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Are you looking for the best ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay? You’re in the right place! Ninh Binh is a landlocked province known for its beautiful landscapes, while Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and limestone karsts. Getting to Halong Bay is quite easy, and there are different ways to go there. Whether you prefer an affordable bus ride, a private car, or an adventurous motorbike ride, we’ll share all the information you need to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. Read on this detailed guide to make your traveling smooth and filled with beautiful memories!
Ninh Binh is located in the Red River Delta of Northern Vietnam. It is a beautiful province surrounded by tall limestone mountains. While the main city of Ninh Binh is nothing special, it’s the surrounding countryside that draws visitors in!
One of these wonderful spots in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc, which is about a 15-minute taxi ride away. It is also called “Halong Bay on land.” Tam Coc is a small village with endless activities, accommodations, and many restaurants. You can take trips to temples like the Bich Dong Pagoda or Bai Dinh, take boat tours, or go biking around through the lush rice fields. Trang An, close to Ninh Binh, is a UNESCO site known for its beautiful caves and green rice fields.
Many people choose Ninh Binh as a starting point to explore places a little further afield. A one-hour drive from Ninh Ninh City and Tam Coc you can find the Cuc Phuong National Park and on the way the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary where Asian bears are rescued from bear bile farming.
Halong Bay,Vietnam: limestone mountains jutting out of the ocean
Halong Bay is located on the western side of the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. The bay is in Quang Ninh province and became a World Heritage site in 1994.
It is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts. Halong means ‘descending dragon.’ It is believed that dragons descended to protect Vietnam from invaders and left behind the karsts that dot the bay. This incredible place has been here for 500 million years!
Halong Bay is huge, covering about 1,500 square kilometers. There are about 2000 islands, many of which have lovely green plants, perfect for walking around. Some islands even have caves to explore.
The most fun thing to do in Halong Bay is to go on a cruise. Halong Bay has become very touristy and there are concerns about the sustainability of these cruises. But despite this, Halong Bay is still a beautiful, natural, and UNESCO-protected landmark in Vietnam that you can’t miss out on!
Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are about 200 km apart. There are four main ways to travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh: taking a local or limousine bus, hiring a private car or taxi, riding a motorbike, or using a train.
The trip usually takes around 3.5 hours without any breaks. The travel time might change depending on the route you take.
There are two main routes to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay:
Route 1: Ninh Binh – Nam Dinh – Hai Phong – Halong
This route is around 197 km, and it takes about 3.5 hours to drive.
Route 2: Ninh Binh – Hung Yen – Hai Phong – Halong
The second route is a bit longer, approximately 220 km, but it takes a shorter drive of about 3.25 hours.
If you are on a road trip in Vietnam with your own vehicle, this is the fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
Hang Mua viewpoint, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Below are the 4 best ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
Estimated Cost: $10-$20 (Limo Bus) and $7-$15 (local bus)
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
If you want to explore Vietnam’s cultural and historical spots, taking a bus from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is a great option. People who visit Vietnam as backpackers often prefer buses to travel around because they’re not too expensive. When you want to go from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, you have two choices: the limousine/tourist bus and the local bus.
Taking a local bus from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is a good option for people who are on a budget. Tickets cost around $8 to $10 for a single trip. These buses usually have about 45 seats and don’t have many fancy extras.
The trip might take longer, like 4.5 to 5 hours, because they make many stops to pick up more people. To catch one of these buses, you need to go to the Ninh Binh bus station.
This option is better for backpackers or solo travelers who want to explore Vietnamese culture. It is a chance for conscious travelers to see what daily life is like in Vietnam.
If you’re traveling with family or friends, especially with kids, choosing a limousine might be a better option.
Taking a limo bus from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is a comfortable and easy way to travel. Limousines are like fancy tourist buses, and they are way more comfortable than regular local buses. They give better service and go straight to the destination.
Unlike local buses, limousines only stop at certain places, so the trip is faster, about 3.5 hours. They include amenities like air conditioning, WiFi, hotel pick-up/drop-off services, and water bottles. You also get to see beautiful views of the Vietnamese countryside during the journey.
Several bus companies, such as Techbus VN, The Long Travel, Grouptour, Full Moon Party Tour, and more, operate from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. You have various options, like minivans, limousines, and tourist buses. Tickets usually range from $7 to $15 per person, depending on the type of bus.
Buses from Ninh Binh leave from different stations like Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Ninh Binh City. This option is perfect for couples or solo travelers who don’t want to hire a private car and prefer a more affordable shared ride with other people. You can book your bus e-tickets on 12GoAsia.
Some popular companies that offer tourist and Limousine bus services on the Ninh Binh to Halong Bay route are:
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Estimated Cost: $88–$200
If you prefer a more comfortable and direct option and don’t want the stress of reaching a bus stop, you can consider a taxi. Some popular taxi companies that operate from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay are Saigon DMC, VTS, Halong Transportation, and Outus Travel.
Standard cars, perfect for couples, can carry up to three passengers. If you’re traveling with kids and need more space and flexibility, consider choosing a spacious SUV that can accommodate up to five passengers.
If you are a group of backpackers, it’s also possible to rent a private limousine van.
A one-way trip costs approximately $88 to $170 depending on the car size. The price covers fuel costs, highway toll fees, parking fees, water bottles, and driver fees.
While traveling from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, there are interesting stops along the way, including Xuan Thuy National Park, Vi Khe Ornamental Plant Village, and more.
Estimated Cost: Starting from $7
Estimated Time: 7-9 hours
If you get carsick, taking a train instead of a bus or car might be a good idea. But there is no direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. You’ll have to go to Hanoi Railway Station and then go to Halong Bay by bus, car, or taxi.
The whole journey takes around 7 to 9 hours, allowing you to admire the stunning landscapes of rustic villages along the way.
Distance: 95km
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Estimated Cost: $3–$6
Traveling by train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi covers a distance of 95 km and takes around 2.5-3 hours. Vietnam Railways operates five trains daily from Ninh Binh Station to Hanoi Station, starting as early as 3:20 am and as late as 4:50 pm.
Ticket options include hard and soft seats and sleeper beds. The train ticket cost from Ninh Binh to Hanoi is approximately $3-$6 per person.
→ Also read: How to Get From Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 6 Ways to Travel
Distance: 156km
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours
Estimated Cost: $7–$23
Once in Hanoi, proceed to the next step. To travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay (Tuan Chou, Cat Ba, Bai Chay), you can use a minivan or bus. The journey by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Halong Bay town takes 3 to 4 hours.
Different options are available, including private bus companies, regular buses, tourist buses, and luxury limousines. Bus tickets from Hanoi to Halong Bay typically range from $7 to $23 per person. You also have the option to book a private transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Estimated Cost: Starting from $7 per bike per day
Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
If you love riding motorcycles and want a thrilling adventure, driving from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay on a motorbike is a fantastic idea. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. You can follow the QL10, QL1A, and QL18 routes to Bai Chay and Bach Dang in Halong Bay.
Renting a bike costs around 7 to 10 USD per day, excluding fuel expenses. This route is best done by experienced riders, during good weather when it’s not rainy.
Follow these easy tips for a safe and smooth motorbike ride.
A lot of agencies and tour desks rent out motorbikes but note that chances are big that you will need to return the motorbike back to Ninh Binh afterwards. I’m not sure if there are many agencies in Ninh Binh that allow you to drop off the motorbike in Halong Bay.
Yes! Here are two tours that you can book online on Get Your Guide. They are very convenient if you have little time on your hands and you want to visit Halong Bay in just one day from Ninh Binh. They drop you off in Hanoi afterward from where you can continue your travels or take a plane back home!
Halong Bay,Vietnam
Once in Halong Bay, you can easily get around as there are various options. You can rent a motorbike, bicycle, car, taxi, shuttle bus, boat, or cruise to take you from one place to another. Renting a motorbike is the cheapest option.
Taxi is an expensive but good option for longer trips, like going to the pier or the airport.
The best thing to do in Halong Bay is to take a cruise. There are many cruises, from small to big, from luxurious to more affordable, and from short trips to longer ones. So, whatever kind of traveler you are, there is a cruise in Halong for you.
In Ha Long Bay, many tour companies let you go kayaking from the boat. It is an awesome experience because you can paddle freely, swim in the turquoise water, and see colorful fish. Kayaking gets you really close to the big limestone cliffs that stand tall above the water.
Exploring the caves in the big rocks is one of the best things to do in Halong Bay. These caves are big and have incredible rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites.
You can only get to the caves by going on the water. Most Halong tours include a visit to Sung Sot Cave and dark and bright cave in Lan Ha Bay.
Floating village near Cat Ba, Vietnam
Make sure to visit one of the pretty floating villages in Halong Bay – it’s something every traveler should do! The fishermen have been living in these villages on the water for a long time, and they get along well with the sea.
You can watch kids playing and having fun, hear fishermen singing songs, and see colorful houses going up and down with the ocean waves.
Cat Ba, Vietnam
Cat Ba is the biggest island in Halong Bay. The island has a wild national park where you can walk, see animals, and enjoy great jungle views. You can also do other fun things like riding a bike around the island, kayaking, or chilling on the beach. If you want to see more of the bay, you can take a day tour by boat from Cat Ba.
When it comes to accommodation in Halong Bay, you’ll find numerous options. From luxurious hotels and beautiful homestays to overnight cruises, the bay offers a range of options for different preferences and budgets. Some must-stay areas include Lan Ha Bay, Bai Chay, Tuan Chau Island, and Hon Gai.
If you are looking for a budget place to stay in Halong City with a friendly local, look no further than Tinh Gia homestay.
They offer clean and stylish rooms with good beds, air conditioning, a hair dryer, and even a fridge. The classic Vietnamese vibe of the accommodation is really nice and the complete opposite of all the fancy resorts you mainly find in Halong Bay.
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Halong Bay is a luxury resort on Reu Island, a private spot in Halong Bay. With amazing bay views, it has 3 private beaches, green surroundings, and an outdoor pool.
The rooms are stylish with French touches, and you can enjoy your own balcony with a bay view. There’s also a spa and fitness center. The resort offers various dining options, including Vietnamese and international dishes and they can cater to vegans in Vietnam.
Peony Cruises operate from Tuan Chau Marina. They offer well-planned itineraries in Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay. Air-conditioned cabins with free WiFi provide a comfortable stay.
The cruises include a spa, on-site restaurant, and bar. The modern-designed units feature amenities like a flat-screen TV and some have a seating area or private balcony. They also offer transfers between Hanoi and Halong Bay for an additional fee.
Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise is a fancy cruise ship in Halong Bay with 17 cabins and suites, each with a private balcony and beautiful bay views. Enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves and villages. The ship has a restaurant, bar, spa, and sun deck for relaxation.
Cat Ba Eco Lodge Resort is a peaceful getaway 15 minutes from Cat Ba National Park. The wooden-style, air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen cable TV, and you can enjoy mountain and garden views.
Bicycles are free, and services like currency exchange and ticketing are provided. The on-site restaurant serves Vietnamese and international cuisine, and there’s also a bar for drinks.
→ Also read: Hanoi to Cat Ba: A Complete Transport Guide
The travel distance from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is about 200 kilometers.
No, there are no direct flights. You can only travel by land through buses, trains, or private transfers.
The fastest way to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay is by private car or taxi. This option allows for flexibility in travel time and route. It is also the most expensive mode of transportation.
No, there is no direct train between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. If you want to go by train, you need to take a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can then take a bus or taxi to reach Halong Bay.
For your trip to Halong Bay, planning a 2 to 3-day itinerary is ideal. There’s a lot to see and enjoy, so having extra time will let you explore and make the most of your visit.
There you have it – a comprehensive guide on how to get from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. Traveling from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay offers various options.
No matter which way you choose to go, each option lets you explore Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes and culture. So, pack your bags, explore the history of Ninh Binh, and set sail for the wonders of Halong Bay.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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