I know the first thing you will be doing when you land in Vietnam is staying in Hanoi and seeing all the most famous things the city has to offer.
But for a change I am going to introduce a less popular place that has a separate fan base. And that is Ninh Binh, which is located 90 km south of Hanoi and offers a rich natural beauty. In this blog, I will guide you through planning a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi.
It is infused with so much cultural significance, and the breathtaking landscape will hold your soul forever. I know people go to Vietnam for its nightlife and to party till sunrise.
But give the country a chance to explore its hidden gems and many more incredible places, which reveal a great deal about Vietnam’s rich history through its natural beauty.
Travel Mode For Ninh Binh Day Trip
I know that when most travellers land at Hanoi airport, they stay in the Old Quarter. They roam around the area and think that is enough for complete trip satisfaction.
Count on me, you need to take a Ninh Binh Day Trip for a new perspective on life. This will turn any night owl into a morning person. Honestly, the lack of information about Ninh Binh and the confusion about how to reach the place make people not want to take this trip.
So, if you land in Hanoi and have experienced all of Hanoi’s wild nightlife, travel to Ninh Binh with the help of this blog. Let’s start with how you can reach Ninh Binh.
Travel to Ninh Binh By Bus
- Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours one way
- Cost: Starts from 400 INR one way, and for a luxury bus, it can go up to 1,000 INR or more.
When you take a bus, it can be the cheapest option when going to Ninh Binh. But if you are not familiar with travelling to new places, it can be difficult.
You will need to think if some places are safe for climbing. Moreover, always be careful not to get scammed because a lot of the time, people overcharge tourists. Basically, you figure it all out on your own from the time you leave your hotel.
Travel to Hinh Binh By Bus
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Cost: Approximately 400 INR for one way
The train to Ninh Binh is the same as the bus, but the train gives a more scenic view on both sides of the forest and the valley. And, as the track takes you on the bridge, which shows top views of the forest as well.
But the disadvantage of taking the train is that the station is not near the attractions you will be going to. So, from there, you have to arrange or book a ride to the key sights.
Travel to Hinh Binh By a Guided Tour
- Duration: 2.5 hours to reach (by a minivan)
- Cost: Approximately 3,000 INR per person
The best recommended travel way for a day trip to Ninh Binh is taking a guided tour. I know what you are thinking. For buses and trains, you just need to pay around 500 INR, so why pay thousands for this?
That’s where you are wrong. With these guided trips, you get pick-up and drop-off facilities. So, you don’t have to struggle in a new city to find a bus or train station.
Group trips are the most hassle-free way. The guide will lead you through the various activities available in Ninh Binh and assist you with each one. And the package covers lunch and going to all the sightseeing without breaking your head.
Ninh Binh Day Trip From Hanoi: Day Plan
Let me tell you the clear itinerary and the best places to visit in Ninh Binh. This is going to be the perfect day trip plan to Ninh Binh for a first-time traveller.
I am going to tell you exactly when to start from Hanoi and how to make things easy to explore all the best things to do in Ninh Binh.
7:30 am – Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
When you take a SIC (Seat-In-Coach), you will be sharing the trip with a few more travellers who have booked the trip. In any group you book, there will be an English-speaking guide.
You don’t have to worry about language difficulty; if you have any doubts, you can ask them. So, be ready and come to the pickup point in the Old Quarter area they mentioned.
Then, take a smooth ride and enjoy the views of rustic villages and the beautiful rice fields. For all that you’ll see on this Ninh Binh day trip, get your camera ready to capture all the moments.
9:30 am -Discover the Ancient Capital of Vietnam- Hoa Lu
The first stop on this Ninh Binh trip will be Hoa Lu, where you will visit the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple.
So, to gain insight into Vietnam’s royal past, visit these two temples without fail and listen to the stories the guides tell you. You will hear a lot about the significance of structures, the king’s rule, and military strategies from those days.
Moreover, if you are a student of architecture and history or someone interested in the field, it will be both educational and awe-inspiring.
10:30 AM: Climb Mua Cave, where Breathtaking Views Await
Enough leisure walking around the temples and listening to stories. Now, it’s adventure time and a perfect chance to challenge yourself. So, do a little bit of warm-up to climb up to Mua Cave.
When you are googling for a Ninh Binh tour, this spot is the first thing that pops up. You will be climbing 500 steep stones that lead to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain.
If you’re into fitness or working out, it may be a bit challenging. Yet, not to worry so much if you take it as you can climb up easily, and every bit of sweat is worth the panoramic views.
From the top, you can see the Tam Coc river, the enormous rice fields and the dramatic limestone cliffs ascending from the earth. And the boats sailing there down the river will look just like tiny dots to your eyes.
12:30 PM: Enjoy Traditional Vietnamese Lunch
Once the hike is over, you will be taken to a restaurant to try some of the best Vietnamese food. After a nice adventure exploration, this is the perfect treat for your hungry tummy.
This break is an excellent chance to chill and talk with fellow travellers. You will have the best time sharing and listening to each other’s stories.
1:30 PM: Sampan Boat Ride in Tam Coc (or Trang An / Thung Nang)
Now it’s time for the most-awaited activity. You will be taking a bamboo sampan boat ride. The most experienced person will ride the boat, who knows so much about Vietnam.
If your travel guide is accompanying you on the boat, you can use them to translate for the local people who are riding the boat. Then, ask them questions about history or talk about their day-to-day life, and learn a lot from the stories they share.
In this ride, you can see lush green vegetation, tranquil rice paddies, and towering cliffs that give a majestic character.
Note: The Tam Coc can be closed at times for maintenance. But as a backup, you will be taken to Trang An or Thung Nang. These two spots also give you the most magical scenery.
3:30 PM: Cycling Through the Countryside
After all that, you get some free time to roam the place. You can either walk around or take bicycles to explore the place. Even though not many scheduled activity is planned for this hour, this is the best thing to do in the Ninh Binh tour for many.
Depending on the travel group you go with, you have 1 to 1.5 hours to experience the beauty of the place at your leisure.
You will see tranquil villages that look straight out of a fairy tale. You can spot the lotus ponds, water buffaloes and the spread out lands where locals go by their day.
When there are many things to do in Hanoi, I bet these magical moments can only be felt when you take this trip. You get a chance to connect to rural Vietnam that stays in your memory forever.
4:30 PM: Relax or Swim
After boating around, many would have felt the urge to jump in the water. So, for you all, this is the moment. You can either relax by looking at the scenery and continuing to walk around, or swim in the pool area.
5:30 PM: Back to Hanoi
Now, it’s time to say goodbye to Ninh Binh’s charm. You will take the bus and be dropped off at the same pickup point or at your hotel.
Depending on the traffic it might take around 2.5 hours to reach Hanoi. You can grab a hot bowl of Pho or any food and take a rest. If you are not tired, the night is still waiting for you to make it even crazier.
Conclusion:
When you read this article, the Ninh Binh day trip may seem ideal for some fitness or hiking enthusiasts. But trust me, even if you’re an average person who only works out occasionally, this trip can be manageable for you.
I know Hanoi has the best nightlife, authentic street food and the best tourist flow all around the year. However, when you make this trip, you will be recommending it to many of your friends.
With the perfect blend of culture, history, nature and adventure, you get to experience everything in one single day. Every passing moment on the day trip will stay as a still photograph even after you leave the place.
So, when planning a Vietnam trip, don’t let it end with just an Hanoi itinerary; squeeze this in as well. Moreover, you don’t have to do it alone; you can always reach out to us, and we can plan your trip smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions on Hinh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi for Travellers
How long does it take to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
It takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi. You can either book a bus or a guided tour for a complete schedule to be taken care of. You can also rent a motorbike and ride there for the best experience if you are a biker.
What can you wear on the Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi?
The most important thing is that you have comfortable trekking shoes. Then the bare essentials like water, sunscreen and extra clothes if you plan on swimming.
Is it easy or hard to climb Mua Cave for a first-time visitor?
It is not that hard if you are young and up for a challenge. You take breaks in between and make that happen. However, 500 uneven steps can’t be easy for the elderly or someone who has never done any workout in their lifetime.
Is visiting Ninh Binh Town worth your time?
Absolutely! With laid-back natural experience and a chance to see the rural side of Vietnam, it can’t be experienced in Hanoi or any other popular city in Vietnam.
