Me Town: The Gateway Connecting Ninh Binh and Northern Provinces

Me Town is located in the northern part of Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province. It represents the distinctive charm of the Northern Delta, with low-lying terrain surrounded by lush rice paddies stretching to the horizon. More than just the administrative center of Gia Vien, it’s a place that preserves the rustic, genuine beauty of rural Vietnam.

• Spring (February – April): The best time to visit Me Town, when the weather is cool and pleasant, and green rice fields stretch like a giant carpet — creating a calm, poetic atmosphere. This period also coincides with the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, offering visitors a chance to experience the region’s rich spiritual culture.
• Autumn (September – November): For those who enjoy quiet moments, autumn brings mild, cool air and fewer rains, making it ideal for strolling around the town, admiring the golden rice fields, and enjoying the refreshing countryside breeze.

Me Town appears like a peaceful countryside painting, where golden rice fields stretch endlessly across the land.

• From Hanoi: If traveling by motorbike or private car, follow National Highway 1A for about 90 km, then turn at Gian Khau T-junction (Gia Vien District) onto Provincial Road 477B. Drive about 5 km further to reach Me Town. If taking a bus, you can board from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station to Ninh Binh (ticket price: 80,000–120,000 VND). Get off at Gian Khau, then take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to the town. The total travel time is about 2.5–3 hours.
• From Other Provinces: For faster access, fly to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), then rent a car or take a bus from Hanoi to Me Town. The total travel time from the airport is approximately 3–4 hours.

Fly with Vietjet to Hanoi and prepare for your journey to Me Town with flight tickets starting from 799,000 VND. See details HERE.

Me Town is not only a peaceful stop in Ninh Binh but also a great starting point to explore exciting destinations in and around the area. Whether you enjoy the quiet beauty of the countryside or wish to venture into Ninh Binh’s famous landmarks, Me Town offers something for everyone.

• Wander around the town: During spring and autumn, stroll or cycle along small village roads to admire vast rice fields. The fresh air and the slow-paced life of the locals bring a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Me Market: Visit the town’s small local market to experience the daily life of residents and shop for specialties like Yen Mac fermented pork rolls (Nem Chua Yen Mac) or other local delicacies as souvenirs.
• Hoang Long River: Flowing near Me Town, the Hoang Long River is an ideal spot to relax and take photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the scenery becomes exceptionally poetic.

• Van Long Lagoon: Located about 8–10 km northeast of Me Town, this is the largest wetland nature reserve in northern Vietnam. Visitors will be amazed by its majestic limestone mountains, mirror-like calm waters, and rich biodiversity.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Situated in Gia Sinh Commune, this is the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia, featuring a 13-story, 100-meter-high stupa, giant Buddha statues, and a vast spiritual space. Travelers can explore the temple grounds, pray for peace, and admire the magnificent architecture.
• Kenh Ga Hot Springs: Nestled in Gia Thinh Commune, this natural hot spring maintains a temperature of 40–50°C and is surrounded by lush green mountains near the Hoang Long River. Visitors can purchase tickets to enjoy a relaxing hot bath, take a scenic boat ride, and unwind in the tranquil atmosphere.
• Trang An Landscape Complex: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An is famous for its network of caves, rivers, and limestone mountains. You can take a boat trip through the caves, explore the area’s rich history and natural beauty, and capture stunning photos of the landscape.

See also: Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Ninh Binh

The cuisine of Me Town reflects the rustic yet flavorful characteristics of Ninh Binh’s local food, offering dishes that captivate every traveler’s taste buds..

• Mountain Goat Meat: A must-try specialty of Gia Vien District. The goats are raised freely on rocky mountains, giving the meat a firm texture and low fat. It’s prepared in various ways such as grilled, rare with lemon, or hot pot, each offering a distinct aroma and rich taste.
• Ninh Binh Crispy Rice (Com Chay): A simple yet famous dish made from crispy rice scorched at the bottom of the pot, fried to golden perfection, and topped with flavorful goat meat or fish sauce — both crispy and savory.
• Yen Mac Fermented Pork Rolls (Nem Chua Yen Mac): A perfect snack or souvenir to take home. Made from fresh pork, crunchy pork skin, and roasted rice powder, wrapped in banana leaves and naturally fermented to achieve a mild sour and slightly spicy flavor.
• Tong Truong Gourami Fish: A countryside specialty made from field-caught fish around Me Town, either deep-fried until crispy enough to eat whole or braised in clay pots with lemongrass, chili, and green pepper, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Traditional markets in Ninh Binh offer a variety of local specialties that make great gifts to bring home.

Me Town’s tourism infrastructure is still developing, so accommodation options are limited. However, you can still find comfortable stays within the area. Several small guesthouses along Provincial Road 477B or in the town center offer rooms priced between 200,000–300,000 VND per night, equipped with basic amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi — perfect for short trips.

Alternatively, you can stay at homestays near Van Long Lagoon or hotels in Ninh Binh City such as Ninh Binh Legend or The Reed. For a more luxurious experience, Emeralda Resort or Hidden Charm Hotel near Trang An and Bai Dinh Pagoda are ideal choices.

Traveling independently to Me Town is a wonderful way to experience the simple beauty of Ninh Binh’s lowland region. Below are some practical tips for a fulfilling trip:

• Preparation: Pack comfortable sneakers for walking or cycling around the town and nearby attractions. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, or a raincoat depending on the season — especially during the hot summer or rainy months (June–August). If you plan to bathe in Kenh Ga Hot Springs, bring swimwear and towels.
• Suggested Itinerary:
• Day 1: Depart from Hanoi → Me Town → visit Me Market for breakfast and explore the rice fields. Continue to Van Long Lagoon for a scenic boat trip, have lunch with goat meat specialties, and spend the afternoon at Kenh Ga Hot Springs.
• Day 2: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda in the morning, enjoy Ninh Binh Crispy Rice for lunch, then head to Trang An for a boat tour before returning to Hanoi.

See also: Ninh Binh 2 Days 1 Night Independent Travel Guide

With its peaceful rice fields and role as the gateway to Ninh Binh’s wonders, Me Town awaits your discovery. From hearty local dishes like mountain goat meat and crispy rice to natural escapes like Van Long Lagoon and Trang An, this charming countryside destination promises a journey full of memorable moments.

To truly experience the essence of the ancient capital and immerse yourself in its rustic charm, book your flight with Vietjet today for a perfect trip. Don’t forget to check out the 0 VND flight promotions available daily between 12:00–14:00 for the best deals. See details HERE.

Stay tuned with Vietjet to never miss the latest travel updates and promotions!

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vietjetvietnam
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vietjet
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/VietjetOfficial
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vietjetvietnam
• Zalo: https://oa.zalo.me/vietjet