From Ninh Binh to Halong Bay: Exploring Vietnam's Natural Wonders

Transportation to Halong

Referring to Vietnam tourism, tourists often think of the world's natural heritage, Halong Bay. However, you may not know that Ninh Binh is also a famous place, possessing the same beauty as Halong Bay. What could be better if you could visit two famous tourist destinations this summer, Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, to experience the grandeur of the combination of rolling hills and winding blue waters? In particular, these places are not too far apart and you can travel by many interesting means. 

How far is it from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay?

The distance from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is about 200 km and takes about 3.5 hours by car. Depending on the means of transport, the time can be shortened or extended.

How do I get to Halong Bay from Ninh Binh?

Here are some popular means of transportation that you can refer to before making the journey from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay:

By bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to go anywhere. There are two types: local buses and limousine buses.

Local bus: It is a 45-seat bus with a relatively cheap fare of only $8–10 USD for a one-way transfer. These types of buses have specific schedules for many different time frames. However, this type of bus is less comfortable and quite complicated due to publicity. Because the bus has to stop at many stations to pick up passengers, the travel time can be up to 4.5–5 hours.

Limousine buses have higher service quality and fares ranging from $15 to $20. The car is more convenient thanks to the direct shuttle service, which provides you with cold towels and drinking water during the journey. You can buy tickets online or pay directly on the bus.

Traveling by bus helps save money

By train

Traveling by train is a fun and economical form of travel. However, to go from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, you have to take two trips: from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Halong. The fare depends on the seat limit you want to buy (hard, soft, or bed) and the route. Usually, it only takes a few dollars, and you have a cheap, unique, and safe trip.

Ninh Binh to Hanoi

• Distance: 95km
• Time: 2.5 hours
• Ticket price: $3–$6

Hanoi to Halong

• Distance: 156km
• Time: 5-7 hours
• Ticket price: $3–$6

Train - travel experience and sightseeing

By private car or taxi

If traveling by car, you can choose one of the following two routes:

• Route 1 (197 km, 3.5 hours): Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Hai Phong, and Halong
• Route 2 (220km, 3.25 hours): Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, and Halong

Traveling by private car is convenient and suitable for tourists, tour groups,...

Private car rental costs about

• $170/ 4 seats.
• $190/7 seats.
• $230/16-seat minivan round trip.

The price includes fuel, driver, highway toll, parking fee, and utility fees.

By Motorbike

If you are a lover of experiences, riding a motorbike from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is a great choice. You can cross the QL1A, QL10, QL18, Bach Dang, and Bai Chay routes and take about 5–6 hours to reach Halong. Self-sufficient travel by motorcycle is quite cheap. You can consider spending to fit your trip.

Transfer Option Ratings

Read more: Train from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Experiencing a seamless journey

Ninh Binh: The Hidden Gem

Before talking about how to travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, let's learn and admire the beauty of these places.

Ninh Binh is a province in the south of the Red River Delta and is located at the southernmost gateway to the north. The topography of Ninh Binh is very diverse. It is mainly limestone mountains interspersed with the northern contiguous plains, bringing an extremely rich ecosystem. Besides, Ninh Binh is also a historical place, preserving many sacred imprints over the years during the journey of building and defending the Vietnamese people's country.

Some famous places in Ninh Binh that you must visit:

• Trang An

The Trang An eco-tourism area has been recognized by UNESCO as a dual-world heritage site. Trang An attracts tourists with its wild beauty and immense mountains compared to Halong Bay on land. Trang An World Heritage Complex is a place to preserve many forest ecosystems on limestone mountains, flooded forests and many historical and cultural relics and archaeological sites.

Read more: Discovering Ha Long Bay Guide - Tips for Exploring Vietnam's Natural

Trang An with ancient beauty in the middle of the mountains

• Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Tam Coc means three caves, nestled in the majestic limestone mountains, towering in the middle. To visit, visitors have to take a boat down the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. Visitors will be impressed by the giant caves emerging among the ripe golden rice fields. Besides, visitors will visit Bich Dong, also known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong" to be able to see the whole scene from above.

In addition, you can visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda and many other outstanding landmarks.

Tam Coc is a picture that blends plains, mountains, and rivers

Read more: Cat Ba to Halong Bay - Embracing the Tranquil Beauty of Vietnam

Halong Bay: The World's Wonder

Halong Bay is a majestic natural wonder completed after millions of years of transformation and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site many times. The geology of Halong Bay is mainly limestone islands with an age of over 500 million years, one of which contains traces of prehistoric people. This place is impressed by thousands of rocky islands and many mysterious caves, challenging visitors to visit and explore.

Halong Bay is a quite famous tourist destination with many beautiful places that you can see on any tour.

• Titop Island

Nestled in the heart of Halong Bay, Titop Island is one of the most beautiful islands, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The gentle beach and clear water will make you fall in love with this island. In addition, you can also experience setting foot on the top of the mountain with more than 400 steps to enjoy the panoramic view of Halong Bay.

Titop Island - The most famous island in Halong Bay

Read more: Halong Bay Day Cruise - How to have a memorable Halong Bay Cruise?

• Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave is the most famous cave in Halong Bay. Visitors discover the sculptural masterpiece of mother nature with countless strange, brilliant stalactites, diverse, rich flora, and fauna.

In addition, Halong Bay also has many other beautiful caves, such as Luon Cave, an ideal place for you to participate in kayaking; Dau Go Cave, which is 2 million years old; Thien Cung Cave, which is nearly 10,000 m2 wide; and other famous places such as Trong Mai Island, Mam Xoi Island, Dragon Eye Island,...

Halong Bay - The mountains overlap

Read more: Weather In Ha Long Bay - Best Time To Visit HaLong Bay

FAQs on the transportation from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

What is the best time to visit Ninh Binh and Halong Bay?

Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are places that you can visit many times a year. However, the most convenient time for you to visit is from March to July.

Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are beautiful all year

Read More: Top 15 Best Things To Do in Halong Bay: Make Your Trip Memorable

How many days do I need to visit both places?

Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are quite large and beautiful tourist areas with many interesting activities. Of course, you should spend a lot of time, excluding the travel time of 2–3 days, to be able to explore everything.

Is it possible to visit Ninh Binh and Halong Bay on a day trip?

The distance from Ninh Binh to Halong is relatively long. So a day tour is not a reasonable idea. It makes your travels busy and uncomfortable.

With the above information, we hope you will have a reasonable tour with the right vehicle for traveling from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. I wish you interesting and interesting experiences. If you have any questions, please contact Paradise Vietnam immediately for support!

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