Is Ninh Binh possible in 1 day from Hanoi?
Ninh Binh is approximately 100 km (62 miles) south of Hanoi, and thanks to the express highway, the drive takes just 1.5 hours. So yes, it is possible to visit Ninh Binh in a day. In fact, Ninh Binh is one of the most popular day tours from Hanoi, allowing you to explore some of its biggest highlights and return to Hanoi before dinner.
That said, while a day trip to Ninh Binh is doable, it’s important to note that the region offers much more than can be covered in a single day. If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay to fully experience what Ninh Binh has to offer. Here’s why:
- Abundance of attractions: Ninh Binh has enough cultural, historical, and natural sights to keep you busy for at least three days.
- Relaxing atmosphere: With its serene landscapes, Ninh Binh is an ideal place to take a break from the fast pace of traveling around Vietnam.
- Unique Accommodations: The region offers highly-rated accommodations, including bungalow-style rooms with stunning rice field views and relaxing pools.
If time is limited, a one-day tour is a great way to get a glimpse of Ninh Binh’s beauty, but staying longer allows for a deeper experience.
Traveling by yourself or organised day tour
If you’re planning a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, you’ll need to decide between two options: organizing the trip yourself or booking an organized day tour. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your travel style and budget. Here’s what you need to know:
Going by yourself to Ninh Binh
Traveling independently to Ninh Binh is straightforward, with limousine buses offering convenient hotel pickups in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The ride takes about 1.5 hours via the expressway. Make sure to get dropped off in Tam Coc, not Ninh Binh city, as it’s closer to major attractions like Trang An and Hang Mua. Once there, you’ll need local transportation to explore:
- Bikes: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore nearby spots like Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda. However, if your 1-day Ninh Binh itinerary includes farther sights, biking may take too much time and energy.
- Scooters: Available to rent for 100,000–150,000 VND/day (around $4–$6 USD) plus fuel costs. Although most shops don’t check licenses, legally, an international or Vietnamese license is required. Without one, insurance claims could be voided.
- Taxis: Taxis are available in Tam Coc but are harder to find in more remote locations like temples and pagodas. It’s best to arrange your return trip in advance or use ride-hailing apps like Grab if available.
- Car with Driver: Hiring a private car from Hanoi is a premium option but ensures a stress-free day. You can visit multiple attractions without worrying about bus schedules, navigation, or timing.
Pros of arranging it by yourself
- Offers the most private and flexible experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
- More adventurous and rewarding for those who enjoy self-navigation.
- Can be cheaper than tours, especially for couples or solo travelers.
Cons arranging it by yourself
- Requires planning and navigation, which can be time-consuming.
- Managing logistics (transport, lunch, timing) can be stressful.
- May not maximize your limited time in Ninh Binh.
Ninh Binh day tour options
Organized day tours to Ninh Binh are a popular and convenient way to explore the region. These tours typically include transportation, a local guide, lunch, and sometimes additional activities like cycling or boat rides. The journey starts with hotel pickups in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and takes about 1.5 hours to Ninh Binh.
Day tours vary in two main aspects:
- Group Sizes: Options range from large groups (30+ people) to small groups (10 or fewer). Smaller groups or private tours offer a more intimate experience but come at a higher cost.
- Itineraries: Tours often include famous attractions, but smaller, less popular sites may not be covered.
Pros of arranging it by yourself
- Everything is prearranged, so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
- Allows you to see multiple sights in a single day, maximizing your time.
- Includes local guides who provide historical and cultural context.
- Often includes added activities like cycling.
Cons arranging it by yourself
- Larger group tours can feel less personal.
- Small groups are often a bit more expensive.
- Fixed itineraries limit flexibility unless you opt for a private tour.
Our recommendation: going by small group or private tour
For a day trip to Ninh Binh, we recommend a small group or private tour for the best experience. It ensures you can visit key attractions, enjoy comfortable transportation, and avoid the stress of planning. While independent travel is ideal for longer stays, tours let you make the most of your limited time. If your budget allows, a private or small group tour offers the perfect balance of convenience and a personalized experience.
Creating the best Ninh Binh day tour itinerary
Planning the perfect day trip to Ninh Binh requires balancing the region’s natural beauty with its cultural highlights. Ninh Binh is filled with a wide variety of attractions, but it’s impossible to see them all in just one day. You’ll need to prioritize and make choices, embracing the fact that you can only visit a few of the many stunning sights the region has to offer. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create a memorable and well-balanced itinerary for your day tour.
Step 1: Choosing the best boat tour
For most visitors, the boat tours in Ninh Binh are the absolute highlight. There are four main options, but the two most popular are Trang An and Tam Coc. Since both tours are time-intensive, doing both in one day isn’t recommended—it would leave little time for anything else, and sitting in a wooden rowing boat for hours can become uncomfortable. Selecting one is the key to an enjoyable day.
Option 1: Trang An
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most scenic boat tour in Ninh Binh. The area features towering limestone mountains, emerald-green waters, and a series of caves to explore. Along the route, you’ll also see ancient temples and filming locations from movies like Kong: Skull Island. This route offers a more dramatic and pristine experience, as it is less built-up compared to Tam Coc.
- Duration: 2–3 hours
Option 2: Tam Coc
Tam Coc is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and lush surroundings, particularly during the rice-growing season (May–June), when the fields turn vibrant green or golden. The boat ride takes you past limestone peaks, through caves, and alongside rice paddies. It’s shorter than Trang An, leaving you more time for other attractions.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Our recommendation: Trang An
While both tours are excellent, Trang An is the top choice for most travelers. Its scenery is stunning year-round, whereas Tam Coc is most impressive during the rice-growing season. Additionally, you can still experience the Tam Coc area by cycling or hiking Mua Cave for panoramic views, but the grandeur of Trang An can only be appreciated by boat.
Step 2: Choose best cultural sights
Beyond its natural landscapes, Ninh Binh is rich in history and culture. Adding a cultural site to your itinerary brings diversity to your day and allows you to delve deeper into Vietnam’s heritage. There are many cultural and historical attractions in the region, but we highlight the two most impressive and commonly included in organized day tours from Hanoi.
Option 1: Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complexes, featuring impressive architecture and religious significance. Key highlights include a towering stupa offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, a massive bronze Buddha statue, and hundreds of stone arhats lining the walkways. Its scale and grandeur make it a remarkable site, but it requires more time to explore and is located farther from other attractions.
Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Option 2: Hoa Lo Ancient Citalel
Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s first capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. While much of the original citadel is no longer visible, the site includes two well-preserved temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh. Set in a scenic valley surrounded by limestone mountains, Hoa Lu offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s early history and culture, making it an excellent addition to your itinerary.
Duration: 30–60 minutes
Our recommendation: Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
Although Bai Dinh Pagoda is a far more visually striking structure, we recommend Hoa Lu for its deep historical significance. As Vietnam’s first capital, it played a vital role in the country’s early history, and while not much of the original citadel remains, the preserved temples provide a fascinating glimpse into the past. Additionally, Hoa Lu’s location near Trang An and its shorter visiting time make it a practical choice for a day trip, allowing you to see more of Ninh Binh in limited time.
Step 3: Add Mua Cave
Mua Cave is known for its spectacular viewpoint, which offers panoramic vistas of the Tam Coc valley. After climbing 500 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of limestone peaks, winding rivers, and rice paddies below. This site is relatively quick to visit and provides a unique perspective on the region, making it an essential stop on your Ninh Binh day tour.
Step 4: Cycling (optional)
While visiting specific sights is the focus of most itineraries, cycling through Ninh Binh’s countryside is a memorable way to experience its beauty up close. Ride along quiet paths flanked by towering karst cliffs, serene rice paddies, and water buffalo grazing in the fields. Many tours include short cycling sessions, but if you’re traveling independently, bikes are easy to rent in Tam Coc.
Tip: Cycling is suitable for all fitness levels and often becomes a highlight of the day.
Ninh Binh day tour itinerary
If you follow our recommendations above, here’s how your Ninh Binh day tour itinerary could look:
1. Pick-Up from Old Quarter in Hanoi
Start your day early with a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The 1.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh will give you some time to relax or enjoy views of the countryside.
2. Trang An Boat Tour
Begin your day with a boat ride through Trang An. The morning is the best time to visit, as it’s less crowded and the cooler temperatures make it more comfortable, especially during the summer months. The boat tour takes around 2–3 hours, providing plenty of time to admire the breathtaking scenery.
4. Lunch
After the boat tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Many day tours include lunch in their package, offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes and regional specialties.
5. Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
Head to Hoa Lu, just a short drive from Trang An. Explore the historic temples and learn about Vietnam’s first capital while soaking in the serene surroundings of the limestone mountains.
6. Cycling Through Tam Coc’s Rice Fields
Rent a bike or join a cycling tour to explore the picturesque Tam Coc area. Ride along quiet paths, pass by rice fields, and take in the tranquil beauty of the landscape. This is a great way to experience the rural charm of Ninh Binh up close.
7. Mua Cave Viewpoint
End your day with a visit to Mua Cave. Climb the 500 steps to the top for stunning panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding karst mountains. It’s a rewarding finale to your Ninh Binh adventure.
8. Return to Hanoi
After Mua Cave, head back to Hanoi. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and you’ll arrive in time for dinner or a relaxing evening.
