Discover the tranquil beauty of Nam Dinh in Ninh Binh Province with serene spots like Vi Xuyen Lake, Tran Temple, and Thinh Long Beach. Explore costs, tips, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for a relaxing getaway.
The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Nestled in the Red River Delta, this tranquil destination is renowned for its calming landscapes, spiritual sanctuaries, and cultural richness. From the reflective waters of Vi Xuyen Lake to the sacred quietude of Tran Temple and the soothing shores of Thinh Long Beach, Nam Dinh provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, invites you to unwind in this peaceful haven through our eco-friendly tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide to Nam Dinh’s restful destinations, including must-visit spots, updated costs, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable retreat in Ninh Binh Province.
Nam Dinh’s tranquil attractions make it an ideal getaway:
Serene Landscapes: Vi Xuyen Lake and Thinh Long Beach offer peaceful settings for reflection and leisure.
Spiritual Sanctuaries: Tran Temple and Phu Day Relic Complex provide calm spaces for contemplation.
Cultural Serenity: Engage with Nam Dinh’s heritage through quiet village strolls and local traditions.
Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours use low-impact transport and support local communities, aligning with Ninh Binh’s eco-tourism goals.
Proximity to Hanoi: Just ~90–100 km away, perfect for a weekend escape.
Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure a restful and responsible experience. Book now to unwind in Nam Dinh with Legend Travel Group!
Following Vietnam’s administrative changes, 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 infrastructure and access to Nam Dinh’s serene attractions. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring accurate planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.
Nam Dinh’s restful attractions offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual calm, and cultural depth. Below are the top spots to unwind, with details on what to expect, costs, and tips.
A tranquil oasis in Nam Dinh City, Vi Xuyen Lake is surrounded by lush greenery and shaded pathways, ideal for leisurely walks or quiet reflection.
What to Expect:
Serene lake views with gentle breezes, perfect for picnics or morning strolls.
Nearby Vi Xuyen Park offers benches and local tea stalls for relaxation.
Cultural events like lantern releases during festivals add a peaceful charm.
Cost: Free entry; tea/snacks at stalls ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).
Location: Tran Phu Street, Nam Dinh region center.
Highlights: “A calming urban retreat” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).
Tips:
Visit at sunrise (5:00–7:00 AM) for quietude and stunning light; bring a camera.
Rent a bicycle (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD/day) to explore the lake’s perimeter.
Avoid peak festival times (lunar January) for a more serene experience.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s City Serenity Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes Vi Xuyen Lake and local tea tasting.
This sacred complex in Tuc Mac Village offers a quiet, spiritual retreat, honoring the Tran Dynasty with its historic architecture and serene courtyards.
What to Expect:
Three temples (Thien Truong, Co Trach, Trung Hoa) with intricate carvings and tranquil grounds.
Peaceful ambiance, ideal for meditation or cultural contemplation.
Surrounded by the Vinh Giang River, adding to the serene setting.
Cost: Entrance ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD); donations ~10,000–25,000 VND (~$0.40–$1 USD).
Location: Tuc Mac Village, Nam Dinh region (~10 km from Nam Dinh City).
Highlights: “A spiritual haven” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.6/5 stars).
Tips:
Visit early morning (7:00–9:00 AM) for fewer crowds and cooler weather.
Dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees); cover cloths provided.
Combine with Pho Minh Pagoda (~1 km) for a half-day spiritual tour.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Tran Heritage Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes Tran Temple and guided meditation.
A 3-km stretch of white sand in Hai Hau, Thinh Long Beach offers a soothing coastal escape with gentle waves and fresh seafood dining.
What to Expect:
Quiet shoreline with soft sands, ideal for sunbathing or beach walks.
Nearby seafood restaurants like Quán Hải Sản Tươi Sống enhance the relaxed vibe.
Local fishing villages provide a glimpse into coastal life.
Cost: Free access; umbrella/sunbed rentals ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); seafood meals ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD).
Location: Hai Hau, Nam Dinh region (~30 km from Nam Dinh City).
Highlights: “A serene coastal gem” (Tripadvisor, 4.4/5 stars).
Tips:
Visit at sunrise (5:00–7:00 AM) for tranquility; avoid summer weekends for fewer crowds.
Bring sunscreen and a hat; dine at beachside stalls for fresh catches.
Pair with a visit to nearby Hai Hau markets for bánh nhãn (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD/500g).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Coastal Getaway Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes Thinh Long Beach and seafood dining.
A sacred site dedicated to Goddess Lieu Hanh, this complex in Vu Ban offers a peaceful setting for spiritual reflection amidst historic temples.
What to Expect:
Multiple temples (Tien Huong, Van Cat) with lush courtyards and minimal crowds outside festival season.
Calming atmosphere, ideal for quiet walks or cultural exploration.
UNESCO-recognized Mother Goddess worship adds spiritual depth.
Cost: Entrance ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD); donations ~10,000–25,000 VND (~$0.40–$1 USD).
Location: Vu Ban, Nam Dinh region (~15 km from Nam Dinh City).
Highlights: “A tranquil cultural treasure” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.5/5 stars).
Tips:
Visit in the morning (7:00–10:00 AM) for serenity; avoid lunar March festival for quieter visits.
Dress modestly; combine with Vieng Market (~5 km) outside festival season.
Bring a reusable water bottle for walks.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Spiritual Retreat Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Phu Day and guided cultural insights.
A quaint village known for its meticulously crafted bonsai gardens, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and art enthusiasts.
What to Expect:
Lush gardens with miniature trees, creating a meditative atmosphere.
Quiet village paths ideal for leisurely strolls or photography.
Local artisans share bonsai techniques, adding cultural depth.
Cost: Free entry; bonsai purchases ~100,000–500,000 VND (~$4–$20 USD); tea at local stalls ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).
Location: Vi Khe, Nam Dinh region (~15 km from Nam Dinh City).
Highlights: “A peaceful artistic haven” (Nhan Dân Online, 4.4/5 stars).
Tips:
Visit in autumn (September–November) for mild weather (18–28°C) and vibrant greenery.
Rent a bicycle (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD/day) for easy exploration.
Respect artisans’ work; ask permission before photographing bonsai.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Bike Village Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes Vi Khe and local tea stops.
Bus: Giap Bat to Nam Dinh City (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD), then taxi to Vi Xuyen Lake (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Train: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh Station (~75,000–150,000 VND, ~$3–$6 USD), then taxi to Tran Temple (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Motorbike: Rental ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day), fuel ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Serenity Transport Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes eco-transfers.
Flight + Road: Fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (~750,000–1,750,000 VND, ~$30–$70 USD), then bus/taxi (~200,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$8–$48 USD).
Train + Road: Reunification Express to Nam Dinh (~750,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$30–$80 USD, 32–35 hours), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Retreat Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights and transfers.
Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD).
Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/trip).
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day), ~45–60 minutes.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Local Serenity Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD) includes transfers.
Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).
Motorbike: ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–$8 USD/day), fuel ~10,000–20,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.80 USD).
Walking: Free to Vi Xuyen Lake from central Nam Dinh.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Local Shuttle Tour (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes eco-transfers.
Route Tip: Use Highway 38B for Tran Temple or Vi Xuyen Lake; Highway 37B for Thinh Long Beach; offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) recommended. Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike).
Spring (February–April): Mild (15–25°C), ideal for lake walks and temple visits; festivals (e.g., Vieng Market) add vibrancy but avoid for maximum calm.
Autumn (September–November): Cool (18–28°C), perfect for beach trips and bonsai village strolls; golden rice fields enhance scenery.
Dry Season (November–April): Comfortable (15–25°C), best for outdoor relaxation; fewer crowds outside festival periods.
Rainy Season (May–October): Warm (25–35°C), occasional showers; Vi Xuyen Lake and Tran Temple remain serene indoors.
Tip: Visit early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) for tranquility; avoid lunar January–March festivals for quieter experiences.
Attractions:
Vi Xuyen Lake: Free; snacks ~10,000–30,000 VND (~$0.40–$1.20 USD).
Tran Temple/Phu Day: ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD/entry); donations ~10,000–25,000 VND (~$0.40–$1 USD).
Thinh Long Beach: Free; rentals ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD); meals ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD).
Vi Khe Bonsai Village: Free; bonsai ~100,000–500,000 VND (~$4–$20 USD).
Dining: Street food (phở, Siu Chau candy): ~10,000–100,000 VND (~$0.40–$4 USD); restaurants: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 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: ~950,000–4,700,000 VND (~$38–$188 USD); train + road: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 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: 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 Nam Dinh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for eco-transfers and savings.
Plan Ahead: Book tours 1–2 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456), especially for spring/autumn. Sites open 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle, comfortable shoes, and light layers; pack rain gear for summer (May–August).
Budget Wisely: Expect ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD/day); confirm entry fees at temples.
Stay Safe: Secure valuables at beaches or markets; follow temple etiquette (no flash photography); avoid rural roads at night.
Sustainability: Support local tea stalls and artisans; use reusable items; choose eco-tours to preserve Nam Dinh’s serenity.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples; maintain silence in sacred areas; tip guides ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD).
Navigation: Allow 1–3 hours per site; combine Vi Xuyen Lake and Tran Temple for a half-day itinerary. Offline maps recommended.
Our sustainable tours offer peaceful escapes in Nam Dinh:
City Serenity Tour (~1,000,000 VND, ~$40 USD/person): Vi Xuyen Lake, local tea tasting, Nam Dinh City strolls. Includes eco-transfers and snacks.
Tran Heritage Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Tran Temple, Pho Minh Pagoda, guided meditation. Includes transfers and lunch.
Coastal Getaway Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Thinh Long Beach, seafood dining, Hai Hau markets. Includes transfers and meals.
Ninh Binh Serenity Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Nam Dinh’s serene spots, Trang An, 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 in Ninh Binh Province is a sanctuary of peace, offering serene destinations like Vi Xuyen Lake, Tran Temple, and Thinh Long Beach for travelers seeking relaxation. Its tranquil landscapes and spiritual sites provide the perfect antidote to stress, enriched by cultural depth. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours ensure a sustainable, restful experience, supporting local communities and preserving Ninh Binh’s natural beauty. Start your serene escape today—browse our featured Ninh Binh Tours and book your Nam Dinh retreat now!
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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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