2 Days in Ninh Binh: Your Itinerary for an Epic Adventure
A serene oasis escape from Vietnam’s buzzing cities, the top things to do in Ninh Binh feature stunning hikes, peaceful boat rides, and majestic pagodas. We’ll help you plan the perfect 2 days in Ninh Binh in this itinerary and travel guide with all the top activities.
Ninh Binh is a hidden gem destination in Vietnam that is criminally underrated. Dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land,” it’s packed with stunning natural vistas and outdoor activities that you can explore at a peaceful, relaxed pace. It’s the perfect place to visit after a few days in Hanoi, with its crazy traffic and bustling streets, providing you with a whole new perspective on the wonders of Vietnam. In this post, we’ll lay out the perfect itinerary for 2 days in Ninh Binh, including all the top things to do, where to stay, and how to get there. We’ll also provide helpful tips on currencies, visas, and other FAQs in this travel guide to make sure you’re set up for success. Look out for bolded items in the itinerary below as the can’t miss priorities!
Starting your Vietnam travels in Hanoi? Check out our guide Two Days in Hanoi – Your Ultimate Itinerary. We’ve also got a travel guide and itinerary for Sapa, another northern Vietnam hot spot popular for its terraced rice paddies and trekking, plus a 1-2 week Northern Vietnam itinerary that captures it all. We have guides on popular central Vietnam destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, too – check out these and related posts in our Vietnam travel guides.
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Your 2 Days in Ninh Binh Itinerary: At A Glance
(Click the teal links to jump down for more information)
2 Days in Ninh Binh Itinerary
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Trang An Landscape Complex Boat Ride
- Hang Mua Cave
- Bich Dong Pagoda
- Optional: Tam Coc Boat Ride (Foot-Rowing)
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Cuc Phuong National Park
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay
- Sapa
Why Visit Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh was hands down one of our favorite destinations in Vietnam. It’s incredibly beautiful, and was one of the first places we felt like we could slow down and soak it all in. But beyond being a peaceful place, Ninh Binh has so many awesome activities to offer. There are stunning hikes, amazing pagodas, and a rich history to explore. For a “city” this small, the food was some of the best we ate in Vietnam, and the people were by far the warmest. And, of course, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the stunning natural features of Trang An Landscape Complex and to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s first capital city. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, or just looking to relax and unwind, Ninh Binh deserves a place in your Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Where To Stay in Ninh Binh?
There are three main areas to stay in Ninh Binh – Trang An, Tam Coc, and Ninh Binh City. We highly recommend Tran An, but we’ll give you a brief overview and some hotel recommendations for each.
Ninh Binh City (Hoa Lu)
Ninh Binh City (Hoa Lu on Google Maps) is the commercial hub of the region. It’s where you’re most likely to arrive and depart from, since it houses the region’s primary bus and train stations. Accommodations here can be a bit cheaper, and you’ll find convenient amenities like restaurants and markets at your fingertips. However, it’s a bit further away from the region’s main attractions, so you’ll need to travel a fair amount to take part in the top things to do in Ninh Binh.
If you’re arriving late and just need a place to sleep for the night before heading into Trang An or Tam Coc, hotels like Friendly Home Hotel or The Queen Hotel are good options. They both have A/C, an onsite restaurant, and are within a 15-minute walk from the train station. Or, if you prefer to make Ninh Binh City your home base, there are also some unique hostel options you should consider (with private rooms available). Victory Homestay has a pool and social atmosphere, while Amy House offers bungalow style rooms and evening English classes for local children, a unique opportunity to interact with – and give back to – the community you’re visiting.
Trang An
Our top recommendation is to stay in Trang An, located about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of the city center. In Trang An, you’ll be immersed in the stunning nature that makes Ninh Binh such a beautiful destination. It’s a more quiet and peaceful area, and centrally located to the top Ninh Binh activities. Dining and nightlife options are more limited, but the restaurants we ate at were fantastic.
We highly recommend staying at Trang An Peaceful Homestay. This hotel features separate, bungalow-style rooms directly against epic limestone karsts, a pool, and the kindest and most hospitable host we have ever encountered. I nearly wept when, after a long and sweaty day of touring after we checked out, she was kind enough to offer us a shower and a bag of snacks for our sleeper bus ❤️. Rooms are also super affordable and include a tasty breakfast.
If Trang An Peaceful Homestay happens to be booked, Green Mountain Homestay and Trang An Mountain House are equally beautiful options. Or, for those looking for a dorm, Forest Sunset Hostel is a great choice, as it’s also home to more incredibly kind hosts and one of our favorite restaurants in the area (more on this below).
Tam Coc
Tam Coc is probably the most popular area to stay in, and has lots of available lodging options. It’s located about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of the city center. This is your best bet if you’re a backpacker looking for a social experience, or if you just prefer to be able to walk to plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. However, we found Tam Coc to be a bit grittier than Trang An, and had more of a tourist feel compared to the peaceful, nature retreat we experienced in Trang An. Lodging can also run a bit more expensive here, though it’s still quite affordable.
If Tam Coc sounds like your vibe, we suggest Tamcoc Backpack Chill Hostel, a social hostel with a poolside bar and daily tours. The Pineapple House, slightly off the main-drag, is another good choice with a more peaceful vibe, nightly home-cooked dinners, and available private rooms. If you prefer hotels, consider Tam Coc Serenity Hotel & Bungalow, with gorgeous wood-paneled rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, or Tam Coc Mango Homestay, with a fun yellow exterior and poolside bar.
Ninh Binh Hotel Pricing Guide
- Budget Hotels & Hostels ($) – $5-$15 per night
- Mid-Range Hotels & Homestays ($$) – $15-$40 per night
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts ($$$) – $40+ per night
- Ninh Binh City (Hoa Lu):
- Amy House ($) – 9.7 average rating
- Victory Homestay ($) – 9.9 average rating
- Friendly Home Hotel ($$) – 9.2 average rating
- The Queen Hotel ($$) – 8.7 average rating
- Trang An:
- Forest Sunset Hostel ($) – 10.0 average rating
- Trang An Peaceful Homestay ($$) – 9.3 average rating (Top Choice!)
- Trang An Mountain House ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.4 average rating
- Green Mountain Homestay ($$) – 9.5 average rating
- Tam Coc:
- The Pineapple House ($) – 9.4 average rating
- Tamcoc Backpack Chill Hostel ($) – 9.6 average rating
- Tam Coc Serenity Hotel & Bungalow ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 average rating
- Tam Coc Mango Homestay ($$) – ⭐⭐⭐, 9.9 average rating
How To Get To Ninh Binh?
Most people travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. It’s the closest major city at 55 miles (90 km) north of Ninh Binh (about 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on your mode of transport), and has a major airport you can fly into from practically anywhere. It’s worth noting, though, that you can also access Ninh Binh via overnight train or sleeper bus from Hue (another excellent destination in Vietnam, check out our guide 2-Day Itinerary: The Top Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam). If you’re looking for trains or buses from Hue, use Omio to find and purchase tickets. For this travel guide, we’ll discuss your options to access Ninh Binh from Hanoi.
Step 1: Book a Flight to Hanoi
The first thing you’ll need to do is book a flight to Hanoi. Before you leave directly from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, though, we encourage you to spend a few days there! It’s a vibrant city and the perfect starting point for your Vietnam adventure. Check out our guide Two Days in Hanoi – Your Ultimate Itinerary to help you plan your visit.
Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method
Once you’re ready to head to Ninh Binh, you’ll need to decide how you want to get there. We took a bus, but you can also travel by train or taxi/private car. We’ll discuss each option with you below.
Bus
Buses are the most popular way to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, and there are tons of them that run every day. You can find tickets as cheap as $3, but most average between $7 and $9. The buses take approximately 2 hours to travel to Ninh Binh and pick up at locations all over the city – make sure to pay attention to this when booking! We recommend using 12Go.Asia to book your tickets, as you can specify a pickup in the Old Quarter, rather than sites like Omio, which will include bus stations way across town. Be prepared though – your “luxury bus” may include a significantly less luxurious van ride from the city center to a central meeting point.
Train
Offering a slightly more scenic experience for around the same price, you can also opt to take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The train takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Ninh Binh, but you’ll likely need to take a Grab (Southeast Asia’s #1 rideshare app, like Uber) to and from the stations. You can book your train tickets on 12Go.Asia as well. As an added bonus, the trains have sleeper cabins, so you can grab a quick nap on the way if your Hanoi itinerary wore you out!
Taxi/Private Car
Private rides from Hanoi to Ninh Binh are actually a lot more affordable than you may expect. They’re a good option for those traveling in a group, with a lot of luggage, or those simply looking for a more convenient and comfortable experience. You can book a Grab for as cheap as ~1 million VND (~$40), depending on the time of day. Or, if you’re worried about timing or getting a driver to accept the ride, you can always reserve a driver in advance on sites like Viator and Get Your Guide. Check one of the top Ninh Binh transport options below:
How to Travel Around Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh is a small region, but its attractions are spread across the area, so you won’t be able to walk to them from your hotel. Thankfully though, its streets are also quiet and well-paved, so it’s an excellent place to self-drive. We highly recommend touring the area via motorbike, which you can typically rent directly from your hotel for 100-120K VND (~$4-$4.75) per day. Many hotels also offer bicycles, with rental prices ranging from free to 60K VND (~$2.25) per day. However, if you’re not comfortable driving yourself, you can always call a taxi with Grab.
Be Prepared - Top Travel Tips
Before we get into your 2 days in Ninh Binh itinerary, a few of our top travel guide tips for visiting the area:
Visa Required
Unlike many top tourist destinations, Vietnam does not provide a free visa-on-arrival for most countries. As such, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa before arrival. You cannot enter Vietnam without an approved visa in advance, and you cannot apply for a visa from within Vietnam. (Note – some countries do get a free visa-on-arrival. See if your passport is exempt from the Vietnam visa requirement here. You may receive up to 45 days visa-free entry.)
To obtain the e-Visa, you’ll need to visit the Vietnam e-visa website and complete the application. The application is simple and straightforward, and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to populate. You’ll need a photo of yourself and your passport, and details of your trip, including travel dates, ports of entry and exit, and the address of where you’ll be staying. Once submitted, it should take approximately four days to get approved, but we recommend submitting it at least two weeks before departure in case anything goes awry.
Pro tip: make sure that your full legal name, matching your passport, is input into the e-Visa application. Colby’s e-Visa did not include his middle name and he was not allowed to board our flight from Thailand to Vietnam, forcing him to procure an emergency visa at a steep cost of $300. Add that to flight rebooking fees and an unexpected hotel stay for the resulting overnight layover, and it turned out to be a very costly mistake.
Vietnam e-Visas cost $25 for single-entry and $50 for multiple-entry. They are valid for a period of up to 90 days. Visa fees are nonrefundable in case of non-acceptance, so make sure all of your details are input accurately before submitting.
Cash is King
While some hotels, restaurants, and activities accept card in Ninh Binh, it is a predominantly cash-based economy. So, be prepared and have plenty of cash on hand to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the top things to do in Ninh Binh.
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND), which trades with the USD at approximately 25,000 VND: $1. For simplicity, just remember that a 100,000 VND note is worth approximately $4. With a difference this big, don’t be surprised when you’re pulling millions out of the ATM! ATMs are limited in Ninh Binh, so we recommend having enough cash pulled out to cover your expenses before you arrive. Bring enough for your hotel plus 1 million VND per person to cover food and activities during your 2 days in Ninh Binh. We recommend TPBank and MB Bank for no-fee withdrawals, and avoid BIDV at all costs. And don’t forget our number one tip for cash withdrawals in foreign countries!
Pro tip: When offered an exchange rate by an ATM, you can – and should – always decline the rate displayed. This rate often includes a heavy markup on top of the market exchange rate. Declining the rate will not stop your transaction, but rather allow your personal bank to set the rate instead.
Parking Scams
While Vietnam is not a particularly “scammy” country, parking scams are really common in Ninh Binh. We’ve made notes at all the key sites where we identified them, and have provided tips on how you can avoid them.
Feel Free to Wing It
Ninh Binh is a true hidden gem, and the tourism industry here is still in the early stages. This means that it’s not so busy that you’ll need to book things weeks or months in advance. We were able to book all of our Ninh Binh activities the day of , so relax! Feel free to just show up in Ninh Binh and see where the day takes you.
Day 1 - Ancient History and Scenic Landscapes
- 10:00-12:00 – Rent motorbikes from your hotel and head to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hoa Lu was the first capital of Vietnam from the year 968 to 1009. Here, you’ll find a few scenic gates, two temples, and some tombs, one of which has a viewpoint after about 330 stairs (the tomb of Đinh Tiên Hoàng, the first Dinh emperor). Tickets to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital cost just 20K VND (~$0.75) to enter, in cash, which you can purchase at the roadside booth before crossing the bridge. Ignore the parking scammers that try to snag you before you get to the gate – you can, and should bring your motorbike or bicycle onsite. It’s a large area to get around, and there’s no charge for bringing it with you.
- 12:00-1:00 – Grab lunch in Trang An and then head to the Trang An Landscape Complex. It’s one of the more commercialized Ninh Binh activities, so the food on site isn’t the best.
- 1:00-4:00 – Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Trang An Landscape Complex, the famous “Ha Long Bay on land” – more details below.
- 4:30-6:30 – Drive to Hang Mua cave and hike to the two viewpoints. Aim for sunset – the views are unbelievable. More on this below.
- 7:00-8:30 – Finish your day with an incredible dinner at Chef Dung in Trang An. Their set menu cost only 130K VND (~$5) in May 2025, and was one of our best – and biggest – meals in Vietnam. Plus, the pond-side seating and twinkly lights make for a very peaceful setting. Rest, relax, and enjoy a beer while you scarf down some savory Vietnamese bites – cash only.
Day 1 Itinerary Details
Day 1 of your 2 day Ninh Binh itinerary hits some of the most iconic sights in the area. The view from Hang Mua is one of my favorite memories from all of Vietnam, and the beauty of Trang An will take your breath away. Prepare to be amazed!
Trang An Landscape Complex
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is the top thing to do in Ninh Binh. This stunning natural area is a cinematic landscape that feels straight out of a movie (literally, in fact, as “King Kong: Skull Island” was filmed here). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by soaring limestone karsts, winding rivers, and hidden caves that you get to explore by boat. Ha Long Bay without the crowds, it’s a can’t-miss activity in any Ninh Binh itinerary.
To visit Trang An Scenic Landscape, park your motorbike in the lot for 15K VND (~$0.60) and then visit the ticket booth. Tickets are same-day only, and then you’ll join the next available boat. There are three tours to choose from that take different routes through the complex, but they all cost 250K VND (~$9.50, credit card accepted). We highly recommend route 3, as it includes an epic cave that’s 3,300 ft (1000 m) long. There were stalactites and surprises around every corner, and was so narrow in places that we had to bend fully at the waist to make it through!
Pro tip: Make sure you board the boat first to get unimpeded views!
In addition to the caves, you’ll also stop at scenic pagodas along the route. In between, you’ll relax on your hand-rowed boat and soak in the incredible landscape and ecosystem around you. Be aware, though, that some of these stretches are quite long, and the sun can be intense! Thankfully, the boat has umbrellas you can use to help block the sun, but we also recommend hats, sunscreen, and a hand fan. We also encourage you to dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, to respect the sacred temples you’ll visit. In total, your ride will take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the route chosen.
Hang Mua Cave
While there is a small cave at Hang Mua, the real attraction is its gorgeous, landscaped lily pad lake and two viewpoints. Don’t worry – it’s only about 500 steps, so the hike itself will only take you about 15 minutes. But it’s absolutely worth the sweat – the views are incredible, especially around sunset. From the top, you’ll see the lily pad lake, nearby villages, and the limestone karsts and winding rivers that make Ninh Binh famous. There’s also a really cool lying dragon statue at the top of one of the viewpoints, which you’ll see people trying to climb, but we advise against it:
Pro tip: Don’t waste your time trying to climb the dragon statue. It’s crowded – and dangerous – but it also doesn’t improve the view. Avoid the pushing and shoving and just take photos of it from below.
When you arrive, go ahead and park your motorbike immediately to the right of the gate for 10K VND (~$0.40). Ignore any parking scammers that tell you otherwise. Entrance to Hang Mua costs an additional 100K VND (~$4). Note that we recommend avoiding the hike if it’s raining, as the stairs can be slick.
Day 2 - Epic Temples and Cultural Traditions
- 9:00-10:30 – Start day 2 of your Ninh Binh itinerary with a visit to the picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda – more details below.
- 10:30-12:30 – OPTIONAL: While you’re in the area, feel free to take the Tam Coc boat tour. This boat ride is famous for its use of traditional foot-rowing by the drivers, but has some notable drawbacks. The views aren’t as scenic as Trang An, as the wide plain the river winds through makes the karsts farther away. It’s also much more touristy, with vendors in the river that can be pretty aggressive in hawking their wares. We decided against the tour for these reasons, but if you want to visit, expect to pay 250K VND (~$9.50) for tickets and a 1.5 to 2 hour ride. Otherwise, just stop by to see the foot-rowing from the pier and use your extra time to sleep in or lounge by your hotel’s pool.
- 12:30-1:30 – Grab lunch in Tam Coc before you begin the trek north to Bai Dinh. There are a ton of great restaurants here, so just follow your nose to a tasty meal!
- 1:30-6:00 – Drive yourself to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex. More on this site below.
- 6:30-8:00 – Finish your 2 days in Ninh Binh with a lovely dinner at Forest Sunset Bar & Restaurant. The ambiance here is incredible, with twinkly lights and colorful lanterns lighting up the lily pad ponds. The service was also wonderful, with kind hosts that provided us ponchos for the rain and the cutest little girl who fluffed our pillows and brought our menus. After you eat, enjoy a cocktail while lounging in their hammocks and soaking in the last of your peaceful hours in Ninh Binh.
Day 2 Itinerary Details
On day 2 of your Ninh Binh itinerary, we’ll focus on soaking in the sights and culture at some of the region’s most impressive temples.
Bich Dong Pagoda
A small temple tucked into the side of a limestone karst, Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most picturesque temples in Ninh Binh. Its entrance looks like a postcard, with an old stone bridge crossing a small pond absolutely thronging with lily pads. There are three levels to explore – and a cool cave – along the approximately 160 step hike to the top. The views here are a bit obstructed, but the site is still very beautiful and peaceful. Plan to dress modestly, or use one of the free wraps near the entrance to cover your knees or shoulders out of respect for this sacred space.
Pro tip: The “official” parking lot here costs a whopping 50K VND (~$2), which is really high for the region. Skip this and park at GAO Restaurant, a yellow building on your right when you drive in. The owner here is kind enough to offer free parking to visitors. We suggest saying thank you by buying a water for your hike.
Bich Dong Pagoda is free to enter, but can be quite busy, so pack your patience to get the perfect picture. Expect to spend about 45 minutes to an hour here.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, and they mean it – this place is HUGE (1,700 acres or 700 hectares). While there’s a small, ancient temple in the park dating back to the 11th century, the majority of the complex was constructed in 2010. But this newness doesn’t make it any less impressive to explore. It features both the tallest stupa and the largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia, along with a huge number of impressive pagodas and beautiful landscaping. Pack your sunscreen and your comfy shoes, because you’re in for 3-4 hours of exploring.
Start by parking your bike here for 20K VND (~$0.75), then head to the ticket booth. There are three tour options to choose from, all of which include the shuttle from the ticket office into the park itself. We recommend tour 3, which includes entrance to the stupa and hop-on, hop-off access to the shuttles. You can get by with tour 2 if the weather is comfortable, but you’ll definitely want access to the stupa (which isn’t included in tour 1). Tour 2 costs 150K VND (~$5.75) and tour 3 costs 300K VND (~$11.50) – credit cards welcomed.
Pro tip: There is a free audio guide available via QR codes, so make sure to bring your headphones.
For your route, we recommend starting with sites 32-26, then backtracking to site 7. Work your way to site 14 before skipping to the old temple sites 25-28. Why? Because you’ll want to end your visit at site 17 – the stupa. If you’re lucky and the sun is starting to set, the entire complex gets lit up and creates the most incredible 360° views from the top. Make sure to take a picture of the map before you start to help guide you.
What to Do in Ninh Binh If You Have More Time
While this 2 day Ninh Binh itinerary covers pretty much all the top things to do in Ninh Binh, we’ve included a few destinations nearby in this travel guide that make for great day trips or side trips if you have time.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Located about an hour from Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s oldest national park and one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. For nature lovers, it’s a no-brainer, with giant trees that are more than 1,000 years old, prehistoric caves, and the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which houses and rehabilitates species like the Delacour’s langur. On a tour of the park, you’ll learn about Vietnam’s efforts to protect endangered species, explore the park’s botanical gardens, take a guided trek through the rainforest, and enjoy a picnic lunch. If this sounds up your alley, check out this top tour from Get Your Guide:
Hanoi
If you didn’t start your trip in Hanoi, you should definitely visit it before you leave Vietnam. Easily accessible by bus, train, or taxi, Hanoi is located about 2 hours north of Ninh Binh. As the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is rich in historical and cultural sites, plus a world-famous food scene – plan your trip using our Hanoi itinerary and travel guide. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for road trips along the Ha Giang Loop or cruises on Ha Long Bay – though those are also possible from Ninh Binh – read more below!
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay offers one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes, and is one of the most popular destinations to add to a northern Vietnam itinerary. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its towering limestone karsts and emerald green waters that gave Ninh Binh its moniker. A trip to Ha Long Bay typically involves an overnight cruise through the bay, though day trips and multi-day trips are also doable. Most tours depart from Hanoi, but there are some that pick up in Ninh Binh as well. See below for some of the top Ha Long Bay tours departing from Ninh Binh, or check out our Hanoi itinerary and travel guide to see tour options that leave from Hanoi:
Pro tip: Ha Long Bay has become increasingly popular over the years, and can be quite crowded with tourists. If you prefer a more serene experience, consider nearby Cat Ba or Lan Ha instead.
Sapa
Another great destination in northern Vietnam is Sapa, famous for its terraced rice paddies and multi-day treks. This was the next stop on our Vietnam journey, and while it certainly can’t be considered a day trip from Ninh Binh, it’s easily accessible via overnight train or sleeper bus. In addition to trekking through the rice paddies, in Sapa you can also hike to the top of the highest mountain in Indochina, visit the villages of northern Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, and stroll around its beautiful lake. It’s a unique destination different from anywhere else you’ll see in Vietnam, so it’s a great addition to a well-rounded vacation. Check out our Sapa travel guide for all the details you need to plan your trip.
FAQs for Visiting Ninh Binh
When is the Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh?
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is from late January to early June, when the weather is warm but not scorching. In the early part of the year, the rice paddies will be a deep green color, and they’ll change to a rich gold as harvest season approaches from late May to early June. September to November is another great window, when temperatures are mild and skies are clear, promising epic views from Hang Mua.
Peak season is from late March to early June and again from September to November, but you don’t need to worry too much about crowds here. The main thing you want to avoid is the rainy season, which runs from July to August. Heavy downpours can result in some Ninh Binh activities becoming inaccessible, which could be a real damper on your 2-day Ninh Binh itinerary.
Can I See Ninh Binh in One Day?
You can certainly enjoy some of Ninh Binh’s activities in one day, and there are several day trip tours from Hanoi you can book to do just that, but you won’t be able to see it all. Sites like Trang An Landscape Park and Bai Dinh Pagoda, in particular, require several hours to explore, which won’t leave time for much else. However, if you’re short on time, we’ve included some of the most popular day trip tours from Hanoi in the Get Your Guide widget below.
Should I Tip at Bars & Restaurants in Ninh Binh?
Tipping is not common in Ninh Binh, and it’s best to respect local practices to avoid inflating prices or impacting the labor market. However, if your service is spectacular or you’re at a nicer restaurant, feel free to leave a 5-10% cash tip for your server.
Can I Drink the Water in Ninh Binh?
The tap water in Ninh Binh is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled water to avoid any risk of illness.
What Kind of Outlets are Used in Vietnam?
Most outlets in Vietnam support both US and EU plug types. If in doubt, bring a converter that supports these and a surge protector for any high voltage devices.
Do I Need to Speak Vietnamese to Visit Ninh Binh?
Definitely not. We had no issues interacting with people in the service industry in English during our time in Ninh Binh, though knowing a few key words will definitely win you some brownie points with the locals. Practice these ones before your trip:
- Hello – Xin chào – Sin chow
- Goodbye – Tạm biệt – Tahm bee-ET
- Please – Làm ơn – Lahm oon
- Thank you – Cảm ơn – Gahm oon
Vietnamese is notoriously tricky to pronounce, so we recommend listening to Google translate pronunciations to ensure you’ve got it right. Want to learn more? Check out our post 120+ Common Vietnamese Words and Phrases for Travel & Tourists.
Where Else Should I Visit in Vietnam?
While you’re in the heart of northern Vietnam, you can’t miss the capital city, Hanoi. You likely started here, but just in case you didn’t, make sure you hit it afterwards. We also highly recommend visiting Sa Pa for some epic trekking through mountainous rice paddies. Check out our travel guides for these locations below, or see them all and more in our 1-2 week North Vietnam itinerary:
If you have even more time, we can’t recommend a visit to central Vietnam enough – check out our travel guides on popular hotspots there below:
Are There Helpful Apps I Should Download Before I Visit Vietnam?
Absolutely! These are the top apps we recommend you download before your trip to Vietnam:
- Airalo – having full use of your phone while traveling is incredibly important! ESim apps like Airalo make getting cell service anywhere you travel easy and affordable. If you haven’t used it before, you can use this Airalo code to get a discount on your first purchase.
- Grab – another highly valuable app to download before you visit Vietnam is Grab, Southeast Asia’s #1 ridesharing app (like Uber). Requesting rides on Grab will be much cheaper than purchasing them on the street, and without any stress or haggling.
- Google Translate – we recommend downloading the Vietnamese language for offline use on Google Translate, so you can always communicate even if you lose cell service.
- Google Maps – for the same reason, we also recommend downloading the offline map of the city you’re visiting on Google Maps.
Which Travel Resources Should I Use to Plan My Trip to Vietnam?
For starters, use our site! Check out all of our Vietnam travel guides to help you decide where to go, what to do, and where to stay. We’ve got detailed itineraries and travel guides, plus recommendations on all our favorite bars, restaurants, and more.
Once you’re ready to plan your trip, we recommend the following resources:
- Flights – we use Google Flights and Skyscanner to book our flights. These resources help you compare all the airlines at once, plus give you tips on the best times to purchase. I use their price tracking features religiously to make sure we get the best deal.
- Hotels – we always use Booking.com for choosing hotel stays. We think they have the best prices, their star ratings are super reliable, and we love the perks we get with their rewards system.
- Transit – if you’re traveling throughout Vietnam on anything other than planes – like trains, buses, or ferries – we recommend 12Go.Asia. This site is the most detailed and reliable to see all your route options within Vietnam. We found it particularly helpful when booking our bus to Ninh Binh and our sleeper train to Sa Pa.
- Trip Planning – the most frequently opened app on our phone, regardless of our destination, is Wanderlog. This app makes travel planning SO easy. You can import all your flights, hotels, and transit information, add top sites to your itinerary, and even track and split your budget amongst your travel buddies. It also provides recommendations on where to visit and a map of all the attractions you plan to see, with transit time between each.
Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Vietnam?
While it’s not required, we highly recommend it. You never know when something might go wrong, and it’s best to be prepared. We use and recommend SafetyWing, which is an especially good option for those traveling for a month or more. For as little as $56, it covers everything from lost luggage to hospital stays – a heck of a deal if you encounter any emergencies while abroad.
Final Thoughts on Your 2 Days in Ninh Binh Itinerary
Ninh Binh is a stunning hidden gem well worth including in your Vietnam vacation plans. Spending 2 days in Ninh Binh is the perfect length of time to experience all the incredible offerings of this region, but we won’t blame you for adding a third just to relax and enjoy nature. We hope this 2 day Ninh Binh itinerary and travel guide makes planning your stay there easy and gets you straight to exploring! Make sure not to miss out on our other favorite destinations in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi and Sapa. Check out our travel guides for more information so that you can build an epic road trip across the region and see the best that Northern Vietnam has to offer:
- Two Days in Hanoi – Your Ultimate Itinerary
- Majestic Sapa: 3 Day Itinerary, Trekking, & Travel Guide
- North Vietnam Itinerary – 1-2 Week Epic Travel Guide
Comment below what you loved most about Ninh Binh, or where we should visit next in Vietnam.
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