Discover the culinary treasures of Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh region, from iconic phở to bánh nhãn. Explore top local restaurants, costs, and book sustainable food tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic gastronomic adventure.
Capture the savory essence of Ninh Binh’s culinary gemIn the heart of Ninh Binh Province’s Nam Dinh region, now a ward following Vietnam’s administrative merger, lies a vibrant food culture that celebrates the Red River Delta’s rich heritage. Renowned for dishes like fragrant Nam Dinh phở, crispy bánh nhãn, and savory bánh mì chân cầu, this region offers a culinary journey that blends tradition with local hospitality. From bustling street stalls to cozy family-run eateries, Nam Dinh’s restaurants deliver authentic flavors at budget-friendly prices. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to savor these delights through our expertly curated food tours—book via links throughout this guide. Embark on a gastronomic adventure in Ninh Binh today
Legend Travel Group is dedicated to authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability, cultural immersion, and expert-guided tours. Our Nam Dinh culinary tours feature eco-conscious practices, partnering with local vendors to preserve culinary traditions and support communities. Aligned with Ninh Binh Province’s “Culinary Tourism” initiative, we use low-impact transport like bicycles and contribute to local economies. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless foodie journey. Discover our tours—book via the links on this page
Seize the vibrant spirit of Ninh Binh Travel (Source: Internet)The Nam Dinh region of Ninh Binh Province is a food lover’s paradise, where traditional recipes reflect the area’s agricultural roots and coastal influences. Signature dishes include Nam Dinh phở, with its sweet, aromatic broth; bánh nhãn, a longan-shaped sweet treat; and bánh mì chân cầu, a street-side sandwich packed with stir-fried pâté. Local restaurants, often family-run, offer warm hospitality and dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. A meal typically costs ~15,000–100,000 VND (~$0.60–$4 USD), making dining here both delicious and affordable. Pair your culinary exploration with visits to nearby cultural sites like Tran Temple for a complete Ninh Binh experience.
Administrative Update: Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, the former Nam Dinh Province is now a ward within Ninh Binh Province, with Ninh Binh City as the provincial hub. The district level has been abolished, enhancing access to dining hotspots with improved infrastructure.
Photograph the sweet allure of Ninh Binh’s food scene (Source: Internet)A legendary eatery in Giao Cù village, famous for its authentic Nam Dinh phở with a fragrant broth and tender beef.
Must-Try: Phở bò (beef noodle soup).
Cost: ~50,000–70,000 VND (~$2–$2.80 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “The gold standard of phở” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Visit early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) for the freshest broth; add quẩy (fried dough sticks) for ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD).
A bustling stall near Đỗ Quang Bridge, serving bánh mì chân cầu with creamy pâté-egg filling and fresh veggies.
Must-Try: Bánh mì chân cầu (pâté sandwich).
Cost: ~20,000–25,000 VND (~$0.80–$1 USD/sandwich).
Highlights: “Street food perfection” (Foody.vn, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Go at dawn (5:00–7:00 AM) or evening (6:00–9:00 PM); pair with iced tea (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD).
A renowned shop in Hai Hau, offering crispy, sweet bánh nhãn, perfect as a snack or souvenir.
Must-Try: Bánh nhãn (longan cake).
Cost: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/500g).
Highlights: “Addictive and authentic” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars).
Tip: Buy a gift box; visit in the morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for fresh batches.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Sweet Delights Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD).
A coastal gem near Thinh Long Beach, specializing in fresh seafood like grilled shrimp and crab.
Must-Try: Tôm nướng (grilled shrimp).
Cost: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD/dish).
Highlights: “Seafood heaven” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.6/5 stars).
Tip: Dine at sunset for beach views; bring cash for smaller vendors.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD).
A cozy restaurant known for its robust phở broth and generous beef portions, located centrally in the Nam Dinh region.
Must-Try: Phở tái (rare beef noodle soup).
Cost: ~60,000–80,000 VND (~$2.40–$3.20 USD/bowl).
Highlights: “Soul-warming flavors” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tip: Arrive for lunch (11:00 AM–1:00 PM); add extra herbs for no charge.
Book Now: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Culinary Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD).
Begin your Ninh Binh Tours with a flavorful adventure (Source: Internet)Nam Dinh Phở: A sweet, aromatic beef noodle soup, served with lime, chili, and fresh herbs (~50,000–80,000 VND, ~$2–$3.20 USD).
Bánh Mì Chân Cầu: A street-side baguette with stir-fried pâté and egg, cucumber, and pickled veggies (~15,000–25,000 VND, ~$0.60–$1 USD).
Bánh Nhãn: Crispy, longan-shaped sweets made from glutinous rice flour and sugar (~100,000–160,000 VND, ~$4–$6.40 USD/500g).
Seafood Dishes: Grilled shrimp, steamed crab, or fish soup, fresh from the coast (~100,000–300,000 VND, ~$4–$12 USD).
Chí Mà Phù: A sweet gruel, often served as a dessert (~20,000 VND, ~$0.80 USD).
Tip: Many dishes use local spices; inform vendors of allergies in advance. English may be limited, so consider a guided tour for ease.
Bus: From Giap Bat Station to Ninh Binh City, then taxi to Nam Dinh eateries.
Cost: Bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
Train: Reunification Express to Ninh Binh Station, then taxi.
Cost: Train: ~75,000–150,000 VND (~$3–$6 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~2 hours.
Motorbike: Scenic ride via National Highway 1A or Hanoi–Ninh Binh Expressway.
Cost: Rental: ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day); fuel: ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) include eco-transfers.
Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, then bus/taxi to Nam Dinh.
Cost: Flight: ~750,000–1,750,000 VND (~$30–$70 USD); bus: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD); taxi: ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD).
Duration: ~2 hours flight + ~2 hours road.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) include flights and transfers.
Motorbike: Quick ride via Highway 38B or 37B to eateries.
Cost: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).
Duration: ~20–45 minutes.
Taxi/Grab: Convenient and affordable.
Cost: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip).
Duration: ~20–30 minutes.
Bicycle: Eco-friendly for closer spots like Giao Cù.
Cost: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).
Duration: ~45–60 minutes.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) include transfers.
Bicycle: Ideal for short distances between restaurants.
Cost: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).
Duration: ~5–30 minutes.
Motorbike: Fast for coastal spots like Thinh Long.
Cost: Rental: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day); fuel: ~10,000–20,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.80 USD).
Duration: ~5–20 minutes.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s tours (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) include eco-transfers.
Route Tip: From Ninh Binh City, take Highway 38B to Giao Cù for phở or 37B to Hai Hau for bánh nhãn and seafood. Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).
Morning (6:00–9:00 AM): Ideal for fresh phở and bánh mì; best in spring (February–April) or autumn (September–November) with mild weather (15–28°C).
Evening (6:00–9:00 PM): Vibrant street food scene, especially for bánh mì chân cầu; lively during festivals like Phu Day (lunar March).
Year-Round: Dishes are available daily; summer (May–August) is warm (25–35°C), while winter (December–January) is cooler (10–20°C) with 10–15% tour discounts.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds; festival seasons require 2–3 weeks’ advance booking for tours.
Dining:
Phở: ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/bowl).
Bánh mì chân cầu: ~15,000–25,000 VND (~$0.60–$1 USD/sandwich).
Bánh nhãn: ~100,000–160,000 VND (~$4–$6.40 USD/500g).
Seafood: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD/dish).
Drinks/Sides: ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).
Transport:
From Hanoi: Bus + taxi: ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD); train + taxi: ~175,000–250,000 VND (~$7–$10 USD); motorbike: ~150,000–300,000 VND (~$6–$12 USD).
From Ho Chi Minh City: Flight + road: ~950,000–2,050,000 VND (~$38–$82 USD).
From Ninh Binh City: Motorbike: ~140,000–220,000 VND (~$5–$9 USD); taxi: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD); bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).
Within Nam Dinh Region: Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD); motorbike: ~130,000–210,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD).
Accommodation: Budget guesthouses: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night); mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD); luxury resorts: ~3,000,000 VND (~$120 USD) and up.
Total Daily Cost: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).
Tip: Use VND; ATMs in Ninh Binh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for cost-effective dining experiences.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance for festival seasons via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456). Eateries typically open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
Pack Smart: Bring small cash (VND) for vendors, reusable water bottle, and light clothing for warm days.
Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm prices to avoid overcharging at smaller stalls.
Stay Safe: Secure valuables; inform vendors of allergies (English may be limited); avoid peak hours for a calmer experience.
Sustainability: Support local eateries; use reusable items to reduce waste; choose eco-tours to preserve culinary heritage.
Cultural Respect: Thank vendors (“cảm ơn”); tip ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD) for great service; respect dining customs like queuing.
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours per restaurant visit; combine with cultural sites like Phu Day (~15 km) for a full-day itinerary.
Our sustainable food tours immerse you in the region’s gastronomic treasures:
Phở Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Phở Cường, Phở Tăng, local markets. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.
Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Bánh mì Cô Lan, bánh mì chân cầu stalls, bánh nhãn tasting. Includes bike rentals and snacks.
Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Quán Hải Sản Tươi Sống, Thinh Long Beach, phở stops. Includes transfers and meals.
Ninh Binh Culinary Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Nam Dinh phở, bánh nhãn, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) available. Book now via links around this page!
The Nam Dinh region of Ninh Binh Province is a culinary haven where iconic dishes like phở, bánh mì chân cầu, and bánh nhãn showcase Vietnam’s rich food heritage. From family-run eateries to coastal seafood stalls, every bite tells a story of local tradition and hospitality. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours offer a sustainable way to explore these flavors, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience that supports vendors and preserves cultural heritage. Don’t miss this gastronomic journey—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh food adventure today!
Ready to taste the Mekong’s finest? Reserve your eco-friendly tour with Legend Travel Group and dive into Nam Dinh’s delightful world!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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