Jess at Sea

Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is one of those places that completely steals your heart. Towering limestone karsts, winding rivers, golden rice fields, and ancient temples make this region feel peaceful, scenic, and wonderfully slow-paced.

I spent two days in Ninh Binh after Ha Long Bay, and I absolutely LOVED it. It was green, peaceful and the perfect contrast to Vietnam’s busy cities. If you’re wondering how to structure your time here, this 2-day Ninh Binh itinerary covers exactly what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your visit.

Getting to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Ninh Binh is an easy and popular trip from Hanoi, making it perfect for a short getaway.

You can reach Ninh Binh by:

• Train from Hanoi (around 2 hours)
• Bus or limousine van
• Private transfer (especially convenient if coming from Ha Long Bay)

Once you arrive, everything is fairly spread out, so renting a scooter or bicycle is the easiest way to explore.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Budget: Tam Coc Guest House & Hostel
Mid-Range: Tam Coc Eco Field Nest By ANMS GROUP
Luxury: Havana Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Day 1: River Boats, Temples & Rice Fields

Explore Trang An or Tam Coc by Boat

No trip to Ninh Binh is complete without a boat ride through limestone karsts, and this is where the “Ha Long Bay on land” nickname really makes sense.

You can choose between:

• Trang An – more polished, scenic, and UNESCO-listed
• Tam Coc – slightly more rustic and famous for rowing with feet

I recommend Trang An if you want jaw-dropping scenery, peaceful waterways, and temple stops along the route. The boat ride lasts around 2–3 hours and takes you through caves, valleys, and hidden pagodas. This was one of the most peaceful and iconic experiences of my Vietnam trip.

This is the day tour I took and would 10/10 recommend: From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Start day two with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Here you’ll find historic temples surrounded by mountains and greenery, offering a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the larger pagoda complexes.

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

After your boat ride, head to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam.

This place is massive – think towering statues, endless courtyards, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Even if you’re not big on temples, the scale alone makes it worth a visit.

Day 2: Ancient Capitals & Countryside Cruising

Morning Hike at Mua Cave Viewpoint

Start day with one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic spots: Mua Cave (Hang Múa).

Climb the steep staircase (worth every sweaty step!) and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over rice fields, winding rivers, and karst peaks. Sunset here is absolutely magical and one of the best photo spots in all of Vietnam however sunset is a crazy busy time to visit as this is when all the tour buses are scheduled to visit. My recommendation would be to start hiking early in the morning around 8am to avoid the crowds.

Bike Through the Countryside

One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh is also the simplest: cycling through the countryside.

Ride past:

• Lush rice fields
• Water buffalo grazing
• Small villages and local homes

It’s peaceful, slow, and gives you a real feel for rural Vietnam.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Next up on Day 2 is Bich Dong Pagoda, one of Ninh Binh’s most charming and atmospheric temple complexes. Often referred to as the “Jade Grotto Pagoda,” Bich Dong is built directly into a limestone mountain and surrounded by lotus ponds, rice fields, and lush greenery.

The site is split into three levels:

• Lower Pagoda – easily accessible and set near the entrance
• Middle Pagoda – tucked into the cliffside and reached via stone steps
• Upper Pagoda – higher up the mountain, offering peaceful views over the countryside

The walk between levels is scenic, and the whole area feels calm and uncrowded compared to some of Ninh Binh’s bigger attractions. It’s a lovely place to slow down, explore at your own pace, and soak up the serene atmosphere.

I biked here from my hotel past some stunning rice fields and ended up parking my bike at a little cafe at the entrance to the pagoda. This cafe offered free parking in exchange for buying something from their cafe. I ordered a coconut hot chocolate and enjoyed the most stunning scenery before visiting the pagoda.

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh

Most travelers base themselves in:

• Tam Coc – great for scenery, restaurants, and bike access
• Trang An area – quieter and more nature-focused

I recommend staying somewhere surrounded by rice fields or karsts – waking up to misty mountains is magical. I stayed in this adorable bungalow homestay that was a 10 minute walk from Mua Cave – it felt like I was staying in a tree house a the bottom of the mountain.

Accommodation Recommendations:
Budget: Tam Coc Guest House & Hostel
Mid-Range: Tam Coc Eco Field Nest By ANMS GROUP
Luxury: Havana Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Where to Eat in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has plenty of relaxed, traveler-friendly eateries. Look for:

• Local Vietnamese dishes
• Goat meat specialties (a regional favorite and very good!)
• Fresh spring rolls and noodle bowls

Tam Coc has the biggest concentration of cafés and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is:

• March–May and September–November for pleasant weather
• Late May–early June for golden rice fields (a popular photo season)

Is 2 Days in Ninh Binh Enough?

Yes – two days in Ninh Binh is perfect. It gives you enough time to:

• Do a boat ride
• Visit temples
• Enjoy scenic viewpoints
• Slow down and soak in the landscape

It’s an ideal stop between Hanoi and central or southern Vietnam, or as a peaceful follow-up to Ha Long Bay.

Why Ninh Binh Should Be on Your Vietnam Itinerary

Ninh Binh is the kind of place that makes you breathe deeper, slow down, and appreciate Vietnam’s natural beauty. After the buzz of Hanoi and the spectacle of Ha Long Bay, it felt grounding, scenic, and incredibly special.

If you’re planning a Vietnam itinerary and wondering whether Ninh Binh is worth it – this was my favorite place on my Vietnam trip so I vote yes!

Planning a trip to Vietnam? Check out my 2-Week North & Central Vietnam Itinerary!

Vietnam Helpful Links

Where to stay in Ninh Binh
Budget: Tam Coc Guest House & Hostel
Mid-Range: Tam Coc Eco Field Nest By ANMS GROUP
Luxury: Havana Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Top Tours from Ninh Binh
– From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour
– Cuc Phuong Jungle Hike & Wildlife Day Trip
– Trang An, Dia Tang Phi Lai, Cay Thi Pagoda Tour
– Ninh Binh E-bike Tour: Tam Coc Rural Life, Bich Dong & Dundj
– Ninh Binh Night Tour : Bai Dinh Pagoda & Hoa Lu Old Town

How to Get Around Vietnam: Grab & 12Go
Getting around Vietnam is incredibly easy once you download the right apps.

Grab is Vietnam’s version of Uber and is hands-down the best way to get around cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. You can book motorbikes, cars, and even food delivery, all with upfront pricing (no haggling required).

For longer journeys between cities, 12Go is a lifesaver. It lets you book trains, buses, and ferries across Vietnam in advance – perfect for planning trips between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An. I booked my VIP sleeper bus from Ninh Binh to Sapa and would definitely recommend.

👉 Check out 12Go here

Vietnam SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Vietnam is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best pho near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Vietnam data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Vietnam eSIM with Airalo here

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