Ninh Binh has long been famous as an ideal destination for those who love nature, are passionate about exploring culture and history and want to find a budget trip but still have a complete experience. With majestic natural beauty, ancient historical relics and extremely reasonable travel costs, Ninh Binh is increasingly attracting a large number of tourists. In particular, when using the online bus ticket booking platform redBus, you can easily choose a reputable bus company, transparent prices, and convenient departures from Hanoi or many other provinces. We have listed down the top places to visit for Ninh Binh day trips. Before that, let’s help you uncover how to reach Ninh Binh from Ha Noi –
Ninh Binh Trip from Ha Noi
Here’s a comparison table for travelling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:
| Transport | Duration | Cost | Departure Point | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train | 2-2.5 hours | 80,000-150,000 VND ($3-6) | Hanoi Railway Station | Comfortable, scenic, reliable, affordable | Fixed schedule, need to book in advance |
| Bus | 2-3 hours | 100,000-150,000 VND ($6-12) | My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Gia Lam stations | Frequent departures, budget-friendly | Can be crowded, less comfortable |
| Private Car/Taxi | 1.5-2 hours | 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($50-75) | Your hotel/location | Door-to-door, flexible, comfortable | Requires license, tiring, weather weather-dependent |
| Motorbike | 2.5-3 hours | 150,000-250,000 VND/day (rental) | Rental shops in Hanoi | Freedom, adventure, stop anywhere | Requires license, tiring, weather-dependent |
| Day Tour | Full day | $25-40 USD | Hotel pickup | All-inclusive, guided, hassle-free | Less flexibility, group pace, rushed |
Bus Options from Ha Noi to Ninh Binh
| Bus Operator | First Bus | Last Bus | Journey Duration | Average Price in USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X.E Việt Nam | 05:00 | 21:00 | 1 hrs 48 mins | USD 5.88 |
| Duy Khánh Limousine | 05:30 | 19:30 | 2 hrs 0 mins | USD5.88 |
| Tràng An Limousine | 05:50 | 20:00 | 1 hrs 25 mins | USD 5.88 |
| Ninh Bình Car Limousine | 05:00 | 20:00 | 2 hrs 30 mins | USD 6.45 |
| Luxury Van Limousine | 06:00 | 16:10 | 2 hrs 17 mins | USD 6.45 |
| Hoa Lư Limousine | 05:00 | 08:00 | 1 hrs 30 mins | USD 5.88 |
| Bình Minh | 06:00 | 09:00 | 1 hrs 15 mins | USD 6.45 |
| Info Bus | 08:00 | 11:00 | 2 hrs 0 mins | USD11.39 |
| Futa Hà Sơn | 01:30 | 21:15 | 3 hrs 10 mins | USD 11.39 |
| Ninh Bình Discovery Bus | 06:30 | 18:30 | 1 hrs 30 mins | USD 9.49 |
| AK Group Bus | 06:00 | 17:05 | 3 hrs 15 mins | USD 18.22 |
Must-See in Ninh Binh
1. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong has long been known as the “Ha Long Bay on land” of Vietnam. This place not only impresses with its majestic natural scenery and charming mountains and rivers, but is also an ideal choice for those who want to experience a cheap yet complete Ninh Binh tour. With the magical beauty of limestone caves and the Ngo Dong River winding through the green rice fields, Tam Coc – Bich Dong will definitely bring you memorable experiences without worrying too much about the cost.
To get to Tam Coc – Bich Dong from the Ninh Binh city centre, you can rent a motorbike for about 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day or take the public bus to save more. The entrance ticket to Tam Coc is 120,000 VND/person for adults (children are free), and the boat ticket is 150,000 VND/boat (maximum four people). This means that if you go in a group of 4 people, the cost of the boat trip will only be about 37,500 VND/person, which is very affordable. For Bich Dong, the entrance ticket to the temple is free; you only need to pay for parking, if any.
When arriving in Tam Coc, you will sit on a bamboo boat along the Ngo Dong River, admire the rice fields stretching on both sides of the bank and pass through three majestic caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. The feeling of sitting on the boat, watching the towering limestone blocks and breathing the fresh air is truly an unforgettable experience.
After the boat trip, you can visit Bich Dong, also known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (the second most beautiful cave in the South). Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient architectural complex hidden in the heart of the mountain, with three levels: Lower, Middle and Upper. You can climb to the top of Bich Dong to see the whole view of Tam Coc from above, a breathtaking scene that will leave you in awe.
In the Tam Coc – Bich Dong area, many restaurants and eateries are serving Ninh Binh specialities at affordable prices, such as goat rice, mountain snails, and eel salad.
In particular, Ninh Binh trip from Ha Noi is now easier than ever when you can book bus tickets quickly and conveniently through the redBus platform – a place that synthesises many quality bus companies, transparent prices and many attractive incentives for tourists.
2. Mua Cave
Separated from familiar scenic spots such as Tam Coc – Bich Dong or Trang An, Hang Mua in Ninh Binh is emerging as a charming “muse”, captivating the hearts of many travel enthusiasts. This destination not only attracts tourists with its wild and majestic natural beauty but also by the challenging journey of conquering nearly 500 stone steps leading to the top of Ngoa Long.
When you set foot on the top, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery that stretches endlessly: the majestic mountain ranges, the Ngo Dong River winding like a soft silk strip, and the vast rice fields embracing the space. All create a vivid, unforgettable ink painting. If you are looking for a cheap Ninh Binh tour but still want a complete experience, Hang Mua is definitely an option not to be missed.
With an entrance fee of only about 100,000 VND/person, Hang Mua in Ninh Binh is genuinely one of the “worth the money” destinations for those who want to explore majestic nature while still saving money. In the summer, the foot of the mountain is brilliant with the pink colour of the lotus lake, while autumn is the ideal time to hunt for beautiful “golden ripe rice” photos from above.
For convenient travel from Hanoi or neighbouring provinces to Ninh Binh, redBus is a reliable companion. With a modern online bus ticket booking system, redBus helps you easily search, compare prices, and choose a quality bus company in just a few simple steps. You can also proactively choose the departure time, the appropriate type of bus (limousine, seat or sleeper), and ensure a seat without having to queue at the bus station.
3. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an ideal stopover for those seeking a cheap Ninh Binh tour that is rich in cultural and historical values. Once the first capital of the centralised feudal state in Vietnam, Hoa Lu marked the glorious period of three dynasties: Dinh, Tien Le and Ly. With a very affordable entrance fee, visitors can easily explore the complex of outstanding historical relics, including the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, wise kings who made significant contributions to building and defending the country. This is definitely a destination not to be missed in the economical but meaningful journey to explore Ninh Binh.
From the centre of Ninh Binh city, travelling to Hoa Lu by motorbike or bicycle is easy. This is not only a cost-saving option but also allows you to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the countryside. After visiting, visitors should take the time to walk around the campus, feel the tranquillity, sacredness and learn more about the ancient architecture in what used to be the political and cultural centre of the country. Around the ancient capital area, there are many popular restaurants serving specialities such as burnt rice and goat meat at reasonable prices.
For more convenience in planning travel from other provinces to Ninh Binh, redBus is a reliable online bus ticket booking platform, supporting price comparison, seat selection and quick ticket booking. With many quality bus companies to choose from, redBus makes the journey to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital easier and more economical than ever.
4. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Ninh Binh is famous for its beautiful landscape, of which Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual destination not to be missed. Although it belongs to the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia with a grand scale, you can still easily plan a cheap Ninh Binh tour that is still complete in terms of experience and spiritual meaning.
Regarding travel costs, instead of renting a private car at a high price, it is wise to book bus tickets online through redBus. This convenient platform helps you easily search and compare prices from many reputable bus companies going to Ninh Binh. After arriving at the city centre, you can rent a motorbike at a reasonable cost of only 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day to explore Bai Dinh Pagoda and nearby attractions actively.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is free to visitors, so you don’t need to worry about entrance fees. The main cost comes from the electric car ticket (about 30,000 VND/way/person) to move from the gate to the Tam Quan area. However, if you are in good health, walking will be a great way to save money and enjoy the scenery. The cost of parking a motorbike at the parking lot is also relatively low, only about 10,000 VND.
Regarding food, instead of choosing luxury restaurants near the temple, you can go to local eateries or cheap restaurants along the way to the temple. Not only do they save money, but the dishes here also have the typical flavours of Ninh Binh. Preparing more drinks and snacks from home is also a small tip to help you save more.
Thanks to redBus, getting to Ninh Binh is easier, safer and time-saving. A trip to Bai Dinh Pagoda doesn’t have to be expensive; with proper planning, you’ll have a fulfilling journey to enjoy the majestic beauty and serene atmosphere of Vietnam’s largest pagoda.
5. Van Long Lagoon
Ninh Binh has long been famous for its beautiful landscapes, but it does not stop at familiar destinations such as Trang An or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. This land also hides many places that are both poetic and “easy” on the wallet, in which Van Long Lagoon is a typical example. With peaceful landscapes, pristine nature and extremely reasonable costs, this is the ideal choice for a cheap Ninh Binh tour that still has a complete experience.
About 20km from the city centre, Van Long Lagoon is known as the most significant wetland nature reserve in the Northern Delta. Not too crowded, not too commercialised, this place gives visitors a very peaceful and pristine experience. Sitting on a small bamboo boat, gliding gently through the clear blue water, you will admire the vivid natural scene with towering mountains and mysterious caves like Ca Cave and Bong Cave. You can even encounter rare animals such as white-cheeked langurs or water birds leisurely foraging.
The cost of visiting Van Long Lagoon is very reasonable, suitable for students, groups of friends or families looking for a light and inexpensive trip. After a journey on the river, you can cycle around the village, enjoy the fresh air and explore the simple lifestyle of the local people. In particular, rustic dishes such as burnt rice, mountain goat or perch here are not only delicious but also surprisingly “soft” in price.
With redBus, you can effortlessly search and compare ticket prices for bus routes to Ninh Binh, ensuring you always get the best price. With just a few taps, your round-trip ticket booking will be completed quickly, without worrying about costs or seats. Imagine combining a visit to the beautiful Van Long Lagoon with the convenience of redBus, and you will have an actual Ninh Binh travel experience: both economical and complete!
Tips for Budget Travel in Ninh Binh
How to Get Around in Ninh Binh
To make your trip to Ninh Binh more convenient and cost-effective, choosing the proper means of transport from the beginning is extremely important. From Hanoi, you can easily book bus tickets through the redBus application – the leading online ticket booking platform, allowing you to compare prices, choose flexible departure times and choose reputable bus companies with just a few steps.
Places to Eat and Stay in Ninh Binh
A good tip that cannot be ignored when travelling to Ninh Binh on a budget is to prepare snacks and personal drinks. This not only helps you save significantly on food costs, which are often high at tourist destinations, but also gives you the initiative throughout the journey, especially when visiting places far from the centre or with few restaurants. Besides, take the time to plan in detail before the trip and prioritise free destinations or destinations with reasonable entrance fees, such as Van Long Lagoon, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Such wise choices not only help control the budget but also ensure that you do not miss out on outstanding attractions. With just a little careful preparation, your cheap Ninh Binh trip will be full of memories.
Ninh Binh is not only beautiful but also very friendly to tourists’ wallets. With a reasonable plan, you can thoroughly experience the ancient capital at an affordable cost. And don’t forget, book bus tickets on redBus to start the most convenient and economical journey!
