Nan Dinh, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam

Nan Dinh, a small town in Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam: A hidden beauty

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the opportunity to arrive at Nan Dinh, located in Nam Dinh Province in northern Vietnam. This place is not a famous tourist city and has very few visitors. But for me, the tranquility and authentic local lifestyle here are the charms I want to share. Nan Dinh is like a small oasis hidden among mountains and nature, reminding me of the atmosphere of several towns inLang Son Provincethat I have visited

Traveling to Nan Dinh is quite challenging because there is no direct public bus. I chose to rent a motorcycle from a nearby city, which took about an hour. The route includes some dirt roads. The scenery along the way is full of lush green rice fields and low mountains that gradually change color with the morning sunlight. When I visited, it was the rainy season, with cool weather, not hot and stuffy like in Lang Son city.

Experience local life and Nan Dinh market

Upon arriving in Nan Dinh town, the first thing that caught my eye was a small traditional morning market. Most of the vendors are local villagers. The vegetables, fruits, and fresh food here are very fresh and cheap. I tried the Vietnamese-style chicken biryani, which tastes similar to what I had inVietnamese Chicken Biryani Videothat I previously recorded. It was deliciously home-style and perfectly balanced in flavor.

Nan Dinh market is not just about food. I also saw locals selling woven baskets, handicrafts, and handmade household items. It reminded me of local markets in many small Vietnamese towns I have traveled to, such as the morning market in Viet Tri city, which I have recommended ina previous articleThat place has a similar atmosphere, but Nan Dinh is quieter and more natural.

Local dishes not to miss

Besides chicken biryani, I also tried grilled button squid, freshly prepared by locals in Nan Dinh. It has a sweet, tender taste with the aroma of local herbs, similar to what I saw inVietnamese Grilled Button Squid Videowhich is a dish I was very impressed with. Eating this dish on a small wooden balcony with mountain views and light mist made the dining experience even more special.

In the evening, I strolled along the small streets of Nan Dinh and saw local coffee shops with dim lighting, similar to the atmosphere I experienced incoffee shops in Phan RangThe aroma of freshly roasted Vietnamese coffee made me feel warm and at home. Although it is a small town, it has its own charm that rivals larger cities.

Nature and beautiful scenery

What makes Nan Dinh different from other towns I have visited is the peaceful nature surrounding the town. I hiked a small mountain near the village to see the vast rice fields and complex mountain ranges. The atmosphere reminded me of Lang Son Province, where mountains cover up to 80% of the area (read more atLang Son Province article)

In the morning, I took photos of the sea of mist floating around the mountain peaks, a rare sight in big cities. If you love nature, Nan Dinh is a destination you should not miss if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and relax.

Travel tips and advice from mr.hotsia

For travelers interested in experiencing local life and nature in Nan Dinh, it is recommended to prepare in advance because there is no direct public transport and internet coverage is limited. For more convenience, you might stay in a nearby city and rent a car or motorcycle to get there. From my experience, having a local guide to recommend routes and small attractions around makes traveling much easier.

Regarding food and accommodation, Nan Dinh has small guesthouses run by local families. You will experience genuine Vietnamese hospitality and home-style meals made from fresh local ingredients.

If you are interested in temples, I recommend visiting the Buddhist temples in Da Lat city, which I have reviewed inBuddhist Temples in Da Lat articlewhich is not far from Nan Dinh and offers a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.

Summary of impressions

Nan Dinh, Nam Dinh Province, is a small town that feels like stepping back in time in Vietnam. It is perfect for those who enjoy deep travel, want to experience the real local lifestyle, and wish to escape the chaos of big cities. I, mr.hotsia, want to say this is another small corner of Vietnam you should not miss.

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