Thinking of visiting Ninh Binh but not sure how long to stay? You’re not alone.
We live here, we love it here, and we want you to experience Ninh Binh the way we do.
A lot of travelers pass through Ninh Binh without really seeing it — maybe a quick boat ride, a temple look, then off to the next stop. We get it — Vietnam is a big country and your time is limited. But if you’re wondering how many days to spend in Ninh Binh, let us say this: slow down if you can. Stay longer if you can.
Because Ninh Binh isn’t just “Halong Bay on land.” It’s a place where nature, history, and everyday life blend together quietly and beautifully — if you give it the time to show you.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You could travel Ninh Binh in 1, 2, or 3 days.
- 1 day is best if you don’t have much time. Prepare for a “go, go, go”.
- 2 days is highly recommended so you can stay overnight in one of many nice hotels or homestays.
- 3 days is great for relaxing and exploring hidden areas of Ninh Binh.
Why You Should Spend More Than 1 Day in Ninh Binh
For us, Ninh Binh is home. It’s where we wake up to birds and bikes, where festivals still matter, and where the best food isn’t on any app — it’s made in someone’s backyard.
We know the highlights — Trang An, Tam Coc, Mua Cave — and yes, they’re stunning. But we also know the quiet corners, the hidden biking routes, and the secret sunset spots. And we know that you’ll miss all of that if you rush through.
That’s why we created this guide — to help you choose the right amount of time to explore Ninh Binh properly, whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days.
1 Day in Ninh Binh
If you only have 1 day to spare, it’s still possible to see the best of Ninh Binh — but be prepared for a full, active day. Most travelers opt for an all-inclusive day tour from Hanoi, which typically includes hotel pick-up transportation, entrance fees, meals, and an English-speaking guide to help you move efficiently between sites.
While we always recommend staying overnight if you can, this 1 day plan gives you a strong first impression of Ninh Binh.
1 Day Itinerary
Morning: Hanoi to Trang An
Leave Hanoi around 7:00 AM. By 9:30 or 10:00, you’ll be at Trang An Grottoes, one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic UNESCO sites. Take a 2-hour boat ride through limestone caves and water valleys.
Lunch
After the boat ride, most tours include a buffet with Vietnamese food at local restaurants.
Afternoon
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — Vietnam’s first capital. There are two small but historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.
End your day with a climb up Mua Cave. Yes, it’s 500 steps, but you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over Tam Coc’s rice fields.
Most tours head back to Hanoi around 4:30–5:00 PM, arriving by 7:00 PM depending on traffic.
– Some tours swap Trang An for Tam Coc. Tam Coc is beautiful, especially during rice harvest season (late May or September), but a bit more commercial.
– Some tours visit Bai Dinh Pagoda instead of Hoa Lu— a massive Buddhist complex.
This day trip gives you a strong first impression, but to truly explore Ninh Binh? You’ll need more time.
2 Days in Ninh Binh
Two days is what we usually recommend to friends and travelers. It’s the ideal amount of time to explore the highlights, enjoy the scenery, and get a feel for true local life.
One of the best parts? It gives you the chance to actually stay in Ninh Binh, which is a big part of the experience.
Ninh Binh has lots of eco-lodges, homestays, and boutique hotels surrounded by rice paddies, karst mountains, and lotus ponds.
2 days suggested itinerary
Day 1
Morning: Take your time on the Trang An boat tour
Afternoon: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
Evening: Stay overnight in the Tam Coc or Trang An area. Look for a small homestay — many of our neighbors open their homes to travelers and offer home-cooked meals.
– Visit Phat Diem Cathedral — a one-of-a-kind blend of Gothic and Vietnamese architecture. It’s about an hour away, but well worth it if you’re into architecture or unique cultural sites.
– Stay in Van Long for something quieter. Many homestays here are surrounded by rice paddies and lotus ponds — perfect for a peaceful night.
Day 2
Morning: Start your morning with a climb up Mua Cave
Late morning + early afternoon: Rent a bicycle and explore Tam Coc’s countryside. Stop by Bich Dong Pagoda.
Afternoon: Finish with a coffee by the rice field or a slow walk through a nearby village.
– Walk the Thung Nang Valley
– Join a local cooking class or take a guided countryside photography walk. Some homestays organize these experiences with family members, and they’re a great way to learn and connect.
3 Days in Ninh Binh
With three days, you can go off the beaten track and experience the real Ninh Binh — sailing through the quiet waters of Van Long Nature Reserve, biking past golden rice fields in Tam Coc, climbing to the hidden Am Tien Pagoda, or simply laying back at a homestay, breathing in the sweet scent of growing rice.
Other than 2 days we suggest above, you could add 1 more day to your trip in Ninh Binh, with some suggested activities as below.
Day 3 Itinerary
Option 1: For trekking lovers
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park — Vietnam’s first national park, filled with 1,000-year-old trees, caves, and the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.
Option 2: For scenery lovers
Explore Van Long Nature Reserve. It’s quieter than Trang An, less touristy, and home to some of the world’s rarest primates — Delacour’s langur. Best in the early morning or around 4–5 PM for wildlife spotting.
Option 3: For cultural lovers
Visit Am Tien Cave Pagoda (Tuyet Tinh Coc) — a peaceful pagoda by a jade-colored lake, hidden in a valley. You could also book a traditional craft village tour — where locals make handmade yet delicate products, such as those found in Van Lam Embroidery Village or Ninh Van Stone Carving Village.
Option 4: Relaxing day
If you feel that the last 2 days were full of activities, you could take it easy by staying at your accommodation and slowly relaxing by the pool while admiring the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
