Located in the heart of northern Vietnam’s Red River Delta, the coastal province of Thai Binh boasts a 50km (30 mile) long seashore featuring far-reaching sandy beaches as well as large estuaries and harbors. Formerly considered an island enclosed by three rivers, the province has never been divided or merged, thus developing a rather distinctive culture and potential for tourism expansion.
Thai Binh’s capital of the same name is the province’s hub of culture and economics. The city is home to the Thai Binh Medical College, which is regarded as one of Vietnam’s highest quality medical colleges. The Thai Binh people are well-known for their smart and practical character.
Highlights in the province include the traditional hát chèo opera and the popular water puppet performances, both of which can be enjoyed in Dong Hung district. Furthermore, there are several ancestral temples, including the famous Keo pagoda with its gorgeous three-story bell tower.
Outdoor enthusiasts can head to the beautiful mangrove forests, watch around 2,500 species of rare birds on numerous inshore sandbanks, or go swimming at Dong Chau beach. Another draw is the garden village of Bach Thuan, a small park with fruit trees and fishing ponds.
Thai Binh province is also known for its handicraft villages such as An Le mat village, Minh Lang embroidering village and Thuong Hien bamboo and rattan village. Thai Binh city is around 110kms (68 miles) from Hanoi and linked by bridges and national highways.