such as lime-blanched goat, grilled goat, goat hot pot, or ginger steamed goat.
A plate of authentic rare lemon-marinated goat will have pink, rare-cooked meat, fragrant with lemongrass, ginger, roasted sesame, served with fig leaves and ginger paste. (Source: Collected)
Besides, Ninh Binh crispy rice is also a specialty dish that is very popular with tourists. The rice is fried golden crispy, served with a rich sauce and shredded pork floss or goat meat, creating an unforgettable delicious flavor.
In addition, Nhech fish salad is a unique dish that embodies the local cuisine. After preparation, the nhech fish is mixed with toasted rice powder and various spices, served with fresh herbs and a special dipping sauce. The fresh, rich flavor of this dish will surely bring tourists memorable culinary experiences when visiting Ninh Binh.
4. Ninh Binh Travel Experience on the 10/3 Occasion
The occasion of the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (10/3 lunar month) is when many tourists choose to explore Ninh Binh. However, as the number of visitors is quite large, preparing transportation and visiting times in advance will make the trip more convenient and complete.
4.1. How to Travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh is about 90 to 100 km, with a travel time of 1.5 to 2 hours. Tourists can choose passenger buses or limousines departing from Giap Bat Bus Station or My Dinh Bus Station for fast and convenient travel. Alternatively, a train from Hanoi Station to Ninh Binh Station is also a suitable option if you want to experience a leisurely journey. If traveling in a group or wanting to be proactive with your schedule, you can drive yourself along the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh Expressway.
4.2. Best Time of Day to Visit
For the best experience, visitors should start sightseeing from early morning, around 7 to 9 AM, when the weather is cool and the crowds are not too large. This is the ideal time for boat trips at the Trang An Landscape Complex or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. For scenic spots like Mua Cave, visitors should check in early in the morning or late in the afternoon for beautiful lighting and to avoid the harsh midday sun.
The Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is an ideal time to plan an exploration of unique natural and cultural destinations. With its majestic scenery, many famous attractions such as the Trang An Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, or Mua Cave, along with its attractive cuisine, Ninh Binh will surely bring tourists memorable experiences. If you are still wondering where to go in the North on 10/3, Ninh Binh is the perfect choice for a short, relaxing, and exploratory trip.
