Ninh Binh to Ha Giang: Bus, Train or Motorbike for Ha Giang Tours

How Far is Ninh Binh from Ha Giang?

Total Distance

The distance from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang is around 370 to 440 kilometers, depending on the specific route that you choose. That’s a full cross-section of northern Vietnam – from the tranquil lowlands to the cloud-­kissed mountaintops. No matter if you fly the entire way or have layovers in another country, every portion of the journey is bursting with fresh landscapes, customs, and adventures.

How Long Does It Take?

Here’s a clear breakdown by transportation method:

Each option offers a different travel experience – some prioritize speed, others comfort, or scenery.

Best Routes to Consider

There are two primary routes to go from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang:

1. Through Hanoi (easiest): Fast highways from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and a mix of expressways and curvy mountain roads north to Ha Giang.
2. Either via Ba Be or Tuyen Quang: For motorbike tours who want to take detours through or visit national parks or minority villages.

Fast route: Ninh Binh to Hanoi (Source: dantri)

Option 1: Sleeper Bus – Budget-Friendly & Efficient

Travel Time & Schedule

From Ninh Binh to Ha Giang is around 8-10 hours by bus and most night buses from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang depart around 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM You’ll usually find yourself pulling into the city of Ha Giang between 4:00-6:00 AM, where you can grab a sunrise coffee before kickstarting the iconic Ha Giang Loop.

Departure points:

• Tam Coc (hotel pickup available)
• Ninh Binh Bus Station (central garage, convenient for city stays)

If you’re on the bus going south to north (Ha Giang to Ninh Binh), there are nightly buses that leave from central Ha Giang (central bus garage area) from around 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM nightly.

Ticket Price & Booking Platforms

Prices range from 250,000 VND to 450,000 VND, depending on the type of bus:

• Standard sleeper: ~250,000-300,000 VND
• VIP sleeper (larger pod, fewer passengers): ~400,000-450,000 VND

How to book:

• 12Go Asia
• Baolau
• Via local hotels or homestays in Tam Coc/Ninh Binh

For real-time booking and/or priority access to a Virtuoso, you are welcome to include a phone number to be reached at – we’ll have someone get in touch to help your trip along.

Top Sleeper Bus Companies on the Route

Below are some of the good sleeper bus companies when you are heading from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang:

Bang Phan Bus (Source: vexere)

Option 2: Motorbike – The Ultimate Adventure

Recommended Routes: Scenic, Wild & Worth Every Turn

There are two ways we recommend tackling the epic from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang by motorbike:

• Route 1: Via Tuyen Quang (approx. 400-420 km)
  A fairly easy long ride on the National Highway 2 and 2C through Son Duong, Viet Tri, and Vi Xuyen until Ha Giang city. It’s perfect for people who want to go straight, without any side tracks.
  
• Route 2: Via Cuc Phuong National Park & Ba Be Lake (2-3 days)
  This path has beautiful scenery and is ideal for adventurers. You’ll ride through Cuc Phuong and push north to Ba Be Lake and then back west into Bac Kan and up across to Ha Giang. It’s farther flung, but the tastiest views – and the most rugged experiences – are spread over every kilometer.

Where to Rent: Ninh Binh, Hanoi, or Ha Giang?

Here’s a rundown on motorbike rental options by departure and arrival point:

Need help locating a reputable shop with a good reputation and maintenance support down the road? Leave your phone number – we’ll hook you up with options that offer helmets, rain suits, and delivering or picking up the bike.

Motorbike Rentalin Ha Giang (Source: digiticket)

Fuel, Gear & License: Ride Smart, Ride Safe

Before you embark on this trip from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang, make sure you’ve gone through this important checklist:

• Licence: International Driving Permit (IDP) with a bike licence. Police in far-off provinces do check, though.
• Insurance: Ensure it includes motorbike travel in Vietnam.
• Fuel: Top up regularly – petrol stations in the bush can be 50-70km apart. One tank-load (~60,000VN%) will take you about 120-150km.
• Gear: Rain gear, gloves, bungee cords, first-aid kit, waterproof bags.
• Phone holder & maps: Don’t trust the signal alone for directions; offline maps can save your day.

Option 3: Mixed Route – Bus + Train Combo (via Hanoi)

Step-by-Step: How It Works

This mixed route breaks the journey into two relaxed legs:

1. Train: Ninh Binh → Hanoi
   • Duration: ~2 to 2.5 hours
   • Several daily options: morning, afternoon, & evening
   • Price: ~80.000-150.000 VND (Soft seat, 2nd class AC)
2. Sleeper Bus or Limousine: Hanoi → Ha Giang
   • Duration: 5. 5 to 7.5 hours
   • Departs: Afternoon (limousine) or night (sleeper) from My Dinh Bus Station or Old Quarter hotels
   • Price: ~250,000-450,000 VND

Train Schedule (Ninh Binh to Hanoi)

Pro tip: For the easiest connection, take the afternoon train, sleep or grab dinner in Hanoi, and rendezvous with your bus at the car to Ha Giang later that night.

Train SE8 fron Ninh Binh to Hanoi (Source: mia)

Connecting from Hanoi to Ha Giang

After arriving in Hanoi, head to:

• My Dinh Bus Station (for local buses)
• Old Quarter pickup points (for VIP sleeper & limousine services)

Reliable bus companies:

• Quang Nghi Bus
• Techbus VN
• Bang Phan Sleeper
• All bookable online via Baolau or 12Go

In Ha Giang, there are numerous rental shops, garages, and day tour operators at your disposal. Don’t forget to take a look at our complete Ha Giang Transportation guide for what to do next in the Mountains!

Why Choose This Route?

What to Pack for the Trip

Essentials for Every Traveler (Bus, Train, Car)

Regardless of how you get there, here’s what to pack:

• Light jacket or hoodie: Transportation can be a little chilly with the air conditioning on, especially on night trips.
• Snacks and water: Good for long stints without rest stops or if you’re prone to motion sickness.
• Power bank + charging cable: Many buses do have power outlets, but just in case
• Eye mask and earplugs: Great for sleeper buses or light sleepers on trains.
• Small toiletries kit: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrush for overnights.
• Copy of passport and visa: Specifically handy for when you are booking through local agencies

Gear Checklist for Motorbike Riders

If you’re heading the wild way from Ninh Binh to Ha Giang on a motorbike, or even if you’re just planning on heading out once you get to Ninh Binh, then here’s what you’ll want:

• Helmet (quality, full-face if possible)
• Rain gear (jacket + pants): The changes fast in the highland, severe downpours flip.
• Gloves + riding boots, or a sturdy, closed-toe shoe.
• Dry bag or waterproof case for your backpack
• Phone mount and offline maps
• Printed/directions to nearest garage/fuel stops
• International Driving Permit + insurance (this is a must for both legal and medical security)
• Spare cash (ATM’s few and far between in the bush! )
• Toolkit and tire patch kit: These are optional, but good for emergencies

Bonus: Throw in a few extra socks and a scarf or face mask to shield from wind and dust during mountain rides!

Digital Prep: SIM Cards, Apps & Contacts

• Vietnamese SIM card: Pick up one with 4-5GB of data. Viettel and Vinaphone are the best for rural areas. Apps to install:

• Apps to install:
  • Google Maps (download offline maps for your route)
  • 12Go Asia / Baolau to check the schedule and booking
  • Zalo or WhatsApp to message local hosts or share your phone number with drivers

• Emergency numbers:
  • Police: 113
  • Ambulance: 115
  • Tourist support: 1800 1109 (English-speaking line in Vietnam)

Conclusion

From Ninh Binh to Ha Giang, your journey can be as brassy or as breezy as you like, sleeper bus, motorbike, train combo; there’s a rhythm of its own to all of them. As you go north or as you are coming south from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh, our local knowledge and travel advice are just what you need to keep your trip traveling the way you wanted to. And for everything you need to know about prices, routes, and road tips, check out our complete Ha Giang Transportation guide.

FAQs: Quick Answers Before You Go

Is the Ha Giang Loop a moped or motorbike?

Motorcycling the Ha Giang Loop – This is usually done on a motorbike, generally 110cc-150cc semi-auto or manual, rather than the mini 50cc moped. These higher-performance bikes are more capable of taking on spiral mountain roads, narrow passes, and long distances. If you are experienced, you can rent a manual bike, which will give you more freedom on the loop. Oh, and by the way – be sure that brakes, lights, and tires are in proper working order at a trustworthy garage before heading from Ha Giang to Ninh Binh or vice versa.

Tip: If driving seems too intimidating, you can opt to hire an Easy Rider (a local driver) or look at other transportation options in our complete Ha Giang Transportation guide.

How to travel around Ninh Binh?

Exploring Ninh Binh is easy and flexible! You can:

• Hire a bike or scooter and explore Tam Coc, Trang An, and Mua Cave on your schedule.
• Opt to take a private car or taxi transfer for comfort and convenience, especially if you’re short on time.
• Book day tours or shuttle vans from Hanoi for hassle-free round trips..

The roads here in Ninh Binh are flat and often empty; this makes them perfect for newbies and families. Just don’t forget to plan your route and schedule accordingly for a seamless journey! 

Can you do the Ha Giang Loop without a motorbike?

Absolutely! Although the classic Ha Giang Loop is known for motorbiking, you can still see those same breathtaking landscapes:

• Charter a private car, or take a small van tour – a perfect option for families, older travelers, or anyone who doesn’t want to ride.
• Opt for an Easy Rider, crammed pillion behind a local guide who knows every bend of the way.
• Book multi-day guided tours including meals and accommodation – you just need to sit back and enjoy the view!