The Best Ways To Get From Hanoi To Ninh Binh | Bookaway

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• Vietnam
• Ninh Binh
• Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Hanoi to Ninh Binh Trip Overview

Ninh Binh to Hanoi

Distance110 km (68.8 miles)

Price rangeUS$ 6-US$ 24

Ride Duration Range1h 25m-4h

Earliest Departure22:00

Latest Departure23:30

Most Popular Operator Ninh Binh Excursion

Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is easiest and most affordable by train, covering a distance of 95km. Multiple trains operate throughout the day and night. While Ninh Binh is ideal to visit year-round, the dry season runs from November to April. The well-known Ninh Binh Festival typically occurs in February and March. Ninh Binh offers excellent opportunities for nature hiking, boat tours, and exquisite local cuisine. If time permits, explore Tam Coc, which features beautiful limestone cliffs and green rice paddies. Ha Long Bay is a separate destination with similar geological features that can be considered for a longer trip.

Travel Schedule Options from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

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Taking a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Fastest bus: 1h 25m

Cheapest bus: US$ 6

The fastest: 1h 25m

The cheapest: US$ 6

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Charger

Food

Blanket

WC

Wifi

English Speaking Staff

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Blanket

Charger

The fastest: 2h

The cheapest: US$ 6

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

Charger

English Speaking Staff

Reclining Seats

Wifi

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

Wifi

English Speaking Staff

About the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

If the chaos and constant honking of Hanoi is too much for you, then you’ll appreciate the more serene vibes of Ninh Binh. 

Although only about two hours apart, it feels like you’re a world away. It feels like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park, surrounded by the extraordinary limestone karsts that Ninh Binh is famous for. 

It’s the place to take a deep breath, hop on a rowboat, and meander your way through caves, rice fields, and lily pads. 

The most common ways to cover the 116 km (72.5 miles) between Hanoi and Ninh Binh are by bus, minivan, train, and private car. All options will get you there safely, comfortably, and roughly in the same amount of time. 

Additionally, the number of departures feels endless, so you’ll undoubtedly find a time that suits you. You’ll also have several pick-up and drop-off points throughout Hanoi and Ninh Binh, making it a convenient and enjoyable journey. 

If you’re looking for ultimate comfort without a hefty price tag, check out the VIP minivans. They turn the journey into an experience!

Unforgettable things to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is one of the most stunning places in Vietnam, so it’s no surprise that most of the top things to do incorporate nature and its out-of-this-world scenery. Make sure to add these activities to your itinerary:

Take a boat trip — Deciding which boat trip to take in Ninh Binh will be the hardest decision of your stay. Do you visit Trang An or Tam Coc? You can do both if you have enough time. Both trips take you through phenomenal scenery featuring towering limestone karsts and hidden caves. 

Sunset at Mua Cave — While it doesn’t have to be visited at sunset, it’s undoubtedly the most heavenly time to visit. The sun setting over the rice fields and impressive mountains is a sight you won’t forget. Nor will you forget the climb. There are a lot of steps to get to the top. 

Rent a moped or bicycle — One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is rent wheels and explore at your own pace. Get lost amongst the rice fields and down its labyrinth of tiny streets. Or make a DIY sightseeing tour of the best spots. 

Tour the Hoa Lu Ancient capital — Itwas Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1009 AD and is gifted with ancient temples, pagodas, and tombs. If you want to step back in time, add this to your tour of Ninh Binh. 

How many days should you spend in Ninh Binh? 

If you’re on a whistle-stop tour through Vietnam, then the best of Ninh Binh can be seen in one day. 

Ticking off the popular activities doesn’t take too long. A boat trip at Tam Coc or Trang An can be done in a couple of hours. If you rent a moped, zipping around the city and visiting the top spots shouldn’t take too long, either. 

However, if you’re not in such a rush, then 2-3 days gives you enough time to embrace the more laid-back vibe of the city and take in its stunning scenery. 

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

There are four ways to cover the 116 km (72.5 miles) between Hanoi and Ninh Binh: by bus, minivan, train, and car. 

Pro tip: Check whether your accommodation is in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, a popular tourist town next door. If it is, companies also offer drop-offs here. 

By bus

The bus is a great option to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, taking 2-2.5 hours. Plenty of companies cover this route, offering departures throughout the day. The buses are comfortable, affordable, and convenient. Prices start from $6.



There are different classes of bus available, but the difference between them isn’t huge: 

Standard class — basic economy, A/C

Comfort class — more comfortable seats, A/C, charging port, and TV subject to availability

The most popular departure locations are from Hanoi SSB and Central Circus. Still, some companies may also leave from outside their office. 

By minivan

Minivans are a popular way to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Depending on the company, they often offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, making the journey extremely easy. You can also get one from Hanoi Airport directly to Ninh Binh. 

Most shared minivans are called limo, luxury or VIP minivans, and they’re not exaggerating here. Here are some of the awesome amenities onboard:

Reclining seats

TVs

Charging points

Mood lighting

If you’re really lucky, a massage function. 

The best part is that they’re often not much more than the bus and can be slightly faster, taking around 1.5-2 hours. Prices start at $7. 

Private minivans are also available if there is a big group of you. These start at $40 per person. 

By train

The 2-hour train journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes you through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside, which isn’t visible from the road. 

It takes a similar time by road but may offer some travelers a more unique experience, especially depending on what class you opt for. 

• Second class – reclining seats, tables available, A/C, toilet 

• Second class sleeper train – 6 beds per cabin, A/C, toilet

• First class sleeper train – 4 beds per cabin, more space, A/C, toilet 

• Private cabin – 2-bed cabin, A/C, toilet

Trains leave from Hanoi Train Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Train Station.

By car

If you want ultimate convenience and privacy, book a private transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. It's the most expensive way to travel but can be slightly faster than public transport options.

This door-to-door service starts at $21 per person. 

What to expect from the journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

The journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is thankfully one of the shorter journeys in Vietnam. No matter which transport option you take, it takes around 2-2.5 hours. 

Pro tip: Toilet breaks halfway through the journey aren’t guaranteed. It depends on the driver and which company you book with. 

This route is safe for all travelers, whether alone, in a couple, or in a group. 

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Ninh Binh for good weather is between November to April. These are the dry months when the weather is cooler, and there’s less chance of rain to ruin your plans. 

However, the answer isn’t that simple. If you’re visiting to admire its golden rice paddies and glorious lotus ponds, you’ll want to visit between May and July when they’re in their peak season and full glory. 

The only time to avoid visiting is during August when there’s a lot of rainfall and a risk of typhoons. 

Where to visit after Ninh Binh? 

The two most popular places to visit after Ninh Binh are Phong Nha and Hue. Phong Nha is a little closer than Hue, and it’s where you’ll find the world’s largest cave, Son Doong. Inside, the stalagmites are as tall as Big Ben in London. 

If caves aren’t your thing, you can head straight to Hue. This city offers a lesson in history with its ancient pagodas, royal tombs, and citadels. Or escape to the banks of the tranquil Perfume River and the magnificent mountains nearby. 

Popular stations and stops in Hanoi and Ninh Binh

Departure stations in Hanoi

Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (HAN)

214 Tran Quang Khai street

Hanoi - Any hotel in the Old Quarter

Hanoi - Any hotel in the city center

Hanoi - Any hotel

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Arrival stations in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Trang An, Hang Mua - Any hotel in the city center

Thung Nham Bird Valley - Any hotel

Bai Dinh Pagoda - Any hotel

Trang An - Any hotel

Tam Coc - Any hotel

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