Nam Dinh

As a province of the Red River Delta, Nam Dinh has been closely tied to Vietnam throughout its history, thus preserving many ancient cultural and historical relics. You will find traces of a glorious feudal dynasty, as well as Catholic churches that blend Eastern and Western architecture. It is estimated that there are about 1,300 relics throughout the province, including 2 special national relics.

But that's not all, Nam Dinh also has beaches stretching along the coastline, and rice fields in the countryside for you to find peace. Join Asia King Travel as we explore the beauty of this land through this article.

History

Blessed with fertile land ideal for rice cultivation, Nam Dinh became an agricultural center very early on. The Tran Dynasty which defeated the Mongols three times in the 13th century originated here. In the 14th century, this land also contributed the largest number of top scholars to the country.

The statue of General Tran Quoc Tuan – who led Vietnam to victory against the Mongol invaders. Photo: SOHA

Catholicism was introduced to northern Vietnam in the 16th century, and Nam Dinh Province was the first place to embrace it. As a result, approximately 60% of the province's population is Catholic. Moreover, the growth of Catholicism led to the construction of 600 churches. Almost every village has its parish and church. These churches' diverse architectural styles are a major reason to visit this place.

Hung Nghia Church, a European architectural masterpiece in Vietnam. Photo: Bao Lao dong

Since its establishment as a province in 1832, Nam Dinh’s boundaries have frequently changed along with those of neighboring provinces Ha Nam and Ninh Binh. At one point, the three were merged into Ha Nam Ninh Province. Today, the province consists of 8 districts and 1 city, covering an area of 1670 km² with a population of 1.9 million.

Location

The province is located in the southern part of the Red River Delta. It borders the South China Sea to the east and the provinces of Thai Binh, Ha Nam, and Ninh Binh. The province is only 80 kilometers from Hanoi, so it takes less than 2 hours to travel.

May sounds interesting, Hai Hau also has a church ruin right by the sea. Photo: Sea Magazine Vietnam

How to get there

Nam Dinh doesn't have a civilian airport, so visitors from farther away fly to Hanoi and then travel onward. You can go straight south on National Highway 1A and turn onto National Highway 21B (around Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province) to get there. This is a gentle route for those who want to start exploring Vietnam independently.

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Weather

Under the tropical monsoon climate, Nam Dinh is similar to other provinces in Northern Vietnam with distinct four seasons. In sum, the regional climate has unique experiences all year round, so visiting travelers can pick their seasons based on weather and outdoor activity.

At the beginning of the year, Tran Temple Festival is held to commemorate Tran kings. Photo: Chinhphu

Spring (February to April): The temperature in Nam Dinh is mild in spring and humidity slowly increases. It’s a good time to explore the province because the weather is pleasant. Blooming flowers and lush greenery bring nature to life.

Summer (May to August): It is warmer this time of year and the humidity rises. These months are more rainy months with occasional heavy showers. People go to beaches and rural areas for cooler temperatures.

Autumn (August to October): The humidity starts to ease and temperatures slow down slightly during autumn. Generally, this is the recommended time to visit as the weather is cooler and the chance of heavy rain is less likely.

Winter (November to January): The weather is chilly, though it’s slightly warmer than northern areas. While the province does not experience extreme cold, it can be damp, and light rain is still possible. Warm clothing is advisable if you visit the province during this season.

Best time to visit

Besides summer and autumn suitable for swimming, you can consider visiting at the beginning of the year. This is when the Tran Temple Opening Ceremony takes place, attracting tens of thousands of visitors before and during the main ceremony night.

Nam Dinh’s Specialties

Xiu Pao Bun

Xiu Pao is a famous snack in Nam Dinh, originating from Chinese cuisine. At first glance, it looks like a fried bun. The filling is made from minced meat, fat, onion, and pepper. When baking, people brush a layer of oil and eggs to let the cake cook evenly and not burn.  When taken out of the oven, the bun has a crispy crust while not too dry.

A snack yet makes you feel stuffed. Photo: Meizan

Enjoying the cake while it's still hot, you can savor the aroma of the barbecued meat, the rich and fatty flavor of the pork fat, and the slight spiciness of the pepper. The harmonious blend of the filling ingredients is a real treat for the taste buds. You can easily find this snack in the city for just VND 10,000 each.

Nam Dinh Beef Pho

Nam Dinh along with Hanoi is considered the birthplace of pho. Many families have been selling pho for generations. Pho is not only a local pride but also a globally recognized symbol of Nam Dinh cuisine.

It would be a real loss to go to the best pho place and not eat. Photo: Bao Lao dong

Nam Dinh pho is characterized by a broth that always includes plenty of ginger and fish sauce, giving it a rich, sweet flavor. The ginger and onions are grilled before being added to the broth to enhance their aroma. Notably, some eateries sear the beef lightly before pouring the broth over to make it tender yet chewy, with a natural sweetness from the meat.

If you have the chance to visit Nam Dinh City, stop by Pho Cu Tang at 23 Hang Tien Street, Pho Dan at 117 Bac Ninh Street, Pho Tao at 228 Dien Bien Street,…

Giao Thuy Fermented Pork

Fermented pork sausage has long been famous in Giao Thuy District. The specialty dish is composed of pork and pork rind. The meat is mixed with a type of roasted rice powder called "thinh". The mixture is then tightly packed into portions resembling meatballs, wrapped in fig leaves, and left overnight. Some herbs such as garlic, chili, and dittany add to the flavor of the meat.

The food tastes best after 3 to 7 days of storage. Photo: BlogAnChoi

The rich, fatty, and slightly sour pork flavors are balanced by the slightly bitter taste of the fig leaves. A fish sauce, sugar, and garlic dipping sauce is typically served on the side. Since the pork needs time for fermentation to "cook", you can buy it as a gift for family and friends.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has helped you find the attractions of Nam Dinh. The traditional Vietnamese culture and delicious food are waiting for you. Pack your bags and contact Asia King Travel, we are ready to take you to explore all the beauty!

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