Traveling to Nam Dinh, where should we go?
Xuan Thuy National Park
Located about 60km from the center of Nam Dinh city, Xuan Thuy National Park is likened to a “station” for many rare migratory birds. Countless beautiful birds come here for refuge and live together with a diverse ecosystem, creating a fresh and vibrant natural painting.
At the national park, you will feel the peace when experiencing sitting on a small boat following the stream, admiring the beauty of nature. Or you can stroll through the cool green trees, relax and immerse yourself in the fresh air of nature.
The best time to visit Xuan Thuy National Park is from October to April of the following year. At this time, tens of thousands of migratory birds from the North will stop at Xuan Thuy National Park to feed and store energy for their migration journey. This is also the “golden” time for you to admire the natural painting with the sky full of flying birds.
Xuan Thuy National Park boasts an impressive ecosystem with fertile alluvial deposits. When coming here, you will not only be able to admire the unique nature and scenery but also feel the distinct primitiveness.
Hai Ly Church
Although the building has deteriorated severely, the European architecture and antiquity of Hai Ly Church still contain a beauty that is loved by many young people. Hai Ly Church, originally named the Church of the Sacred Heart, was built in 1943 and designed by a French architect. The church is located on the beach of Xuong Dien, Van Ly commune, Hai Hau district.
Next to Hai Ly Church is a fishing village, where people fish near the shore, so tourists can buy seafood directly from the fishermen and ask them to cook and enjoy it right on the beach.
Currently, many items of Hai Ly Church have collapsed and deteriorated severely. The entire remaining area of the church has been walled off, preventing tourists from approaching. However, visitors can stand from a distance to admire and take photos.
Nam Dinh Ancient Town
Appearing only after the famous Hanoi ancient town, Nam Dinh ancient town (also known as Thanh Nam ancient town) is a system of small streets with a favorable location, right next to the ancient citadel of Nam Dinh, stretching along the romantic Dao river. The ancient town of Thanh Nam has a history of nearly 800 years and is associated with the Tran, Ho, Le, Mac, Tay Son, and Nguyen dynasties up to the present day.
This area used to be a bustling commercial center with a lot of trading activities. The ancient town has two popular styles, including the pure Vietnamese style and the French style. Some ancient architectures remain, but most have been modernized. Although there are few traditional items left, the ancient beauty still exists and always attracts a lot of tourists.
Visitors coming here can admire the ancient beauty mixed with a bit of modernity of the houses that have been imbued with time.
Thinh Long Beach
Thinh Long Beach is located in Thinh Long town, Hai Hau district, Nam Dinh province. With a coastline of about 3km, it is a place of entertainment and relaxation for many domestic and foreign tourists every summer. With clear blue water and white sandy beach, Thinh Long Beach is suitable for outdoor sports activities such as volleyball, boating, surfing, or simply enjoying the feeling of welcoming the sunrise and watching the sunset here.
Thinh Long Beach is about 50km southeast of Nam Dinh city and is a place for those who love peace and tranquility.
What specialties should we enjoy when visiting Nam Dinh?
Nam Dinh Beef Noodle Soup
Nam Dinh has long been famous for its traditional beef noodle soup, creating a unique feature of this land. With the family recipe, the beef noodle soup shops in the hometown of the new beauty queen Nguyen Cao Ky Duyen all have a delicious and irresistible flavor.
The soft and chewy noodles, combined with the sweet and clear broth, make Nam Dinh beef noodle soup more attractive. In addition, soft and sweet beef is an indispensable characteristic touch for this delicious dish.
Some delicious noodle shops recommended by Nam Dinh locals are Dan Noodle Soup, Cu Tang Noodle Soup, Tao Noodle Soup, and Xuyen Noodle Soup…
Banh Xiu Pao (Steamed Stuffed Buns)
When it comes to Nam Dinh specialties, Banh Xiu Pao cannot be missed – a type of bun that the people of Nam Dinh made in the style of the Chinese. Banh Xiu Pao looks like a fried bun, but the filling is similar to the pia cake of the West of Vietnam. The ingredients of the cake are quite simple, mainly including flour, eggs, meat, pork fat, and some typical spices depending on the way of making of each family.
When biting into Banh Xiu Pao, you will feel the crispy and fragrant crust thanks to the golden-baked flour. Inside, the fatty and savory shredded pork filling blends with the characteristic aroma of onions, wood ears, and spices. The slight sweetness from the shredded pork and the spiciness of the pepper create a perfect balance.
Banh Gai (Gai Cake)
The fragrant and sticky Gai Cake is a typical delicacy that foodies often choose to enjoy and buy as gifts for their families. Nam Dinh Gai Cake has a delicate flavor thanks to the combination of mung beans, peanuts, lotus seeds, coconut, and pork fat. Outside, the sticky and fragrant black cake crust made from Gai leaves wraps the filling, creating a perfect combination.
No matter who comes to Nam Dinh, they all want to try the famous Gai Cake of the locals.
Che Kho (Caramelized Bean Dessert)
Another specialty of Nam Dinh that will surely surprise you with its elaborateness and subtlety is Che Kho. Nam Dinh Che Kho is made from peeled mung beans, which are then processed to create soft and smooth pieces of Che with a mild sweetness, bringing a cool feeling when enjoying.
Che Kho often appears on special occasions such as festivals and holidays, and it is a specialty of the people of Nam Dinh.
To fully enjoy the flavor of this dish, it is recommended to eat Che Kho with hot tea, gathering with family and friends to create a cozy atmosphere.
Delicacies of Nam Dinh: Top 15 Treats to Savour and Gift
Nam Dinh is renowned for its delectable array of specialties, offering a culinary journey through the region’s unique flavors. Uncover a tantalizing selection of 15 must-try Nam Dinh specialties, perfect for indulging on-site or taking home as memorable souvenirs.
