Ha Giang to Ninh Binh - Bus, Distance & Motorbike Tour

After wrapping up the Ha Giang Loop, I faced the long trek south to Ninh Binh - a must-see region of towering karsts and rice paddies. The route (roughly 370-380 km) winds through mountain highways and the Ho Chi Minh road.
Along the way you’ll pass small towns, misty peaks and even Cuc Phuong National Park before descending into the verdant valleys of Ninh Binh.

This tour guide covers all your transport options (bus, train, car or motorbike) with real-world tips, plus hidden gems en route, must-see spots in Ninh Binh, and locals’ advice.

Getting There: Bus, Train, Motorbike or Car

• Bus: Most travelers take the direct sleeper bus from Ha Giang toward Ninh Binh or via Hanoi. It’s affordable (around VND 200k-300k one-way) and runs overnight.
  
  Expect a long ride (about 8-12 hours) on winding roads.
  
  Pros: cheap and convenient if you book a VIP cabin (beds available).
  Cons: bumpy ride, tricky transfers, and late arrival - some reviews even warn that bus transfers (especially via Hanoi) can be confusing.
  
  Book tickets on  or at local agencies in Ha Giang.
  
  Tip: If you take a night bus, bring earplugs and a sleep mask.

• Train (+ Bus): There is no direct train from Ha Giang. The common workaround is: bus from Ha Giang to Hanoi (4-5 hours), then train or bus on to Ninh Binh. Hanoi→Ninh Binh trains run frequently and take ~2-2.5 hours.
  
  For example, trains at 6:00-8:00 or evening services (19:20-21:30) get you there in ~2h. Tickets are cheap (as low as ~$4-$8 for 2nd-class AC).
  
  Pros: more comfort and legroom, with scenic river valleys outside the window.
  Cons: you need to switch transport twice, which adds hassle.
  
  You can book via Vietnam Railways.

• Private Car/Van: Hiring a driver or renting a car gives door-to-door service. It cuts travel time to ~7-8 hours, letting you stop at will.
  
  Pros: privacy and flexibility (you decide the itinerary).
  Cons: expensive (expect several million VND for a sedan), and driving Vietnam’s mountain roads is challenging.
  
  If you do self-drive, be sure to have an international license and insurance. (Local companies like Sapa Nomad or GiaReO offer car hires.)
  
  

the Ha Giang Loop as Seen From a Rest Stop

• Motorbike: For the adventurous, riding south on a bike is unforgettable. The scenic route via Tuyên Quang → HCM Road → Cuc Phuong covers 380 km. On my bike I’d slice it into 1-2 days: one morning out of Ha Giang into the hills, then down through Bac Kan/Thái Nguyên toward Ninh Binh.
  
  Renting an XR150cc (VND 150k-200k/day with deposit) in Ha Giang is easy (many shops in town). Pros: total freedom to explore villages, take photos and stop at roadside cafes.
  
  You’ll see remote waterfalls and terraced fields few tourists reach. Cons: It’s physically demanding - roads can be steep and foggy, especially in wet seasons.
  
  Always wear a helmet and check your rental bike’s brakes and lights.

Highlights & Hidden Gems En Route

Even if you’re just passing through, consider stopping at these spots:

Ba Be National Park Lake

• Tuyen Quang Province: On the way south, you can detour to Ba Be Lake (Ba Be NP), Vietnam’s largest freshwater lake. It’s about 30 km off the main route, but the emerald lake and jungle-trimmed islands are worth it. (Entrance ~VND 60k.)
  
  Nearby Pac Ngoi Village is an off-grid fishing village of Tay minority.
  
  

Cuc Phuong National Park of Vietnam

• Cuc Phuong National Park: Just before Ninh Binh, this ancient park is a lush jungle. Famous for its primeval forest and endangered langurs, it’s Vietnam’s oldest national park.
  
  Admission fee is VND 60,000 (about $2.50).
  Trails, caves and a butterfly garden await. (Open 6:30-17:00 daily.)
  
  

Tam Coc Area of Ninh Binh Is Insanely Gorgeous

• Trang An - Tam Coc (Ninh Binh): In Ninh Binh province don’t miss these boat tours through limestone karsts. At Tam Coc, a 2-hour sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River costs ~VND 250k/adult and drifts under three caves.
  
  Upstream is Mua Cave: climb ~500 steps for panoramic views (entrance VND 100k).
  
  Nearby Hoa Lư (the ancient capital) has 10th-century temples (VND 30k). Close to Ninh Binh city, the Trang An landscape complex is slightly more expensive (VND 250k entry) but even more grand, looping through caves.
  
  These places run daily tours, and boats launch early in the morning.
  
  

Van Long Wetlands, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

• Van Long Wetlands: A quieter alternative to Tam Coc. Boats (VND 50-70k) glide through a limestone valley teeming with birds (especially in winter).
  
  

Bai Dinh Pagoda Bird Eye View

• Bai Dính Pagoda: A massive temple complex (free entry). You may pay VND 30k for a short electric car ride and VND 50k for the main pagoda ticket. It’s home to Vietnam’s largest bronze Buddha and 500 Arhat statues. (Open 6:00-21:00 daily.)

• Local villages: If you’re on a motorbike, swing by tiny villages off the main road. In the off-season Ha Giang markets (like Đồng Văn on Sunday) and Bac Kan highlands offer real local life.
  (Try the Hmong markets or grab a bowl of thắng cố - a spicy horse meat stew - in a minority village.)

Food & Drink: Regional Eats

Northern Vietnamese cuisine is a highlight:

• Ha Giang specialties: In Ha Giang town, seek out phở chua (a sour noodle soup) and thắng cố (horse or beef stew, often sold by Hmong vendors). The coffee is strong and local honey is famous.

• Tam Coc/Ninh Binh: Try the province’s famed mountain goat dishes - grilled, sautéed or in spring rolls. Ninh Binh goat is prized for being lean and gamey. (One travel guide notes an entire “mountain goat menu” at restaurants like Duc De.)
  
  Also sample cơm cháy Dinh Lăng (crispy rice crackers with savory toppings) and bún chả (noodle with grilled pork). In Tam Coc, roadside cafés serve homemade goat hotpots and rice pancakes with local herbs.

• Hidden spots: Locals often recommend small family-run eateries away from main roads. For example, the little “Family Restaurant” near Tam Coc pier (popular on TripAdvisor) or roadside stands for grilled corn and banana flower salad.
  
  Don’t miss a fresh coconut ice pop during breaks - they’re heaven after hot riding.
  
  

Family Restaurant Near Tam Coc Pier

Traveler Tips & Advice

• Book Ahead: Long-distance buses and bike rentals can sell out in peak season (Sept-Nov). Reserve via  or local guesthouses. For example, one traveler noted confusion switching buses in Hanoi - to avoid that, confirm your transfer points in advance.

• Timing: If you can’t sleep on a bus, try daytime travel. As one guide notes, take a day bus instead of an overnight sleeper if you’re a light sleeper. (You’ll miss the scenic dawn light, though.)

• Safety: Roads south of Ha Giang (after Tuyên Quang) are mostly highway and relatively safe, but watch out for heavy trucks. In Ha Giang itself, curves are tight - stay alert. Always wear a helmet and rain gear if skies look gray.

• Money & Gear: ATMs are scarce outside cities. Withdraw cash in Ha Giang or Hanoi. Keep small bills for admission tickets (~VND 20k-VND 50k) and food stalls. Charge your phone or power bank before heading out.

• Language: English is limited in rural bus offices. Carry addresses or names of hotels in Vietnamese. Simple phrases (“đi Ninh Bình” = go to Ninh Binh) help.

• Weather: The best time is Oct-Dec or March-May. In winter it can get cold at night in the mountains (prepare layers). In rain (July-Aug), roads can be slippery. Check forecasts before leaving Ha Giang.
  
  

Ninh Binh Is a Marvel to Behold

FAQ

Q: What’s the fastest way from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh?
A: Combining bus and train is usually the quickest. Take a direct or Hanoi bus to the capital (about 4-5h to Hanoi), then an evening train to Ninh Binh (~2h). In total this can be around 7-9h travel time.
A private car or motorbike might do the whole route in ~8h nonstop, but that’s grueling without breaks.

Q: How long is the journey and how much does it cost?
A: The road distance is 370 km. Expect about 8-12 hours by bus. A standard sleeper bus costs roughly VND 250-300k (≈$10-13). Trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh are cheap (VND 80k-VND 200k, or $3-8). Motorbike fuel (for 380 km) might be around VND 200k.

Q: Can I do it by motorbike? Is the road safe?
A: Yes - many riders do it. The route (via Tuyên Quang and the Ho Chi Minh road) is paved but mountainous. Expect some narrow passes. If you have riding experience, it’s stunning; novices should be cautious. As always, check brakes and tires before leaving Ha Giang. Weather can change quickly, so avoid riding at night.

Q: Any must-see stops between Ha Giang and Ninh Binh?
A: On the way south, detour if you can to Ba Bể Lake (Bắc Kạn province) or the 1,000-year-old Thăng Hen water garden. Just before Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong NP is a highlight.

Once in Ninh Binh, top sights are Trang An, Tam Coc, Mua Cave and the Bái Đính Pagoda (open 6-21h). Don’t rush - each spot deserves a few hours.

Q: What about local food?
A: Try regional specialties like the Ha Giang pho chua or thắng cố while in the north. In Ninh Binh, goat dishes are famous. Street-side markets in towns and family-run restaurants often serve the best version of these.

Try goat grilled with ginger or in rice paper rolls. Also snack on cơm cháy (crispy rice) - a local favorite.

Q: Where do I book tickets and buses?
A: Online via  or travel sites like Bookaway covers most routes. In Ha Giang, hotels and hostels can book buses and motorbikes. In Hanoi, go to the main train station or a tour agency for train tickets.

Always double-check your departure points and seat type (sleeper vs. seat).

Q: Anything else I should know?
A: Don’t forget travel insurance that covers motorbike riding if you choose that. And consider enjoying a night or two in Hanoi halfway - it’s a nice city to break up a long trip.

Otherwise, lean back, enjoy the mountain air and the changing scenery from karst peaks to river valleys. The journey is long, but it ends in beautiful Ninh Binh - well worth the adventure!