Known as the “Halong Bay on Land”, Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination in Vietnam. From stunning limestone cliffs to quaint rice paddies and boat tours, Ninh Binh has much to offer as a travel destination. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before you go, including how to get to Ninh Binh, how many days you should spend there and the best ways to get around. I’ll also provide personal recommendations for hostels, nightlife, places to eat and the best things to do. It is important to note that this guide is a Ninh Binh guide, but it will cover many tips for Tam Coc (a small village in the Ninh Binh region).
How many days to spend in Ninh Binh
Many people will tell you that you don’t need much time in Ninh Binh. And while that is true on paper, Ninh Binh has such a good vibe and atmosphere that many people end up staying longer here. Ninh Binh can be visited as a day trip from Hanoi, but this is not the best way to experience the vibe.
If you’re short on time, try to spend at least one night (two days) in Ninh Binh to experience the nightlife. In two days in Ninh Binh, you could easily tick off the Mua Cave Viewpoint, go on a cycle through the ricefields, visit Bich Dong Pagoda and take a boat tour around Trang An. If you have the time, though, 3-4 days would give you enough time to also visit Hoa Lu Ancient City, go on multiple bicycle rides through the rice paddies and have plenty of time to relax by the pool.
How to get to Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a city located just south of Hanoi and is a major destination for backpackers. While you can stay in Ninh Binh city, most backpackers will stay in the small village of Tam Coc. In Tam Coc, you’ll find popular hostels, restaurants, and bars and be within walking distance of all the sights. Even though everyone is staying in the village of Tam Coc, they will often still refer to this destination as Ninh Binh (which can cause confusion). Ninh Binh City and Tam Coc Village are only a 15-minute car drive away from each other, but the vibe and atmosphere in Tam Coc are much better.
The easiest way to get to Ninh Binh is via bus. Multiple sleeper buses are arriving in Ninh Binh from destinations such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Phong Nha, Hue and Cat Ba. There are also regular small minivan transfers arriving from nearby Hanoi. Depending on what bus company you book and where it is coming from, you’ll either be dropped off at Ninh Binh City Centre, Tam Coc Centre or even directly at your hostel. Even if you’re staying in Tam Coc and get dropped in Ninh Binh, you’ll be able to easily book a Grab or Taxi to take you directly to your hostel for an affordable price.
If you’re staying in Tam Coc, try to book a bus that drops you at T-bus Tam Coc or Long Restaurant, as these are in the centre of Tam Coc and are walkable to all hostels. You can usually book all buses through your hostel or online at 12GOAsia.
How to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a super popular travel, with many small van transfers running between these locations. The van transfers run 24 hours a day at 30-60-minute intervals. The journey can take anywhere between 1.5 to 4 hours depending on the time of day and how crazy the traffic is leaving Hanoi.
There’s no singular major bus terminal in Hanoi, so buses will depart from various travel agencies dotted around the city. The Tbus Office Hanoi is one of the most central pick-up points if you’re staying in Old Quarter, with it being around a 10-minute walk from Beer Street and major hostels in Hanoi. Otherwise, if you’ve booked a bus from a different pick-up point, you’ll need to account for extra time and expense to get a Grab from your hostel. The small van transfers are comfortable with A/C, big seats that recline a little and sometimes even free water. This ticket costs around 200-300k VND Vietnamese Dong ($8-$12 USD).
How to get to Ninh Binh from Phong Nha
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh is another super popular travel route for backpackers. It is serviced by many sleeper buses departing Phong Nha at different times. The journey takes around 7-8 hours but may be delayed further if your bus gets stuck in traffic. Sleeper buses depart every 15-30 minutes from 8 pm until 9:30 pm.
The sleeper buses depart and arrive in two main spots in Phong Nha Town: opposite the boat station and directly out front of Central Backpackers Hostel. Both are super central locations in Phong Nha, so if you’re staying in the town, you’ll be able to walk there. When departing Phong Nha, I strongly recommend booking buses directly through Central Backpackers Hostel, as that means you can chill in the bar, and the staff will come and get you when the bus arrives. Expect to pay between 500-620k VND Vietnamese Dong ($20-$25 USD) for a ticket.
How to get to Ninh Binh from Hue
Hue to Ninh Binh is a fairly popular travel route (although it means skipping Phong Nha). Sleeper trains are running on this route, but they are fairly expensive compared to sleeper buses. Even the VIP sleeper buses work out much cheaper than the second-class sleeper seats on the train (and the buses are much more comfortable, in my opinion!). The bus journey takes around 11 hours but can sometimes be longer due to traffic. You can get day buses, but these aren’t very popular as you spend a whole day sitting on the bus. The day buses depart between 5 am and 6 am and arrive in Ninh Binh at around dinner time.
Alternatively, the night sleeper buses depart Ninh Binh at regular 15-minute intervals from 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with multiple companies servicing this route. The most popular times are the later times, as the earlier buses arrive at around 2 am and 4 am, and most people won’t be able to check in to their accommodation in Hue until the afternoon. If you’re getting a sleeper bus, the buses depart from specific travel agencies in Hue rather than one centralised bus terminal. The pick-up location in Hue depends on which bus company you book with. The Tbus booking agency is one of the most central and is within walking distance of Vietnam Backpackers and Shark Homestay Hostel.
For a standard sleeper bus (no curtains and only reclines 90% of the way), you can expect to pay around 530k VND Vietnamese Dong ($22 USD). For VIP sleeper buses (fully reclined seats, which are as comfy as beds and have privacy curtains), expect to pay between 620k to 1 million VND Vietnamese Dong ($25-$44 USD) depending on the time of the bus and the company you book.
How to get to Ninh Binh from Cat Ba
Another popular destination to come from is Cat Ba, as it means avoiding backtracking to Hanoi. From Cat Ba, there are standard buses (no reclinable seats) and small van transfers to Ninh Binh. Given how short the journey is, it doesn’t matter too much which option you go with, but the van transfer gives you a little bit more legroom and comfort. Buses and vans depart Cat Ba every 15-30 minutes daily from 7:30 am to 4 pm. The journey is booked under one combined ticket when booked online and involves a bus, a ferry and another bus. The entire bus, ferry and then bus journey can take anywhere between 3.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
The bus makes one short rest stop on the leg of the journey from the ferry port to Ninh Binh, but you usually also have time to use bathrooms and grab food before you get on the ferry. Both the buses are standard buses with upright seats, rather than sleeper buses, but given how short the journeys are on the buses, they’re comfortable enough. You can expect to pay between 260k and 330k VND Vietnamese Dong ($10-$13 USD) for the whole ticket, all transfers included.
How to get to Ninh Binh from Sapa
Sapa to Ninh Binh is another fairly popular travel route that travellers will take to avoid backtracking to Hanoi. In Sapa, buses depart from different locations, so check where you will be picked up from before booking. Sapa Market is a fairly convenient pick-up point if you’re staying in Mega View Hostel. Otherwise, stops like T-Bus Hanoi and Sapa Bus Station are on the opposite side of the lake, so you’d need to get a taxi or tuk-tuk from your accommodation. It makes no difference if you’re staying at a homestay or hostel outside of the township, where you get picked up from, as you’ll have to arrange onward transport there either way.
Buses depart Sapa from 5:30 am to 10 pm daily at intervals of 30 minutes to an hour. The journey takes between 8 and 9 hours, so most travellers will take a later bus to avoid wasting a day travelling. With most travel routes in Vietnam, there are standard sleeper buses and VIP sleeper buses. Standard sleeper buses recline 90% of the way but aren’t completely flat and don’t have curtains. VIP bus seats are virtually beds that fully recline, and there are curtains. For a sleeper bus, expect to pay 330k VND Vietnamese Dong ($14 USD); for a VIP sleeper, expect to pay 715k VND Vietnamese Dong ($29 USD).
How to get to Ninh Binh from Ha Giang
You can also get a direct sleeper bus from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh, but sometimes it goes via Hanoi. There are day and night sleeper buses to Ninh Binh, with the night sleeper buses being way more popular as you don’t lose a whole day in transit. In Ha Giang, buses pick you up from your accommodation; make sure you book this transfer directly with the hostel.
The entire journey from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh takes around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic conditions and time of day. Day buses are departing Ha Giang between 6:45 am and 11:30 am. These buses would get you into Ninh Binh in time for dinner, but you lose an entire day. Night buses depart Ha Giang from 6:30 pm to 11 pm at 15-30 minute intervals. These bus times will give you enough time to get back from the Ha Giang Loop, have a shower, grab some dinner and say goodbye to your loop group before departing. Expect to pay around 370k VND Vietnamese Dong ($15 USD) for a standard sleeper bus (seats only recline 90% of the way and no curtains). For a VIP sleeper (flat lay beds and privacy curtains), expect to pay 500k VND Vietnamese Dong ($20 USD).
How to get around Ninh Binh
The benefits of staying in Tam Coc over Ninh Binh city centre are how accessible all of the sights and attractions are and how little traffic there is. There are lots of different ways of getting around Tam Coc and visiting all the attractions, such as walking, cycling, renting a motorbike or getting a Grab or taxi there. Even though Tam Coc is a quaint little village, they have both Grab scooters and Grab Car, which are quick and easy to book.
Getting around Ninh Binh on foot
If you stay in Tam Coc, you’ll be able to access a lot of places on foot. For example, you can walk to restaurants, bars, cafes, and the famous karaoke buses, which are must-visit nightlife spots. You could also walk to Bich Dong Pagoda and Mua Cave Viewpoint. However, if you can, visiting these places on a bicycle is much nicer, as you get the breeze in your hair faster. Walking around Tam Coc feels safe as it gives off small-town vibes, even as a solo female at night. There’s not too much traffic and the roads are in fairly good condition.
Getting around Ninh Binh by bicycle
Cycling around Tam Coc is both a method of transport and an experience in itself! This is a super popular activity, so you’ll see lots of other tourists on bicycles. There are heaps of bicycle rental shops all around town, and most hostels also rent bicycles. The best places to cycle to are Bich Dong Pagoda and Mua Cave Viewpoint, as they are fairly close to Tam Coc, and you don’t have to cycle on busy roads. The cycle path to Mua Cave Viewpoint goes cross-country through farms and ricefields and is super scenic.
You can rent a bicycle for as little as 50k VND Vietnamese Dong ($2 USD) a day, with a helmet and lock. Even if you’re not super fit or a very experienced cyclist, the roads around Tam Coc are flat, so it’s a fairly relaxed way to get around. You will have to pay for bicycle parking at most attractions, but it’s usually less than $1.
Getting around Ninh Binh by motorbike
A great budget-friendly and adventurous way to get around and visit the sights of Ninh Binh is by renting a motorbike. Ninh Binh and the surrounding areas are quiet, with little traffic, and roads are in fairly good condition, so many people rent motorbikes here. On a motorbike, you could visit sights around Tam Coc, like Mua Cave Viewpoint and Bich Dong Pagoda and sights further afield, like Trang An (where the Ninh Binh Boat Tour leaves from) and Hoa Lu Ancient City. You can expect to pay around 150k VND Vietnamese Dong ($6 USD) for a motorbike for the day. Most hostels have rent-out motorbikes on site, or you can easily find many motorbike rental agencies around Tam Coc town.
Getting around Ninh Binh by taxi or Grab
If you don’t fancy renting a motorbike but want to visit sights further away, such as Trang An (where the Ninh Binh Boat Tour leaves from) or Hoa Lu Ancient City, the easiest way to get there is Grab. These places are quite far from Tam Coc, so they are not accessible by walking or bicycle, so your main options are either motorbike or car. However, you can easily book Grab Scooters and Grab Cars to drop you at both these locations from Tam Coc. Trying to get back to Tam Coc from these destinations is also fairly easy. If you’re travelling at an odd time when there are not many drivers around, you can also get a taxi as there are heaps of taxis outside these popular tourist sights.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh
The hostels in Ninh Binh are spread out over a few key locations. You have some hostels, such as Ninh Binh Central Backpackers, Ninh Binh Family Hostel and City Garden Hostel, which are located in the centre of Ninh Binh town. I think there’s no real benefit to staying in this area, and I’ve not met any backpackers who have stayed here. There are also hostels, which are quite remote but have stunning views of Trang An (where the Ninh Binh Boat tours depart from) and Hoa Lu Ancient City. These hostels include the highly rated Green Mountain Homestay, Trang An Riverview Homestay and Hoalu Backpacker Homestay. These hostels are perfect if you want to stay somewhere remote and soak in the scenery rather than enjoy the nightlife of Tam Coc.
Lastly, Tam Coc is by far the most popular area to stay in. It’s still a scenic small village that feels pretty quaint. But it also has good nightlife and isn’t quite as secluded as some of the mountain homestays. In Tam Coc, The Banana Tree Hostel is a famous hostel many backpackers rave about. It has a very social vibe but also has a bit of a party vibe of an evening. This, combined with the price, means it may suit every traveller. For alternative options in Tam Coc, many people stay at Tam Coc Little River Bungalow, Tam Coc Central Bungalow or Tam Coc Riverside Homestay. Regardless of where you stay in Tam Coc, you can still visit Banana Tree Hostel to use their facilities or socialise at night. You can book all accommodation in Ninh Binh here.
Banana Tree Hostel
Anyone who is backpacking in Vietnam has undoubtedly heard of The Banana Tree Hostel in Tam Coc. It’s fairly famous for feeling like a resort but with affordable prices, a social vibe and a central location in Tam Coc. Banana Tree is located right in the middle of Tam Coc, with the Karaoke Buses parked out front every night and many of the buses departing and arriving across the road. The dorms are comfortable with pod-style beds, bedding, privacy curtains and large security lockers. They have ensuite bathrooms attached but also many shower and bathroom facilities scattered around, so you never have to wait. They run different daily tours and have bicycle and motorbike rentals on site.
In terms of amenities, they have a large pool area, bar and restaurant on site, which is perfect for socialising. Banana Tree is one of the best hostels in Vietnam in terms of amenities, social vibe and comfort! However, it does tend to have a bit of a party vibe at night, which may not suit everyone. Also, it gets pretty busy as many people from other hostels come there to drink and socialise. You need to book Banana Tree in advance as it will book out.
What to do in Ninh Binh
While many travellers will tell you there are not many things to do in Ninh Binh (which is objectively true), the things to do in Ninh Binh are all top-notch. Top activities in Ninh Binh include visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, experiencing a boat tour, cycling around Tam Coc, climbing Mua Cave Viewpoint and visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. All of these activities are easily accessible no matter where you stay in Ninh Binh or the surrounding areas. However, many of the activities are walkable or cycleable from Tam Coc Village.
Ninh Binh Boat Tour
Going on a boat tour through Trang An in Ninh Binh is a must-do activity! Expect a serene journey through an otherworldly landscape of towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, and views that look like something out of Jurassic Park. The Ninh Binh Boat Tours involve small rowboats, navigated by locals, taking you to a number of stops to visit pagodas, temples and viewpoints. You’ll glide through numerous caves and under low-hanging stalactites, so be prepared to duck! There are three different routes you can take, depending on your preference. Each route offers a glimpse into the area’s natural beauty, with stops at ancient temples, quiet pagodas, and scenic viewpoints. The majority of tourists opt for Route 2 of the Ninh Binh boat tour as it is a good mix of pagodas and caves.
Trang An can get pretty crowded, especially during peak travel seasons, which might detract from the ‘untouched’ vibe you’re chasing. However, your boat guide should try to avoid busy areas with many boats by slightly changing the order of sights on the route. Boat Tours in Ninh Binh Run every day from 9-5 and take around 3 hours, so make sure you get there by 2 pm at the latest. The departure point for the Ninh Binh Boat Tour is called “Trang An Departure Boat Ticket” on Google. You’ll need to either get a Grab here or rent a motorbike from Tam Coc, as it is not walkable or cycleable. You can expect to pay 225k VND Vietnamese Dong ($9 USD) for a boat shared between 4 people.
Mua Cave Viewpoint
If you’re heading to Mua Cave Viewpoint in Ninh Binh, brace yourself for a bit of a climb, but one that’s absolutely worth the effort. It’s one of the top things to do in Ninh Binh due to the panoramic views of the entire region. The climb is around 500 steps, uneven steps up, and the heat makes it harder, so make sure you take plenty of water and take it at your own pace. The view from the top is absolutely stunning as you can see lush rice fields, the rivers of Ninh Binh, and the famous karst mountains, resulting in Ninh Binh being known as the “Halong Bay on land.” There’s a dragon statue at the summit, which is a great photo spot, but be wary that it’s super steep, and there’s often a queue.
However, the major downside of Mua Cave Viewpoint is just how crowded it is. Expect to be surrounded by other tourists when climbing the steps and having to queue to get photos of yourself at the top. A lot of people attempt to go for sunset, as it’s one of the best sunset viewpoints in Ninh Binh, but honestly, due to the overcrowding (it’s even worse at sunset), I don’t think it’s worth it at all. If you can, try to visit first thing in the morning as it should be quieter and less sweaty of a walk than in the afternoon. It costs 100k VND Vietnamese Dong ($4 USD) to enter, and you should allow 1-2 hours here. If you’re cycling around Tam Coc, this is one of the best attractions to cycle to, as the way here takes you through rice fields and scenic countryside areas.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Another great spot to cycle to is Bich Dong Pagoda outside Tam Coc. This temple complex is a must-visit, tucked away amidst lush greenery and limestone cliffs! The pagoda itself is a three-tiered structure, each level built into the mountain. As you ascend from the Lower Pagoda at the base, through the dimly lit cave to the Middle Pagoda, and finally reach the Upper Pagoda, you’re rewarded with great views.
Expect a bit of a climb—nothing as intense as Mua Cave, but there are some uneven steps. The path is well-maintained, though, making it accessible for most visitors. The site is completely free to enter, but you may have to pay a little for bicycle or motorbike parking (less than $1 though). As it is a sacred sight, you’ll need to cover your shoulders, knees and torso to enter. They have free sarongs to use at the entrance if you forget something to cover up. While Bich Dong Pagoda is impressive on its own, the cycle there is super scenic, with lots of rice paddies to stop at for photos. I would allow around 30 minutes to an hour at Bich Dong Pagoda.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh’s majestic limestone mountains, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an important historical site as it was the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. The site is home to two main temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, heroes who once ruled the land. Expect it to be quieter than other attractions in Ninh Binh, as Hoa Lu is somewhat off the beaten path, and many tourists will skip it if they don’t have enough time.
One downside is that the information available on-site in English about the temples and their history is not very in-depth, so it would be better to have a tour guide if possible. Additionally, the scorching heat can be challenging, especially during the midday sun, so timing your visit either early in the morning or later in the afternoon can make a huge difference. It is a sacred sight, so you need to have your knees, shoulders and torso covered to enter. It costs 20k VND Vietnamese Dong (less than $1) to enter, and you need around 1-2 hours to explore the complex and take photos. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is located a fair way from Tam Coc; you would need to get a Grab here or rent a motorbike as it is not cyclable or walkable from Tam Coc.
Where to eat in Ninh Binh
Although Tam Coc is a small village, it is very popular with travellers, so there are lots of great restaurants and cafes around. All of the restaurants and cafes are easily accessible on foot from every hostel in Tam Coc. Many of the restaurants in Tam Coc are local family-run operations, so the service may be slower at busier times. Just make sure you allow extra time for meals!
Chef Hien
Chef Hien is a cult classic among backpackers, famous for its great food and cheap local beer specials for the evening. Expect traditional recipes handed down through generations, served in a no-frills but very social setting. However, its popularity means you might have to wait for a table, but the authentic experience and budget-friendly prices are well worth it.
Family Restaurant
Family Restaurant, like Chef Hien, is a small local restaurant serving good food at affordable prices. The menu is a mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, so there’s a bit of something for everyone. The staff are super friendly here, and there’s usually a bit of a vibe at dinnertime, but they’re also open for breakfast and lunch.
Chookies
Chookies is where you come if you want a break from Vietnamese food. Their beer garden has great burgers, craft beers, and a cool vibe. It’s a great place to meet fellow travellers or have a few drinks with dinner before a night out. Just be aware that the food and drinks start from a higher price point than the smaller locally-owned restaurants in Tam Coc, but it’s well worth a treat!
Ngon
Ngon Restaurant is a great spot for breakfast and lunch and caters to travellers who are vegan or vegetarian or want a health-conscious meal. It’s a bit pricier than the other options, but the food is well worth it! The only drawback could be its popularity among tourists, which sometimes means a less authentic feeling dining experience.
Ninh Binh Nightlife
Despite being quite a small village, Tam Coc has a fun nightlife scene for backpackers. While they don’t have many buzzing bars or nightlife venues to choose from, the lack of choice means everyone goes to the same spot, which is super fun. The best place to start the night is The Banana Tree Hostel, as they have a public bar and it’s always busy. It’s a great place to make friends as a solo traveller, play some drinking games and enjoy their special drinks.
Visiting the famous Karaoke Buses
From around 10 pm, you should head to the nightlife destination in Ninh Binh: the karaoke buses. Yes, you read that right. These mobile parties are a fun and quirky way to drink, dance and make new friends. They park outside The Banana Tree Hostel and start to get busy at around 10 pm. There are a number of buses, so you can bounce between the different buses depending on the vibe. All of the buses have stairs to an open-air roof area with seating and a bar to purchase drinks. The lower level has been cleared of seating and is the dancefloor level, sometimes with a DJ playing; other times, they’ll have karaoke going where the microphone is passed around, and everyone takes turns singing while dancing.
It is honestly such a fun and wholesome night out! Outside the buses, there are usually one or two Bahn Mi stalls for late-night food. The karaoke buses don’t actually move while you’re on them, but they will stay open fairly late (closing between 2-4 am) as long as there are still people buying drinks.
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