All About Ninh Binh Walking Street: Things to Do, Street Food & Entrance Fees

03/10/2025

Discover Ninh Binh Walking Street (Hoa Lu Ancient Town) with this complete guide. Find things to do, must-try street food, boat fees and night performances, perfect for first-time visitors.

A river runs through the centre, with walking streets on both sides

If you are looking for a night activity in Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh Walking Street, also known as Hoa Lu Ancient Town, should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of the city, this vibrant area combines history, culture, and entertainment, making it a perfect spot for both locals and international travellers. From traditional handicrafts and delicious street food to exciting night performances and peaceful boat rides on Ky Lan Lake, the walking street has become popular for both domestic and international visitors.

You can check Ninh Binh walking street reviews on any page, or if you have no time, you have come to the right place, here with Aloha Vietnam Travel.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before your visit, like what to do, the best street food to try, boat fees, traditional performances at night and useful tips, making it an easy and enjoyable experience for first-time visitors to Ninh Binh.

Overview of Ninh Binh Walking Street

Ninh Binh Walking Street Location

Check the Map to Ninh Binh Walking Street Here

Ninh Binh Walking Street (Hoa Lu Ancient Town) lies at the foot of Ky Lan Mountain, surrounding the picturesque Ky Lan Lake. It opens daily from 7:00 to 23:00, but the atmosphere is liveliest at night, especially on weekends.

Ninh Binh Walking Street Entrance Fee

Good news for travellers: entrance to Ninh Binh Walking Street is free. You only need to pay for food, souvenirs, or the boat ride on Ky Lan Lake if you choose to take one.

Water Puppetry Show in Ninh Binh Walking Street

The highlight of the complex is the Silver Pagoda (Ky Lan Son Tu), a 27-meter-tall pagoda built from red granite, standing right in the middle of Ky Lan Lake. Its three-layered roofs and lotus-shaped pedestal make it unique. At night, the Silver Pagoda glows under colourful lights, creating a stunning view. Inside, there are Buddha statues carved by artisans from Ninh Van Stone Carving Village, one of the most famous craft villages in Ninh Binh.

The entire area is designed in the style of the 10th century, reflecting the spirit of ancient Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Walking along the street feels like stepping back in time, with lantern-lit shops, traditional wooden houses, and bustling food stalls.

Things to Do at Ninh Binh Walking Street

Explore Ky Lan Lake & Silver Pagoda

Ky Lan Lake Day Time

Start your journey by strolling around Ky Lan Lake. From every angle, you’ll have a perfect view of the shimmering Silver Pagoda, which stands as the symbol of the walking street. At night, the reflection of the pagoda on the calm lake creates a magical scene, ideal for photography and relaxation.

Inside Silver Pagoda

You should go ínide to discover Vietnamese beliefs and special architecture as well.

Take a Boat Ride on Ky Lan Lake

One of the must-do activities at Hoa Lu Ancient Town is taking a boat ride on Ky Lan Lake. A local rower will take you on a 1–1.5 hour trip around the lake, where you can enjoy a cup of warm tea, release floating lanterns, and visit hidden corners of the complex.

A VIP boat with Tea and Candies for 6 pax

At weekends, boats often anchor in the middle of the lake to serve as floating grandstands for folk performances, including Ky Lan Thi Ca singing, water puppetry, and cheo (traditional opera).

A standard boat - smaller but more flexible

Boat Fees in Ninh Binh Walking Street:

VIP Boat: 900,000 VND for a group of up to 6 people, meaning 150 VND/pax (free for children under 1m).
Standard Boat: 400,000 VND for a group of 4 people, meaning 100,000 VND/pax (free for children under 1m).
Extra passenger fees: 150,000 VND/adult and 100,000 VND/child for VIP; 100,000 VND/adult and 80,000 VND/child for Standard.

Only in Hoa Lu Walking Street Open Boat Tour At Night

VIP boat is bigger with tea & snacks. VIP boat includes a floating paper (wish lantern) on the boat, 1 lantern for 1 pax. Boat ride prices (as mentioned above) are fixed and posted publicly, so no bargaining is necessary.

Enjoy Traditional Performances

Weekends are the best time to explore the Ninh Binh Walking Street because of the cultural shows. Performances usually start at 8:00 PM, and the atmosphere is lively with both locals and tourists gathering around the lakeside.

Traditional Performances in the middle of the river - special cultural taste

Here is the typical schedule:

Water Puppetry Show: Saturday at the Water Pavilion.
Folk Art Festival: Friday at the Water Pavilion.
Ky Lan Thi Ca Singing: Saturday & Sunday on Ky Lan Lake.
Folk Games: Friday to Sunday in the quarter.

These shows provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s traditional culture within an authentic setting. As schedules may vary by season, be sure to check in advance to confirm the show or festival you wish to attend.

Official fan page of Ninh Binh Walking Street (Hoa Lu Ancient Town)

Shopping for Local Handicrafts in Hoa Lu Ancient Town

Along the lanes, you’ll find shops selling handicrafts from famous villages like Ninh Van Stone Carving Village and Bo Bat Pottery Village. From delicate stone sculptures to traditional pottery, these souvenirs make unique keepsakes from your trip.

Some shops allow bargaining, while others do not.

Best Street Food to Try in Ninh Binh Walking Street

Walking Street Ninh Binh - Suggested restaurants

No visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Town (Ninh Binh Walking Street) is complete without tasting local food. The area is a paradise for street food lovers, where you can sit on small stools and enjoy specialities freshly prepared by locals. Instead of going around the city, you can taste everything right inside the walking street. Here are some suggested spots:

Com Nieu Viet Xua (Vietnamese dishes) - Opposite the Hoa Lu Ancient Town gate (80 Trang An, Hoa Lu Ninh Binh). This restaurant serves hot clay-pot rice with traditional side dishes such as braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, and fish in caramel sauce. It’s a cosy place if you want to enjoy a proper sit-down meal.
Heo Say Xin (Street food) - inside Hoa Lu Walking Street (GC22 & 23). This spot is popular for grilled skewers, crispy fried snacks, and beer-friendly bites that are perfect for a casual night out.
Pizza Sen (Pizza & Pasta) - inside Hoa Lu Walking Street. This restaurant is famous for its Lotus Pizza, a creative twist that combines Western-style pizza with a touch of local flavour. The second floor offers a great view of the lively walking street below, making it a nice place to relax with friends.
Sen Mộc - Don’t miss trying Senmoc’s herbal water, a refreshing drink made from natural ingredients. It’s light, healthy, and the perfect way to cool down after exploring Ninh Binh Walking Street at night.

Apart from these, you’ll find plenty of vendors selling Vietnamese pancakes (bánh xèo), grilled corn, sweet soups, and iced drinks. Prices are affordable, typically ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 VND, making it easy to try many different dishes in one night.

Events & Nightlife Vibe

Throughout the year, Ninh Binh Walking Street hosts big events such as the Ninh Binh Festival and the New Year Countdown. These events attract thousands of visitors and showcase both modern and traditional cultural performances.

On regular weekends, the atmosphere is still lively, with music, dance, and games filling the street. Compared to nightlife in Tam Coc, which is more laid-back with bars and restaurants, Hoa Lu Ancient Town offers a more cultural and lively experience.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visit on weekends to catch the best performances.
Bring Vietnamese currency (VND) since most food stalls do not accept USD or cards.
Arrive around 7–8 PM for the most vibrant atmosphere.
The walking street is safe and friendly, but watch your belongings in crowded areas.

Ninh Binh Walking Street (Hoa Lu Ancient Town) is more than just a nightlife spot. It is a cultural hub where history, art, food, and community come together. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Ky Lan Lake, watch traditional performances, or simply taste authentic Ninh Binh street food, this destination offers an unforgettable evening for travellers.

For first-time visitors to Ninh Binh, spending a night at the walking street is the perfect way to experience local life and culture. Don’t miss it on your journey through the beautiful countryside of Vietnam.