Hanoi, with its incredible energy, delicious street food, and fascinating Old Quarter, is the heart of Northern Vietnam. But just a short journey away lies Ninh Binh, the soul. It’s where the pace slows down, the landscape opens up, and you are surrounded by a beauty so magical it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting. A day trip is the perfect way to experience this magic without needing to pack and unpack your bags again. But to do it right, you need a good plan. So, let me be your guide and give you the real, practical advice you need to create the perfect, stress-free day trip.
Is a day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi actually a good idea?
Let’s start with the most important question. Is it too much for one day?
Absolutely not, but you must be prepared for a full and rewarding day. Ninh Binh is located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi. With modern highways, the journey takes just under 2 hours.
A typical timeline: You would leave Hanoi around 8:00 AM and return by 7:00 or 8:00 PM, tired but with a camera full of stunning photos and a heart full of peace.
It’s a long day, but for those short on time, it is 100% worth the effort. You get to see a completely different side of Vietnam—one of towering limestone mountains, serene river journeys, and lush green countryside.
READ MORE: How many days enough to Vietnam?
How to plan your perfect “Day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi”
This is the most critical decision you will make. Choosing the right transport will define your entire experience. Here are the options, broken down for different types of Indian travellers.
The private car – the ultimate choice for families and comfort-seekers
This is, without a doubt, the option I recommend most highly to my Indian guests, especially families with children or elderly parents, or groups of friends.
How it works
You hire a private car with a driver for the entire day. He picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi, takes you to all the sights in Ninh Binh, waits for you, and drives you back in the evening.
Why it’s perfect
- Total comfort: Relax in an air-conditioned car. Perfect for escaping the midday heat.
- Flexibility: You are the boss! Want to spend more time at one spot? No problem. Need to find a clean restroom for the kids? Your driver knows where to go. Need to stop for some fresh coconut water? Just ask!
- Stress-free: No need to worry about navigating, parking, or finding your next spot. Your luggage and shopping are safe in the car while you take a 2-hour boat tour.
- Finding vegetarian food: This is a big plus. Your driver can take you directly to a restaurant known for good vegetarian (“chay”) options.
A full-day private car (4-seater or 7-seater) for a round trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh will cost between $90 – $120 USD (approximately 7,500 – 10,000 INR). When split between 3-4 people, this offers fantastic value for the convenience you get.
The group tour (Shuttle Bus) – The best for solo travellers and budget-conscious couples
If you are travelling alone or on a tighter budget, a group tour is an excellent and very popular option.
How it works
You join a tour with other travellers on a comfortable shuttle bus or limousine bus. They handle everything –transport, guide, lunch, and entrance fees are often included in one price.
Why it’s a good option
- Cost-effective: It’s the cheapest hassle-free way to see Ninh Binh.
- Social: It’s a great way to meet other travellers from around the world.
- All-inclusive: You pay one price, and you don’t have to think about a thing.
The catch
The itinerary is fixed. You move with the group’s schedule, so there’s less flexibility. The lunch provided is usually a set buffet.
Prices for these tours range from $30 – $60 USD per person (2,500 – 5,000 INR), depending on the quality of the bus (limousine buses are more comfortable) and what’s included.
The train: For a scenic and local experience
For those who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the train is a charming option.
How it works
You take a 2.5-hour train (SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE35, SE19) ride from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Station. The journey itself is lovely, passing through countryside and small towns.
The big challenge for a day trip
Once you arrive at Ninh Binh station, you still need to arrange transport to see the sights (which are 15-30 minutes away). You’ll have to hire a taxi for the day or try to use Grab, which can eat up precious time. For a tight one-day schedule, this can be stressful.
Advice from Vietnamstory.in:I recommend the train only if you plan to stay overnight in Ninh Binh. For a day trip, the private car or group tour is far more efficient.
The perfect itinerary for your day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
You can’t see everything in one day, so you have to choose wisely! Here are two classic, time-tested itineraries that guarantee a fantastic day.
Itinerary 1: The UNESCO Spectacular (Trang An and Mua Caves)
This is the most popular combination for a reason. It offers breathtaking views and the “wow” factor you see in all the photos.
- Morning (around 10:00 AM): Arrive at Trang An Grottoes. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will sit in a small sampan boat, and a local person will row you for 2.5-3 hours through a network of caves and lagoons. The scenery is epic, surrounded by giant limestone karsts. It’s where parts of the movie Kong: Skull Island were filmed!
- Lunch (around 1:00 PM): Your driver or guide will take you to a local restaurant.
- Afternoon (around 2:30 PM): Head to Mua Caves (Hang Mua). Here, the challenge is to climb the 500 steps up Lying Dragon Mountain. I know it sounds tiring, but the view from the top is the reward. You will see the river snaking through the mountains and rice fields – it is the single most famous viewpoint in Ninh Binh and absolutely worth the effort.
Itinerary 2: The Cultural & Classic (Hoa Lu and Tam Coc)
This itinerary combines history with a more traditional and gentle boat ride.
- Morning (around 10:00 AM): Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. Here you can explore the historic temples dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Le dynasties. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to connect with Vietnam’s history.
- Lunch (around 12:30 PM): Enjoy lunch nearby.
- Afternoon (around 2:00 PM): Take the Tam Coc boat ride. This is a shorter (1.5 hours) and more intimate boat journey along the Ngo Dong River. You’ll pass through three caves (“Tam Coc”) and glide alongside vibrant rice paddies. It’s especially beautiful when the rice is green (May-July) or golden (August-September).
Pro tip: Do not try to do everything! Some tours will promise Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, and Mua Caves in one day. This is far too rushed. Choose one of the itineraries above for a relaxed and enjoyable day.
Final practical tips for Indian travellers
- Vegetarian food: Don’t worry! Just learn the magic word: “chay” (vegetarian). Your guide or driver can help you communicate this at any restaurant. There are plenty of delicious tofu, mushroom, and vegetable dishes available.
- What to wear: Wear light, comfortable clothes and walking shoes (especially for Mua Caves!). If you visit a pagoda (like at Hoa Lu), it’s respectful to have your shoulders and knees covered. A hat and sunscreen are essential.
- Cash is important: While you can pay for your tour by card, you will need Vietnamese Dong (VND) in cash for drinks, souvenirs, and most importantly, a tip for your boat rower.
- A note on tipping: In Trang An or Tam Coc, your rower works incredibly hard for 2-3 hours. It is a kind and common custom to give them a tip at the end of the ride. A tip of 50,000 – 100,000 VND per boat is greatly appreciated and makes a big difference to them.
Conclusion
A day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is more than just possible; it’s a fantastic opportunity to see the peaceful, majestic beauty of Vietnam’s countryside. By choosing the right transport for your group—a comfortable private car for families or a value-for-money group tour for solo travellers—and picking a well-paced itinerary, you are guaranteed a day of unforgettable memories.