Get ready for one of the most scenic transformations in Vietnam, from Ninh Binh’s serene rivers and karst peaks to Halong Bay’s towering limestone islets! A trip from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is not a vacation, it’s a nature and culture astounding adventure. Whatever your choice of budget, Ninh Binh to Halong Bay cruise, private car, or value bus trip, this guide will analyze each travel time and expense, and the best options with insider knowledge. Want to plan a longer trip? Don’t forget our handy Hanoi to Ha Long tips to complete your ultimate Vietnam travel guide. Let’s get clever on how to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay!
|
Transport Mode |
Duration |
Cost Range (USD / VND) |
Best For |
|
Shuttle/Limousine Bus |
3.5 – 4 hours |
$13 – $25 / ~300,000 – 600,000 VND |
Comfort at a budget price, solo travelers, couples |
|
Private Car / Taxi |
3 – 3.5 hours |
$65 – $130 / ~1.6M – 3M VND |
Families, groups, privacy-seekers |
|
Local Bus |
4.5 – 5 hours |
$7 – $10 / ~170,000 – 250,000 VND |
Budget travelers, cultural immersion |
|
Train + Bus Combo |
~5 – 6 hours total |
$15 – $25 / ~350,000 – 600,000 VND |
Scenic lovers, slow travel enthusiasts |
|
Motorbike |
5 – 6 hours |
$8 – $20 / ~200,000 – 480,000 VND |
Adventurers, experienced riders |
Travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay? Use the shuttle or limousine bus for a convenient, timely, and budget-friendly ride.
Green Bus (Source: 12go)
The Long Travel Bus (Source: 12go)
Pros
Cons
Arcady Travel
Ninh Binh Private Car
VM Travel / Vietnam Private Car
Vietnam Private Car (Source: tripadvisor)
Local buses are a cultural adventure in themselves. You’ll board alongside locals, sometimes even with bags of produce or chickens in tow. These buses typically have 45 seats, basic air conditioning (if working), and stop frequently to pick up and drop off passengers.
Expect a slower ride compared to limousine services, but you’ll get a raw, real look at rural life in Vietnam along the route from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
If you do plan to join in later with a Ninh Binh to Halong Bay cruise, this will not be the ideal option due to the unpredictable schedule. But for an authentic road trip experience, nothing beats this.
The most used is QL1A → QL10 → QL18, taking you on a fascinating ride of countryside, rice paddies, industrial cities, and rural villages before you reach Halong City.
Key: Motorbikes are not allowed on expressways, so stay on these national highways.
QL1A (Source: wikipedia)
If you are considering taking this route, your top priority should be safety. Here’s a quick rundown before you leave:
Perfect for:
Not ideal for:
This is not a stroll through the park, but the experience is well worth it. You’ll ride along rural temples, roadside cafes, buffalo crossings, and miles of uncharted landscapes few visitors get to see.
These are some trusted motorbike rental sites to assist you in getting started:
Motorbike Ninh Binh (Source: motorbike)
Your adventure begins with a 2.5-hour train trip along one of Vietnam’s north-south railways. The train glides easily through country towns, green rice paddies, and country markets—a leisurely and scenic introduction to your Ninh Binh to Halong Bay adventure.
Schedule examples (subject to change):
Cost: Approximately 9–12 USD (220,000 – 280,000 VND), depending on seat type. Soft seats and air-con vehicles are most suitable for this route.
From Hanoi, time to board a bus to the beach. There are numerous options, from basic buses to air-conditioned limousine vans with USB ports and free Wi-Fi.
Popular operators include:
Put both amounts together, and the whole journey from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay costs 15–25 USD and lasts 5 to 6 hours, including traveling time.
Daiichi Travel Bus (Source: daiichitravel)
Vietnam’s holidays and peak seasons (e.g., Tet or summer vacation) will reserve buses and private cars weeks in advance. Always reserve ahead, especially with shuttle buses or any Ninh Binh to Halong Bay cruise service. Popular providers and drivers book up quickly, so don’t procrastinate.
The trip from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is 3.5 to 6 hours, depending on your mode of transport.
Pack:
Bonus: A neck pillow for extended trips adds a huge dose of comfort.
Ready to embark on the journey from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay? Whatever your choice of comfort, adventure, or scenic route, there’s something for everyone. Make your plans based on time and taste, and if you’re continuing on the journey, add in the transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long. Either way you go, your trip from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is not just a transfer, it’s part of the adventure!
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 Halong bay is one of the most amazing package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours bring you to explore the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, sumptuous sea food and excellent service with 6 hours cruise tour among the bay that is also a great option for travelers to discover the nature wonder. We ensure you will have memorable trip to visit one of seven World nature wonder.
Tour explores the most magnificent beauty of nature in the world ( Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay). You will not only see many fantastically shaped islands, beautiful beaches, and great natural caves, but you will also learn more about its history and local people and join to ocean activities.
This tour is 3 days and 2 nights staying on cruises. To explore further paths to hidden corner of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay. To take part in marine activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, rock climbing or swimming at the pristine and untouched beaches.
This tour with 4 days/3 nights on boat/cruises to explore Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long bay off the beaten track where is not touristic area, the feeling so tranquil of the fresh atmosphere. And discover the local people where you can see and learn about negative fishermen and floating fishing village around Tonkin Gulf.
