Best Bars in Ninh Binh to Unwind
Top-Rated Bars & Pubs in Tam Coc
Chookie’s Beer Garden
- 17 Luong Van Tuy, Nam Thanh, Ninh Binh City
In a quaint courtyard garden, Chookie’s Beer Garden is a local and traveler’s favorite. It is the unofficial hangout of backpackers and Western expats looking to share travel tales over excellent beers.
Highlights:
- Features international craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and traditional Vietnamese dishes like fried spring rolls and pho.
- Very hospitable bilingual staff and relaxed, open-air setting with fairy lights illuminating it at dusk.
- Features occasional live music and fast Wi-Fi – perfect for digital nomads or remote writers after a late-night tour.
Chookie’s Beer Garden (Source: chookiesbeergarden)
Bamboo Bar
- Tam Coc Wharf, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District
Starving for a love nest in the middle of Tam Coc? Bamboo Bar is a serene retreat with wooden chairs, soft lighting, and gentle music floating through bamboo walls. Ideal for couples or singles seeking tranquility over beers.
Why it stands out:
- The mood: river views with flower scent, tropical cocktails, and relaxing ambient tunes.
- The cocktail menu: locally inspired mojitos, ginger rum, and cold beers – all at a reasonable price.
- A favorite among tourists who prefer something less touristy and more sensitive to local tradition.
Bamboo Bar (Source: tripadvisor)
Harbour Bus Bar
- Tam Coc, near the Ngo Dong River
Rooftop views? Yes. Sunset cocktails? Yes. Harbour Bus Bar sets your Ninh Binh nightlife on the roof with its friendly rooftop terrace looking out over Tam Coc’s karst peaks and rice fields.
Top picks:
- Try their passionfruit margaritas or chilled Hanoi Beer while watching boats drift past under moonlight.
- Open mic nights and DJ sets make it an excellent blend of chill and thrill.
- Great for small groups or solo adventurers looking to meet fellow wanderers.
Harbour Bus Bar (Source: tripadvisor)
Where Locals Go for a Nightcap
If you’re looking for a truly authentic nightlife Ninh Binh experience, follow the locals.
Karaoke Lounges on Cu Chinh Lan Street
- Cu Chinh Lan, Ward 8, Ninh Binh City
Locals have a karaoke party late into the evening – and Cu Chinh Lan is lined with lounges and roadside eateries where the singing starts early and goes late. No pretensions, but much laughter and friendliness.
- Average prices: From 80,000–150,000 VND/hour for private karaoke rooms.
- Expect to drink cold beer and snack on local treats like grilled goat meat and hot sticky rice.
- Respect local etiquette: Don’t crash a private room unless invited, and go easy on the volume outside family zones.
Roadside Beer Stalls near Ky Lan Lake
- Ky Lan Lake Park, Ninh Binh City Center
After a night stroll or visit to the illuminated Ky Lan Lake, locals often settle at informal roadside beer stalls with tiny plastic chairs and frosty Bia Hoi.
- These places are open from 10–11 PM and serve everything from boiled peanuts to grilled pork sticks – classic Vietnamese street food.
- It’s affordable, fun, and one of the best ways to experience local culture and hear true stories from locals.
Roadside Beer Stalls near Ky Lan Lake (Source: tripadvisor)
Top Night Experiences in Ninh Binh
Stroll Through Hoa Lu Ancient Town by Lantern Light
- Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh City
- Free entry (some exhibitions or costumes may cost 50,000–100,000 VND)
This is where old Vietnam whispers its tales beneath candlelit streets. As evening falls, Hoa Lu Ancient Town is ablaze with warm yellow lights, street performances, and natives wearing traditional clothing. For photographers and culture enthusiasts, it’s a magical walk through the ages.
- Ky Lan Lake provides relaxing evening boat rides (around 50,000 VND/person), with the lighted lake casting mirror-like images of the ancient town.
- Local shops nearby provide ao dai and royal gowns for photo shoot rentals (80,000 VND/hour).
- The cultural performance and art show (such as Xam singing) is usually organized on weekends or holidays in the outdoor square.
Tip: It is only a 5-minute taxi ride to the Ninh Binh night market, thus it is a great launching point before exploring the nearby local food or the nearest bars in Ninh Binh.
Stroll Through Hoa Lu Ancient Town (Source: nhandan)
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda in the Evening
- Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province
- Entrance is free; electric car ticket: 60,000 VND/round-trip; elevator to Bao Thap: 50,000 VND (optional)
For spiritual grandeur, nothing can compare with Bai Dinh Pagoda at night. Under the cover of darkness, the vast complex is an ethereal paradise, with candles numbering in the thousands illuminating its paths and the Bao Thap (13-story tower) glinting like a heavenly beacon.
- Don’t miss the climb (or elevator) to the roof of Bao Thap for a glimpse over the temple lit up.
- Hear the temple bells ring across the valley as incense and flowers scent the air around you.
- Best time to visit: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. It’s less busy, fresher, and so much more atmospheric than daytime.
Transport tip: You can rent a motorbike taxi (100,000 VND/return trip) from Tam Coc Center or Luong Van Tuy, or join a small group evening tour arranged through local tour agencies.
Bai Dinh Pagoda in the Evening (Source: vietnamplus)
Thien Ha Cave’s Nighttime Magic
- Son Ha Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province
- Entrance: 120,000 VND/person, includes a boat ride through the cave
Nicknamed the “Galaxy in the Mountain," Thien Ha Cave is a stunning system of subterranean rivers softly lit with LED, casting otherworldly light on stalactites that hang from the heavens as if suspended there.
- Paddle through luminous chambers with a guide to tell tales of myth and legend.
- Local concerts are staged some nights within the cave—perfect for the cultural buff.
- Expect a total tour length of 90–120 minutes, with walking and boat travel involved.
How to get there: Only accessible by private tour or local taxi (around 300,000–400,000 VND return from the city of Ninh Binh). Bring light jackets, as the cave is always cool even in summer.
Thien Ha Cave’s Nighttime Magic (Source: vietnamtourism)
Overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park
- Nho Quan District, about 45km west of Ninh Binh City
- Entrance: 60,000 VND/adult, camping space: free or 100,000–150,000 VND/tent rental
For those seeking a raw, off-the-grid Ninh Binh nightlife experience, nothing compares to camping under the stars in Cuc Phuong National Park—Vietnam’s oldest nature reserve.
- Join guided night hikes (organized by the Park’s Education Center, fee 100,000–200,000 VND/person) to spot rare animals: slow lorises, owls, bats, and civets.
- Campers can stay in bungalows, or dormitories, or bring tents. You’ll sleep with the sound of jungle cicadas and wake up to birdsong.
- Best time: September to December, with sunny weather, minimal humidity, and fewer mosquitoes.
What to bring: Flashlight, power bank, mosquito spray, binoculars (ong nhom), sleeping bags, and your sense of adventure!
Camping at Cuc Phuong National Park (Source: leutraidangoai)
Family-Friendly Night Activities
Tam Coc Market Stroll with Kids
- Tam Coc Bich Dong area, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District
- Free to explore; shopping optional
Start your evening with a stroll around the crowded Tam Coc night market. The atmosphere here is relaxed and inviting, especially for children. Vibrant street stalls are well-lit and packed with lively souvenirs, handmade toys, and Vietnamese child-friendly foods like sticky rice, deep-fried bananas, and coconut jelly.
- Children love the open spaces, the friendly sellers, and the chance to try weird snacks.
- Safe walkable area, with hawkers used to talking to tourists and children too.
- Nice warm-up before visiting of adjacent cultural performance or dinner at the Ninh Binh night market.
Pro tip: Little cash and an open mind. Your children may fall head over heels in love with some local delight you never heard of!
Tam Coc Market (Source: gtrip)
Street Games & Performers on Walking Street
- Dao Duy Tu Street, Dong Thanh Ward, Ninh Binh City
- Free entry; game booths: 20,000–50,000 VND
Central Walking Street is Ninh Binh’s most vibrant street by day but becomes an adrenaline playground come evening. It’s especially good for children who want to enjoy themselves without being surrounded by crowds.
- Expect authentic Vietnamese street games like ring toss, fishing, balloon darts, and so much more.
- Weekends and holidays witness locals and foreigners alike flocking to the site to enjoy the live music, puppet shows, and traditional dances.
- With over 50 booths offering food, crafts, and souvenir sales, there’s something for both parents and children to be entertained.
Sugarcane juice or iced tea can be pacifying to the adults while children giggle their way through game booths. Don’t forget to visit the family bars in Ninh Binh later if adults need a little nightcap after the activity.
Performers on Walking Street (Source: mia)
Early Cultural Shows: Xam Singing & Puppet Theater
- Performance spaces near Hoa Lu Ancient Town and Ky Lan Lake
- Tickets range from 70,000–150,000 VND depending on venue
Introduce your children to the lively performances of local culture in a marriage of tradition and entertainment in the evenings
- Xam singing: A Northern Vietnamese folk music genre that was previously performed by blind musicians, now revitalized with rich words and emotional melodies.
- Puppet theatre: Watch wooden puppets come to life in dramas of rural life, the natural world, and ancient myths, good for adults and children.
- Typically performed outdoors near Ky Lan Lake or cultural houses near Hoa Lu Ancient Town, usually at around 7:00 PM and lasting 30–45 minutes.
These courses are interactive, encouraging, and the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s artistic roots—a lovely combination of learning and enjoyment right in the heart of Ninh Binh in the evening.
Xam Singing – A Night of Cultural Soul (Source: ninhbinh)
Where to Eat: Best Night Food in Ninh Binh
Can’t-Miss Street Food
You can’t talk about Ninh Binh’s nightlife without venturing into its street food scene. At Cu Chinh Lan and the busy night market of Ninh Binh, streets are flanked by grills and food stalls, wafting the aroma of grilled meat, coconut sweetness, and spices.
These are the best bets that you just have to try:
- Grilled Goat Meat (Thit de nuong) – The specialty, often accompanied by herbs and rice paper rolls. Expect to pay 100,000–150,000 VND/plate.
- Crispy Rice (Com chay) – Golden-fried rice crackers topped with pork floss and sweet-sour sauce. Approximately 30,000–50,000 VND.
- Eel Vermicelli (Mien luon) – A hot bowl of slimy eel, crunchy eel, and herbal broth. Around 40,000–60,000 VND.
- BBQ Skewers – Pork, beef, seafood, or mushrooms grilled over charcoal — locals’ and tourists’ favorite. Approximately 10,000–20,000 VND/skewer.
- Crab Spring Rolls & Sticky Rice – Suitable for children and fussy eaters. Accessible in most stalls by Ky Lan Lake or the walking street.
Tip: Bring small denominations, have an empty stomach, and follow the smell!
BBQ Skewers (Source: diadiemanuong)
Top Local Restaurants Open Late
If you’d rather sit down and savor every bite, these local favorite restaurants are your best option for your Ninh Binh after-dark dining adventure. Open late, family-owned, and packed with authenticity, they serve some of the town’s best Vietnamese cuisine.
Trung Tuyet Restaurant
- 14 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ninh Binh City
Famous for hotpot, goat, and homemade sauces. Loved for its coziest and most reasonable prices — most dishes 80,000–150,000 VND/person.
Minh Toan Father Cooking
- Tam Coc Wharf, Hoa Lu District
This is a hidden gem after going on a night scenic trip in Tam Coc. Their favorite dishes are fish in a clay pot and spring rolls! Prices from 100,000–180,000 VND with huge portions.
Viet Bamboo Restaurant
- Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu District
Laid-back vibe with a bamboo-and-thatch architecture, ideal for groups of friends. Try the banana flower salad, goat meat grilled, and morning glory stir-fry. Excellent service, waiters who speak English, and two can dine on a full meal for under 300,000 VND.
Viet Bamboo Restaurant (Source: BambooRestaurant)
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know
What is there to do in Ninh Binh at night?
Oh, where do I begin? The nightlife in Ninh Binh is a stunning blend of sacred beauty, family fun, and leisurely relaxation. Let me just say a few highlights of things to do at night in Ninh Binh:
- Walk around Hoa Lu Ancient Town by candlelight, or paddle across Ky Lan Lake on a boat.
- Visit the stunning Bai Dinh Pagoda, where temple bells chime out under the stars.
- Discover the LED-lit Thien Ha Cave or overnight camp in Cuc Phuong National Park.
- Enjoy dinner at the lively Ninh Binh night market — a gastronomic paradise of street eats and local handicrafts.
- Savor cocktails or local beer surrounded by fairy lights in cozy Ninh Binh bars.
What is special about Ninh Binh?
It is the special combination of nature, culture, and history that makes Ninh Binh so special. During the day, you can explore limestone karsts in Tam Coc, hike to ancient temples, and cruise on holy rivers. But at night? The enchantment transforms.
You’ll smell the fragrance of blooms from temple courtyards, hear folk art performances on walking streets, and enjoy the region’s famous goat meat and Vietnamese food at unpretentious local restaurants.
Unlike bigger cities, Ninh Binh’s nightlife is intimate and authentic, with no tourist traps, just genuine interaction with the land and people.
Does Ninh Binh have a night market?
Yes, and it’s one of Ninh Binh’s nightlife highlights! The Ninh Binh night market, along Dao Duy Tu and central Luong Van Tuy streets, springs to life in the evenings with dozens of stalls offering:
- Tasty bites like crispy rice, grilled skewers, and sticky rice
- Handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local textiles
- Street games, live music, and colorful crowds of travelers and locals alike
It’s safe, friendly, and full of character. Pair it with a relaxing drink at one of the nearby bars in Ninh Binh and you’ve got yourself the perfect Ninh Binh night out!
Conclusion
As stars appear in the sky above Tam Coc and lanterns shine over Ky Lan Lake, one thing is sure: the nightlife in Ninh Binh is simply unforgettable. From glowing temples and delicious street food to family fun and easy vibes at Ninh Binh’s finest bars, every night becomes a story worth telling. Whether you’re a culture vulture, foodie, or nightlife explorer, let Ninh Binh nightlife surprise and astonish you. And don’t miss out, your adventure isn’t complete without diving into the essence of the Ninh Binh night market or taking part in one of the magical Ninh Binh Tours at night!