Do you plan to visit Halong Bay and Ninh Binh and want to know the best way to travel between the two? This travel blog will walk you through all your options – from budget-friendly buses to comfortable private cars. This guide covers everything: travel times, ticket prices, booking tips, and the best things to do in both places.
How far is it from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
The trip from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh covers about 200 kilometers (112 miles). Most travelers spend 4 to 6 hours on this journey, depending on their choice of transport and route. The road passes through busy cities and quiet countryside, giving you a real taste of Vietnam’s changing landscape.
Specific routes from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh:
- Halong Bay to Ninh Binh city: Around 210 km (130.5 miles) – 3h30m
- Halong Bay to Trang An complex: Around 190 km (118 miles) – 3h10m
- Halong Bay to Bai Dinh Pagoda: Around 215 km (133.6 miles) – 3h50m
- Halong Bay to Cuc Phuong national park: Around 240 km (149 miles) – 5h
How to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
By shuttle bus
- Time: 3.5-4 hours
- Cost: $15-20 per person
- Best for: Budget travelers, solo travelers, and small groups
Tourist shuttle buses offer a comfortable and wallet-friendly way to travel. The seats are comfortable and reclining, and there’s good air conditioning. Your driver will likely stop once or twice for bathroom breaks and snacks. You’ll find USB chargers for your phone, and most buses have free Wi-Fi.
These buses are usually clean, modern minivans that can fit 9–16 passengers. Most services will pick you up from your hotel in Halong Bay and drop you off at your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Some good bus companies are:
- Paradise Express: Leaves daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every 30 minutes, $18 per person
- Vietnam Travel Bus: Departs at 8:30 AM daily, $15 per person
By private car
- Time: 3.5-4 hours
- Cost: $70-90 for the whole car (up to 4 people)
- Best for: Families, groups, and travelers who want comfort and freedom
A private car gives you the most comfortable and flexible journey. You can stop whenever you want to take photos, eat at local restaurants, or just stretch your legs. The cars are usually new SUVs or sedans with good air conditioning and experienced drivers. It’s recommended to book the car through a reliable Vietnam tour company.
What’s included:
- Pick-up from your Halong Bay hotel
- Drop-off at your Ninh Binh hotel
- Cold water and tissues
- Insurance
By local bus
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Cost: $8-10 per person
- Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind basic comfort
Public buses are the cheapest option, but they’re less comfortable and take longer. You’ll need to get to the main bus station in Halong City and might need to take a taxi to your final destination in Ninh Binh.
Important Tips:
- Buses leave every hour from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Buy tickets at the station or through your hotel
- Keep your valuables close to you
How many days should you spend in each place?
Halong Bay
Recommended duration: 2-3 Days
You’ll want at least two days in Halong Bay to:
- Take a day cruise around the limestone islands
- Visit floating fishing villages
- Swim at Ti Top Island
- Go kayaking in hidden caves
- Try fresh seafood at local restaurants
- Watch the sunset from the deck of your boat
>>> Maybe you want to read more about Halong Bay: Halong Bay Cruise – A complete 2 days 1 night itinerary & Insider tips
Ninh Binh
Recommended duration: 2-3 Days
Ninh Binh deserves two to three days to see its main attractions:
- Take a boat ride through Trang An caves
- Visit the old capital at Hoa Lu
- Climb Mua Cave for amazing views
- See the huge Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Ride a bike through rice fields
- Visit Cuc Phuong National Park
>>> Check out the best things to do in Ninh Binh: What to do in Ninh Binh? Travel Guide & Tips to escape tourist trap
Combine Hanoi, Halong Bay and Ninh Binh
A trip through Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh will show you the best parts of northern Vietnam. You’ll see everything from busy city streets to quiet bays with limestone islands, and peaceful countryside with rice fields and mountains. In Hanoi, you’ll walk through streets filled with local food and old buildings. In Halong Bay, you’ll sail between islands and sleep on a boat. In Ninh Binh, you’ll ride boats through caves and bike past rice fields. This trip gives you a real look at how different northern Vietnam can be.
Here’s a great way to see the best of northern Vietnam in one week:
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi full-day city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
Check out this Best of the Northern Delta Discovery 5 Days for more details on accommodations and activities. This is just a recommended itinerary to get you going. You may further personalize your ideal trip by sharing your selections with us. Our travel specialists will plan a vacation that is ideal for your requirements. You can also look at our Vietnam-inclusive tour packages for more options.
Helpful tips for your journey
Best time to visit
- September to November: Cool weather, less rain, golden rice fields
- March to May: Spring weather, green landscapes
- Avoid June to August (very hot) and December to February (cold and foggy)
Money matters
- Bring enough cash from Halong Bay
- ATMs are easy to find in Ninh Binh city
- Many places don’t take credit cards
- Keep small bills for local shops and restaurants
What to pack
- Light clothes and a jacket (air conditioning can be cold)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and hat
- Mosquito repellent
- Camera
- Power bank
- Basic medicine
FAQs
Can I do Halong Bay and Ninh Binh as day trips from Hanoi?
You can, but most travelers spend more time in each place. Day trips will feel rushed and tiring. To truly appreciate these places, plan to spend at least one night in Halong Bay and two nights in Ninh Binh. This gives you time to explore at a relaxed pace and see both the famous sites and local spots that most tourists miss.
Is it better to visit Halong Bay or Ninh Binh first?
Both routes work well, but starting with Halong Bay offers several advantages. Since Halong Bay is closer to Hanoi, taking just 3 hours by car, it makes sense as your first stop. Most Halong Bay cruises start early in the morning from Hanoi, and after your cruise ends, you can easily catch an afternoon bus or car to Ninh Binh. This route also makes more sense geographically as you move from north to south.
Is it safe to travel between these places?
Yes, all these routes are safe and used by many travelers. The roads connecting Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are well-maintained highways that see hundreds of tourists daily. Just take normal safety steps like watching your belongings and choosing good companies.
The trip from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh shows you two different sides of Vietnam – from the famous bay with its islands to the peaceful countryside with mountains and rivers. Take your time to enjoy both places. They each have their own special beauty that makes Vietnam such an amazing country to visit. Happy traveling!
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travel Online
