Location
The Hong River (Sông Hồng), a tributary of the famed Red River, flows through the mountainous terrain of the Ninh Binh province. Comprised mostly of limestone and gypsum sediments, over the millennia the Hong River has created rich alluvial plains and shaped the province into a stunningly beautiful land. Ancient rice fields, rampant tropical forests, broad meandering streams and the abrupt eroded limestone precipices (Karsts) reaching skyward make up the mosaic that is Ninh Binh today.
From the vast tracts of primal forests on its western borders to the South China Sea on its southeastern coast, four “special-use” areas make up this region. The iconic Cuc Phuong State Park and Animal Rehabilitation Center lies to the west, Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve to the northwest, the UNESCO-recognized Hoa Lu-Trang An Landscape Complex to the southwest and the unique Coi Noi-Kim Son coastal protection forest to the south.
Although the Ninh Bình coastline stretches only 18 kilometers, it teems with marine life and features small coral islands such as Cồn Nổi and Cồn Mờ. UNESCO has recognized these islands as important global biosphere preserves.
Weather
Ninh Binh experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The average temperature during summer months (May to September) is around 30°C (86°F). In winter (November to March), the average temperature drops around 15°C (59°F). The rainy season is from May to October, with the highest precipitation occurring in August and September. Flooding can occur during this period. Ninh Binh is also prone to typhoons, especially from August to October. Travelers should take caution and follow local weather advisories.
Most travelers consider April to May and October to November as the peak travel periods. Others prefer the early Autumn period when temperatures are cooler and the rains have yet to begin. That being said, many of Ninh Binh religious and cultural festivals happen during the Lunar Spring (Jan-March).
If your interest is the local culture and religion this is a great time to visit. You will witness the pageantry and devotion that Vietnamese display towards their long and unique heritage.
The cooler winter period is for many a pleasant time for long treks or physically demanding activities. However, whenever you visit, the people of Ninh Bình will welcome you warmly and ensure you have a unique and enjoyable experience.
It’s worth noting that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions and advisories were in place. This affected the timing and feasibility of travel to Ninh Binh and Vietnam in general. Thankfully, that time is now past but due to the wilful climate in this part of the world, travelers should always check the latest information and guidelines from the government and health authorities before planning a trip.
Politics
Ninh Binh contains two large regional cities, Ninh Binh City (TP Ninh Binh) and Tam Diep city (TP Tam Diep). Ninh Binh City is the Provincial capital and city state of the province of the same name. The province is further divided into six districts – Hoa Lu, Gia Vien, Nho Quan, Yen Khanh, Kim Son and Yen Mo.
Local authorities further divide each district into ruling bodies called communes. The Communes are responsible for local matters and provide input to the District government on larger issues. All fall under the auspices of the powerful Central Committee. Vietnamese politics are complex and differ from many Western structures.
The Central government advises travelers to avoid political discussions and protests unless they have a specific, officially sanctioned interest. Vietnam is an independent Socialist country with a diverse population of some 100 million. Added to that is the huge burden of self-rule, modernization and economic stability after centuries of colonialism, warfare and social upheaval.
The only politics a traveler should focus on are how to behave and where to spend their money. Tourists who seek out prostitution or drugs – both strictly prohibited under Vietnamese law – help create and sustain a culture centered around those activities. As Vietnam is still relatively new to international tourism, your main priority should be to promote conservation, politeness, tolerance, and honesty. Leave internal Vietnamese politics to the Vietnamese people.
Vietnam is a beautiful, exotic and spectacular country with friendly people. Add to that a world famous cuisine, great beaches, lush rain forests, unique fauna and flora, fascinating tribal groups and enough adventure destinations to satisfy even the most jaded of travelers.
Demographics
In 2019, about 1 million people lived in Ninh Bình Province, an area of 1,387 km² with a population density of approximately 708.5 people per square kilometer. Ninh Binh City and Tam Diep are the two major cities, with populations of around 130,000 and 70,000 respectively. The most densely populated district is Kim Son, located on the southern coast, with around 180,000 inhabitants.
The majority of the population, accounting for 98%, are the Viet Kinh people, the predominant ethnic group in Vietnam. There are also 23 tribal groups residing in or near Ninh Binh. These include the Dao, Hoa, Hmong, Mường, Tày, and Thai people. While tribal people abound in urban areas, many have adopted a modern lifestyle. As such, they may not be readily distinguishable from the general population.
