1. An Overview of Ninh Binh Tourism
Ninh Binh is a familiar destination for those who love exploring natural and historical heritage in a short period of time. Located in the Red River Delta region, this former capital area possesses captivating features, enough to retain visitors and motivate them to return.
Ninh Binh tourism - a journey to discover picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage. (Source: Collected)
1.1. Convenient geographical location, suitable for a day trip
Ninh Binh is located about 90 km south of Hanoi center, very convenient for 1-day Ninh Binh tours or weekend getaways. The most popular travel route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is via National Highway 1A or the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, with travel time by car, bus, or train only about 1.5–2 hours. Thanks to this location, you can depart early in the morning and return to Hanoi in the evening, offering flexibility and proactivity for a day trip itinerary.
1.2. Diverse experiences within a short itinerary
The attraction of a 1-day Ninh Binh tour is the ability to combine many different experiences despite the limited time. You can take a boat trip on the waters of the world heritage site Trang An, Tam Coc, admire the panoramic view from the top of Hang Mua, or visit the historical relics of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. Along with that is enjoying outstanding dishes such as mountain goat, burnt rice, eel vermicelli, and visiting traditional craft villages will make your trip more colorful.
1.3. New attractive highlights
Ninh Binh has become a favorite destination for many young people thanks to new and unique places like Hang Mua – an ideal place to watch the sunset, scenic spots in Tam Coc, or Cuc Phuong National Park, which only takes about 45 minutes from the center. In addition, many new experience tours combining cycling, trekking, and exploring rural ecology are gradually becoming popular. Especially, cultural events like the Trang An festival or the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival at the beginning of the year add to the attractiveness of Ninh Binh tourism.
2. How to get to Ninh Binh
2.1. Transportation from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Choosing the right mode of transport will greatly determine the experience of your 1-day Ninh Binh tour. If you want fast – convenient – easy, you can take a bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus stations, with prices ranging from about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/person/way, and travel time around 1.5–2 hours. A more premium option is a limousine bus, suitable for small groups or families who want private space, comfortable seats, and door-to-door pick-up service; ticket prices are about 250,000 – 350,000 VND/person/way.
If you prefer a relaxed experience and enjoy sightseeing along the way, try the Hanoi – Ninh Binh train route. The train journey takes about 2 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 90,000 – 180,000 VND depending on the seat class, and it stops right in the city center – extremely convenient to start your exploration. For those who prefer freedom, a personal car or motorbike is an ideal choice, allowing you to control your time and stop anywhere to take photos of beautiful scenery along the way.
2.2. Transportation within Ninh Binh
Once you arrive, you can rent a motorbike (about 120,000 – 200,000 VND/day) or a bicycle (about 50,000 – 80,000 VND/day) to leisurely explore the lush green village roads, rice fields, and nearby tourist attractions like Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Hang Mua… If traveling with friends or family, you can choose taxis or ride-hailing services for convenient travel. Additionally, many tourists also choose shuttle buses or package tours departing from Hanoi, where you just get on the vehicle and someone will take care of everything from A to Z.
3. Suggested 1-day Ninh Binh tour itinerary
Morning: Start the journey with Trang An – Tam Coc
Around 7 AM, you can depart from Hanoi and arrive at Trang An around 9 AM. This is an ideal first stop, where you can take a boat trip weaving through magical caves like Hang Sang, Hang Toi, Hang Ba Giong... amidst the majestic landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover the Trang An complex – a world natural and cultural heritage in the heart of the ancient capital. (Source: Collected)
After a journey drifting on the water, you can move to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, only about 15 minutes away. Take time to boat on the Ngo Dong river, admire the “Ha Long Bay on land” amidst the ripe golden rice season, then visit Bich Dong pagoda – a pagoda hidden in the mountain with ancient three-tiered architecture.
"Ha Long Bay on land" – a masterpiece of mountains and water in the Ninh Binh heritage region. (Source: Collected)
Noon: Rest and enjoy Ninh Binh mountain goat, crispy rice with goat sauce, or hot eel glass noodle soup at local restaurants around Tam Coc. These are all unforgettable specialty dishes that everyone visiting Ninh Binh should try at least once.
Lime-blanched goat with mam nem sauce – a delicious dish from Ninh Binh mountain goats, famous for its fresh, sweet, and rich flavor. (Source: Collected)
Afternoon: Check-in at Mua Cave (Hang Mua), explore Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh
After lunch, you can visit Mua Cave (Hang Mua) – the most famous check-in spot in Ninh Binh. Just climb about 500 stone steps to Ngoa Long Peak, and you will admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc and the winding Ngo Dong River below. The best time to climb is around 3 PM – 5 PM, when the afternoon sun bathes the entire landscape in golden light.
Mua Cave Ninh Binh is the most spectacular viewpoint of Trang An in the ancient capital. (Source: Compilation)
If you love history, take time to explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where the imprints of the Dinh and Le dynasties are preserved with ancient, moss-covered architecture and a solemn atmosphere.
Co do Hoa Lu opens a journey back to the nation's glorious history. (Source: Collected)
And if you want to find some spiritual peace, Chua Bai Dinh – the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia – will be an ideal stop. Here, you can worship the 10m tall bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, walk along the nearly 3km long Arhat corridor, or admire the soaring Ninh Binh stupa against the blue sky.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest spiritual complex in Vietnam, famous for its magnificent architecture and serene atmosphere. (Source: Collected)
4. Notes, tips, and preparations for a 1-day trip to Ninh Binh
Choosing appropriate attire will help you comfortably enjoy your 1-day Ninh Binh trip to the fullest. Prioritize light, breathable clothing along with sneakers or closed-toe sandals for easy movement, especially when climbing Mua Cave or walking in Tam Coc. Don't forget to bring an umbrella, hat, sunscreen, and drinking water to protect your health from the sun.
The best time for a day trip to Ninh Binh is usually from March to May – when Tam Coc is in its season of golden ripe rice fields, like a painting, or the cool autumn days coincide with the vibrant festival season at Bai Dinh Pagoda. Whether visiting pagodas or exploring ancient sites, visitors should maintain a solemn attitude, dress modestly, and avoid making noise to respect the sacred space. Additionally, remember to ensure safety when rowing boats or climbing mountains, and only bring essential items to avoid losing personal belongings. And if you have some extra time, you can combine your trip with a visit to Sun World Ha Nam – a modern entertainment and relaxation destination that is very popular with tourists on their Ninh Binh exploration journey.
A 1-day Ninh Binh trip offers a perfect experience with a combination of nature, history, and unique cuisine. Plan your trip now to discover the magical beauty of the ancient capital Ninh Binh!
