As Ninh Binh is situated in the area adjacent to the Red River Delta and the sedimentary rock band in the west, and in the depressed area of the Red River Delta adjoining the South China Sea, it has a diverse topography. It encompasses plains, mountains, hills, depressed area and coastal area. On topography, Ninh Binh has three distinct geographical areas:

Mountainous area and semi-mountainous area comprise of limestone mountain range, sandstone mountains and soil hills intermixed with narrow valleys, marshes, and low-lying fields around the mountainsides. This area possesses natural minerals, especially limestone, which is potential for production of building materials, such as cement, and for tourism development as well as for growing fruit trees and industrial crops.

Delta is an alluvial land, which is suitable for agriculture development to meet domestic consumption and export demand.

Coast and sea are favorable for growing crops and husbandry, and exploitation of onshore and offshore resources.