Pullman Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a special place. Head a few hours south of Hanoi and you’ll emerge into a beautiful landscape of karsts, rice fields and ancient-city culture – a hotspot for backpackers on the trail and local tourists looking for a getaway from the capital. It was my first time visiting the city. A regional capital that, at its heart, ebbs and flows with the day – its surroundings, a natural and cultural treasure trove with a collection of UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders. 

Hosting my stay was the towering Pullman Ninh Binh, a 29-storey landmark that has, this year, taken over the city's skyline as its first internationally branded hotel. From its lofty perch, it looks out across Ninh Binh's dramatic karst landscape while offering a level of comfort and sophistication previously unseen here – all within easy reach of the region's most remarkable sights. But it’s what happens inside that also redefines what Ninh Binh has on offer – setting a new standard for the northern Vietnamese provinces.

Why stay at Pullman Ninh Binh? 

Quite simply, there's nowhere else quite like it.

Ninh Binh itself is a sprawling place, with a provincial capital that is packed with restaurants, cafés and easy transport links. The hotel, on the other hand, remains somewhat set back from the chaos, standing just a short drive from nearly every major attraction Ninh Binh is famous for. 

Far from the usual backpacker hangouts of Tam Coc – where accommodation is spread among rice paddies and riverside lanes – Pullman Ninh Binh keeps you in the city with uninterrupted views across the surrounding landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset where huge floor-to-ceiling windows capture the beauty beyond. 

Better still, after long days meandering through temples, climbing hundreds of stone steps or drifting through caves by sampan, returning to a full-service hotel with a rooftop cocktail bar, spa and three swimming pools is honestly unmatched. As Ninh Binh's only internationally branded hotel, Pullman offers a level of comfort and amenities that's hard to match. So if you want the best and prefer to avoid the backpackers, Pullman Ninh Binh finally has the answer.

What are the rooms like at Pullman Ninh Binh?

The Pullman Ninh Binh brings an exclusive collection of 283 rooms and suites, all with grand, view-swallowing private balconies that keep you connected to the natural textures, greenery and open vistas beyond. 

Step inside any room and the décor wouldn't feel out of place in Singapore or Bangkok. Then you draw back the curtains, and Ninh Binh's breathtaking limestone landscape instantly reminds you exactly where you are. Floor-to-ceiling windows are really the star of the show (forget the TV!), framing panoramic views across the city towards Ninh Binh's iconic limestone mountains from almost every conceivable angle.

As for amenities, it doesn’t get much better than this. Plush bedding that you sink right into, generous workspaces to keep busy, rainfall showers, balcony-connected bath tubs, smart TVs and all the comforts expected from Pullman's international standards. 

Stays at any executive room or suite come with access to the Executive Lounge – where views are equally stunning – while larger suites offer spacious living areas ideal for longer stays or families.

If you're booking, make sure to request one of the higher floors facing the karsts – the views alone justify the added cost.

What are the facilities like at Pullman Ninh Binh?

This is where Pullman clearly separates itself from the area's smaller boutique hotels. There’s everything you’d expect from Pullman here – three swimming pools (one on the roof, the other on the gym floor connected to an additional indoor pool for the cooler months of the year), a modern fitness centre, spa, lounge and multiple dining venues. 

There’s even a mini-golf course on the fifth floor, which, although still under construction on my recent visit, looks to be the perfect answer for those afternoons you don't feel like an excursion.  

The hotel also boasts extensive conference and event facilities, making it one of Ninh Binh's leading venues for meetings and destination weddings. Thankfully, those events have their own dedicated entrance, meaning the main lobby never feels overrun with conference delegates or wedding guests.

What are the best restaurants and bars at Pullman Ninh Binh?

Dining in Ninh Binh is surprisingly varied for a destination still establishing itself as an international tourism hub, and the Pullman Ninh Binh is no exception. In fact, it draws on this trait. 

Most days, you’ll find yourself eating at Food ConneXion for one meal or another. As the hotel's main all-day dining restaurant, you’ll find an amazing array of a la carte options to feast on at any hour. The breakfast, included in every stay, features everything you could ask for. We’re talking extensive Vietnamese favourites, Western classics, baked goods and live stations for eggs, noodle soup and regional specialities that come and go with the seasons. 

Lumi Lounge sits across the way as the more relaxed cousin – elegantly biophilic in design, serving up seasonal menus of artisanal pastries, Vietnamese-inspired tapas and all the tea and coffee you could ask for.

However, if you prefer something a little harder (and who doesn’t when they’re on holiday in Vietnam), the Exclusive Lounge has any suite stay covered with free salty snacks, strong drinks and light meals on the 26th floor.

Up one floor again, you’ll find Mad Cow Wine and Grill – a bold Western alternative for those looking for a taste of the best at the best steakhouse in the city. ‘Maddie’ and her crew play host, serving up premium cuts, fresh seafood and a curated wine cellar that keeps things flowing. The dramatic open-kitchen is said to be the main performance, although the views out towards the UNESCO sites beyond are arguably a bigger distraction. 

But the options don’t end there. Hoa Thuy Tien takes reign as the hotel’s dedicated Cantonese restaurant, serving a refined tribute to Cantonese heritage through cuisine and soon-to-start contemporary music nights (another programme still to launch given our stay was immediately after it opened). On the drinks menu, you’ll find all the Chinese whiskey you could ask for, alongside a predictable selection of craft beers and fine wines. 

And by the end of the night (or if you’re feeling like a little warm-up after your rooftop swim) Bublx Champagne Bar on the 28th floor brings small plates and a hefty bar menu that no doubt brings the bubbles. 

What’s the area like around Pullman Ninh Binh?

We all know the reason you visit Ninh Binh isn't the hotel itself (although now, you have Pullman Ninh Binh seriously challenging that assumption), and this destination is truly one-of-a-kind. Often described as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, the surrounding karsts and natural scenery are simply mindblowing. And despite the city centre location of the hotel, most major attractions are just 15 to 20 minutes away by car, with transportation and tours easily arranged by the hotel’s delightfully friendly concierge team. 

Any trip to Ninh Binh has to start with Trang An – the UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its peaceful boat rides through tight caves, jungle-covered valleys and hidden temples – although the history and old temples of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital shouldn’t go amiss either. Hang Múa (Mua Cave) is another must-see, but only if you can face the nearly 500 steps to the summit. 

Back in town, be sure to find time to stroll along the waterside promenades of Hoa Lu Old Town at sunset, where towering Buddhist pagodas (Tháp Tứ Ân) illuminate in a warm orange glow that reflects off the water. Walk up, around, into and above the structures that are just out over the water before retreating to one of the many riverside restaurants and bars for a juicy helping of bún chả and locally brewed bia hơi.

And while the food and drink offerings at Pullman Ninh Binh really take the crown as some of the most sophisticated in the city, our favourite local boozy eatery is just steps away. Bia đô thị may not have a menu to speak of, but a point and a Google translate and you’re sure to eat well, drink well and maybe even end up making a few drinking buddies while you’re at it. 

How to get to Pullman Ninh Binh? 

Getting to Ninh Binh is refreshingly straightforward. From Hanoi, Ninh Binh is around two hours by road and Pullman Ninh Binh can arrange direct pickup from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport that takes you straight there – adding roughly half an hour to the journey depending on traffic.

But of course, there are far more adventurous ways to arrive.

If you're comfortable on two wheels, Vietnam’s roads are as daunting as they are inviting. Whether you opt for a simple scooter or a fully loaded adventure bike, the journey offers a chance to experience the countryside long before you reach Ninh Binh's famous karsts.

Our winner is the train, however. Hop aboard a train from Hanoi Railway Station. The journey takes around two hours, often rivalling the car on busy days, with surprisingly nice air-conditioned carriages that give you views you’d certainly miss otherwise. Prices start at VND100,000, and the best part about the train in Vietnam is that no matter how short the journey, you can book yourself a delightful sleeper cabin for not much extra. It's perhaps unnecessary, but undeniably fun – adding just a hint of Darjeeling Limited to your Vietnamese adventure.