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Rowing Through a Dream: The Allure of Boat Rides in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, just 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, enchants with karst landscapes, rice fields, and cultural heritage, best experienced on a tranquil boat journey through its winding waterways.

Often called Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh features limestone peaks rising from green valleys and rivers, complemented by temples and grottoes that create one of Southeast Asia’s most scenic destinations. Among its attractions, rowing boat tours are the most iconic. Visitors sit in traditional sampans as local boatwomen and men row with their feet, a centuries-old technique that leaves lasting impressions.

Tam Coc is a popular stop, where boats drift along the Ngo Dong River through rice fields and three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, each echoing with the drip of ancient stalactites. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a longer journey through caves, temples, and valleys, with stops at Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Cave, and even the Kong Skull Island film set. Van Long Nature Reserve, quieter and more pristine, is home to wetlands and rare wildlife such as the Delacour’s langur, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset.

Rowing here is not only tourism but tradition, with many rowers, often women, continuing practices passed down through generations. Visitors often experience not only the landscape but also the warmth of local people, sometimes with opportunities to support their livelihoods through handmade souvenirs.

For Indian travelers, Ninh Binh offers a blend of spiritual depth, natural beauty, and cultural connection. Services tailored to this market include vegetarian meals, Hindi-speaking guides, and flexible private tours for families and honeymooners. The serene atmosphere resonates with values of mindfulness and spiritual travel, from temple bells echoing across rivers to lotus flowers blooming by the water.

The best time to visit is between March and June, particularly late May to early June when rice fields turn golden. Ninh Binh is easily reached by a two hour drive from Hanoi, with options including private car, train, or group tours. Visitors should bring sunscreen, hats, water, and cameras, as most boats are uncovered. Tours typically last from one and a half to three hours, with rest areas available at boat docks.

A boat journey in Ninh Binh is more than sightseeing, it is an immersion into Vietnam’s timeless spirit. Gliding through emerald waters and beneath limestone arches, travelers encounter nature, culture, and history intertwined in an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.