A Backpacker’s Guide to Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Just a few hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a chill spot with crazy beautiful landscapes, think towering limestone mountains, rice paddies, and quiet boat rides. If you’re after a break from the chaos and want to just soak in some nature, Ninh Binh’s your place. There’s loads to do, from hiking and exploring caves to just hanging out by the river.

Travelling Vietnam? Read: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Vietnam

Chapters

When to go to Ninh Binh

How to get to Ninh Binh

Getting Around Ninh Binh

Where To Stay in Ninh Binh

Things to do in Ninh Binh

Quick Budget Breakdown for Backpackers

Places to Eat and Drink in Ninh Binh

When to go to Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from late October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

November to April: Dry season with pleasant temperatures (15–25°C). Great for exploring, hiking, and boat trips without the intense heat.

May to June: This is rice harvest season, so the fields are a stunning golden yellow. It’s super photogenic but can be quite hot.

July to September: Rainy season, meaning lush green landscapes but also a chance of heavy showers and muddy trails.

If you want cooler weather, go between November and February. If you want the best scenery, late May to early June is ideal for golden rice fields.

How to get to Ninh Binh

From Hanoi

Getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is pretty easy, with several transport options depending on your budget and comfort level.

Train

The most comfortable and scenic way is by train, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours and costs between 100,000–200,000 VND (£3 – 6). Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station (Ga Hà Nội) and arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, which is a few kilometers from Tam Coc. This option avoids traffic and offers nice countryside views, but you’ll likely need a taxi or Grab to get to your accommodation. You can book tickets online through Baolau, or 12Go Asia.

Bus

Another common option is the bus, which is slightly faster at around 2 hours and costs 150,000–250,000 VND (£5 – 8). You can catch a local bus from Giap Bat Bus Station or book a tourist bus from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which often drops you off closer to your accommodation in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. Buses are frequent, affordable, and convenient, though traffic can sometimes cause delays.

Motorbike or Taxi

For more flexibility, you could also rent a motorbike and ride to Ninh Binh yourself. The journey takes around 2.5 – 3 hours, and the roads are mostly straightforward, though Hanoi traffic can be hectic. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, private cars and taxis are also available but cost significantly more, around 1,200,000 – 1,500,000 VND (£38 – 50). No matter how you travel, Ninh Binh is an easy trip from Hanoi and well worth the journey.

If you’re coming to Ninh Binh from somewhere other than Hanoi, you still have plenty of options, whether you’re traveling from northern hotspots like Ha Long Bay or heading up from central or southern Vietnam.

From Ha Long Bay / Cat Ba

The journey from Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba to Ninh Binh takes 4 – 5 hours by bus. Many tourist buses run this route, with prices around 300,000 – 400,000 VND (£10 – 13). If you’re on Cat Ba Island, you’ll first take a short ferry ride to the mainland before continuing by bus. Some companies offer direct transfers from Ha Long or Cat Ba to Tam Coc, making it even more convenient.

From Phong Nha

If you’re coming from Phong Nha, the best option is an overnight sleeper bus, which takes around 9 – 10 hours and costs 450,000–600,000 VND (£15 – 20). The buses usually leave in the evening and arrive in Ninh Binh early in the morning, making it a time-efficient choice. You can book tickets through hostels or travel agencies in Phong Nha.

From Hue

From Hue, you have two main choices: train or sleeper bus. The train takes 10 – 11 hours and costs 500,000 – 800,000 VND (£16 – 25), depending on the seat/berth type. It’s a long ride but more comfortable than the bus. Sleeper buses are slightly faster at 9 – 10 hours and cost around 400,000 – 600,000 VND (£13 – 20). Both options are overnight, so you’ll save on accommodation.

From Da Nang / Hoi An

From Da Nang, you can either take a train (13 – 14 hours) or a sleeper bus (12 – 13 hours). Trains are priced between 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND (£20 – 32) for a sleeper berth, while buses cost around 500,000 – 700,000 VND (£16 – 23). If you’re in Hoi An, you’ll need to take a short transfer to Da Nang first, as there’s no direct train station in Hoi An.

From Ho Chi Minh City

The journey from Ho Chi Minh City is the longest. If you’re not up for a 30+ hour train ride, the best option is to fly to Hanoi (which takes about 2 hours and costs 1,000,000 – 2,500,000 VND (£32 – 80)) and then take a train, bus, or private car from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. There are no airports in Ninh Binh itself, so flying to Hanoi is the quickest way.

Getting Around Ninh Binh

Getting around Ninh Binh is easy, and most of the best spots are within a short distance from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh town. Here are the best ways to explore:

1. Motorbike

Renting a motorbike is the most popular option for backpackers since it gives you total freedom to explore at your own pace. Rental prices are around 120,000 – 200,000 VND (£4 – 6) per day, and petrol is cheap. The roads around Ninh Binh are generally quiet and easy to navigate, but be cautious in town areas where traffic can be a little chaotic. Many homestays and hotels offer rentals, or you can find shops in Tam Coc.

2. Bicycle

If you’re staying in Tam Coc, cycling is a fantastic (and cheap) way to get around. Many guesthouses offer free or cheap bicycle rentals, usually around 50,000 VND (£1.50) per day. The roads are mostly flat, and riding through the rice fields with limestone karsts towering around you is a vibe. Just avoid cycling long distances in the midday heat.

3. Grab / Taxi

If you don’t want to drive, Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) is available in Ninh Binh, though it’s not as common as in bigger cities. Regular taxis are also easy to find, but always agree on a price before hopping in if there’s no meter. A short ride between main attractions costs around 50,000 – 150,000 VND (£1.50 – 5).

4. Private Car / Tour

For a hassle-free experience, you can hire a private driver for the day, which is a good option if you’re traveling in a group. Prices start at 600,000 – 1,200,000 VND (£20–40) per day, depending on how far you go. Many guesthouses can arrange this for you.

5. Walking

If you’re staying in Tam Coc, some places like the boat dock, restaurants, and a few pagodas are within walking distance. But for anything further (like Hang Múa, Trang An, or Bai Dinh), you’ll need a bike or another mode of transport.

Where To Stay in Ninh Binh

If you’re looking for a place to crash in the Ninh Binh area, Tam Coc is where it’s at. Unlike Ninh Binh city, which can be pretty industrial and noisy, Tam Coc offers a chill, scenic vibe with its limestone cliffs and rice paddies right at your doorstep. It’s also closer to the main attractions, making it super convenient for exploring. There are loads of good places to stay, but here are my top recommendations:

Things to do in Ninh Binh

Here’s what you can’t miss while you’re here, with all the budget-friendly details backpackers need:

1. Take a Boat Ride Through Tam Coc

If you do one thing here, make it the Tam Coc boat tour. It’s about 1.5 – 2 hours of floating along the Ngo Dong River, past towering limestone cliffs and bright green rice fields. The coolest part? The rowers use their feet instead of their hands. Boats hold 2 – 4 people, so if you’re solo, try to team up with other travellers to split costs. Bring a hat and sunscreen because there’s zero shade.

Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Cost: 150,000 VND per boat + 120,000 VND entrance fee (per person)

How to get there: Easy bike ride or walk from anywhere in Tam Coc

2. Climb to the Top of Hang Mua (100,000 VND)

This one’s a leg day workout, but the views are 100% worth it. Hang Mua is a 500-step climb up a limestone karst, and from the top, you get a crazy panoramic view of the river and rice paddies below. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to go, but it’s busy around sunset. Bring water, comfy shoes, and expect to sweat.

Time: 30 – 45 mins to climb

Cost: 100,000 VND (~£3)

How to get there: 15-minute bike ride or take a taxi from Tam Coc

3. Rent a Bike and Explore the Countryside

Tam Coc is perfect for biking, with quiet roads winding through rice fields, small villages, and hidden temples. Most hostels and homestays rent bicycles for super cheap (sometimes even free), so you can explore at your own pace. If you want to go a bit further, motorbikes are also available for around 120,000 – 200,000 VND per day. Just keep an eye out for wandering goats and potholes.

Cost: 50,000 – 100,000 VND for a bicycle (~£1.50 – 3) | 120,000 – 200,000 VND for a motorbike (~£4 – 6)

4. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

This beautiful temple built into a mountainside is a short bike ride from Tam Coc. It’s a peaceful, less touristy spot with cool cave temples and scenic views. No entrance fee, but there’s a small “parking fee” (10,000 VND) if you leave your bike outside. The upper levels require a bit of climbing, but it’s worth it for the views.

Time: 30 mins–1 hour

Cost: Free (10,000 VND for bike parking)

How to get there: 10-minute bike ride from Tam Coc

5. Check Out Thai Vi Temple

This temple is tucked away in the countryside, surrounded by rice fields and mountains. It’s much smaller than Bich Dong, but if you’re already biking around, it’s a nice little stop for a quiet break.

Time: 15–30 mins

Cost: Free

How to get there: 10-minute bike ride from Tam Coc

6. Try Local Food at the Night Market

While Tam Coc isn’t exactly a party town, there’s a small night market with cheap eats and souvenirs. Try goat meat (a local specialty) if you’re feeling adventurous, or just grab a bowl of pho (40,000 – 50,000 VND) from a street vendor. Some bars in the area have happy hours and backpacker-friendly vibes, so it’s a nice spot to chill with a beer after a day of exploring.

Time: Evenings

Cost: 40,000 – 80,000 VND for street food (~£1.50 – 3)

How to get there: Walk - it’s in the main Tam Coc area

Tam coc in vietnam boat ride through caves

7. Explore Trang An

If you loved the Tam Coc boat tour but want something less touristy, Trang An is another stunning river route that takes you through caves and hidden temples. The boat ride is longer than Tam Coc’s (about 2.5 – 3 hours) and the scenery feels more dramatic. It’s a bit further out, so you’ll need a motorbike or taxi to get there.

Time: 2.5 – 3 hours

Cost: 250,000 VND (~£8)

How to get there: 20-minute motorbike ride from Tam Coc

8. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

This massive Buddhist complex is the largest pagoda in Vietnam, filled with golden Buddha statues, peaceful courtyards, and insane views over the countryside. It’s pretty spread out, so you can either walk (prepare for a lot of stairs) or pay 60,000 VND for an electric buggy to take you around.

Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Cost: Free entry | 30,000 VND parking | 60,000 VND buggy ride (optional)

How to get there: 30-minute motorbike ride from Tam Coc

9. Check Out Thung Nham Bird Park

If you’re into wildlife, this nature reserve is a peaceful spot to see loads of birds, including egrets and storks. The best time to go is late afternoon when the birds come back to the trees to roost. There’s also a cool cave you can boat through, and it’s way quieter than the main tourist spots.

Time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Cost: 100,000 VND (~£3)

How to get there: 15-minute bike ride from Tam Coc

10. Hike to the Top of Am Tien Cave (Tuyet Tinh Coc)

This place is often called the “Vietnamese Fairyland” because it’s so ridiculously pretty. It’s a hidden valley with a turquoise lake, a cave temple, and an epic viewpoint if you’re up for another hike. Super peaceful and way fewer tourists compared to Hang Mua.

Time: 1 – 2 hours

Cost: 50,000 VND (~£1.50)

How to get there: 20-minute motorbike ride from Tam Coc

11. Take a Day Trip to Cuc Phuong National Park

Vietnam’s oldest national park is a great day trip if you love hiking and nature. There are rainforests, caves, and even an endangered primate rescue center where you can see langurs and gibbons. You’ll need a motorbike to get there, and it’s best to go early in the morning before it gets too hot.

Time: Half-day or full-day trip

Cost: 60,000 VND (~£2) entry + fuel for motorbike (~100,000 VND)

How to get there: 1-hour drive from Tam Coc