The misty green expanses of Ninh Binh are inspiring to say the least. Mammoth cliffs are encircled with lazy channels carving their way through rice paddies and wetlands.

A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is one of the most popular tours out of the Vietnamese capital and it is no mystery why. It is an unforgettable destination with a lush, undulating surface that will long be engrained in your memory.

Here's all you need to know about Ninh Binh, one of the most exciting day trips from Hanoi.

How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi?

Ninh Binh is almost directly south of Hanoi and you can reach it in various ways.

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh by car

Ninh Binh is around 95 kilometres south of the capital. It should take you around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive along the CT01 highway. Cars, trucks, and motorbikes share the road and this is a fast yet chaotic way to reach Ninh Binh.

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh by public transport

There are dozens of buses that leave for Ninh Binh each day from Hanoi. You can show up at the central bus station and book an inexpensive ticket on a coach or minivan. Taking the train is also a convenient and cheap option. There are 6 trains daily and the trip takes around 2.5 hours.

Guided tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

A guided tour to Ninh Binh is the most comfortable and convenient way to reach this idyllic location. You will have peace of mind that your transport is safe and reliable and you will see all the top attractions in Ninh Bihn and along the way.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip to Ninh Binh starts with hotel pickup around 7:30 am. You will start your journey south through beautifully lush landscapes and make your first stop at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here you can visit King Dinh Temple and admire the impeccably preserved city.

The epic 500 steps at Mua Cave are next on the itinerary. Scale the limestone cliff and stand in awe of the Jurassic landscape that presents itself. After working up an appetite, you will enjoy a hearty lunch in a bungalow on the banks of the Tam Coc river.

The second half of the day starts with a relaxing sampan boat ride through the emerald caves of Ninh Binh. Weave your way through the countryside and soak in tranquillity.

The last activity sees you peddling to Bich Dong Pagoda, a charming pagoda in a mountainside setting. The bus takes you back to your hotel after an epic 11-hour day of adventuring.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Ninh Binh?

There are a few tour options to get you to this stunning location in Northern Vietnam. These are the day tours to Ninh Binh that you can choose from:

Guided tours to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Guided tours to Ninh Binh are the most convenient way to travel. Enjoy safe and comfortable transportation in a coach or a limousine bus and have the help of an expert guide to take you to all the best spots in Ninh Binh.

These tours depart from a central location or include hotel pickup, with many offering lunch to keep you fueled for the day’s activities. Visit pagodas and epic viewpoints, relax on a boat ride and taste the scrumptious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with this comprehensive option.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Hire a driver to take you to Ninh Binh and customize your own itinerary. This option includes a round-trip private charter with an English-speaking driver. The driver can take you where your heart desires and will be happy to stop along the way or suggest activities.

Shuffle transfers also include hotel pickup and drop-off, making the trip easier. Additionally, the price is for a group booking, rather than being charged per each person, which is a good way to save money.

The cheapest option is an express bus that leaves Hanoi at 7:30 am and returns at 5:30 pm. This is only for transport to and from Ninh Binh and you will have to arrange your own transport once you reach the town.

Private tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

The most comfortable way to enjoy a day trip to Ninh Binh is with a private tour. You will have the luxury of a private driver and guide and the flexibility to enjoy the itinerary at your own pace.

A private Ninh Binh tour includes all the expected stops, like Mua Caves and a Tam Coc boat ride. However, everything is a little more special, since you experience it in privacy and at your leisure.

2-day tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Don’t rush through Ninh Binh and opt for a fabulous small-group overnight trip. An overnight trip to Ninh Binh lets you embark on a thorough exploration of the region and includes a visit to Thung Nham bird park. Stay in a stunning 4-star hotel and enjoy multiple traditional meals in the most tranquil settings.

How much does a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi cost?

A comprehensive day trip to Ninh Binh costs US$75 per person and includes transport, lunch and entry fees where applicable. For a private experience, you will pay US$170 per person and everything is included.

Shuttle transfers cost around US$110 and 3 people can be included in this price. The return shuttle coach is only $11 per person and departs from a central location in the Old Quarter.

A 2-day trip to Ninh Binh costs around $US200, per person. This includes all your meals, activities and accommodation at a 4-star hotel.

What will you see and do?

A day trip to Ninh Binh is filled with adventure from beginning to end. Here are a few of the unforgettable experiences that await you:

Visit Hoa Lu

This fascinating ancient city was the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009. Once you enter the impressive walls of the city, you can visit several pagodas and palaces.

During your visit, you can stroll around the complex to learn about the centuries of history that led to its creation and how the country flourished in the centuries since the capital’s downfall.

Climb to the Mua Caves

The Mua Caves complex is one of the most visited places in the province. Scale the mighty 500 steps to the top of the jagged limestone cliffs and stand in awe of the magnificent view that presents itself.

You will see the Tam Coc river winding through rice paddies and you can take remarkable pictures of the dragon that proudly straddles the top ridge of the mountain.

Take a sampan ride

Sampan boats are traditional vessels that are low to the water, where the rower will often use their feet to steer, instead of their hands. This unique experience can’t be enjoyed anywhere else, but the setting makes it even more magical.

You will glide through rice paddies and underneath giant rock formations where you need to nearly lie flat to scrape through.

Cycle to Bich Dong Pagoda

Hop on a bicycle and make your way through rice paddies and villages to reach Bich Dong Pagoda. This pagoda is an Instagrammer’s dream thanks to its striking entrance.

Walk across a small bridge and stand in front of the 500-year-old entrance where limestone cliffs tower above. The tranquil setting of the pagoda offers time to reflect on all the treasures you uncovered during your day trip to Ninh Binh.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The best time for a day trip to Ninh Binh is in the spring (March to April) and in the fall (September to October). These shoulder seasons have the mildest weather and the scenery is at its most beautiful. August has the highest rainfall and is not ideal for a visit.

Are there other day trips from Hanoi?

Yes, there are other destinations for a day trip from Hanoi:

Travel tips

Inform your tour operator upon booking if you have dietary restrictions.
If you suffer from motion sickness, take some medication with you. The drive to Ninh Binh is bumpy, while drivers in Vietnam have a reputation for weaving in and out of traffic.
Pack a portable fan to keep cool on your trip. The weather in Ninh Binh is often muggy and hot, despite cloudy conditions.
Wear comfortable shoes, since you will be climbing stairs and may even ride a bike on your excursion.

Ninh Binh: Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi