Ninh Binh Night Market: A Bustling Hub for Food and Entertainment

When the sun dips behind the towering limestone mountains of Ninh Binh, the city doesn't go to sleep - it transforms. Ninh Binh Night Market is where the quiet charm of the day gives way to a vibrant, colorful world after dark, inviting travelers and locals alike to slow down, explore, and savor every moment.

1. About Ninh Binh Night Market

Here are some key information about Ninh Binh Night Market:

• Address: Near Tam Coc Wharf, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

By day, Ninh Binh is a serene escape - a place of riverboat rides through rice paddies, ancient temples, and misty peaks. But at night, tucked away near the city center and popular tourist spots like Tam Coc and Trang An, the night market springs to life.

Rows of stalls light up with the warm glow of hanging lanterns. The smell of sizzling street food fills the air. Laughter, music, and the soft hum of conversation create an atmosphere that's both lively and deeply local.

2. How to Get to Ninh Binh Night Market?

Here are the ways to get to Ninh Binh Market based on your starting location

From Ninh Binh city center

You can choose from the following transportation options to get Ninh Binh Night Market within 10 - 15 minutes:

• Taxi/ride-hailing services: This is the most convenient way which cost 100,000 - 150,000/round
• Motorbike: Renting motorbike for around 100,000 VND/day

From Tam Coc Area

If you're staying nearby, you can easily get to Ninh Binh Night Market by these ways:

• Walking: Most hotels and homestays in Tam Coc are within walking distance for about 5 - 10 minutes to the night market.
• Rent an electric car (Eco-Friendly Option): You’ll often see electric tourist cars near Tam Coc Wharf, they’re fun and easy for groups. This cost around 20,000–30,000 VND/person

Tourists take photos with the unique symbol of Ninh Binh Night Market (Source: Internet)

3. 5+ Exciting Activities to Try at Ninh Binh Night Market

3.1. Shop for Unique Souvenirs

Ninh Binh Night Market is an ideal shopping destination with a wide variety of products.

• Local handicrafts: Delicately embroidered clothes, scarves, table runners, and wall art. Each piece is stitched by skilled local artisans, especially from nearby craft villages like Van Lam Village. The patterns often reflect Vietnamese countryside life, lotus flowers, and traditional symbols.
• Stone carvings: Small statues, jewelry, and home decor carved from local limestone. Ninh Binh is famous for its natural stone, and craftsmen from places like Ninh Van Village create beautiful mini-sculptures and jewelry. It’s a piece of the mountains you can take home.
• Bamboo and rattan products: Eco-friendly baskets, handbags, coasters, and even decorative lamps made from bamboo and rattan. They’re light, easy to pack, and represent the traditional craftsmanship of rural Vietnam.
• Traditional clothes: Colorful ethnic garments, light silk scarves, or even customized Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dress). They are light, beautiful, and meaningful, making unique and personal gifts.

Ninh Binh Night Market is the perfect place to find authentic, handmade souvenirs that carry the soul of Ninh Binh (Source: Internet)

3.2. Enjoy Traditional Xam Singing Performances

Xam is a form of traditional Vietnamese folk music, originally performed by blind street artists hundreds of years ago. It features simple instruments like the monochord zither, two-stringed fiddle, and small percussion instruments.

The songs often tell stories about daily life, love, hardship, and hope. Xam Singing is deeply emotional - it captures the soul of the common people in a way few other musical forms can.

When night falls over Ninh Binh and the market lights flicker on, something truly special happens - the ancient sounds of Xam Singing begin to echo through the air. At Ninh Binh Night Market, visitors can experience this rare and beautiful piece of Vietnamese culture firsthand.

Ninh Binh Night Market is also the place where cultural and artistic programs take place (Source: Internet)

3.3. Feel the Beat with Lively Music Shows

As the night market buzzes with life, open-air stages and casual street performances light up the atmosphere. Music flows through the air, from traditional Vietnamese songs to modern pop and acoustic ballads. It’s a blend of old and new, reflecting Ninh Binh’s unique charm.

The music turns the market into a living, breathing festival where every visitor becomes part of the celebration (Source: Internet)

3.4. Have Fun with Interactive Games

When you stroll through Ninh Binh Night Market, you’ll quickly realize it’s not just about food and shopping. It’s a playground for all ages, filled with interactive games that bring out the laughter, excitement, and playful spirit of the night:

• Ring toss: Toss rings onto prizes like stuffed animals, toys, or local crafts.
• Balloon dart games: Pop a balloon with a dart to win cute gifts.
• Mini basketball hoops: Show off your aim by shooting mini basketballs into moving hoops.
• Fishing for prizes: A hit with families - "fish" for floating prizes using a toy rod or net.
• Puzzle and skill games: Small stalls offer brain teasers, traditional Vietnamese puzzles, and mini-games to test your skills and patience.

The games are popular with both tourists and locals. Laughing and playing together breaks down all language barriers (Source: Internet)

4. Top 6+ Delicious Foods in Ninh Binh You Should Try

4.1. Thit De Nui (Goat Meat)

Goats in Ninh Binh roam freely on limestone mountains, eating wild herbs and leaves, resulting in lean, tender, and flavorful meat. Locals prepare goat meat in many styles: grilling, steaming, stir-frying, and serving raw (lightly cooked) with lemon.

Try it with fig leaves and fermented soy sauce for a truly authentic taste (Source: Internet)

4.2. Com Chay (Crispy Rice)

Com Chay is made by deep-frying rice until it turns crispy golden, often topped with shredded pork floss and served with a rich dipping sauce made from goat meat or beef. Com Chay is crunchy yet slightly chewy. It brings a savory, slightly sweet flavor when dipped into the sauce.

Com Chay is light, delicious, and travel-friendly (Source: Internet)

4.3. Mien Luon (Eel Vermicelli)

Glass noodles served with river eel, cooked either dry (stir-fried) or in a flavorful broth. The eel is marinated with spices and sometimes lightly fried before serving. You can try either eel noodle soup or stir-fried eel noodles.

Mien luon is a rich and flavorful taste dish (Source: Internet)

4.4. Nem Chua (Fermented Pork Spring Rolls)

Traditional fermented pork rolls are made from minced pork, pork skin, spices, and wrapped in guava leaves. This dish gets lightly sour with a chewy texture. The locals usually eat it with raw garlic and chili, sometimes dipped in spicy fish sauce.

The dish has a complex and unique preparation method (Source: Internet)

4.5. Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls)

This dish is made of thin, delicate rice flour pancakes filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, mushrooms, and fried onions. The rice rolls are steamed to perfection and served with fresh herbs, cucumber slices, and a side of nuoc mam (Vietnamese dipping sauce). This dish is known for its light, soft texture and the rich flavors of the filling, making it a popular breakfast or snack in Vietnam.

Best eaten hot right after steaming (Source: Internet)

4.6. Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls)

Nem Cua Be is a popular Vietnamese dish made with crab meat, vermicelli noodles, and various fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper, then deep-fried to a crispy golden texture. They are often served with a side of dipping sauce, typically made from fish sauce, sugar, lime, and chili. This dish is known for its crispy texture on the outside while maintaining a flavorful and juicy filling on the inside.

Pair it with pickled vegetables for a refreshing balance (Source: Internet)

5. Notes When Visiting Ninh Binh Night Market

Here are some helpful notes to ensure you have an enjoyable time:

• Arrive early for the best experience: Arriving earlier (around 6:00 –7:00 PM) gives you the best chance to explore the stalls before the larger crowds arrive, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Bring cash: Most vendors at the night market do not accept cards, so be sure to bring enough Vietnamese dong (VND) in cash. It’s also helpful to carry small denominations for easier transactions and bargaining.
• Be polite when bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice at Vietnamese markets, including Ninh Binh Night Market, but it’s important to do so gently and politely.
• Be cautious of your belongings: Keep valuables such as wallets, phones, and cameras in secure pockets or bags.

Visiting the Ninh Binh Night Market is an unforgettable experience that offers a perfect blend of local culture, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment. By following these notes, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the market’s unique atmosphere and make the most of your visit.

To enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Ninh Binh Night Market, book your Flight to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines today! For more details on flights, baggage policies, and travel itineraries, contact Vietnam Airlines via their hotline at 1900 1100, or through Fanpage or Zalo for expert advice.