Complete guide to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, Vietnam
View at Bich Dong Pagoda
We feel that Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam is a perfect destination for travelers who want to admire the charming beauty of t, but at the same time do not want to go too deep to the north.
Ninh Binh is located about 2 hours south Hanoi and offers travelers dramatic views of the karst mountains, bike rides in the countryside, picturesque rice paddies, peaceful atmosphere, and affordable prices.
Ninh Binh is often referred to as Halong Bay on land, indeed it has karst formations, rivers and ponds, caves and grottoes. Picturesque scenery inspires those seeking vivid impressions to study the beauties of Ninh Binh more thoroughly – kayaking and boat trips are one of the most popular types of outdoor activities in this region. Besides that, you can go cycling, try local specialties and even see the Ninh Binh Dragon!
Table of Contents
Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc
Getting to Ninh Binh from elsewhere in Vietnam
In what area to stay in Ninh Binh
Best things to do in Ninh Binh
How to get to Ninh Binh?
It is the most convenient to get to Nin Binh by train from cities on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh railway line, especially from Hanoi, as well as by ferry and bus from Cat Ba Island. When traveling the 100km distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, you have several options:
TRAIN from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Duration: 2.5 hours
Costs: $5-7
The trains to Ninh Binh depart from Hanoi Central Station (120 Đường Lê Duẩn, Văn Miếu, Hoàn Kiếm) with the following schedule:
SE7 06:00 AM - 08:14 AM
SE5 08:50 AM - 11:04 AM
SE9 14:25 PM - 16:50 PM
SE3 19:25 PM - 21:39 PM
SE19 20:10 PM - 22:21 PM
Note: In summer, on holidays, festivals, train tickets often sell out quickly so we recommend to book a few days in advance.
The prices range from $5 to $7 for a soft seat airconditioned train, you can book tickets online on 12go.asia.
You will get off the train on Ninh Binh train station from where you will have to take a taxi to Tam Coc (50,000 VND for 15 min ride) or to elsewhere in Ninh Binh city (unless you are staying near the train station).
BUS/MINIVAN from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Costs: $8
Hanoi and Ninh Binh are connected by regular transport links. Local shuttle buses leave approximately every 30 minutes from various locations: from the southern terminal of Giap Bat, from Hanoi Old Quarter and even from Hoi Bai Airport. Check the timetable and tickets for tourist buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
This might be more time saving if you are going straight to Tam Coc as you won’t have to take the taxi from Ninh Binh train station.
We personally prefer the train as it is more spacious with plenty of leg space, there is a toilet available and you don’t feel cranked in a tin can.
Both train and bus take around 2-2.5 hours.
One way ticket from Noi Bai airport in Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs around $18.
TAXI from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Duration: 2-2.5hours
Costs: $60-80
You can book a private car or a limousine van for up to 9 people in Hanoi. You can book a limousine on 12go.asia or directly through the following companies: Group Tour, Ouros Travel, Beefuntrip, Dichung Taxi. This is the ideal way to get there if you’re traveling in a group of 6 or more!
Hanoi to Ninh Binh by MOTORBIKE
Duration: 2 hours
Costs: daily motorbike rental $7-15
We believe it is the best way to get to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc if you are a confident driver! In the long run, you will save money by avoiding to have to rent a motorbike once there or taking a taxi from Ninh Binh train station.
You can also visit Perfume Pagoda on the way from Hanoi to Ninh Binh which will make for a perfect break from driving.
Hanoi to Tam Coc
You can reach the touristy cave area of Tam Coc from the center of Hanoi, as well as from the Hanoi International Airport.
If you opt for a train, you will have to take a taxi from Ninh Binh train station to Tam Coc which should cost around 50.000 VND.
If you take a bus, it is possible to get dropped off at Tam Coc which should save you some energy.
Check bus and train tickets on 12go.asia (book carefully, the place of arrival should be Ben do Tam Coc).
Cat Ba island to Ninh Binh or Cat Ba to Tam Coc
The most convenient option to get from Cat Ba to Ninh Binh is by connection ticket (about $ 10-12), which includes organized transfers: a ferry from Cat Ba to Hai Phong, a bus from the pier to the bus station, a bus to Ninh Binh (total travel time is about 5 hours with all transfers, stops and waiting).
Buses arrive either to the center of Ninh Binh or to Tam Coc (check the place of arrival carefully).
Getting to Ninh Binh from elsewhere
Ninh Binh Railway Station is located on Vietnam's main Reunification Line, which connects Hanoi with the cities of northern Vietnam.
By train, you can get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi (about 3 hours) and Hue (about 7-8 hours), as well as from Phong Nha (via Dong Hoi Station) and Da Nang.
The stop at Ninh Binh is very short, so keep an eye on the route and get ready for the exit in advance.
In what area of Ninh Binh to stay?
Neighborhoods around Ninh Binh train station are considered to be the backpacker area with good budget hotels and guest houses, travel agencies, cafes and restaurants. We believe that for a short stop in Ninh Binh, it is fine to book accommodation in this area.
For those who travel to Ninh Binh for a few days and want to immerse themselves in the local nature and culture, we recommend staying outside of the city, in the vicinity of Tam Coc caves. There are many lovely little hotels and homestays, there are also quite a lot of good restaurants, as for us even more than in Ninh Binh town. The atmosphere here is more relaxed than in the city and you have the main Ninh Binh highlights at hand’s reach.
Tam Coc is located about 6 km from the city, you can get there from the station or bus station by taxi or motorbike taxi. Buses from Hanoi also run to Tam Coc (see details in the section How to get there).
Budget - Nam Khanh Coffee hostel - An interesting little gem we found on the outskirts of all the crowds. Just a 7 min taxi ride from the train station and away from the touristy prices in the area. Nam Khanh provides you with a clean, affordable, and all your basic needs for a good nights rest. We stayed here for 3 nights totalling us $20, rented a motorbike for $5 a day, and they made great iced coffee, noodles, and eggs for breakfast. Can’t beat that!
Mid-Range - Tam Coc Boutique Garden - This beautiful retreat is located along the Tam Coc Lake so it’s nice and quiet. Probably some of the most delicious breakfast we had while in the area for the week, even better than a 5-star resort. The owner is extremely friendly and welcoming and super close to food and convenient store if necessary. If you’re looking to spend some time with people who are genuinely interested in having you as a guest and learning from one another, we’d highly suggest this place. $45 a night.
Luxury - Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort - This was our final stop after spending nearly a week in Ninh Binh. We couldn’t have planned it better than we did, saving it for the last night in town. Up til now, this just may be the best nights sleep we’ve had while out here in Vietnam, just the fluffiest pillows you sink right into! Now if you’re just arriving into town have no worries, as you’ll be able to wake up in the morning and practically walk to all the action. The staff here will take care of everything from start to finish and won’t drain your energy whatsoever, they’re extremely outgoing and well-spoken. $230 a night
Best things to do in Ninh Binh
Rent a bicycle and ride around
Go for an alternative boat route – Tran An
Enjoy the view from Hang Mua Peak viewpoint
Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu
Admire the views from the ancient rocky pagoda Bich Dong
Rent a bicycle and explore the incredible beauty of Ninh Binh
The main attractions of Ninh Binh - the Tam Coc caves, Trang An grottoes, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the Bich Dong pagoda and the Hang Mua Peak viewpoint are located within a radius of 10-15 km from the city and Tam Coc area. The landscape in the region is flat, which makes cycling among best things to do in Ninh Binh for exploring local attractions by bike.
All guesthouses in Ninh Binh offer bike rental for a fee; at the hotel, you can also take a map of the surrounding areas and get tips on how to build the best bike route.
Alternatively, rent a motorbike anywhere in the city (about $ 7/day) which makes sense if you are only staying in Ninh Binh for 1 day or want to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is located slightly away from the main attractions, about 25 kilometers from Ninh Binh and Tam Coc area.
Tam Coc Boat Ride
Time to spend there: 2.5 hours
Entrance fee: 120K VND/person (plus 150K VND for boat hire)
Tam Coc - Take an incredibly beautiful route along a calm and very picturesque river. You can get to the starting point (6 km from the city) by bicycle or motorbike. The boats are run by local elderly women, be prepared to leave some tips or buy a small souvenir from her. The duration of Tam Coc boat ride is about 2.5 - 3 hours, the cost is about $ 7-8 for a small double boat, plus about $ 5-6 entrance fees plus a tip expect to pay roughly $20 total!
Tam Coc Boat Ride
In order to avoid the crowds coming from Hanoi, come early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Halfway to Tam Coc (or on the way back), you can stop at the Bich Dong Pagoda, which is 3 kilometers from the caves.
This region is very similar to Krabi in Thailand. The same karst cliffs covered in greenery, and lotus flowers growing on the water.
In Vietnamese, “Tam Coc” means three caves and indeed our Tam Coc boat ride tour took us through 3 caves named Hang Ca, Hang Giua cave and cave Hang Chateau.
At different times of the year, the water level is different here. In the rainy season, it reaches its maximum and then you can touch the ceiling of the cave with your hand.
However, this amazing place has its own drawbacks – extremely persistent sellers who will beg you to purchase their goods at high prices. Our way to avoid it was just not engaging in dialogue with them, if you don’t reply and look another way, they will quickly get bored and switch to other tourists passing by.
Also, you can get chased by a photographer. We did not immediately understand what was happening as all tourists on boats photograph each other, smile at the camera and have fun.
But when a Vietnamese woman began to make thousands of pictures, we realized that upon return she would offer to purchase them. Well, buying a photo or not is up to you but we suggest to bargain as on the river sellers inflate for everything.
Also, when you return to the pier, each rower will literally demand tips. Many tourists are outraged by this fact and even try to argue because they have already paid money for the entrance and the boat.
To avoid the scandal you will have to reward the rower with 30 to 50k Vnd. They’ll most likely refuse to park the boat at the pier until they received their reward.
Pro Tip: This is an unspoken rule out here, so know that we told you ahead of time so you don’t have your day ruined by it.
Tam Coc Boat Ride
The views remind me of Phong Nha in central Vietnam which is unlike Ninh Binh is still an off-the-beaten path destination.
Trang An Boat Ride
Time to spend there: 2-3 hours
Entrance fee: 240K VND/person (including the boat) + a tip for your rower
Trang An Grottoes, located 7 km from the city, is an alternative less touristy river route in the Ninh Binh area. Trang An Boat Ride is similar to Tam Coc boat ride but, in addition to the caves, you will see several temples. The route is longer (more precisely, there are three routes, each lasts about three hours) the price is a little cheaper, 240K per person for in a 4 person boat.
So, in Trang An, you can choose one of the three routes, all of them are quite different, although about half the way is the same for each of them. The first route has 9 caves, the second - you get a chance to visit the island where the film “Kong. Skull Island ” has been filmed and 3 or 4 caves, we chose it, and the third has 4 caves. Taking a boat a ride makes it to the top of the bucket list things to do in Ninh Binh!
See the Ninh Binh dragon at Hang Mua Peak viewpoint
Time to spend there: 2 hours
Entrance fee: 100K VND/person (or free for Mua Caves Ecolodge guests)
Hang Mua Peak is situated on the top of the mountain and features interesting architectural elements - a small temple, low stone moor and a dragon statue on a rock ridge. A 360-degree panorama opens a view of the endless karst hills and the river valley, the way up, however, will take about 20 minutes and you will have to climb 500 steps carved from stone.
Hang Mua Peak is one of Ninh Binh highlights and by far one the most photogenic viewpoints of Vietnam that can be seen in many photographs from this area. This accounts not only to gorgeous views but also to Instagram famous Ninh Binh dragon.
During the summer, we recommend visiting this place closer to sunset as it won’t be so hot. From early morning, even as early as 7-8 am it becomes unbearably hot and stuffy! And the staircase is also in the open sun, so the road up in the morning is not pleasant.
The staircase to Mount Mua winds with a white zigzag to the very top. Its steps are not the most comfortable - high and made of stones. Approximately in the middle of the path, the path divides - one path leads to the turret at a lower peak, the second - to the observation deck on the very top.
At the highest point, you will see the Ninh Binh dragon (it supposedly lived there), a Lady Buddha and stunning views of Tam Coc National Park and Tam Coc boat rides: the river and boats floating on the way to the first cave. As for us, Ninh Binh dragon is among the most photo-worthy things to do in Ninh Binh. On the other hand (if you climb to the turret) you can see karst mountains, fields and houses of local residents.
Explore the pagodas and temples of the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu
Time to spend there: 2-3 hours
Entrance fee: 20K VND
This place will be of interest, first of all, to those who are interested in history. The ancient capital of Vietnam was on the peak of prosperity in 10-11th century and today you can see the remnants of its glory: preserved elements of the citadel and small ambient temples.
As for us, it is quite a nice place to visit unless you are limited in time as it’s overall not a mandatory visit for things to do in Ninh Binh.
Admire the views from the territory and the top of the ancient rocky pagoda Bich Dong
Time to spend there: It will probably take you from 1 to 2 hours to explore the temple complex and take in the history.
Entrance fee: Free, the local ladies will charge you for parking and can even try to charge for entrance but it’s free.
Area known as Tam Coc Bich Dong is an impressive temple complex located close to the Ngu Nhac mountain. It consists of three temples skillfully built at different levels and harmonically merged into the local landscape with one of the pagodas dating back to 1428. The structures are called: Have Pagoda (lower pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (upper pagoda) and a cave.
The very last pagoda offers visitors a wonderful view and perfect silence (unless there are other tourists around).
The temple complex is operating, so dress respectively. Comfortable trekking shoes will also be of good use.
Take a stroll through the territory of Asia's largest temple complex - Bai Dinh Temple
Time to spend there: 2-3 hours
Entrance fee: Free
Bai Dinh is located about 25 km from the city and occupies a vast territory. Currently, it is the largest temple complex in Asia which connects elements of ancient temples with modern architecture.
Bai Dinh has the largest pagoda in the country, the largest bell, the largest Buddha statue and the largest number of smaller Buddha statues (about 10 thousand). There are two levels - upper (old pagoda at an altitude of 200 m) and lower (new territory of the pagoda).
Come here early to skip the tourist crowds. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
Try local specialties
Ninh Binh, like many regions of Vietnam, can boast of its “special” dishes that are usually presented on the menu on separate pages. The uniqueness of such specialties is that they can only be tried in one region and nowhere else. Some of the dishes are similar to the ones you can find in Hanoi and some are completely unique!
In the Ninh Binh, there are two unique dishes. The first is Com Chay, fried crispy rice with nuts in the shape of a thick plate that can be eaten like a snack or dipped in a warm sauce or stew.
The second dish is De Tai Chanh, goat meat cooked in lemon juice with the addition of chili, ginger and a lot of aromatic spices and herbs.
A popular local breakfast option is Banh Cuon, a kind of fresh springrolls with pork and mushrooms. Trying local specialties has definitely become our Ninh Binh highlight!
Also, we tried a beef salad and even though this dish is prepared all over the country, it was exceptionally good in Ninh Binh.
Wondering what to do in Ninh Binh on a rainy day or don’t know what else to do? Going for a little food tour is always a good option!
Where to go after Ninh Binh?
You can go from Ninh Binh to any major city on the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh railway line. See timetables and train tickets on 12go.asia.
If you travel from north to south, then from Ninh Binh you can continue your way to the caves of Phong Nha (via the railway station Dong Hoi), Hue, Da Nang (and further to Hoi An).
If you travel from south to north, then from Ninh Binh you can go to Hanoi or Cat Ba Island, or Ninh Binh to Halong.
We found that the majority of travelers go from Ninh Binh to Hanoi as it is the closest place.