If you’re staying in Hanoi and craving a day out in nature, a Ninh Binh day trip is just what you need. Known as “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh combines dramatic limestone karsts, serene rivers, and ancient temples into one captivating landscape. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure, and it’s only about two hours from Hanoi!
Whether you’re drawn by the scenic boat rides, lush rice paddies, or old pagodas, this guide will help you plan the perfect day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with insider tips and inspiration for what to see and do.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- Why Take a Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi
- How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
- Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh
- How to spend one day in Ninh Binh?
- Discover Ninh Binh at a Leisurely Pace
- Practical Tips for Your Ninh Binh Day Trip
- FAQs
Why Take a Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi
A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Unlike crowded tourist spots, its countryside is peaceful, with ancient temples, quiet rivers, and dramatic limestone landscapes.
Traveling by car or guided tour takes about two hours each way, giving you a full day to explore without staying overnight. You can visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, enjoy a boat ride at Tam Coc or Trang An, and climb Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Whether you have just a day or more time to linger, Ninh Binh provides a refreshing escape from Hanoi’s bustle, letting you experience nature, history, and authentic rural life in a single day.
How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is simple, with several options to suit your style and budget.
By Bus
This is the most affordable way to travel. Buses depart frequently from Giap Bat Station and take about 2–2.5 hours. Tickets cost around 70,000–100,000 VND ($3–5). It’s comfortable, easy, and great for travelers on a budget.
By Train
If you love scenic views, take the train from Hanoi Railway Station. The journey takes roughly the same time as the bus but offers countryside views the entire way. Fares range from 60,000–150,000 VND ($2.5–6.5) depending on seat class.
By Private Car
A private transfer is the fastest and most convenient choice, especially if you’re traveling in a group. The 1.5–2-hour drive gives you flexibility and comfort, and your driver can wait while you explore. Prices are around 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND ($65–85).
By Motorbike
Feeling adventurous? Ride your own motorbike from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in about 3–4 hours. The open road offers freedom and rural scenery, but be cautious; it’s best for experienced riders familiar with Vietnamese traffic.
💡 Travel with Ease: If you prefer a worry-free experience, we can arrange everything for you, from private transportation and local guides to hotel bookings in Ninh Binh. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer journey, our team ensures you travel comfortably and get the most out of every stop along the way.
Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is beautiful all year, but the experience changes with the seasons. The perfect time for you to travel is:
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February to April: Pleasant weather and green landscapes, great for boating.
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May to early June: Rice fields turn golden, offering incredible photo opportunities.
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September to November: Clear skies and mild weather, ideal for sightseeing. Avoid visiting during heavy rains (July–August), as boat rides may be affected.
Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Step back to the 10th century at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Here, stone temples and quiet courtyards tell stories of kings and dynasties that once ruled this land. It’s a great first stop to learn about Ninh Binh’s proud heritage before exploring its stunning landscapes.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An is the heart of any Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi. Hop on a small sampan boat and glide through peaceful waterways surrounded by limestone cliffs and emerald rice fields. Each cave you pass reveals hidden shrines and ancient carvings that make this place feel timeless.
Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land,” is famous for its boat rides through three natural caves. As you float past rice paddies and rocky peaks, it’s hard not to fall in love with the scenery.
Afterward, head to Mua Cave and climb the 500 stone steps to the Dragon Peak. From the top, you’ll get one of the most iconic views in all of Vietnam, a sea of green fields winding along the river below.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh is the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, home to hundreds of statues and a towering bronze Buddha. Walking through its vast courtyards, you’ll feel the spiritual calm and admire the intricate details that make it a cultural masterpiece.
Cuc Phuong National Park
For nature lovers, Cuc Phuong offers a rare chance to explore Vietnam’s oldest national park. Trek through lush forests, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, and discover ancient caves. The night tours are a highlight, where you might spot fireflies lighting up the trees.
Van Long Nature Reserve
If you prefer quiet beauty, Van Long is the place. A boat trip here feels like a gentle meditation, because the water reflects limestone mountains and clouds, while rare birds and Delacour’s langurs appear among the cliffs. It’s one of the most peaceful corners of Ninh Binh.
How to spend one day in Ninh Binh?
If you’re planning your own Ninh Binh adventure, here’s a suggested one-day itinerary that covers the highlights without feeling rushed.
Morning
Leave Hanoi early, around 7:00 a.m., to make the most of your day. Your first stop should be Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where Vietnam’s first kings once ruled. Take a relaxed walk through the peaceful temples of King Dinh and King Le, set against dramatic limestone cliffs.
Next, head to Trang An or Tam Coc for a scenic boat ride. Both offer spectacular karst landscapes, but Trang An is slightly larger and quieter, while Tam Coc feels more local and rustic. Sit back and let your rower guide you through limestone caves and emerald rivers surrounded by rice fields.
Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, preferably with views of the rice paddies — a simple yet memorable highlight of the day.
After lunch, climb the Mua Cave viewpoint, where 500 stone steps lead you to a breathtaking panorama of Ninh Binh’s countryside. The view from the top, with the Tam Coc River winding through the fields, is one you’ll never forget.
If time allows, make a short stop at Bich Dong Pagoda, a small yet serene temple built into a limestone mountain. The layered pagodas and quiet lotus ponds offer a calm, spiritual atmosphere — a beautiful way to end your journey before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Discover Ninh Binh at a Leisurely Pace
If you want to spend more than one day in Ninh Binh and truly soak in its natural beauty, consider these tours:
Explore Vietnam’s Wonders and Ninh Binh’s Serenity
This itinerary balances Vietnam’s iconic highlights with peaceful escapes in Ninh Binh. Drift along calm rivers, explore ancient temples, and admire the lush countryside while also visiting Hanoi and Halong Bay. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of must-see sights and quiet nature moments, you can discover the full journey with our Vietnam Highlights Experience – 14 Days
Immerse Yourself in Northern Charm
Focus on northern Vietnam’s scenic beauty with relaxed visits to Ninh Binh’s rivers, limestone karsts, and charming villages in Sapa. Enjoy boat trips, rural landscapes, and authentic local experiences, all at a leisurely pace that allows you to connect deeply with the region. Discover the full itinerary with our Northern Charm Discovery – 8 Days tour.
If Ninh Binh is your choice, but you’re unsure how to make your journey seamless, just connect with us at Vietnam Travel Online. We’ll craft a fully customized tour that matches your style and pace, from Vietnam’s rivers and mountains to Indochina’s hidden gems. Reach us at [email protected] or through this form to explore more than just Vietnam tours.
Practical Tips for Your Ninh Binh Day Trip
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Best time to visit: October to April offers mild weather, dry days, and stunning landscapes. Avoid the wet season if you want less mud on the trails.
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Getting there from Hanoi: A Private car or guided tour is easiest (~2 hours). Trains and buses are budget-friendly alternatives, while motorbikes are for the adventurous.
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Getting around Ninh Binh: Bikes and motorbikes are great for exploring rice paddies and rural paths. For comfort, taxis or private cars work well, especially if your time is limited.
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Clothing & gear: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light rain jacket are essential. Layers are recommended if you visit in cooler months.
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Food & drinks: Bring bottled water and try local specialties like Ninh Binh rice crust (com chay) or mountain goat meat (thit de nui).
FAQs
Is one day enough in Ninh Binh?
Yes, a day trip from Hanoi lets you see key highlights like Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu. However, 2–3 days is ideal to explore more hidden gems and enjoy the countryside at a relaxed pace.
What’s the best way to explore the region?
Joining a guided tour or hiring a private car is easiest for a day trip. For active travelers, cycling through villages or walking along rivers provides a more immersive experience.
Can I combine Ninh Binh with other northern destinations?
Absolutely! Multi-day tours can pair Ninh Binh with Hanoi, Halong Bay, or Sapa, giving a deeper understanding of northern Vietnam’s landscapes and culture.
Is Ninh Binh suitable for families or groups?
Yes, the calm scenery, easy boat rides, and short hikes make it great for travelers of all ages.
