How to Get from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh City, travel options without a car, flying over 1,050 km, or driving or taking the train, the 1,400 km north–south route, this circuit encapsulates a dramatic transition from the tranquil sights of the karst to the fast-paced rhythm of the south. You can travel at a breezy 5 hours or over 40, depending on who carries you. But first, you’ll want to ensure you know exactly how to get to Ninh Binh. Your adventure begins as you map your route from the north to the south! Ready to roll? Let’s dive in.
Although there is no airport in Ninh Binh, getting to the destination will take travelers a relatively brief detour to one of two airports within reach:
Option 1: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi
Option 2: Tho Xuan Airport (THD) – Thanh Hoa
Pro tip: Plan and book at least 7-14 days in advance to get the best rates, especially during peak seasons!
You can choose either of the airports and transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, or from Thanh Hoa, as the other is easy and beautiful. Here are your options:
Private Car or Hotel Transfer (Best for comfort)
Taxi
Local Bus (Budget-friendly)
Still figuring out your plan? Don’t forget to check out our guide for how to get to Ninh Binh: it will leave you with all the local secrets you need to hit the ground running!
|
Route |
Flight Time |
Price Range (USD) |
Airline Options |
|
HAN → SGN |
~2 hrs |
$68–$140 |
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet |
|
THD → SGN |
~1.75 hrs |
$64–$120 |
Bamboo Airways, VietJet |
Flight Vietnam Airlines (Source: 12Go)
Ninh Binh Railway Station (So 1, Ngo 41 Hoang Hoa Tham, Nam Binh, though this is only a few miles outside the city centre) for numerous daily trains on the North–South Reunification Line to Saigon Station at Ho Chi Minh City.
Here are some favorite and trusted choices:
|
Train Code |
Departure (Ninh Binh) |
Arrival (Ho Chi Minh) |
Duration |
Ticket Price |
|
SE1 |
23:07 (19/06) |
05:45 (21/06) |
30h 38m |
1,408,000 VND |
|
SE11 |
23:43 (19/06) |
11:10 (21/06) |
35h 27m |
938,000 VND |
|
SE9 |
15:08 (19/06) |
03:40 (21/06) |
36h 32m |
995,000 VND |
|
SE23 |
16:19 (19/06) |
09:00 (21/06) |
40h 41m |
995,000 VND |
Tickets can be purchased through Vietnam Railways, Baolau. com, or 12GoAsia, and keep in mind, these fares may fluctuate slightly based on the class of seat and season.
Vietnamese trains have a range of seat and berth types to choose from, so you can easily find a service that meets your budget:
Seat Classes Explained
Amenities You’ll Enjoy
Train SE11 (Source: baokhanhhoa)
Below is my list of all sleeper bus companies running direct or semi-direct routes from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh, with schedules, prices, and pick-up/drop-off information included to make your planning hassle-free and your arrival in Ho Chi Minh smooth:
|
Operator |
Rating |
Duration |
Estimated Fare (VND) |
Departure (Ninh Binh) |
Arrival (Ho Chi Minh City) |
|
Hoang Long (Do) |
★★★★☆ (4.4) |
~32h 30m |
~1,408,000 VND |
City Center – Office No.1 Tran Hung Dao, Ninh Binh |
Ho Chi Minh Office – 275F Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 |
|
Tan Aba |
★★★★☆ (4.4) |
~29h 10m |
~1,350,000 VND |
National Highway 1A, near Tam Diep Intersection |
Mien Dong Bus Station, Binh Thanh District |
|
HTX Sai Gon |
★★☆☆☆ (2.3) |
~36h 52m |
~980,000 VND |
Along National Highway 1A, Ninh Binh |
Mien Dong Bus Station |
|
A Ba |
★★★☆☆ (3.0) |
~35h 00m |
~950,000 VND |
QL1A, Ninh Binh |
Gate 3 – Mien Dong Bus Station |
|
Hoang Long – Hanoi Route |
★★★★☆ (4.5) |
~34h 37m |
~1,300,000 VND |
QL1A, Ninh Binh |
Ho Chi Minh Office – Tran Hung Dao, District 1 |
|
Thanh Nhan – Hai Phong |
★★☆☆☆ (2.2) |
~34h 12m |
~900,000 VND |
Ninh Binh City |
Mien Dong Bus Station |
Note: Departure locations can vary slightly depending on the bus company. For a more accurate departure location, please check your booking confirmation.
Bus Hoang Long (Source: mia)
Not everyone can drive from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh, it’s a real trip! Here’s what to consider:
Self-driving (Source: mia)
Vietnam Domestic travel weather is hot during January-May and public holidays such as Tet (Lunar New Year). Flights and trains book up weeks in advance, so if you’re mapping out your Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh route within those windows, don’t wait! Not just a money saver, pre-booking helps to secure better seating (particularly vital on long-distance trains and buses). During more tranquil months, such as September or early December, you’ll find greater flexibility, and maybe even last-minute deals.
If curvy roads and extended travel hours on rickety vehicles are not your buddy, stay away from sleeper buses, a least unless you’ve a stomach of steel. If so, then flying or even on a soft sleeper train from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh is a lot more forgiving. Don’t forget: upper bunks on trains move more, so we prefer lower berths, and always bring a motion-sickness med, you never know what the Vietnam terrain will bring!
If you’re travelling with kids or with older passengers, it’s more about comfort and safety. In that case:
Whether you opt to hop on the train or get behind the wheel, A visitation from Ninh Binh to Ho Chi Minh is an expedition that offers unforgettable landscapes and cultural differences. Whether you want speed, comfort, budget, landscape, or other hands-on-the-wheel type factors, there’s an ideal route out there for you. Just make sure to plan your trip wisely (beginning with how to get to Ninh Binh) and travel with joy in your heart. Ready to hit the road? The southward course is underway!
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.
