NINH BINH FROM HANOI:
WHAT TO SEE, HOW TO GET THERE & WHERE TO STAY
The final stop on my journey in Vietnam from north to south —for more Vietnam travel guides, be sure to check out my other articles—is enchanting Ninh Binh, easily accessible by train from Hanoi. If you're visiting northern Vietnam and you're craving a break from the hustle of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the ultimate escape. Just a few hours' drive south of the capital, it's a magical place, very similar to Ha Long Bay but with far fewer tourists.
Imagine pedaling through rice paddies, towering limestone cliffs, ancient pagodas, and serene rivers. Well, this is Ninh Binh. A captivating destination where you'll feel like you've been catapulted back in time, where nature is truly magical.
In this article, I’ll show you how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, what to do once you're there, and how to plan a trip that balances iconic sights with lesser-known treasures like the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary or the Thung Nham Bird Park.
HOW TO GET FROM HANOI TO NINH BINH
Getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is super easy and surprisingly affordable:
The easiest and most scenic way, in my opinion, is to opt for the train; many travelers opt for this option. The journey is peaceful, and the scenery you'll see—from the train tracks winding through Hanoi's houses to the green, flat rice paddies as you approach Ninh Binh—is well worth the effort. Trains depart from Hanoi Railway Station.
Pro Tip: Many travelers, myself included, use Tam Coc as their base rather than Ninh Binh City—it’s more charming and scenic, surrounded by karst cliffs and lush rice fields.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN NINH BINH
TRANG AN BOAT TOUR
Forget Ha Long Bay; if you're looking for something quieter and with fewer crowds, Trang An is the perfect choice. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a labyrinth of rivers, magnificent limestone cliffs, and caves you'll enter by boat. It's truly a unique and cinematic place, and the idea of experiencing it firsthand, thanks to the boat tour, offers a unique and unforgettable perspective. The tour lasts about two hours, plus the time spent disembarking to visit some temples and pagodas on land. Each boat can hold a maximum of two people, so depending on the number of people you are traveling with, you may need to wait for enough people to fill the boat. You can also choose between three different tours, each featuring different caves and pagodas, but the price is the same.
* Choose between 3 boat routes (each takes 2–3 hours).
* You’ll float through dark caves, stop at ancient temples, and glide past jaw-dropping karst scenery.
* Boats are paddled by locals, many of whom are women rowing with their feet (!).
MUA CAVE (HANG MUA PEAK)
Mua Cave is one of those Instagrammable spots, but it’s more than that. Surrounded by ponds, rice paddies, and lanterns, it's the perfect spot for taking pictures. The real gem, however, is climbing to the top of Mua Cave. If you've seen any photos of Ninh Binh from above, chances are they were taken from the top of this mountain. The real challenge is climbing all 500 steps to the top. Reaching Mua Cave is quite convenient; you can get there by bike or taxi from Tam Coc, which is about 4 kilometers away, or even take a leisurely walk if you're staying close by.
My advice is to go before the heat hits. I went in winter and the temperature was perfect. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water, even though there are a couple of cafes and a restaurant at the base. Above all, don't rush the climb. The climb can be a bit challenging depending on your fitness level, but just take your time and take breaks along the way. Unfortunately, I didn't make it all the way to the top, as the steps get much narrower, more uneven, and steeper, and I suffer from vertigo. But even from my vantage point, the view was breathtaking, with a 360° panorama, especially at sunset or sunrise.
TIP: Local attendants or unofficial parking guides may try to stop you just before the entrance. However, don't follow their directions, as parking is inside and free.
BICH DONG PAGODA
Just a few kilometers from Tam Coc, easily reached by bike, is Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful temple built into the side of a limestone mountain. The pagoda itself is small, but incredibly atmospheric, with stone stairs winding through lush jungle and caves. It’s quiet, spiritual, and photogenic
NINH BINH OLD TOWN
Locally known as Phố cổ Hoa Lư, the symbol of the "old city" is undoubtedly the pagoda that stands in the center of the city and which lights up completely in the evening, creating a unique and magical atmosphere. It is also possible to climb to the top to admire a broader view of the city.
Although it's called the old city, it's actually a reconstruction designed to create an immersive experience, with lanterns lining the sidewalks and boats in the canals. Besides the pagoda, don't miss the "old market," also a reconstruction, with its wooden facades lined with small restaurants and shops selling local specialties, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. It's a great place to stroll and sample some local dishes among the many food stalls.
My advice: come in the evening.
THUNG NHAM BIRD PARK
This one’s underrated, but in my opinion, it's absolutely worth a visit, especially if you're looking for a peaceful experience immersed in nature or if you love birdwatching. Located near Tam Coc, accessible by car or Grab, it's a peaceful ecological park where thousands of birds have made their home, with more than 45 bird species and a fairytale view. The adult admission fee is 150,000 VND. You can rent a bike to cycle through the park or take a quiet boat ride to bird-viewing platforms. Personally, I preferred to explore it on foot, as many of the park's birdwatching spots are only accessible on foot. Take your time to enjoy this place in its peace and quiet, away from the crowds of tourists, and admire its flora and fauna.
My advice is: Bring water, binoculars, and a camera, and above all, be careful of snakes (while I was walking, I almost stepped on one, perfectly camouflaged, but that's just my luck...). Also, if you're coming here by taxi, it's best to arrange a return time with your driver so you don't end up stranded.
NINH BINH BEAR SANCTUARY
Here’s something you probably haven’t heard of: the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary, run by Four Paws. If there's one thing I love about traveling, it's discovering unique experiences, and even better if they offer a glimpse into a different side of the place, beyond the usual tourist attractions, but with the goal of teaching us something. My visit to the bear sanctuary in Ninh Binh was all this and more. It's an eye-opening experience. This rescue center offers a safe, natural environment for Asiatic black bears who were saved from bile farms. It’s also an unforgettable experience of learning and exploration in a natural environment. You'll learn more about this process and the safeguarding of these animals, and you'll have the chance to see them up close. The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary not only helps rehabilitate bears but also educates the public. It raises awareness about the cruelty of bile farming and the need to preserve wildlife.
My advice is to arrange your own taxi for the return journey so you don't get stranded, as the reserve is slightly out of the way. It's both heartbreaking and hopeful. 💚 Ethical travel tip: support places like this to help protect wildlife in Vietnam.
Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
Tam Coc: Best for backpackers, couples, and photographers. Lots of charming homestays or even budget bungalows.
Trang An: More remote and peaceful. Great for slow travelers and digital nomads.
Ninh Binh City: More local, good if you’re arriving late or want quicker access to transport.
Personally, I stayed in a very nice guest house in the greenery of Tam Coc, as it was located in a strategic position and with most of the attractions easily reachable by bike.
HOW TO MOVE AROUND NINH BINH
The easiest and most scenic way to get around the various attractions, in my opinion, is by bike. You'll have the opportunity to pedal through rice paddies and small paths in complete tranquility; almost all the accommodations provide bicycles for their guests. Another option is to rent a motorbike, while for some slightly more remote attractions, the best way to get around is by taxi or Grab.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SKP NINH BINH
Ninh Binh isn’t just a day trip from Hanoi—it’s a mini-world of its own, where limestone mountains, winding rivers, and quiet temples come together to create something unforgettable. Whether you're into photography, slow travel, wildlife, or just need a break from noisy cities, this place delivers.
So if you’re planning your Vietnam itinerary, do yourself a favor—add Ninh Binh. You’ll come for the views, but you might just stay for the peace.