Nam Dinh is a charming city located in the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam. It is a city steeped in history and culture, with a rich legacy of royal dynasties and religious traditions. Today, Nam Dinh is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant markets, and peaceful countryside. With so much to see and do in Nam Dinh, it is the perfect destination for a one-day tour. In this article, we will take a closer look at what makes Nam Dinh such a special place and provide you with a detailed itinerary for a perfect one-day tour of the city.
Exploring Nam Dinh’s History and Culture
Nam Dinh has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 10th century when it was the capital of the Ly Dynasty. The city has been home to many different dynasties over the centuries, and it has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, art, and religious traditions.
One of the most famous attractions in Nam Dinh is the Pho Minh Pagoda, which dates back to the 13th century. The pagoda is famous for its unique architecture, with a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer styles. It is also home to many beautiful sculptures and carvings, including a large statue of the Buddha.
Another must-visit destination in Nam Dinh is the Co Le Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century. The pagoda is famous for its intricate carvings and unique architecture, which combines elements of both Chinese and Vietnamese styles. It is also home to many valuable artifacts, including a collection of ancient books and scriptures.
For those interested in history, a visit to the Nam Dinh Museum is a must. The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. From ancient pottery and bronze artifacts to more recent historical events, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the city’s past.
Experience Nam Dinh’s Vibrant Markets
Nam Dinh is also known for its vibrant markets, which are a great place to experience the city’s bustling atmosphere and taste its delicious cuisine. One of the most famous markets in Nam Dinh is the Cho Huyen market, which is located in the heart of the city. The market is famous for its fresh produce, including seafood, vegetables, and fruits. It is also home to many food stalls, where visitors can sample a variety of local dishes, including banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and nem ran (deep-fried spring rolls).
Another popular market in Nam Dinh is the Yen Phu market, which is located in the southern part of the city. The market is famous for its textiles and clothing, and it is a great place to buy traditional Vietnamese clothing, including the famous ao dai.
Experience Nam Dinh’s Peaceful Countryside
Finally, Nam Dinh is also known for its peaceful countryside, which is a great place to relax and escape the city’s hustle and bustle. One of the best ways to experience the countryside is by taking a bike ride along the Red River. The river is a beautiful place to explore, with lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the local villages, where they can learn about traditional farming practices and experience the daily life of the local people.
Itinerary for a Perfect One-Day Tour of Nam Dinh
Now that we’ve explored some of the highlights of Nam Dinh, let’s take a look at a sample itinerary for a perfect one-day tour of the city.
9:00 AM – Start the day at the Pho Minh Pagoda, where you can explore the temple and take in the beautiful architecture.
10:30 AM – Next, head to the Co Le Pagoda, where you can admire the intricate carvings and learn about the history of the temple.
12:00 PM – After visiting the temples, it’s time to explore the Cho Huyen market, where you can sample local delicacies and buy some souvenirs.
1:30 PM – For lunch, head to a local restaurant and try some traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as banh cuon or nem ran.
2:30 PM – After lunch, it’s time to head to the Nam Dinh Museum to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
4:00 PM – Take a bike ride along the Red River and explore the local villages, where you can learn about traditional farming practices and experience the daily life of the local people.
6:00 PM – End the day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try some more delicious Vietnamese dishes.
Get to Nam Dinh from Hanoi
Nam Dinh is located about 90 km southeast of Hanoi in the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam. There are several ways to get to Nam Dinh from Hanoi:
By Bus: There are several buses that run between Hanoi and Nam Dinh. You can take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station or Giap Bat Bus Station in Hanoi to Nam Dinh Bus Station. The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on the traffic and the bus company. The bus fare from Hanoi to Nam Dinh ranges from 60,000 VND ($2.5 USD) to 100,000 VND ($4.3 USD) per person, depending on the bus company and the type of seat you choose. Some popular bus companies that run this route include Hoang Long, Van Don Xuan Truong, and Kumho Viet Thanh.
By Train: There are also several trains that run between Hanoi and Nam Dinh. You can take a train from Hanoi Railway Station to Nam Dinh Railway Station. The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on the train type and schedule. The train fare from Hanoi to Nam Dinh ranges from 40,000 VND ($1.7 USD) to 100,000 VND ($4.3 USD) per person, depending on the train type and the class of seat you choose. Some popular train companies that run this route include Vietnam Railways and Livitrans.
By Private Car: You can also hire a private car or taxi to take you from Hanoi to Nam Dinh. This option gives you more flexibility and allows you to stop along the way to take photos or explore other attractions. The journey takes about 2-3 hours depending on the traffic and the route. The price for hiring a private car or taxi from Hanoi to Nam Dinh ranges from 1,000,000 VND ($43 USD) to 1,500,000 VND ($65 USD), depending on the car type, the number of passengers, and the duration of the trip. It’s important to negotiate the price with the driver in advance and make sure that it includes all the fees and tolls.
No matter which transportation option you choose, it is recommended to check the schedules and prices in advance, especially during peak travel season, to ensure availability and avoid any inconvenience.
Private car services for your tour
- Hanoi Transfer Service: This company offers private car rental services with a wide range of car types, from standard sedans to luxury limousines. They also provide English-speaking drivers and customized itineraries. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or visit their website at hanoitransferservice.com.
- Vietnam Private Car: This company specializes in private car rental services throughout Vietnam, including Hanoi and Nam Dinh. They offer various car types and packages, such as airport transfers, city tours, and long-distance trips. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or visit their website at vietnamprivatecar.com.
- Go Vietnam Travel: This travel agency provides private car rental services as well as other travel-related services, such as tour packages, hotel bookings, and visa assistance. They have a team of professional drivers and modern cars. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or visit their website at govietnamtravel.asia.
In conclusion, Nam Dinh is a charming city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, tasting local delicacies, or relaxing in the peaceful countryside, Nam Dinh has something for everyone. With this itinerary, you can experience the best of Nam Dinh in just one day, making it the perfect destination for a day trip from Hanoi or a longer stay in northern Vietnam. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Nam Dinh today and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful city.