After soaking in the emerald waters of Halong Bay, many travelers are thrilled to discover that the magic doesn’t end there. Just a few hours south lies Ninh Binh, a land of serene rivers, limestone cliffs, and ancient temples. Traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is more than a transfer—it’s a seamless transition from sea to stone, perfect for those skipping the return to Hanoi. Whether you’re catching a limousine bus from Bai Chay or planning the scenic route through Tam Coc, this guide is crafted for you. And if you’re also wondering how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, we’ve got expert tips ready for that leg too. Get ready to unlock the beauty of Vietnam—one breathtaking route at a time!
The distance from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh ranges between 170 to 190 kilometers, depending on your route. Travel time typically falls between 3.5 to 5 hours, influenced by traffic conditions and your mode of transport.
The fastest way is via Expressway 5B, offering a smoother ride for limousine bus and private car users. Alternatively, QL10 is a scenic route passing through towns before reaching Tam Coc or the Ninh Binh city area.
Departures are common from Bai Chay or Ha Long cruise ports, with convenient stops near your hotel or the bus station. For those planning a larger itinerary, don’t miss our guide on how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi—essential for a complete Vietnam travel route. And yes, whether it’s Halong to Ninh Binh or vice versa, we cover it all—including how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi step by step.
For those prioritizing convenience, privacy, and flexible timing, hiring a private car from Halong to Ninh Binh is an excellent choice.
Booking Tips: Choose a reliable travel agency or hotel concierge. Ensure the vehicle is air conditioned, the price is agreed upfront, and the driver has basic English or a translation app.
Taxi (Sours: xanhsm)
A limousine bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh offers the best value-for-money option. These luxury vans are equipped with leather seats, WiFi, air conditioning, and plenty of legroom—perfect for tourists who want a comfortable journey without overspending.
Popular Limousine Bus Operators:
Limousine Bus (Sours: ninhbinhexcursion)
The most economical way to go from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is the local bus. Though less fancy than limousines, they offer a decent and direct transfer.
Suggested Local Bus Companies:
Travel Tip: Be cautious at the bus station, especially during holidays. Avoid “middlemen” offering unsolicited tickets and always confirm the destination.
Cat Ba Express (Sours: tripadvisor)
If you’re experienced with Vietnam’s roads, taking a motorbike from Halong to Ninh Binh is an epic way to explore the countryside.
Motorbike (Sours: hanoiexploretravel)
If you’re traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh around Tet (Lunar New Year), summer school holidays, or national events, don’t wait until the last minute! Seats on limousine bus services and even local transport from Bai Chay get snapped up fast.
For peace of mind, book 1–2 weeks in advance—especially if you’re planning how to move around Vietnam or figuring out how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. These connections can get crowded quickly!
This is more than just a ride from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh—it’s a moving postcard of Northern Vietnam!
Whether you’re riding from Ha Long, catching a bus at the bus station, or stopping over in Bai Chay, make sure your backpack has:
This list works no matter your route—whether Halong to Ninh Binh or returning from how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi later.
To make your trip from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh seamless, load up your phone with these:
Google Maps (Sours: dailywrap)
No matter your style—luxury, budget, or pure adventure—the journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is packed with charm and convenience. From the comfort of a limousine bus to the thrill of riding through scenic backroads, there’s a perfect route for every traveler. Start planning your visit to Tam Coc and beyond today, and if your journey begins in the capital, don’t forget to check our full guide on how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Whichever way you go, one thing’s for sure—Halong Bay to Ninh Binh will be a ride to remember!
Yes! You can travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh easily by limousine bus, private car, local bus, or even motorbike. The journey takes about 3.5 to 5 hours depending on your transport and route, with pickups available from Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, or Ha Long city.
There is no direct train from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. To travel by train, you must first go to Hanoi, then transfer to Ha Long by bus or private car. For help planning this connection, check our detailed guide on how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi.
Yes, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are relatively close. They are about 170–190 km apart, making it easy to travel between them in half a day. The route connects two of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes—coastal bays and inland limestone valleys—without needing to return to Hanoi.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will deepen your interesting history, starting with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was the 10th-century capital and once the heart of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state. You will be walking through the ancient temples dedicated to King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and King Lê Đại Hành, marveling at the intricate architecture and listening to stories that have shaped the nation’s legacy.
Next, step into the grandeur of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex: Bai Dinh Pagoda, from the colossal bronze Buddha statues to its serene courtyards. In its way, Bai Dinh offers spiritual solace and a lifetime feeling of awe. These heritage landmarks make the Ninh Binh Tours very important to any history enthusiast.
Tam Coc (Sours: vietnamtravel)
Get ready to be charmed by the outstanding landscapes that define the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour. Reputed as “Halong Bay on Land," Tam Coc fascinates its travelers with its dramatic limestone karsts majestically rising from emerald rice fields. Travel along in a boat on the quiet waters of the Ngo Dong River and explore the mystical “Three Caves" (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba) while taking in the unspoiled beauty of the area.
Another highlight of Ninh Binh Tours is Trang An. This place is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, featuring labirynth rivers, and caves paired with rich greenery. These few wonders together show the unmatched panorama that makes Ninh Binh one of the best options to visit in Vietnam.
That includes stories and connections, not purely a sightseeing Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour because interacting with the friendly locals from other parts of the world comes along in the sharing of their customs, daily life, or even culinary secrets. You will surely know that once these ancient or ancient sites, which have played a very predominant role in Vietnam’s bygone era, take off for a visit from Hoa Lu to a spiritual depth at the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Enjoy the local food to your heart’s content with traditional Vietnamese dishes, including goat meat and crispy rice, both regional specialties and a way of life. This layer of culture will make this journey far more than just a tour-it will be an experience.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour offers endless opportunities to the camera of photography enthusiasts: from golden rice fields in Tam Coc to peaceful waters in Trang An, from majestic architecture in Bai Dinh Pagoda, each corner of Ninh Binh is perfect for a picture.
From iconic places like the Ngo Dong River to ancient temples in Hoa Lư, you’ll have breathtaking backdrops for lifelong memories. We don’t just let you go away with great memories but also some spectacular snapshots to share and keep as mementos.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Sours: https://www.agoda)
07:30 – 08:00: Pick you up at your hotel in Old Quarter and depart for a full-day Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour on the southeast of Hanoi to the province of Ninh Binh. It’s around 90 kilometers taking one and a half hours to get there then see Vietnam’s peaceful countryside-golden rice fields and limestone rock formation rising majestically from the ground.
10:00 – 11:30: Arrive in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which is the cradle of the very first centralized feudal state of Vietnam. You will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Đinh and Emperor Lê and listen as your guide relates the stories of these Emperors and the dynasties that once ruled here. If you’re into history, then this is a must.
12:00 – 13:00: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a nearby restaurant. Regional dishes will be served, including goat meat with crispy rice and fresh seasonal vegetables. The quiet atmosphere allows for an even better taste of this meal.
13:30 – 15:30: The highlight of the day is to take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Travel through lush rice fields and dramatic limestone formations as you explore the “Three Caves" (Hang Cả, Hang Hai, Hang Ba). The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Tam Coc are unforgettable, offering countless opportunities for photography.
16:00 – 16:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh at a cozy hotel. This is a perfect opportunity for you to retreat and refresh after such a long day with full exploration.
Evening Activity (Optional): Stroll through the quiet evening streets of Ninh Binh, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
07:30 – 08:00: Have a healthy and delicious breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 – 11:00: Start visiting Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex Bai Dinh Pagoda. Marvel at its magnificent bronze Buddha statues, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. An optional electric car service around the area is recommended to save time in exploring this big area.
11:30 – 12:30: Have lunch at a local restaurant serving stewed goats, freshwater fish, and other dishes that will reflect the culinary achievement of Ninh Binh.
13:00 – 15:30: Take another different Trang An boat ride for fantastic trips to the world nature reserve. The small booths up and downstream rows wind through caves: Hang Sáng, Hang Tối; and Hang Nấu Rượu. There you gain deep insight into the beauty and marvel of nature in light reflected together with green forest’ plants and towering cliffs; during the journey, some telling by your guide can intrigue your interest in rich stories both in history and tradition associated with Trang An so that you could treasure Trang Anmore valuably.
16:00: Depart for the back to Hanoi. Feeling relaxed onboard while comfort stimulates you to ponder over beautiful memories and experiences during a day spent at Ninh Binh Tours.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi to end a wonderful tour of history, culture, and nature in 2 days.
Trang An (Sours: https://www.agoda)
Moreover, the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is offered to customers for $178 per person for a premium experience without breaking your wallet. Is this a family getaway, or are you traveling with children? Well, we have special discounts for children and families so nobody misses this unforgettable adventure.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will cover everything you need to make your journey smooth and memorable:
With this full package, you can enjoy the entire magic of Ninh Binh hassle-free.
The following are not included in the tour to maintain flexibility:
Why choose the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour? This is a package that holds the perfect balance of luxury and affordability necessary for every traveler to offer value to their investment-from the time you step into our comfortable transport to the last scenic boat ride in Trang An, every little detail contributes to a rich, truly immersive experience. From history enthusiasts to nature lovers and from cultural immersion, seekers-the lot-this is a travel package that will deliver it in one incredible journey.
Ninh Binh (Sours: bucketlistly)
If there’s anything to be said about the time of the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour, let it be to enhance this experience even more. This is during the rice harvest season from May to June, when the magic comes out of these surrounding fields in every direction, truly breathtakingly so. At the same time, Ninh Binh Tours makes for year-round beauty. From the appeal of the lush green landscape in spring to the quiet, misty mornings of winter, there is never a wrong time to visit this wonderland.
Pack these essentials to make the most of your adventure:
These items will keep you prepared at every step of the tour, from hiking up temple steps to gazing out over the serenity of the waterways.
Our Ninh Binh Tours are suitable for all ages. For families with children, the program is easy and enjoyable; for elderly participants, it is also comfortable because of the air-conditioned transportation and electric car services available at Bai Dinh Pagoda. The boat cruises in Tam Coc and Trang An are serene and require minimum effort; thus, they are suitable for all participants.
Here’s how to make your Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour even more memorable:
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is the ultimate getaway from Hanoi, comprising historical, cultural, and, of course, natural wonders. Take serene river rides, explore ancient temples, and enjoy real Vietnamese food on this 2-day journey. Experience the magic of Ninh Binh Tours and create memories to last a lifetime. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is one of the most amazing & authentic package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours lead the paths you to explore cultural and historic relics of Vietnam such as ancient citadel named Hoa Lu and pagoda, temples. Furthermore, to be immersive by natural landscape such as Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Trang An, Van Long natural Reserve. We will take part in the experienced activities well as cycling visa the rural countryside of particular Red River Delta to be impressed by local life along the paths. The a bamboo boats sail crossing along the emerald green rice field among limestone cliffs, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can be appealed, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, to obtain the active venture for cycling via the rural countryside and sailing bamboo boat on the green rice paddy among the limestone mountain.
You will not merely see many fantastically scenery and animals of wild life in the national park, and rescue center. Additionally learn more about its history and locals and join to homestay activities.
Authentic paths to explore the northern part of Vietnam. The imposing scenery of mountain, hill, green valley, and rice terraces. The idyllic hill-tribe villages from Mai Chau - Pu Luong and Ninh Binh rural countryside.
Luxurious services for Hanoi, Halong tour destinations until to the authentic Ninh Binh rural countryside journey of active venture to explore the imposing scenery of limestone mountain, and tour to explore culture and history from national relics.
