If you’re in Hanoi and want to take a short trip to Ninh Binh, this suggested itinerary will helps you see the best places in two days. You can ride a boat through caves in Trang An, climb up to the viewpoint at Mua Cave, visit the big Bai Dinh Pagoda, and explore old temples in Hoa Lu. You’ll also have time to ride a bike through quiet roads and rice fields around Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda.
How to Get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
Ninh Binh is about 100 km (62 miles) south of Hanoi. It takes around 2–2.5 hours to get there. Bus/limousine is the most popular option, known for door-to-door services. Costs start from 200,000 VND – 250,000 VND per person.
Some travelers with a longer time budget opt for a train, a scenic ride starting from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Railway Station. Tickets are pretty cheap, about 80,000 VND – 150,000 VND.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Choose the right place to stay will help you easily navigating around Ninh Binh.
Most travelers choose to stay in Tam Coc – the center of the tourist area in Ninh Binh. From here, you can easily reach the boat rides, Mua Cave, and many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a good place if you want to be close to the main sights and have more services nearby.
Trang An is another choice for a quieter and more natural atmosphere. It’s much less touristy and is surrounded by rice fields and mountains. However, note that it’s a bit far from the attractions.
Ninh Binh accommodations are much cheaper than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
You could expect the average price for a dorm bed to be around 150,000 – 250,000 VND per night, while a private room in a guesthouse or homestay usually costs between 375,000 and 750,000 VND. Some mid-range hotels may charge around 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 VND per night, and resorts can go above 2,500,000 VND.
Ninh Binh 2 days itinerary from Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Leave Hanoi early (around 07:00 – 08:00). By 10:10 AM, you’ll arrive in Ninh Binh and be ready to explore.
Late Morning: Explore Trang An Grottoes
Start your trip with a beautiful boat ride through Trang An Grottoes. You’ll float through caves and between tall limestone mountains. This area is quiet, green, and very relaxing. Ask for Route 1 or 2 (less crowded).
- Duration: 2–3 hours
Afternoon: Bai Dinh Pagoda
After lunch, visit Bai Dinh, the largest Buddhist temple in Vietnam. It has giant statues, long walkways, and is home to various national records. Make sure to wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- Duration: 2 hours
Late Afternoon: Mua Cave Viewpoint
End the day at Mua Cave (Hang Mua). Climb 500 steps to the top for one of the best viewpoint in Vietnam — you’ll see green fields of Tam Coc, Ngo Dong River, and stunning mountains of Ninh Binh.
- Duration: 1 hour
Evening: Dinner
Head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Here are some suggestions for restaurants: Where to Eat in Ninh Binh: 10 Restaurants You Will Love
Day 2: Biking, Learning History, and Back to Hanoi
Morning: Biking
In the morning, rent a bike and explore the quiet roads and rice paddies around Tam Coc and Bich Dong. The streets in Ninh Binh are easy to ride bikes on, even for newbies, with great scenery and less traffic.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
Late Morning: Bich Dong Pagoda
Stop at Bich Dong, a pagoda complex built into Truong Yen Mountain. Learn about the history of Bich Dong and climb the steps to get to the top pagoda – Chua Thuong, where you can get a panoramic view of Ninh Binh from above.
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
Back to central Tam Coc for lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Next, head to Hoa Lu Ancient Temple, Vietnam’s first capital over 1,000 years ago. It’s a quiet, historical site with temples of King Dinh and King Le – the founders of the Dinh Dynasty.
- Duration: 1 hour
Return to Hanoi
Leave Ninh Binh around 16:00–17:00. You’ll be back in Hanoi by 18:30–19:00.
