Kim Son Beach Ninh Binh: An Ideal Destination for a Weekend Getaway

Kim Son Beach is located in Kim Son District – the southernmost part of Ninh Binh Province, belonging to the northern coastal region of Vietnam. This is one of the provinces with the shortest coastline in the country (about 18 km), yet it boasts a vast ecological area of over 105,000 hectares. Kim Son Beach lies between two major rivers, the Can River and the Day River, formed through the process of sea reclamation starting in 1829. This area includes coastal communes such as Kim Trung, Kim Hai, Kim Dong, and Kim Tan. A key highlight is Con Noi (or Bai Ngang), a natural island with an area of nearly 1,000 hectares, located about 4-5 km off the Binh Minh IV dike coast.

• Distance:
  • From Ninh Binh city center: about 30-35 km (Con Noi is about 54 km away).
  • From Hanoi: over 100-126 km (depending on the route).

The Bai Ngang – Con Noi landscape area has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Red River Delta World Biosphere Reserve, one of the six important biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia. This is also an essential buffer zone protecting the biodiversity of the Red River Delta.

Kim Son Beach stands out for its pristine, untouched beauty, unspoiled by mass tourism, bringing a sense of peace and closeness to nature. The 18 km long coast features smooth golden sand and calm waters, especially at Con Noi (or Bai Ngang) – a nearly 1,000-hectare island about 5 km off the shore. The seawater here has a distinctive reddish color caused by alluvium and minerals, creating a unique landscape. Surrounding it is a vast mangrove ecosystem with rich flora and fauna, including many migratory bird species and rare seafood listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book.

Highlights and main attractions:

• Mangrove forests and shrimp ponds: Stroll along the sea dike, explore lush green sedge fields, and visit shrimp farming ponds where you can observe the daily life of local fishermen.
• 6 km sea-crossing bridge: The road connecting Binh Minh III dike to Con Noi, ideal for check-in photos against spectacular sunrises or sunsets.
• Sandy beach and beach morning glory flowers: At Con Noi, gentle sand beaches covered with blooming purple beach morning glory flowers are perfect for picnics or photography.
• Ecological activities: Kayaking through protective forests, birdwatching, or fishing offer relaxing experiences close to nature.

This place is not only visually stunning but also rich in ecological value, recognized as one of the six world biosphere reserves in Southeast Asia.

The best time to visit Kim Son Beach in Ninh Binh is from April to October, when the weather is sunny and dry with little rain, making it suitable for outdoor activities:

• April – August (Summer): Warm seawater and clear blue skies, ideal for swimming, camping, and exploring the mangrove forests.
• September – early October (Early Autumn): Fewer tourists, cool breeze, and stunning sunsets, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Avoid the rainy season (November – March) as seawater turns murkier and strong winds may occur. Be sure to check the weather and tide forecasts beforehand for the best experience.

The distance from Hanoi to Kim Son Beach is about 125 km, taking 2-3 hours depending on the mode of transport. Below are popular travel options:

• Motorbike: Route: Hanoi - Thuong Tin - Cau Gie - Phu Ly (Ha Nam) - Ninh Binh - Kim Son via National Highway 1A and 12B. Round-trip fuel cost is around 200,000 - 300,000 VND. Note that traffic can be busy, so wear protective gear.
• Coach / Bus: From Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations, bus companies like Hoang Thin or Dong Chin operate routes to Kim Son. Tickets cost 70,000 - 100,000 VND/person, with a frequency of 1-2 trips/day.
• Private car or taxi: Take the Hanoi - Ninh Binh Expressway, then turn onto National Highway 10 - 12B. You can book via ride-hailing apps like Grab or local taxis, costing around 1 - 2 million VND round-trip for a group of 4.
• From Ninh Binh City: It is only 27 km to Phat Diem town, plus another 15 km to Con Noi. Motorbike rentals in Ninh Binh cost around 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day.

There is no official entrance fee (it remains a natural tourist site). If you wish to reach Con Noi by boat, you can ask local residents (though the bridge route is currently the most convenient option).

Day trips to Kim Son Beach are becoming a popular choice for visitors from Hanoi thanks to short travel times, reasonable costs, and easy scheduling. The total cost typically ranges from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per person, suitable for a weekend getaway or short holiday. You should depart from Hanoi at around 6–7 AM to arrive in Kim Son by 9–10 AM, leaving plenty of time to explore and enjoy a full day.

• Suggested itinerary: Morning: explore Con Noi, walk along the beach and mangrove forests; Noon: enjoy fresh seafood; Afternoon: check in at the sea-crossing bridge and watch the sunset; Return at 6–7 PM.
• Useful tips: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, and drinking water as the area is pristine with few services. Avoid swimming in deep waters if unfamiliar; bring cash to purchase fresh seafood directly from fishermen. If traveling in a group, consider renting a boat to explore shrimp ponds (about 200,000 VND/hour).
• Safety: Check tide schedules before crossing the bridge; respect the environment and do not litter.

With a light itinerary and moderate costs, a day trip to Kim Son Beach offers a relaxing and refreshing experience, making it especially ideal for combining with a seaside picnic with family or friends.

To enrich your trip, you can combine Kim Son Beach with nearby attractions in the district, located just 10–30 km away:

• Phat Diem Stone Cathedral: A unique stone architectural complex combining Vietnamese and Western styles, spanning 22 hectares and located 30 km from the beach – ideal for photos.
• Phat Diem and Luu Quang Covered Tile Bridges: Ancient tile-roofed bridges offering romantic river views, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Kim Son Sedge Craft Village: Visit a traditional sedge weaving craft village over 200 years old, where you can buy souvenirs like mats and bags.
• Trieu Quang Phuc Communal House: Historical relics such as Chat Thanh Communal House and Mieu Thuong, associated with the ancient hero.
• Distant combinations: Trang An (45 km, 1-hour drive), Bai Dinh Pagoda, or Tam Coc – Bich Dong for a comprehensive 2–3 day tour.

It is evident that Kim Son Beach in Ninh Binh is a suitable choice for short trips with reasonable costs, offering a fresh experience compared to more familiar tourist destinations. Proximity to Hanoi, distinctive coastal scenery, and simple sightseeing activities make it well-suited for relaxing and unwinding over the weekend with family, friends, or couples. If you are looking for an accessible destination with an easily planned itinerary that requires no complex preparation, Kim Son Beach should definitely be on your priority list for upcoming trips. With reasonable planning, weather checking, and basic preparations, you will enjoy a peaceful and fulfilling weekend by the sea in Ninh Binh.