Ninh Binh is not only known for its majestic natural scenery but also preserves unique cultural values in the daily life of local people. This land is a convergence of Northern village traditions and simplicity in every activity of life. In this article, Meditours Ninh Binh will introduce to you the daily life of local people. Meditours is committed to providing you with the most accurate and useful information that is not available anywhere else.
Explore traditional villages in Ninh Binh
The countryside in Ninh Binh is a place where traditional cultural values are preserved, reflected in the handicraft villages, ancient architecture and daily life of the people. These are the “gems” of local culture that tourists cannot miss:
Traditional Craft Villages – Preserving Cultural Quintessence
One of the most distinctive features of Ninh Binh’s rural life is the long-standing traditional craft villages. Among them, Gia Thuy pottery village stands out, where artisans diligently create exquisite ceramic products imbued with the soul of the Vietnamese countryside. Here, visitors can not only admire ceramic vases and jars with unique patterns, but also have the opportunity to experience the pottery making process themselves – from kneading clay, shaping to firing the product in the kiln.
In addition, Van Lam embroidery village is also an impressive destination. The tablecloths, ao dai, and hand-embroidered products here are all true works of art, meticulously crafted in every stitch. Visitors can learn how people create a finished handmade product, from choosing fabric, designing the pattern to completing every detail.
Village architecture and traditional lifestyle
Ninh Binh possesses the beauty of a Northern countryside village, where traditional architecture and rustic lifestyle blend together to create a vibrant picture. The villages here not only preserve ancient architectural marks but also clearly reflect the culture and lifestyle of local people through each house, road and small yard corner.
The villages in Ninh Binh still retain the traditional ancient house architecture with bright red tiled roofs, dull brick walls and sturdy wooden frames, intricately carved. Co Vien Lau ancient village is a typical example of the effort to preserve these unique cultural values. It gathers dozens of ancient houses from many different regions of Northern Vietnam, recreating a living space imbued with tradition. Each house in Co Vien Lau not only has historical value but is also associated with the life stories of the people through many generations.
When walking along the village roads, you will be surprised by the meticulousness in the way people arrange their living spaces. Square brick-paved yards, small flower-filled courtyards or tall areca trees by the wells all bring a sense of closeness and coziness of the Vietnamese countryside. The houses are not only places to live but also places to preserve family memories over the years.
Experience rural culture through unique activities
Not only stopping at sightseeing, Ninh Binh also gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in rural life through cultural activities imbued with local identity:
Traditional Festivals – The Cultural Soul of Ninh Binh People
Traditional festivals in Ninh Binh are not only an opportunity to honor cultural values but also bring visitors unforgettable experiences. Among them, Trang An festival is one of the biggest events, usually held in spring. This festival aims to pay tribute to the gods and pray for a bountiful harvest, with many attractive activities such as palanquin processions, Cheo singing and folk games.
In addition, Hoa Lu festival – an event to commemorate kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh – also attracts a large number of tourists. Folk performances, martial arts competitions and traditional games here will help you understand more about the patriotism and pride of Ninh Binh people.
Local Cuisine – Distinctive Flavors of the North
Ninh Binh cuisine is an indispensable part of the local cultural picture, where each dish has its own story and flavor. Ninh Binh burnt rice is the pride of the people, with a layer of crispy golden rice combined with rich goat meat sauce. This is not only a dish but also a symbol of local cuisine.
Don’t miss the mountain goat meat, processed into many delicious dishes such as raw goat with lemon, steamed goat, and goat hotpot. The soft, delicious taste of goat meat combined with the characteristic spices creates an unforgettable meal. In addition, Kim Son vermicelli with meatballs – a simple dish with sweet broth and delicious meatballs – is also a favorite choice of many tourists when coming to Ninh Binh.
Experiential activities with local people
Hands-on experience is the best way to understand more about rural life in Ninh Binh. Try to join in the daily activities of the locals to feel the closeness and warmth from the people here:
Join people in agricultural production
Have you ever participated in farming yourself – from planting rice, harvesting vegetables to taking care of the garden – like real farmers? Coming to Ninh Binh, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at activities that are familiar to the locals but are completely new experiences for many tourists. Planting young green rice seedlings in the ground or harvesting ripe rice in a large field not only brings an exciting feeling but also helps you understand the hardships and joys of farmers’ work.
Homestays in Ninh Binh often organize experiential programs for visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of local people. You can start your day early in the morning, go to the market with the host family to buy fresh ingredients, then prepare a traditional meal. Next are agricultural tasks such as taking care of vegetables, watering plants or harvesting agricultural products – activities closely related to the daily life of rural people.
Not only that, participating in these jobs with the locals also brings unforgettable memories. Those are the moments when you work and chat with the host, listening to them tell stories about everyday life and family traditions. Through these real-life experiences, you not only understand more about the Vietnamese working culture but also feel the sincere connection between people, something that modern life sometimes makes us forget.
Experience rowing and fishing
One of the interesting activities when visiting Ninh Binh villages is rowing on the river and participating in fishing. The small rivers and canals around the village not only create a poetic natural beauty but are also where the daily activities of the people take place. Visitors will be instructed on how to row a wooden boat by hand, weaving through the narrow winding waterways around the village. This is not only an experience that helps you practice your dexterity but also brings a sense of relaxation in the peaceful space.
After rowing, you can try participating in traditional fishing activities. Local people will instruct you on how to use tools such as nets, nets or traps to catch fish in the river or village pond. The moments of waiting and surprise when pulling up the net with fresh fish will make you extremely excited. Moreover, your achievements will be processed right on the spot into rustic dishes, helping you fully enjoy the flavor of the countryside.
Participate in folk games
Another very attractive activity is to participate in traditional folk games, especially in the afternoon when the village communal house yard becomes bustling. Games such as tug of war, jump rope, playing marbles or hopscotch are not only childhood joys of many local people but also reflect the strong community spirit of the village. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, joining the children in the village in simple but laughter-filled games.
In addition, you also have the opportunity to learn how to play traditional musical instruments such as bamboo flute or monochord – sounds imbued with the soul of the countryside. Under the guidance of local artisans, you will not only understand more about the beauty of culture but also discover more about your own talents. These are experiences that not only help you connect with traditional culture but also bring joy and relaxation after long stressful days.
Preserve and develop village culture
In the flow of modernization, traditional crafts in Ninh Binh are facing many challenges as fewer and fewer young people are interested in this meticulous and time-consuming job. However, thanks to the efforts of the local government and community, many craft villages such as Gia Thuy pottery and Van Lam embroidery still maintain their enduring vitality. The products not only carry cultural values but are also upgraded to suit modern tastes, thereby finding a place in the market.
In line with efforts to preserve traditional crafts, Ninh Binh is building a sustainable tourism model, where visitors not only play the role of spectators but also become active participants in the development of local communities. Programs such as homestays, where you can participate in farming, cooking, or handicraft activities, are clear evidence of this sustainable approach. Not only does it help increase the income of local people, experiential tourism activities also provide opportunities for them to proudly introduce the traditional beauty of their homeland.
Through sustainable tourism, the cultural values of craft villages and local life are not only preserved but also become part of the economic development process. When participating in experiential activities, tourists not only enjoy the fun but also become a bridge to spread Ninh Binh culture to the world. This is the way for ancient values not only to exist but also to live forever with time, naturally blending into the modern life.
Local life in Ninh Binh is a vivid picture of the harmony between people, culture and nature. Take time to visit traditional villages, experience the cultural beauty and share memorable moments with the locals!
To make your trip more complete, safe and enjoyable, you should choose Meditours Ninh Binh as your tour organizer. We are proud to be the number one travel company in Vietnam, specializing in providing the best services. With a team of experienced experts and deep understanding of this land, Meditours Ninh Binh is committed to bringing you memorable experiences and the best services that no other unit can bring to you. Visit the website https://meditoursninhbinh.com/ or contact the phone number 0976 024 986 so that our team of experts can advise and answer all your questions.
