Flood season, also known as the rising water season, is a familiar concept in Vietnam. While the Mekong Delta is renowned for its expansive floodwaters, Northern Vietnam’s Ninh Binh dons a unique, poetic beauty during this time. Traveling to Ninh Binh during the flood season is not just an exploration of majestic nature but also an opportunity to experience the distinctive culture of the Northern Delta region. Are you ready for a surprising and exciting Ninh Binh flood season adventure?
What Makes Ninh Binh’s Flood Season Special?
The flood season in Ninh Binh typically begins in September and lasts until November each year. This period sees prolonged heavy rains, causing water from the upper reaches of the Red River to flow in, inundating fields and low-lying areas. However, instead of desolation, the flood season transforms Ninh Binh into a vibrant, picturesque watercolor painting.
The usually gentle rivers and canals swell and become vast and immense. Water flows into caves, creating shimmering, magical natural lakes. The once lush green rice paddies are replaced by lotus and water lily ponds in full bloom, showcasing their vibrant colors on the clear water. All of this creates a scene that is both poetic and majestic, leaving anyone who visits Ninh Binh during this season in awe.
Traveling to Ninh Binh during the flood season is more than just sightseeing. It’s also the perfect time to experience unique activities exclusive to the rising water period. Rowing a sampan through flooded rice paddies, exploring mysterious caves, or enjoying flood season specialties… all of these will create unforgettable memories of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Must-Visit Destinations in Ninh Binh During Flood Season
Trang An in Flood Season – A Masterpiece in the Heart of the Ancient Capital
When mentioning Ninh Binh, Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is a must-mention. During the flood season, Trang An becomes even more enchanting and mystical. Rising water submerges paths, leaving only towering limestone mountains and winding rivers.
Sitting in a sampan, you’ll be transported to another world, where only the sound of oars dipping into the water, birds chirping, and the raw, majestic beauty of nature prevail. Caves like Lam Cave, Dia Linh Cave, and Toi Cave become deeper and more mysterious as water levels rise. Sunlight reflecting on the water’s surface creates shimmering, magical streaks of light, making you feel like you’ve wandered into a fairyland.
Sampan boat on Trang An river during Ninh Binh flood season
Tam Coc in Flood Season – “Halong Bay on Land” Gains Added Poetry
Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on Land,” is another equally attractive destination during Ninh Binh’s flood season. While Tam Coc is famous for its golden rice paddies stretching along the Ngo Dong River in the summer, it takes on a different beauty during the flood season.
The Ngo Dong River rises, flooding into caves, creating a vast and immense river landscape. Boating on the river, you’ll admire majestic limestone mountains reflected in the clear water, lotus and water lily ponds blooming along the banks, and flocks of birds soaring in the sky.
In particular, experiencing rowing through Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave during the flood season will give you a thrilling sense of adventure. Water levels rise close to the cave ceilings, requiring you to duck down to pass through, and upon exiting the cave, a beautiful natural world unfolds before your eyes.
Tourists rowing boats to explore Tam Coc during flood season
Thung Nham Bird Park in Flood Season – Observing the Bird World
Thung Nham Bird Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those wanting to explore the wildlife. During the flood season, Thung Nham becomes a haven for thousands of different bird species, from storks, herons, and egrets to gulls and mynas.
In the late afternoon, as dusk settles, it’s also when flocks of birds from everywhere fly to Thung Nham to forage and rest. Sitting on a boat weaving through the swamps, you’ll witness firsthand the scene of thousands of birds flying in the sky, creating an incredibly vivid and impressive natural picture.
Thung Nham Bird Park Ninh Binh during flood season
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve in Flood Season – The Largest Inland Wetland in Northern Vietnam
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the largest inland wetland in the Northern Delta region. During the flood season, Van Long becomes more immense and pristine than ever. Rising water covers a vast area, leaving only clumps of trees, bushes, and limestone mountains exposed.
Boating on Van Long Lagoon, you’ll immerse yourself in the tranquil, peaceful space of nature. The water is so clear you can see schools of fish swimming playfully below. Surrounding the lagoon are reed fields, blooming lotus and water lily ponds, and flocks of white storks flying around. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Delacour’s langur – a rare primate listed in the Vietnam Red Book.
Van Long Wetland Ninh Binh during flood season
Bai Dinh Pagoda in Flood Season – Southeast Asia’s Largest Pagoda Amidst Scenic Landscapes
Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only a famous pagoda known for its massive and sacred architecture but also an attractive destination due to the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it. During the flood season, Bai Dinh Pagoda becomes even more solemn and serene as it is surrounded by immense waters.
From Bai Dinh Pagoda, you can extend your gaze far and admire the panoramic view of Ninh Binh during the flood season. Flooded fields stretching to the horizon, winding rivers like soft silk ribbons, and majestic limestone mountains… all create a picturesque landscape that makes you feel relaxed and peaceful in your soul.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Ninh Binh during flood season
Savoring Ninh Binh’s Unique Flood Season Cuisine
Traveling to Ninh Binh during the flood season is not only about exploring beautiful scenery but also an opportunity to enjoy local specialties with unique flavors. Flood season is the season for shrimp, fish, snails, and wild vegetables. Therefore, Ninh Binh cuisine during this season also becomes richer and more appealing.
Some specialties you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Ninh Binh during the flood season:
- Grilled goby fish: Goby fish is a specialty of Ninh Binh’s river region. The fish is grilled over charcoal until golden brown and fragrant. The meat is sweet and tender, delicious when eaten with fresh vegetables and sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Eel stew with green banana and tofu: Eel stew with green banana and tofu is a rustic, familiar dish of Ninh Binh people. Eel is stewed with green bananas, tofu, pork belly, and various spices. The dish has a rich, delicious flavor, very suitable for enjoying on cool rainy days.
- Boiled mountain snails: Mountain snails are a famous specialty of Ninh Binh. Mountain snails live on limestone cliffs, and the meat is chewy, sweet, and fragrant. Boiled mountain snails dipped in ginger fish sauce are a favorite snack for many.
- Nhech fish salad (Gỏi cá nhệch): Nhech fish salad is a unique and attractive dish from the coastal Kim Son area of Ninh Binh. Nhech fish is made into a salad, served with herbs, rice crackers, and a special dipping sauce. The dish has a harmonious sour, spicy, salty, and sweet taste, very stimulating to the taste buds.
- Ant egg sticky rice (Xôi trứng kiến): Ant egg sticky rice is a unique and somewhat “exotic” specialty of Ninh Binh. Ant eggs are stir-fried, mixed with sticky rice, creating a dish that is both fatty and fragrant, and very nutritious.
Grilled goby fish, a Ninh Binh specialty during flood season
Ninh Binh Flood Season Travel Tips
To have a complete and memorable Ninh Binh flood season trip, keep these points in mind:
- Time: The best time to travel to Ninh Binh during the flood season is from September to November. At this time, the water has risen high, but the weather is still quite pleasant, not too cold or too hot.
- Transportation: You can travel to Ninh Binh by bus, train, or motorbike. If traveling from Hanoi, you can take a bus or train, which takes about 2-3 hours. If you go by motorbike, you can be more proactive about time and itinerary.
- Accommodation: Ninh Binh has many accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and homestays. You should book your room in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, easy-to-move clothing, and low, waterproof shoes. If boating, bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
- Personal items: Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, personal medications, and a camera or phone to capture beautiful moments.
- Safety: During the flood season, water levels can rise and flow rapidly. Be careful when boating, especially when visiting caves. Always wear a life jacket when boating and follow the boat driver’s instructions.
- Cash preparation: In some rural tourist areas, card payments may not be common. You should prepare enough cash to spend on activities and shopping.
Conclusion
Traveling to Ninh Binh during the flood season is a unique and exciting experience, offering you the chance to discover the hidden beauty of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. From the vast rivers and canals to the mysterious caves, blooming lotus and water lily ponds, and appealing specialties… all will create a memorable travel journey during Ninh Binh’s flood season. Plan your Ninh Binh flood season trip today to feel the very unique, very poetic beauty of this land!