City Info: Ninh Bình

  attractions    restaurants    hotels

Settled amid the limestone karsts that proliferate in the area, Ninh Binh is the central starting point for numerous day trips. Western faces don't quite fill the streets, but tourists are a common sight. There isn't much to see in the city itself, but your family can use your hotel here as a hub for trips to nearby areas: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, Phat Diem, Bich Dong, and Kenh Ga (chicken village).

Che & Ice Cream stand

Che Hue, a popular dessert throughout Vietnam, is made with mung beans, taro, longans, coconut milk, ice and some other fruits and beans that I didn't recognize. Like most Vietnamese foods, there's more than one way to make it. The kids weren't too impressed with it, so they ate ice cream instead.

Thanh Thuy

Our three nights here were pleasant enough, with large,clean rooms, interesting views and a roomy bath (with tub!). The staff is helpful and their in-house restaurant serves some tasty dishes. They made my kids feel welcome and were very helpful in helping us arrange sight-seeing. My only complaints: the internet was a bit limited and we were given two twin beds for the three of us. Email: tuc@hn.vnn.vn

Outside resources:

• VietNam Tourism: Ninh Binh