Hanoi to Ninh Binh - Tour Guide for 2025

The route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh acts like a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes and historical sites of Vietnam.We are pretty sure you will capture some of the best instagram worthy pictures in Ninh binh! Not many people know about Ninh binh when they come to Vietnam so it's kind of still a bit of an untouched destination in Vietnam.

The 95-kilometer journey offers various transportation options that may suit all kinds of travel style, budget, and schedule. For that purpose, here's a more detailed guide that will help in planning your awesome trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:

1. Transportation Options

Ninh Binh is actually not too far away from Hanoi - around 95 km and almost all modes of transportation will take similar time.

a. Choo-choo!

The most economical and nice way to reach Ninh Binh is by traveling by train. Reunification Express trains leaving from Hanoi railway station several times a day take roughly 2.5 hours. Ticket prices start from about US$6 for plain seats, while first-class sleepers are US$12 or so.

The beautiful countryside of Vietnam is a viewscape on this trip; however, remember that the train station in Ninh Binh is a few kilometers from some of the popular attractions and will require further transportation when you arrive. Trains are on time and pretty safe.

Most travellers we talked to loved the Vexere app for booking train tickets in Vietnam. The web app is also available in english.

b. Bus

Buses aren't that expensive, and prices run from $5 to $15, depending on the company and just how comfortable you would like the ride. Tourist buses usually offer hotel pickups and drop-offs, making it highly convenient. It takes about 2 to 3 hours, but traffic will really bugger up your estimated travel time.

c. Private Car or Taxi

It is more convenient to hire a private car or a taxi, mainly for families or groups. It's a door-to-door service that may take you right to your accommodation in Ninh Binh. The prices are from 50 to 100 dollars, depending on the car type and company. This option is highly recommended in case you want to have flexibility, such as visiting some view stops on the way.

d. Motorbike

Adventurous travelers can also ride a motorbike. It takes about 3 hours and provides beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside. Rentals in Hanoi are from about $6 to $10 USD per day, but for this option, an International Driving Permit is required, as well as extra careful dealing with the busy roads of Vietnam.

And remember, you will have to fill your own petrol which is not included in the cost.

The highway joining Hanoi to Ninh is pretty slick and easy to ride on.

If you are coming back to Hanoi then it might be the best and cheapest option. But if you are going further along the tour and maybe travelling to Sapa as most tourists do, then it might not be feasible as you can’t return the bike unless you go back to Hanoi (in most cases).

e. Limousine Van

Limousine vans offer air-conditioned, wide seating, Wi-Fi access, and refreshments from the high-end spectrum. Prices range from $8 to $15 per head, depending on the service operating it. Vans are an option between buses and cars in terms of price and convenience.

We preferred it over all other modes of transport and used it ourselves.

They will drop you off at your exact location but first they will stop at a central stop right at the main entrance of Ninh Binh. After that, they will verbally confirm your hotel/homestay and pick you up in another Van which is already stationed there with other tourists.

Oh and you can book the van also on the Vexere app and pay cash when boarding the van in Hanoi.

2. Highlights of Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is called "Ha Long Bay on land" because of its awesome karst scenery. Check out these things you definitely can't miss:

• Trang An Landscape Complex: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is amazing for leisurely boat rides through caves and emerald valleys. Do not miss the famous Trang An boat tour in Ninh binh!

• Tam Coc boat trip: Known for its wonderful rice fields and irrigation channels. It will also have a similar tour like Trang An boat tour but if you are short on time, just decide beforehand which tour you want to do as both have some similarities.

• The Mua Caves: A short hike offering panoramic views of the region which we would rate as the best hiking tour of Ninh Binh. It would take you around 45 minutes to reach the peak but do note it can get pretty hot and humid (and crowded!) so try to arrive before 9 a.m.
  If you are staying in Trang An area then it's just 10 minutes from the village so you can easily do both in a day!

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Historic site, ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century.

• Cuc Phuong National Park: A biodiversity hotspot ideal for trekking.

3. Genius Travel Tips

• Best time: During the dry season from November to April, a person can enjoy the best time outdoors. And if possible, try to do the tour in the early morning or late evening as the sun is pretty harsh during the day!

• What to Bring: Walking shoes, light clothing, water resistant sunscreen, insect repellant.

The local food consists of consuming goat meat dishes, rice crust (com chay), and eel vermicelli (mien luon) in local areas.

4. Guide-led Tours

Tours from Hanoi are generally painless; many tours here include transportation, meals, and an escorted visit to all the major sights. Price will vary depending on the length of the tour and inclusions, but this is a highly recommended option for first-time visitors.

If you ask us personally - No, you don’t need guided tours for Ninh Binh as it's pretty accessible from Hanoi and tourist friendly overall. But if you are travelling as a large family and don’t want to bother about planning everything then yes, you can book the guided tours.

We just took a Van from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, booked a riverside home stay in Trang An and took a motorbike on rent for $7 (USD). And then just roamed around wherever we liked after doing the main tours of Trang An and Mua cave. Oh and most homestays offer you a free bicycle!

FAQs

• So, how long does it really take to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
  A: Depends, it's like 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your means of getting there.

• Is it worth visiting Ninh Binh?
  A: Sure, the most beautiful nature combined with cultural sites and the relaxed atmosphere turn the place into a must-see in Vietnam.

• Are there options for day trips from Hanoi?
  A: It's doable as a day trip, but it'll feel rushed. An overnight allows you to take it in more slowly.

• Where to eat in Ninh Binh?
  Our favourite restaurant in Trang An area of Ninh Binh was Trang An Riverside garden. The food was epic and so was the service and the prices are insanely cheap. Try their rice wine, thank us later!

• Do I need to do guided tours in Ninh Binh?
  Not at all! Just rent a bike and roam around (with sufficient water and a  powerbank for your phone) and you will be fine! It's super safe and you will find pretty epic spots to take pictures, like the one below :)