1. Why choose a 2-day 1-night trip to Ninh Binh?
Located just over 90 km from the center of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a land that bears the imprint of ancient history and possesses rare natural beauty. It only takes about 2 hours by car or train to reach this land where majestic mountains blend with calm rivers, a scene that captivates everyone who visits.
Ninh Binh Travel - a journey to discover picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage. (Source: Collected)
With its proximity and reasonable cost, a 2-day, 1-night Ninh Binh tour is a worthwhile option for those looking to escape for the weekend. In just two days, you can take a boat trip through the Trang An scenic complex, travel back in time to Hoa Lu ancient capital – the historical site of the nation, and then find peace in the sacred space of Bai Dinh Pagoda. This time is also sufficient for you to fully enjoy local cuisine such as crispy burnt rice, flavorful mountain goat meat, or the distinctive "thit chua" (fermented pork roll), without feeling rushed.
Ninh Binh is suitable for most travelers, from families seeking a peaceful retreat, young groups who love exploration, to couples wanting to enjoy romantic scenery amidst mountains and water. The moderate itinerary, diverse beautiful landscapes, and many interesting activities make Ninh Binh always a "must-try at least once" destination of the year.
2. Most Convenient Ways to Travel to Ninh Binh
2.1. From Hanoi and Northern Provinces to Ninh Binh
Departing from Hanoi or other northern provinces, you can easily choose various means of transport to Ninh Binh for your 2-day, 1-night Ninh Binh tour. Limousine buses are very popular due to their comfort and frequent departures from major bus stations like My Dinh or Giap Bat. The spacious seats and attentive service ensure a comfortable journey.
Hanoi - Ninh Binh buses operate frequently, convenient for tourists for sightseeing and relaxation (Source: Collected)
If you want to experience enjoying nature scenery, you can choose the train. SE7, SE5 trains departing from Hanoi station to Ninh Binh station take only about 2 hours. For those who are proactive about time, traveling by personal car via National Highway 1A or the Hanoi - Ninh Binh expressway is an ideal choice to drive while admiring the beautiful scenery along the way.
2.2. From Ho Chi Minh City and Central/Southern Vietnam to Ninh Binh
If traveling from southern provinces, you can choose to fly to Noi Bai International Airport, then use the aforementioned means of transport to reach Ninh Binh. Many travel companies currently offer combo packages including flight tickets, shuttle buses, and accommodation, which are very convenient for saving time, especially suitable for families with young children or groups of guests who want to enjoy attentive service.
2.3. Renting vehicles and moving within Ninh Binh province
Upon arriving in Ninh Binh, renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to explore independently. If you prefer the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside, try renting a bicycle to cycle around Tam Coc. For large groups or elderly travelers, choosing to rent a car with a driver from hotels or accommodation facilities will ensure the utmost safety and comfort.
3. Suggested Ninh Binh 2-day 1-night itinerary
Day 1: Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Am Tien Cave - Mua Cave
Visitors can start their journey with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Dai Co Viet. Amidst the lush green mountains, the temples of King Dinh and King Le stand out with their sturdy laterite walls and exquisite wood carvings, making anyone who enters feel like they have traveled back to the 10th century. Spending about an hour and a half exploring the tombs, relics, and listening to the guide recount historical stories will give you a deeper understanding of the nation's glorious past.
The ancient capital Hoa Lu opens a journey back to the nation's heroic history. (Source: Collected)
Just a few minutes' drive from Hoa Lu, Am Tien Cave appears like a peaceful natural painting. A calm lake, surrounded by limestone mountains, sunlight filtering through the mountain walls creates an unforgettable magical effect. You can visit Am Tien Pagoda or Thien Phi Cave, which is associated with the legend of King Dinh and Princess Thien Phi, and of course, don't miss taking some stunning photos amidst the poetic scenery.
Am Tien Cave is famous for its poetic scenery amidst majestic mountains. (Source: Collected)
At noon, visitors can rest and enjoy cuisine at the Dai Phat Crispy Rice restaurant – 15 Thinh Yen Street, Ninh Binh, famous for its crispy rice and delicious braised dishes, which is quick and convenient for the morning itinerary.
In the afternoon, challenge yourself with Mua Cave. Climbing nearly 500 stone steps, but in return, you get a beautiful view of the Tam Coc fields winding between towering limestone mountains. This is an ideal spot for check-ins, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight is gentle and the scenery is very photogenic.
Mua Cave Ninh Binh is the most spectacular panoramic viewpoint of Trang An in the ancient capital. (Source: Collected)
Day 2: Experience Tam Coc - Trang An and Sun World Ha Nam
Kick off the second day with Tam Coc – the “Ha Long Bay on land”, visitors will experience sitting on a boat down the Ngo Dong river, listening to interesting stories about culture and history from local boat rowers. The lush green or golden rice fields according to the season create a peaceful scene, making you want to let your soul drift with the water. Don't forget to prepare a hat, water, and a camera to capture every moment.
"Ha Long Bay on land" – a masterpiece of landscape in the heritage region of Ninh Binh. (Source: Compiled)
Continuing the cultural exploration journey, visitors should visit Trang An, a complex of scenic beauty recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage. Here, there are three boat tour routes, each lasting 2 to 3 hours, taking you through over 30 magnificent limestone caves. Highlights such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave with shimmering stalactites and ancient temples like Trinh Temple, Tran Temple create a journey connecting nature with cultural - spiritual values.
Trang An is a famous scenic complex in Ninh Binh, where water and mountains blend to create a magnificent natural landscape. (Source: Collected)
After lunch with local specialties such as fish cake or crispy rice crust, the trip ends at Sun World Ha Nam. This is a modern, spacious amusement park, suitable for families or groups of friends to entertain, check-in, and try exciting games.
With this itinerary, you can explore history, experience nature, enjoy local cuisine, and combine it with modern entertainment. Two days and one night, which seems short, is enough to understand more about the ancient capital land and create memorable memories.
Ninh Binh travel for 2 days and 1 night not only brings wonderful experiences of nature and culture but also leaves a deep impression on every visitor. Prepare your luggage and start your journey to explore this enchanting ancient capital land today!
