How To Get To Ninh Binh From Hanoi? Best Routes From Hanoi

Situated in Northern Vietnam’s Red River Delta, Ninh Binh is a mesmerizing location that presents the ideal fusion of stunning scenery, fascinating history, and cultural significance. The tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi provides a variety of experiences, discovering the fascinating landscapes and cultural treasures of Ninh Binh. It also offers breathtaking karst formations, green rice terraces, and historic temples that make for an amazing trip, whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or a day trip. Every step you take brings you closer to the natural beauties and cultural treasures that make Ninh Binh unique, from the serene countryside to the rhythmic turmoil of the city streets.

This article will take you through all of Ninh Binh tourist attractions, how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi and different transportation choices making your trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh easy and fun.

How To Get To Ninh Binh From Hanoi? Top 6 Ways to Travel Ninh Binh You Must Try

1. How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi?

If you’re wondering how far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi, worry no more! Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, Hanoi, is well-known for its lively streets, mouth watering food, and extensive history. A day trip to the neighboring Ninh Binh is the ideal way for visitors from Hanoi to get away from the bustle of the city and reconnect with nature, even though the city itself has an abundance of sights to see. The distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is not too far as Hanoi is roughly 95 kilometers away from Ninh Binh’s city center. Hence, for those visiting Hanoi, this makes Ninh Binh a convenient day trip option.

2. How to get to Ninh Binh? Best Ways travel to Ninh Binh

2.1 Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Motorbike or Private Car

Visiting Ninh Binh by car or motorbike is a popular option for many visitors, particularly young ones. Whether you’re traveling by car or motorbike, you may pull over whenever you want to take in the view and take some truly memorable pictures. The National Road 1A (QL1A) is the fastest motorcycling route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh as the entire ride takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes from the city center. As for driving, the Hanoi – Ninh Binh motorway is the most convenient route which will take about one hour and twenty-five minutes. Motorcycle rentals are reasonably priced since a single ride usually costs between 100,000 and 200,000 VND.

2.2 Hanoi to Ninh Binh Train

Train travel between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is convenient as both cities are situated along the North-South railway route. You can select between six trains that run every day, with departure times varying from 6:00 AM to 8:10 PM. You may take in the breathtaking countryside as you travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in around 2.5 hours by train.

For travelers, taking the train is thought to be the most affordable choice. Depending on the seat class and season, a train ticket from Hanoi to Ninh Binh might cost from 71,000 VND to 108,000 VND. To purchase your ticket, select the appropriate Hanoi to Ninh Binh train schedule if you have a certain itinerary in mind. Please note that purchasing your tickets in advance will help you avoid price increases at the busiest time of year.

2.3 Join a tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Join our Ninh Binh Tours from Hanoi to discover Ninh Binh, North Vietnam’s captivating destination. You will become immersed in the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site masterpiece and with numerous ecological reserves such as Van Long Lagoon and Cuc Phuong National Park. Additionally, explore Mua Caves’ breathtaking Lotus season or lose yourself in the glistening historic village of Hoa Lu at night. Moreover, experience the spiritual lifestyles at the largest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is also one of the most significant in Southeast Asia.

2.4 Hanoi to Ninh Binh Bus

In Vietnam, buses are widely available and run almost nonstop. These buses travel to multiple bus stations in Ninh Binh, including Nho Quan, Kim Son, Hoa Lu, and Tam Diep, from different bus stations in Hanoi, including My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Nuoc Ngam. Bus tickets cost from 80,000 VND to 200,000 VND, depending on the type of bus you select. Thus, making a bus trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh one of the more economical options. A bus trip, however, takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, which is longer than other means of transportation.

2.5 Hanoi to Ninh Binh Limousine

The limousine is one of the most practical ways to go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh since it offers a speedy, luxurious ride with stunning views of the surrounding area. The privacy that a Hanoi to Ninh Binh limousine offers is its primary advantage. In contrast to tour buses, you will have a private area to relax in. In addition to air conditioning, televisions, Wi-Fi, USB charging points, refreshments, and other conveniences, the limousine also has air conditioning. The limousine costs are still surprisingly affordable, with one-way tickets costing between 135,000 and 180,000 VND. Hanoi Limo and Khanh An Limousine are reliable limousine services.

2.6 Hanoi to Ninh Binh Taxi

If you want a hassle-free way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you should take a taxi trip which takes about two hours. Given that the fare is determined by distance, this is probably the most expensive mode of transportation. A standard taxi from Hanoi to Ninh Binh should cost at least 1,380,000 VND, or about $60 USD. Still, the added expense can be justified by the ease of having your accommodations in Ninh Binh dropped off right at your door.

3. Ninh Binh tourist attractions?

3.1 Bai Dinh Pagoda

For those who are interested in Buddhism and Vietnamese culture, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-see location and one of Ninh Binh tourist attractions. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s biggest temple complexes spanning 539 hectares. Between 2003 and 2010, the complex was created, incorporating both modern and antique architectural elements, such as the recently constructed Bai Dinh Pagoda and the older one. Hence, visiting it allows you to take in the quiet ambiance of the pagoda, which is encircled by stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Aside from that, standing 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tonnes, the complex’s centerpiece is a gigantic bronze Buddha statue. As a result, it is the biggest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and popular with tourists. The building also houses 500 Arhat statues, every one of which has a different expression on its face. You can walk or rent an electric car to explore the facility for 30,000 VND per person per trip.

3.2 Trang An in Ninh Binh

Renowned for its breathtaking karst formations, which include limestone mountains, caverns, and rivers, Trang An in Ninh Binh is a beloved holiday destination and one of Ninh Binh tourist attractions. Due to its extraordinary beauty, it was used as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may discover Trang An by taking a boat tour through various caverns and winding riverways, where you can take in the breathtaking natural splendor.

An alternative is to walk up one of the mountains to get a broad perspective of the region. Due to its ease of access and good maintenance, the majority of visitors can utilize the hiking trail. Thus, you’ll be in for a remarkable experience whether you decide to explore Trang An on foot or by boat. Please note that adults must pay 250,000 VND to enter Trang An, while children under the age of 14 must pay 100,000 VND. Also, a tour guide can be hired for an extra 300,000 VND.

3.3 Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

Those who love the outdoors and history should not miss Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh. From the tenth to the eleventh century, it served as the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and early Le dynasties. The well-preserved relics and monuments of the ancient capital include the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, two of the country’s past kings. By visiting this location, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of the old capital and acquire an understanding of the customs and culture of the ancient Vietnamese dynasties through the numerous exhibits and artifacts on display. In addition to its historical significance, Hoa Lu is also famous for its stunning natural surroundings. The capital is encircled by gorgeous rice farms and tall limestone mountains. You can pay 20,000 VND for an entrance ticket to enter the old capital.

3.4 Cuc Phuong National Park

Discovering Cuc Phuong’s natural splendor is among the most popular activities in Ninh Binh. Being the country’s first national park, it is home to a wide variety of rare and endangered kinds of plants and animals that are sure to enchant nature lovers. The butterfly season, which runs from April to June and has thousands of vibrant butterflies flitting around, is one of the park’s most breathtaking sights. If you visit at this time of year, you may view this magnificent display and discover more about the ecology of the area by taking guided tours of the park. Apart from the butterfly season, there are plenty of hiking routes in the park, the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, and historic caverns and limestone structures all over the place.

3.5 Van Long Wetland nature reserve

Situated in Ninh Binh’s Gia Vien District, Van Long Lagoon is a peaceful and stunning natural treasure. It is the biggest wetland reserve in Northern Vietnam, covering an area of more than 3,500 hectares. When you visit, you can take a boat trip and enjoy the calm waters while admiring the breathtaking views of the rice fields and limestone mountains in the area. A popular location for nature lovers, the lagoon is also home to a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species like the black-faced spoonbill, langur monkey, and Bonelli eagle. Van Long Lagoon entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person, and guests can purchase a boat ride for two for 60,000 VND.

3.6 Tam Coc – Bich Dong

The term “Tam Coc”, which translates to “three caves” in Vietnamese, describes the three natural caves that can be seen by boat cruise from Ninh Binh. It’s dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land” due to its breathtaking views that are enhanced by the fields’ golden yellow coloration during rice season. The caves are on either side of the boat trip across a twisting river. The view is breathtaking, with distant countryside towns and green rice farms. Therefore, Tam Coc Bich Dong is a nature lover’s heaven as it features the serene Ngo Dong River that flows through the region, as well as magnificent limestone karsts rising from rice farms. 

The amazing Bich Dong Pagoda is located nearby as well. It has three floors and was constructed into a mountain. This peaceful pond and green surroundings make this pagoda the perfect place for contemplation and meditation. Its continuing function as a place of worship, dating back to the fifteenth century, adds to its cultural and historical relevance. A boat ride in Tam Coc costs 150,000 VND per trip, while admission to the area is 120,000 VND per person.

3.7 Mua Cave

Among the various caves in Vietnam, Mua Caves, sometimes called Hang Mua, is a standout attraction as it provides stunning views from the top of Mua Mountain. The name Hang Mua, which means “dancing cave,” originated from the legend that Emperor Tran Thai Tong used to attend dance performances at this location. It will take you about 500 steps to ascend steeply to the summit of Mua Mountain. You will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding gorgeous mountains and expansive rice fields, so the climb is definitely worth the effort. The elaborate sculptures and antique shrines found in the caves themselves enhance the attraction’s charm and historical relevance.

4. Best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The year-round weather is pleasant in Ninh Binh, with average highs of 16°C to 38°C and it has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The region is humid subtropical with a tropical monsoon so the best time to visit Ninh Binh is in the spring (January to March), when there are lots of interesting festivals and a cool atmosphere with clear blue skies and sunny days. Also, there is not much rainfall but drizzles are possible occasionally.

Besides spring, the best time to visit Ninh Binh is in the summer (May to August) as there are golden rice paddies and fragrant lotus ponds. While summer consists of sunny and wet periods, it nevertheless makes for a calm environment for outdoor activities. Although Ninh Binh is stunning year-round, spring and summer remain the best times to visit as it promises an amazing experience with its fascinating natural scenery and historical sites.