Nice in Ninh Binh
We visited Ninh Binh on a day tour from Hanoi. We were drawn to the Hanoi Backstreet Tour version of this popular trip because they advertised a different experience from the dozens of other tours on GetYourGuide.
What we have found with many tours is that all seem to be the same, so while your group might be small, you are visiting the same spots with all the other tour operators, at the same time, and it can get hectic (like our experience on Phi Phi Island in Thailand).
Hanoi Backstreet Tours did all the same highlights but in a different order, and with some more unique experiences. Although it was a bit more expensive than the other tours, ultimately we were very happy with our decision as it was well worth the money.
The day started early which allowed us to get a jump on some of the other tours that left later. After the roughly 2 hour drive to Ninh Binh we started by visiting an ancient temple. Then we traveled to the main hike of the day, a 500 stair climb to the top of the viewpoint overlooking beautiful rice fields and a lotus farm. After enjoying the lotus pond we hiked up the steps to the view point. Not going to lie the hike was TERRIBLE. Probably the worst we have had. It was SO hot, with little shade coverage and the heat just radiated. The steps were also rocky and very uneven making it all the more challenging. It was beautiful AND we are glad it is over. Shoutout to Han our tour guide who helped the whole group up the stairs and motivated and encouraged us (he does the steps between 3-6 times per week and even he said it was particularly hot and miserable that day).
After our big hike we had lunch at a delightful local restaurant and took a cruise in an old army jeep through the rice fields to another smaller temple (with way less steps).
The third main stop was an instagram famous boat ride through the rice fields and caves. This was truly a magical experience, and a hot one. We were there at a good time as rice was just being harvested and was its beautiful green and gold color. We were lucky to have umbrellas for the shade but it was still hot and humid. The tranquility of the river and scenery made up for it.
You can catch pics above.