Tam Coc
Homestays and bungalows beside the paddies and limestone karsts, a short ride from the boat docks. Quiet at night, easy to explore by bicycle.
Find hotels here North Vietnam
Ninh Binh
- Best time
- Mar – May
- Ideal stay
- 2 days 1 night
- Avg. cost
- $40 – $75/day
- Airport
- 90km from Hanoi
Ninh Binh Overview
Ninh Binh is a landscape of limestone towers, river caves and rice fields, often called Ha Long Bay on land. It suits first-time visitors, photographers and cyclists.
Highlights of Ninh Binh:
- Trang An boat trip: The UNESCO-listed complex costs about 250,000 VND ($10) per person and takes 2.5 – 3 hours through several caves. Tip the rowers 50,000 – 100,000 VND.
- Tam Coc by boat and bicycle: Ride a boat along the river, then cycle the rice fields. Bicycle rental is 50,000 – 100,000 VND.
- Mua Cave viewpoint: Climb the stairway for a view of the river and rice fields. Go early or late.
- Pagodas: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda for its large complex.
Best Time to Visit: Mar – May is mild and green, with rice turning gold from mid-May. Sep – Oct is a second golden window. Jul – Aug is hot and stormy; Dec – Feb is cold and foggy. Weekends are crowded.
Book a hotel-pickup limousine and check the last return train or van time before you go.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
Rice fields and calm Budget and transport Ninh Binh city
Hotels near the train station with buses, restaurants and ATMs on the doorstep. A practical base, about 20 minutes from the main sights.
Find hotels hereTemples and boat rides Trang An and Hoa Lu
Resorts and boutique hotels close to the Trang An dock and the ancient capital. Be first in line for the boats before the tour groups arrive.
Find hotels here
Things to do in Ninh Binh
Hand-picked things to do.
When to visit Ninh Binh
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
17.7°C ~ 64°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
February
18.6°C ~ 65°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.9°C ~ 82°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.4°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.3°C ~ 81°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.3°C ~ 72°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
18.3°C ~ 65°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
What to eat in Ninh Binh
Local dishes worth trying.
Getting to Ninh Binh
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Fly to Hanoi (HAN) Land here, then head into central Hanoi
Noi Bai Airport is about 35km north of central Hanoi. Off-peak the drive takes about 40 min; at rush hour allow up to 1.5 hrs. There is no metro to the airport.
- Best option: GrabCar or Xanh SM: fixed in-app fares of about 200,000 – 350,000 VND ($8 – $14) to the Old Quarter. A metered Mai Linh taxi costs about 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16).
- Bus: Express bus 86 costs about 45,000 VND ($1.80) and takes 45 – 60 min to the Hanoi Railway Station area. Bus 7 costs about 8,000 VND but takes 60 – 90 min.
- Scam tip: Use the app or a branded metered taxi. Avoid unbranded cars and touts, and keep your address saved in Vietnamese.
Step 2: Limousine to Ninh Binh Door-to-door vans in 1.5 – 2 hrs
The limousine van is the best balance of comfort and price; the train is cheapest and reliable.
- Limousine van: About 1.5 – 2 hrs and $7 – $14 with hotel pickup in the Old Quarter.
- Train: About 2 – 2.5 hrs and $3 – $8. Book at least a day ahead for weekends.
- Private car: About 1.5 hrs and $25 – $72 per car.
- Booking tip: Choose a van with free drop-off at Tam Coc.
Step 3: Explore by Bicycle Flat lanes and short scooter hops
The main sights are close together, so bicycles and scooters cover them easily.
- Bicycle: About 50,000 – 100,000 VND per day.
- Scooter: About $5 – $10 per day. Carry a valid licence.
- Boat tickets: Buy at the docks and tip your rowers.
- Tip: Go early to beat tour groups.
FAQs
How many days do I need in Ninh Binh?
Two days covers the big sights; three lets you add Cuc Phuong or a slow day by the paddies.
What is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
September to November for golden rice fields, or March to May for clear weather. Avoid the humid midsummer peak.
Is Ninh Binh a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes, it is about 2 hours by road, but an overnight stay lets you catch the quiet early morning light.
How do I get around once I am there?
Rent a bicycle or scooter, or hire a driver for the day. Boats at Trang An and Tam Coc are booked at the dock.
