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Thai Binh Province lies in Red River Delta. The land is extremely fertile due to the alluvial deposition of the rivers flowing into the sea yearly. Because of this, the province is called the 'rice bowl of the North'. Although its economy is not very strong because based on agriculture, it has preserved many forms of folk culture.
Thai Binh in the golden harvest season. Photo: Thien Ha
Despite flying under the radar of most tourists, Thai Binh's pristine landscapes and historical treasures hold immense potential. For travelers yearning for something off the beaten path, this unspoiled province offers a unique and rewarding experience. Let’s find out which gift we can get in Thai Binh with Asia King Travel.
Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have inhabited the land now known as Thai Binh Province since 3000 BCE. From the establishment of the Van Lang state and throughout the feudal period, the Vietnamese population grew steadily, leading to the formation of villages.
In 1890, the French colonial government of the Indochina province decreed the creation of the Thai Binh Province. The province's boundaries have been adjusted several times, involving the neighboring provinces of Hung Yen and Nam Dinh. The province now stretches over some 1,584 square kilometers, including 7 districts and 1 city with a population approaching 1.9 million.
Quynh Phu District people warmly welcome the marching soldiers. Photo: Department of Cultural, Sport and Tourism of Thai Binh Province
Thai Binh provided substantial support to the Northern Army in manpower and resources during the Vietnam War. The province consistently led the North in food production with its agricultural strengths. There’s even a song, "The Five-Ton Song," celebrating a record-breaking rice yield of 5 tons per hectare. This was a source of pride for the hard-working farmers.
Thai Binh is a coastal province located southeast of Hanoi. It is 100 kilometers from the capital and borders Hai Phong city. The journey from these two major cities to the province takes only a little over an hour by car. If you want to escape the city for a short day trip, don't miss the pristine beauty of this place.
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The most convenient way to travel is by road from Hanoi or Hai Phong. From Hanoi, take National Highway 5B in Long Bien District. After about 40 kilometers, turn left at the Yen My intersection to enter the Hung Yen - Thai Binh expressway. Following the expressway and crossing the Thai Ha Bridge will lead you directly to your destination.
Ky Dong Road in Thai Binh City connects to National Highway 10. Photo: Dragon Group
The journey from Hai Phong is even shorter. Turn left from Nguyen Van Linh - Ton Duc Thang Roads to National Highway 5. There is an intersection in An Duong district where you can take National Highway 10, and after about 50 kilometers, you will arrive in Thai Binh City.
Thai Binh experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Summers are hot and humid with heavy rainfall from May to September, while winters are dry and cool from November to March. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather but for a relatively short period.
Keo Pagoda Festival takes place in the fall. Photo: Du lich Thai Binh
Like many parts of northern Vietnam, the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is relatively mild, and rainfall is lower. The early months of the year are perfect for enjoying the New Year atmosphere and exploring Vietnamese culture at local temples. Autumn is ideal for visiting Dong Chau's 'infinity beach,' where you can capture moments of the sky and sea likely blending as one.
If you want to see golden rice fields in full bloom, visit during the summer to take in the peaceful beauty of the countryside and have the chance to join outdoor activities. It might be a bit sunny, but the rural experiences are well worth it!
Thai Binh's most famous specialty is cay cake. It looks a bit like Hue's me xung candy, but it's crunchier and has slightly different ingredients. The snack has a sweet, nutty taste, with just the right balance of crispiness and chewiness. It’s a treat that any tourist would love. You can find it all around the province, but the best quality comes from Nguyen Village in Dong Hung District.
The cake is crispy yet somewhat chewy. Photo: Dien may Xanh
The people of Tien Hai District have been making turmeric cake for hundreds of years. This eye-catching yellow cake gets its color from turmeric, but don’t worry—it doesn’t have raw turmeric's strong, spicy aroma. The filling is made from shallots, pork cracklings, finely ground cinnamon, and a dash of fish sauce, then steamed. It’s best enjoyed hot, especially on a chilly day.
Eating cake can help warm your body up on chilly days. Photo: VTV
Nhech is a rustic specialty of Thai Binh. Nhech is a kind of eel. Every part of this eel is used in preparing the dish: the flesh is sliced thinly for the salad, the skin is fried for a crunchy side, and the bones are ground to make the dipping sauce.
A complete dish consisting of salad, crispy fried skin, and dipping sauce. Photo: Dien may Xanh
The dipping sauce, called “cheo”, is made from eel bones mixed with garlic, chili, lime, minced lemongrass, and ginger. When eating, you wrap the salad in fig leaves and dip it in “cheo”. Its bold, fresh flavors have made this dish increasingly popular and a must-try specialty.
Although Thai Binh doesn’t have as many famous attractions as other places, it is still a fantastic destination to explore. You might get surprised with hidden beautiful landscapes you shouldn’t have thought to stumble upon. So contact Asia King Travel today and plan a trip for which you’ll never forget.
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