Where is Kim Son, Ninh Binh? What local specialties does Kim Son offer?

Kim Son is a coastal district in Ninh Binh province, located about 30 km southeast of Ninh Binh City. The district borders the East Sea to the east, Nga Son district (Thanh Hoa) to the south, and Yen Khanh district to the north. Kim Son was established more than 200 years ago through a land reclamation project led by Nguyen Cong Tru, a renowned mandarin under the Nguyen Dynasty.

Today, Kim Son is not only rich in historical traditions but also boasts a diverse natural ecosystem. Notably, Kim Son has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s biosphere reserves, with seven coastal communes showcasing its outstanding biological value and natural landscapes. Visitors to Kim Son can immerse themselves in pristine nature, admire the mangrove ecosystem, mudflats, and a rich variety of wildlife.

Each season in Kim Son has its own charm, but the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November:

• March – May: Early summer with dry weather and plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring outdoor attractions.
• September – November: Autumn in Ninh Binh offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and is ideal for cultural experiences, church visits, and enjoying famous local delicacies.
• It’s best to avoid July – August if you dislike storms, as heavy rains during this period may affect travel and sightseeing, especially at coastal or ecological sites.

If you wish to experience local traditions, visit during the Phat Diem festival season (usually in the 11th lunar month) to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural life of the locals.

If you visit Kim Son in May or June, you can also witness the golden rice season along the Ngo Dong River.

See also: Top 15 must-visit destinations in Ninh Binh

Kim Son, Ninh Binh is located about 120 km south of Hanoi’s city center. To reach Kim Son, travelers first need to get to Ninh Binh City, then continue for another 30 km to the district center.

From Hanoi, you can choose one of the following means of transportation to Ninh Binh:

• Coach (Intercity Bus): Buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh depart continuously throughout the day from major stations such as Giap Bat, My Dinh, or Nuoc Ngam. Tickets range from 80,000 – 250,000 VND per trip, depending on the bus company and seat type. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Ninh Binh city center.
• Train: Ideal for those who prefer a relaxing trip without traffic jams, the Hanoi – Ninh Binh train route offers multiple daily departures, both in the morning and afternoon. Tickets range from 110,000 – 443,000 VND per trip, depending on seat class and departure time.
• Motorbike or Private Car: If you prefer flexibility and control over your itinerary, self-driving is an excellent choice. You can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway for a travel time of about 1.5 to 2 hours.

For travelers or southern provinces, flying is the fastest and most convenient option to get to Kim Son. Book a direct flight to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi (about 2 hours), then continue to Ninh Binh by coach, train, or private car as mentioned above.

Currently, Vietjet offers multiple daily direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, starting from only 100,000 VND/person/ticket (excluding taxes and fees), with high frequency and flexible schedules. In particular, Vietjet often runs the “It’s 12 o’clock, let’s fly Vietjet” promotion, allowing customers to hunt for 0 VND tickets during the golden hours of 12:00 – 14:00 daily. See details here!

From Ninh Binh city center, you can easily reach Kim Son by:

• Motorbike Rental: Prices range from 100,000 – 180,000 VND/day. Take provincial road DT481 or National Highway 10, which is both convenient and offers beautiful countryside views.
• Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service: Suitable for small groups or families, costing 300,000 – 400,000 VND/trip.
• Local Bus: For a budget-friendly option, take the Ninh Binh – Kim Son – Phat Diem bus from the central station.

Kim Son is not only famous for its natural beauty and unique architecture, but also for its rich coastal countryside cuisine. Here are the top specialties you shouldn’t miss:

This renowned specialty is made from yellow-flower sticky rice and forest leaf yeast. Premium varieties are distilled with 36 medicinal herbs. The wine has a mild sweetness, a gentle aroma, and is easy to drink — perfect as a gift or for special occasions.

A signature dish made from plump golden-bellied eels and chewy vermicelli noodles in a clear, sweet bone broth. Served with Vietnamese coriander, fried shallots, and fresh chili, it’s a warm and flavorful comfort food.

A distinctive coastal dish made from fresh snakehead fish mixed with roasted rice powder, galangal, lemongrass, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Served with sweet and sour fish sauce with a hint of chili heat, it offers a unique and unforgettable taste.

Kim Son Bun Moc consists of rice noodles handmade from locally grown ordinary rice, pork balls that are finely pounded and hand-shaped, and a light, clear broth simmered from pork bones for hours. This is a popular breakfast dish that visitors should definitely try when they have the chance to travel to Kim Son, Ninh Binh.

Nem Chao made from pork leg is a traditional dish commonly found in daily meals and feast trays of the people of Kim Son, Ninh Binh. The pork leg is first straw-roasted until fragrant, deboned, simmered until tender, then thinly sliced and mixed with seasonings, green banana, starfruit, galangal, chili, and sprinkled with roasted sesame. The special point is that no roasted rice powder is used, yet the dish is still aromatic. It is eaten with sung leaves, đinh lăng leaves, or astringent banana slices, and dipped in fermented soy sauce for a very flavorful taste.

See also: What are Ninh Binh specialties? What should you buy as gifts?

If you are wondering what is interesting in Kim Son, Ninh Binh or unsure where to start your journey, the list below will answer your question immediately:

• Phat Diem Stone Cathedral: Built entirely from stone and ironwood in the 19th century, this Catholic church complex is famous for its unique architecture combining European style with Vietnamese temple and pagoda design.
• Kim Son Sedge Village: One of the unmissable destinations when visiting Kim Son, Ninh Binh. The village is famous for exquisite handicrafts made from sedge plants such as mats, carpets, and bags, using traditional weaving techniques preserved through many generations.
• Kim Son Covered Bridges: Speaking of Kim Son, Ninh Binh, one cannot ignore its three unique covered bridges: Luu Quang, Phat Diem, and Hoa Binh. Each bridge has its own architectural charm, evoking the rustic and peaceful image of the old Northern countryside.
• Temple of King Trieu Quang Phuc: A memorial dedicated to national hero Trieu Viet Vuong, with an ancient, serene atmosphere and profound historical value.
• Bai Ngang – Con Noi: Boasting a diverse ecosystem with mangroves, mudflats, and many rare bird species, this pristine coastal ecological area is an ideal destination for those who love nature and exploration.

To save costs on your trip to Kim Son, Ninh Binh, don’t forget to grab 0 VND tickets from Vietjet.

We hope this article has helped you answer the question “Where is Kim Son, Ninh Binh?” and discover attractive cultural, natural, and culinary experiences here. Don’t forget to hunt for 0 VND Vietjet tickets during the golden hours from 12:00 – 14:00 daily to optimize your travel costs for the Kim Son, Ninh Binh trip!

For more details on flight schedules, ticket prices, and useful travel tips, you can visit Vietjet’s official information channels below:\

• Website: https://www.vietjetair.com
• 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