After living in Hanoi for four years, I often found the city’s unrelenting energy both exhilarating and exhausting. On days when the honking motorbikes and narrow alleyways felt too constricting, I would escape to Ninh Binh. Just a few hours away, it became my sanctuary—a place where life moved at a gentler rhythm. Here, karst mountains rise like sentinels over emerald rice paddies, and rivers weave silently through caves and villages. Dubbed the “Ha Long Bay on Land,” Ninh Binh offers a landscape so serene it feels like stepping into another world. Ancient temples nestled into cliffs whisper of history, while quiet boat rides provide the kind of stillness that cities often deny. Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking solitude or a family craving fresh air, knowing how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi opens the door to this tranquil escape. Here’s how you can make the journey.

Quick Guide to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Preferred way to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi: Limousine via 12GoAsia or Klook
The best area to stay for modest nightlife and restaurant choices: Tam Coc
The best area to stay for tranquility and mad views: Trang An
The best romantic hotels: Nham Village Resort, Tam Cốc Retreat Ninh Bình, The Goat Boutique Resort
The best budget hotels (under $50/night): Indochine Boutique Hotel Ninh Binh, Lalita Boutique Hotel and Spa Ninh Binh, Amazing View Homestay, Muong Village Ninh Binh
The best hotels with pools: Minawa Kenhga Resort & Spa Ninh Binh
Recommended Ninh Binh day tour: Klook is the preferred booking sites for tours in Asia:
Option 1: Ninh Binh Day Tour from Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Trang An, Tam Coc, Hang Mua
Option 2: Ninh Binh Day Tour from Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, Tam Coc
Option 3: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc/Trang An, and Mua Cave Day Tour from Hanoi

How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

The distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is about 100 kilometers (62 miles), making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway. You can choose from several transportation options depending on your budget and comfort preferences.

By Limousine

For those who value comfort and efficiency, a limousine service is the best option. These luxurious minivans offer spacious seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, making the two-hour journey a breeze.

Advantages:
Comfortable reclining seats with plenty of legroom
Direct drop-off at your accommodation in Ninh Binh
Convenient pick-up points in Hanoi

Popular Providers:
Limousine Tam Coc Travel
Duy Khang Limousine

Cost:
300,000–500,000 VND ($12–$20) per person

How to Book:
Book online through platforms like 12GoAsia, Klook, or directly on the provider’s website. Many services offer hotel pick-ups in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

By Bus

Traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly option. Several buses operate between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, catering to both locals and tourists.

Advantages:
Affordable fares
Frequent departures throughout the day

Disadvantages:
Waiting sometimes takes an hour or so.

Types of Buses:
Local Buses: Cheap but often crowded and less comfortable.
Tourist Buses: More comfortable, with air conditioning and designated stops.

Popular Providers:
The Sinh Tourist
Hoang Long Bus

Cost:
150,000–250,000 VND ($6–$10) per person

How to Book:
Purchase tickets at bus stations like Gia Lam or Giap Bat or book through travel agencies in Hanoi.
Travel Time:
Around 2.5–3 hours

By Train

If you’re looking for a scenic route, taking the train is a fantastic choice. Vietnam’s train system offers a unique perspective of the countryside, letting you soak in the views as you journey to Ninh Binh.

Advantages:
Scenic views of Vietnam’s countryside
Comfortable seating options, including soft seats and sleepers

Train Stations:
Departure: Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan Street)
Arrival: Ninh Binh Railway Station (1 Hoang Hoa Tham Street)

Cost:
100,000–300,000 VND ($4–$12) per person, depending on the class

How to Book:
Book tickets online via Vietnam Railways or at the station. Early booking is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Travel Time:
Approximately 2.5 hours

By Motorbike

Riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a thrilling way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s countryside. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the route.

Route:
Take Highway 1A, a relatively straightforward road leading south from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. For a more scenic experience, you can detour through smaller roads passing by fields and villages.

Advantages:
Freedom to stop and explore along the way
An authentic experience of rural Vietnam

Considerations:
Ensure you have a valid motorbike license and insurance
Wear proper safety gear, as traffic can be hectic, especially near Hanoi.
For your own safety, if you are not confident with your driving skill, please do not do this.

Cost:
Renting a motorbike in Hanoi costs about 150,000–200,000 VND ($6–$8) per day, excluding fuel.

By Organized Bus Day Trip Tour

For travelers who prefer convenience, an organized bus day trip from Hanoi is an excellent choice. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, and stops at major Ninh Binh attractions.

Advantages:
Hassle-free; all logistics are taken care of
Includes visits to key sites like Tam Coc, Trang An, or Bai Dinh Pagoda

Providers:
Companies like Hanoi Explore Travel or Klook offer day tours to Ninh Binh.

Cost:
700,000–1,000,000 VND ($30–$45) per person, depending on the itinerary.

How to Book:
Book online through tour providers’ websites or platforms like Klook,

By Organized Day Trip Tour by Motorbike

For a mix of adventure and guided expertise, join an organized motorbike day trip to Ninh Binh. These tours are led by experienced guides who know the best routes and hidden spots along the way.

Advantages:
Combines the freedom of a motorbike ride with the ease of a guided experience
Stops at off-the-beaten-path locations and scenic viewpoints

Providers:
Local operators like Offroad Vietnam or Vietnam Motorbike Tours specialize in these trips. You can book on Klook.

Cost:
Prices range from 1,200,000–2,000,000 VND ($50–$85), often including motorbike rental, fuel, and lunch.

What to Expect:

Departure early morning from Hanoi
Stops at places like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Hang Mua, or rural villages
Return by late evening

Each option offers a unique way to experience the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, whether you’re seeking adventure, convenience, or a blend of both.

The Best Areas to Stay in Ninh Binh for First-Time Visitors

During my years in Hanoi, Ninh Binh became my escape—a sanctuary of quietude that I visited often. Choosing the right area to stay can shape your experience, and each has its unique character. For first-time visitors, here’s my take on the best areas to stay in Ninh Binh, with personal insights and practical pros and cons.

Tam Coc

Tam Coc is the heartbeat of Ninh Binh’s tourism scene, where rice paddies meet towering karst mountains. Staying here immerses you in the region’s postcard-perfect landscapes, with plenty of local cafes and easy access to boat tours.

Pros:
Close to attractions like Hang Mua and Tam Coc boat tours
Vibrant dining scene with cozy cafes
Ideal for photography and scenic walks

Cons:
Busy with tourists during peak seasons
Limited quiet spaces if you seek solitude

Trang An

Trang An is a serene escape, perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds. It’s surrounded by the UNESCO-listed karst landscape and offers unmatched tranquility and proximity to stunning boat tours.

Pros:
Stunning natural beauty and peaceful surroundings
Fewer crowds compared to Tam Coc
Close to Trang An boat tours and temples

Cons:
Limited dining and nightlife options
Less central for exploring other parts of Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is steeped in history. Staying here gives you a chance to explore centuries-old temples and feel connected to the country’s past, all while being surrounded by lush landscapes.

Pros:
Rich historical significance with proximity to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Quieter and less touristy than Tam Coc
Scenic countryside views

Cons:
Fewer modern amenities and dining options
Requires transport to visit other key attractions

Ninh Binh City

The urban center of Ninh Binh offers practicality over charm. It’s the best choice if you’re looking for budget accommodations, transportation hubs, and local markets, though it lacks the natural allure of other areas.

Pros:
Affordable lodging and easy access to trains and buses
Plenty of local eateries and markets
Central location for day trips

Cons:
Lacks the scenic beauty of Tam Coc or Trang An
Urban feel can be less relaxing

Cuc Phuong National Park

For nature enthusiasts, Cuc Phuong National Park is a paradise of biodiversity. Staying here places you in Vietnam’s oldest national park, where hiking trails and wildlife are the main attractions.

Pros:
Perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and eco-tourism
Unique accommodations like eco-lodges surrounded by jungle
A true escape from city life

Cons:
Remote location; not ideal for visiting other Ninh Binh attractions
Limited facilities and dining options

The Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh

With the countless times I’ve been to Ninh Binh, I’ve learned that its greatest gift is its quiet invitation to do nothing at all. To sit by the river, eat good food, read a book, and let the stillness seep in. Yet, for those seeking more, Ninh Binh offers endless wonders: boat rides through karst landscapes, ancient temples steeped in history, and peaceful cycling paths that wind through the countryside. Every visit feels like a rediscovery, a new layer of beauty unfolding with each return. Here are some of the best things to do in Ninh Binh for first-time visitors.

Explore Tam Coc by Boat

Tam Coc is where Ninh Binh’s beauty comes alive. Sitting in a sampan, gliding through limestone caves and lush rice paddies, I felt like time slowed. The boat rides, rowed by locals with their feet, are serene and cinematic, especially during the rice harvest when the fields shimmer gold. Tam Coc is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Ninh Binh’s natural wonders.

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An’s labyrinth of waterways, surrounded by towering karst mountains, feels otherworldly. I’ve visited multiple times, yet each boat journey reveals something new—hidden temples, lush greenery, or the tranquil rhythm of the paddles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An is less crowded than Tam Coc and perfect for soaking in Ninh Binh’s mystical landscapes.

Climb Hang Mua Peak

Climbing the 500 steps to Hang Mua Peak is challenging, but the reward is unparalleled: panoramic views of Tam Coc’s winding rivers and karst formations. On clear days, the vistas stretch endlessly, a reminder of Ninh Binh’s grandeur. At the summit, a dragon statue watches over the land—a poetic touch to an already magical experience.

Discover Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is not just a Buddhist temple—it’s a sprawling complex of grand statues, serene courtyards, and intricate architecture. As I wandered its grounds, the peaceful energy of the place felt restorative. At sunset, the golden glow on the pagoda is breathtaking. It’s a must-visit for both spiritual seekers and lovers of art and culture.

Tour Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, offers a quiet, contemplative journey through history. I walked among the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, imagining the life of a time long gone. Surrounded by verdant mountains, Hoa Lu’s significance feels amplified by the natural beauty enveloping it.

Cycle Through the Countryside

Renting a bike and cycling through Ninh Binh’s countryside is one of my favorite pastimes. The quiet roads wind through villages, past rice paddies, and hidden temples. There’s something meditative about pedaling at your own pace, with the scent of earth and the soft hum of rural life all around.

Explore Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietnam’s oldest national park, Cuc Phuong, is a haven for nature lovers. I’ve spent hours hiking its trails, spotting rare birds and listening to the rustle of the jungle. The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a highlight, offering a glimpse into conservation efforts. Cuc Phuong is a vivid reminder of Vietnam’s rich biodiversity.

So there you have it, may you enjoy trip to Ninh Binh as much as I did countless times.

XoXo,

Jona of backpackingwithabook.com