Hi, I’m Hanna. I know when you plan your trip, practical questions are the first to come to mind. You’ve used apps like Ola and Uber back home, and you’re comfortable with Grab in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. So, the big question you have is a very smart one: “Is Grab available in Ninh Binh?” As your trusted guide and friend in Vietnam, let me give you the complete, honest, and practical answer. The short answer is yes, but the full answer is a bit more detailed and will help you travel through Ninh Binh like a local, saving you time, money, and hassle.
Is Grab available in Ninh Binh?
Yes, Grab is available in Ninh Binh from June 19th 2024, but its availability can be limited, especially in areas like Tam Coc or Trang An. While you might find Grab cars or motorbikes in Ninh Binh town, the service can be slower with wait times of 10-15 minutes or more.
GrabCar (4-seater and 7-seater cars)
- Availability: You can find GrabCars in Ninh Binh, especially around the city center, the train station, and major hotels. If you’re a family of 4 or a group of friends arriving by train and need to get to your hotel or resort in Tam Coc, you can likely book a GrabCar.
- The catch: The number of drivers is limited. This means waiting times can be longer, sometimes 10-15 minutes, compared to the 2-3 minutes you might be used to. During peak hours or if it’s raining, you might struggle to find a car at all.
- Price: The prices are set by the app, which is great because you don’t have to bargain. It’s transparent and fair.
- Best for: Short, simple trips like Ninh Binh city to your hotel in Tam Coc, or from your hotel to a specific restaurant in the evening.
READ MORE: How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
GrabBike (Motorbike)
- Availability: This is where Grab truly shines in Ninh Binh! You will find many more GrabBike drivers than GrabCars. They are zipping around everywhere. For solo travellers or couples who are comfortable on a two-wheeler, this is a fantastic and cheap option.
- The catch: It’s only for one passenger per bike. If you are a family, you would need to book multiple GrabBikes, which can be a bit of a coordination challenge. Also, you need to be comfortable with the idea of riding on the back of a motorbike.
- Price: Incredibly affordable! A short trip of a few kilometers might cost you as little as 25,000 VND (around 90 INR).
- Best for: Solo travellers or couples for quick trips, exploring the town, or getting from your hotel to the Tam Coc boat ride entrance.
A crucial tip: Always have a Vietnamese SIM card (like Viettel or Vinaphone) with a good data plan. Your Indian SIM on international roaming can be slow and expensive. You need good internet to use the Grab app effectively. You can buy a tourist SIM right at the airport in Hanoi when you land.
Alternative transportation options in Ninh Binh
Private car with driver
This is, without a doubt, the most popular and recommended option for Indian guests.
- How it works: You hire a car (4-seater, 7-seater, or even a 16-seater van for larger groups) with a local driver for the entire day (usually 8-10 hours).
- Why it’s perfect for Indian travellers:
- Stress-free: The driver knows all the spots – Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Caves, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. You just sit back and relax in the air-conditioning.
- Customisable: You set the itinerary! Want to spend more time at the Bai Dinh Pagoda because you love the architecture? No problem. Want to find a good restaurant for lunch that has vegetarian options? Your driver can help.
- Luggage handling: Your bags are safe in the car while you go for a two-hour boat ride.
- Cost-effective for groups: When you split the cost between 4-6 people, it often works out to be very reasonable.
- Specific evidence (Cost): A full-day private car in Ninh Binh typically costs between 1,200,000 to 1,600,000 VND (approximately $50 – $70 USD or 4,200 – 5,800 INR). You can book this through your hotel, a local travel agent, or I can help you arrange a trusted driver.
READ MORE: Transportation in Vietnam
Taxis
If you just need a one-way trip and can’t find a Grab, traditional taxis are a great option.
- Reliable companies: Look for reputable brands like Mai Linh Taxi (the green ones) or Hoa Lu Taxi or Xuan Thanh Taxi. They are reliable and will use the meter.
- How to use: Your hotel receptionist can call one for you. This is the easiest way to ensure you get a trustworthy company.
- Cost: They are slightly more expensive than GrabCar, but they are readily available.
Motorbike rentals
If you are a couple or a solo traveller with a love for adventure (and an International Driving Permit!), this is an amazing way to experience Ninh Binh.
- The experience: You have total freedom! You can drive through lush green paddy fields, stop wherever you want for a photo, and discover hidden laneways. It’s an unforgettable experience.
- Cost: Very cheap! Renting a semi-automatic or automatic scooter costs about 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day (around 350 – 550 INR), not including petrol.
- Important warning: Please, my friends, be careful. Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic. Always wear a helmet (it’s the law and it will be provided). Only rent if you are a confident and licensed rider. Your safety is the most important thing.
Bicycle rentals
In areas like Tam Coc, where your hotel is surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and rice fields, a bicycle is perfect.
- The experience: Imagine a gentle morning cycle along the river, past locals working in the fields, with ducks swimming alongside you. It’s pure poetry!
- Cost: Many hotels and homestays offer bicycles for free or for a very small rental fee (around 50,000 VND / 180 INR for a day).
READ MORE: Ninh Binh or Sapa: Which is better for your unforgettable Vietnamese journey?
Sample transport plans for different Indian travellers
Let me make it even simpler for you. Here’s how I would advise different groups:
- For a family with kids:
- Day 1 (Sightseeing): Definitely a private car. Visit Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Caves. The comfort is worth every penny.
- Evening: Use GrabCar or a Mai Linh Taxi to go from your hotel to a restaurant for dinner.
- For a young couple on a romantic trip:
- Day 1: Rent a motorbike and create your own adventure. Get lost in the beautiful countryside.
- For short trips: Use GrabBike. It’s fast, cheap, and fun!
- For a solo budget traveller:
- Main transport: Rent a motorbike for maximum freedom and minimum cost.
- Alternative: Rely on GrabBike to hop between the main attractions. It’s totally doable and very economical.
Practical tips for Indian visitors
- Cash is king: While Grab allows card payments, many drivers prefer cash (VND). Also, for motorbike rentals, food stalls, and entrance tickets, you will need Vietnamese Dong.
- Finding vegetarian food: This is a common question I get. Ninh Binh has some wonderful vegetarian restaurants! Having a private driver or the flexibility of a motorbike makes it much easier to reach places like An Lac Chay or Nha Hang Chay Phat An. Just show them the name on Google Maps.
- Bargaining: With Grab and metered taxis, there is no bargaining. For a private car hire or motorbike rental, there might be a little room to negotiate, but the prices are generally quite fair.
- Offline maps: Download the Ninh Binh area on Google Maps offline. If you lose your internet connection in a remote area, you can still find your way back.
READ MORE: Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
Conclusion
So, back to our original question: is grab available in ninh binh? Yes, it is a useful tool to have in your pocket, especially for quick and simple trips using GrabBike. But to truly experience the magic of Ninh Binh without any stress, especially for families and groups, I strongly recommend a private car for the day. For the adventurous, a rented motorbike is the key to freedom.
Think of Grab as one tool in your toolbox, but not the only one. By combining these options, you will have the most amazing, smooth, and unforgettable journey through the spectacular landscapes of my home, Ninh Binh.