Night-time economy - An important component of Ninh Binh's tourism economic development

In the process of comprehensive and sustainable tourism development, the night-time economy is becoming an important component of Ninh Binh's tourism economy. This is not only a way to expand economic space and create more growth momentum, but also a new direction to further exploit the cultural, historical and human values ​​of the ancient capital. With a strategic vision, Ninh Binh is gradually turning "night light" into a new driving force for tourism, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic, creative and unique Ninh Binh in the integration period.

The art program “Call of the Country” was staged and organized grandly on the water stage of Ky Lan Lake, Hoa Lu ancient town. Photo: Ngoc Linh

Unlocking potential from cultural and heritage values

As a land of many cultural and historical heritages, Ninh Binh has favorable conditions to develop a night-time economic model associated with culture and tourism. The most prominent is Hoa Lu Ancient Town, located in the complex of Ky Lan Lake Park and Hoa Lu Hotel, a project that recreates the cultural space of Dai Co Viet in the 10th century, creating a new highlight for the local tourism industry.

The Old Quarter space is designed to simulate the ancient scene with mossy tiled roofs and rustic wooden stalls, giving visitors the feeling of reliving the ancient atmosphere of the thousand-year-old capital Hoa Lu. Exquisite handicraft products from Ninh Van craft village, Bo Bat pottery, Van Lam embroidery, Y Yen lacquerware, etc. are displayed in traditional stalls, each product containing its own cultural story.

In particular, the folk cuisine area in Hoa Lu Ancient Town is a favorite destination for tourists, where they can enjoy dishes with the soul of the countryside such as rice paper, honey cake, shrimp pancake, eel vermicelli, and fan-shaped vermicelli with grilled pork. Tourist Lam Hieu Trang (Hanoi) shared: "It's not just the cuisine, but also the cultural space. Each dish reminds us of the customs, habits and people of the ancient capital."

Along with Hoa Lu Ancient Town, the Western Street in Tam Coc - Bich Dong is also a "bright spot" in developing night services. Previously just a village road along the river, it has now become a bustling tourist street nearly 2km long, where visitors can stroll, enjoy food, drinks, shop, or rent bicycles to ride around the peaceful countryside. When night falls, the bright lights illuminate the bustling streets, where Western visitors find a feeling both strange and familiar amidst the peaceful scenery typical of the Vietnamese countryside.

Not only culture and cuisine, nighttime ecotourism is also effectively exploited. Since May 2024, Cuc Phuong National Park has opened the tour "Watching fireflies and rare animals at night". Visitors can immerse themselves in the magical space of millions of glowing fireflies, observe the lives of wild animals such as deer, elk, civets, otters, lorises... - a rare experience in Vietnam.

In addition, the Festival Axis and Times Square - a project invested by Sun Group Corporation is becoming a regional cultural and entertainment highlight. With a modern water music system, a series of art music nights and light festivals held regularly, this place has contributed to forming a vibrant community space, making Ninh Binh the "center of light" of Northern tourism. Mr. Trinh Xuan Nam, General Director of Sun Group Ninh Binh - Sun Group Corporation shared: "We are proud to contribute to the development of our homeland, creating a space that harmonizes tradition and modernity, improving the spiritual life of the people".

It can be seen that effective night-time economic models not only enrich the local tourism picture, but also show how Ninh Binh is effectively utilizing cultural and heritage potential to develop sustainably and creatively.

New impetus for tourism and local economic growth

Since the Prime Minister approved the Project on developing the night-time economy in Vietnam under Decision No. 1129/QD-TTg dated July 27, 2020, Ninh Binh has been one of the localities that responded and implemented it early. Night-time activities not only meet the entertainment and cultural needs of tourists but also contribute to promoting economic growth, creating jobs and increasing income for people.

In fact, during the day, tourists often spend time visiting scenic spots and relics; while at night is the "golden time" for cultural, artistic and consumer activities. The amount of spending in the evening of tourists often accounts for a large part of the total cost of the trip, this is a large area for Ninh Binh to exploit effectively. The exploitation and putting into business many night-time economic activities in recent times in localities in the province has also shown its "attraction" to tourists, contributing to a significant increase in the number of visitors to Ninh Binh.

According to statistics, in the first 9 months of 2025, the province welcomed nearly 16.8 million visitors, an increase of 27.9% over the same period; of which international visitors reached 1.63 million, domestic visitors reached more than 15.2 million. Tourism revenue is estimated at 17,895 billion VND, an increase of more than 41%, reaching nearly 100% of the yearly plan. In particular, the number of overnight guests reached 3.4 million, equivalent to 3.8 million guest days, an increase of nearly 32% over the previous year, a clear demonstration of the attractiveness of night tourism activities.

The province is continuing to expand and improve its night tourism products. Bai Dinh Night Tour allows visitors to worship in a quiet space, listen to lectures on the philosophy of humanity and justice of Buddhism; Tam Coc walking street combines cuisine, bars, street art; Hoa Lu Ancient Town with dozens of culinary stalls bearing the quintessence of Ninh Binh artisans such as Bun Cha Quat, Oc Ba Mien, folk sweet soup... Each space bears the mark of Vietnamese culture, is professionally organized, attractive and friendly.

Developing the night-time economy is not only to increase revenue, but also to promote and preserve traditional Vietnamese culture, turning culture into economic assets, turning heritage into development resources. Thereby, Ninh Binh not only "wakes up" at night, but also shines as a destination of culture, heritage and creativity. However, developing night tourism products is still a new model, poor, monotonous... In addition, there is still a lack of mechanisms and policies to encourage investors to invest in the night-time economy - a field that still has many potential risks.

The Resolution of the 1st Congress of the Ninh Binh Provincial Party Committee, term 2025 - 2030, set out the goal: Developing tourism together with cultural industry to become a key economic cluster. One of the solutions proposed by the Ninh Binh tourism industry is to exploit the maximum potential to develop the night-time economy associated with cultural industry, build art centers, culinary areas, and regional light festivals, creating unique, professional, and highly competitive products.

Along with that, organizing areas to develop the economy from night tourism requires close coordination and attention from all levels and sectors. Local authorities need to focus on promoting connecting activities, creating a chain of services and business products with linkages to attract people to learn, visit and shop; at the same time, promote public-private cooperation, mobilize social resources to develop infrastructure, ensure security, order and environment. This is the basis for night economic activities in particular and tourism economy in general to develop sustainably.

Nguyen Thom

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/kinh-te-ban-dem-hop-phan-quan-trong-phat-trien-kinh-te-du-lich-ninh-binh-251014195342140.html