After spending a few days exploring Hanoi, I set out for a Ninh Binh day trip—Vietnam’s ancient capital.
My plan? To visit Hoa Lu, Hang Mua, and Trang An—three must-see spots I had heard incredible things about!
Table of Contents
Search for Ninh Binh Tour Operators in Hanoi
Since it was Tet time, I was confused about the good experience because many tour operators shut down during this period.
Moreover, I decided to do a thorough search.
Firstly, I checked on Klook. The results I came across were not for my preferred date.
Hence, I chose to search offline. In Old Quarters, I spotted a few tour operators I could talk to.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh Day tour
Eventually, I finalised a tour operator—The Sinh Tourist in Hanoi.
It cost me 40$ (VND – 10,22,199 approx. 1 million)
The Ninh Binh day trip includes:
- Both sides of bus transfers
- Hoa Lu & Hang Mua entry fees
- Trang An Boat Trip
- Lunch
After I secured my seat on the bus, the tour guide sent me a WhatsApp message stating that the bus would pick me up at 7 a.m.
The bus would stop anyhow at Old Quarters for pickup—it being the tourist hot spot in Hanoi.
My bus pick-up point was near the hostel. Thus, I needed to get ready by 6 a.m.
Any packing recommendations for Ninh Binh?
If you’re traveling in winter, that is from December to March, you can carry a jacket with you as it can get cold towards the evening.
The rest you can carry lightweight.
- Water bottle
- Phone
- Cash
- Hat and Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Handy food items like bananas, etc.
Start of a Day trip to Ninh Binh
I woke up at 6 a.m. and moved with silent steps so nobody in the hostel dorm would wake up. Since I don’t want to disturb anybody’s sleep.
The main hindrance I feel in staying at the hostel is during the very early mornings, leaving the dorm like a thief in the house—to move in a pin-drop silence.
In a moment, I reached the hostel downstairs and had my breakfast—a bread omelet for 50,000 VND (Rs. 170), which was my daily breakfast there.
I felt utterly good to have my hot breakfast that early, and my stomach was pretty satisfied, too.
Meanwhile, I received a call from the guide informing me of the bus number and the pickup point.
I was the first to board the bus, which later got filled in about an hour.
The Hanoi to Ninh Binh distance is around 90 km.
The bus in between stops for breakfast for about 20 mins. I couldn’t find anything better to have, so I had an Oreo biscuit and Vietnamese coffee.
Yet, I avoid consuming heavy meals when I have to sit on the bus for longer.
Moreover, I decided to use it the next day while sitting in the bus. Thus, I chose to book the Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island tour via Klook.
I had this place somewhere in my mind, but I hadn’t booked anything yet. And I also don’t have time to return to Hanoi and then book offline. I had to book it online.
The Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island tour cost me Rs. 6,125 (17,93,202 VND). Hence, the next day was also sorted.
Hoa Lú
Within some time, we reached the first location—Hoa Lú.
As we exited the bus, we headed toward the entry gate while our guide quickly arranged the tickets. The entry fee for Hoa Lú was just 20,000 VND.
Our guide shared fascinating stories about Ninh Binh’s history, explaining that “Ninh” means security and “Binh” means peace. It was an insightful session, and he made it even better with his humor—cracking jokes and keeping everyone entertained!
We spent about an hour exploring the site, and I realized that without a guide, I would have probably finished in just 15 minutes. Having someone explain the history made the visit much more meaningful.
Lunch in a Restaurant
After diving into ancient history, it was time for a hearty lunch.
The tour operator had arranged a lavish buffet with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Excited to try the vegetarian dishes, I filled my plate with a variety of flavors.
The food was delicious and satisfying—enough to keep me full until dinner.
After lunch, the plan was to explore the town on bicycles.
Cycling in Ninh Binh
Near the restaurant, we picked up our bicycles—an exciting moment for me since I hadn’t cycled in years.
We rode through lush green fields and crossed a scenic river bridge, soaking in the peaceful countryside. It was a short ride, but every moment felt refreshing and special.
After about 15 minutes, we returned and got ready for our next stop—Hang Mua.
Hang Mua
To reach the top of Hang Mua and enjoy the stunning views of Ninh Binh, we had to climb around 500 steps.
We arrived at Hang Mua around 3 p.m., and our guide gave us 45 minutes to return to the bus.
Being a fitness enthusiast, I was confident I could reach the top quickly. The climb started off well, but as I got closer to the top, my heart pounded faster—the steep stairs made it more challenging than I expected.
In roughly 15-20 minutes, I reached the top.
I could see the dragon and also many people making their way. Furthermore, I had to climb a big rock, and also it became a little crowded with many people wanting to make their way to the dragon.
But, slowly, comfortably, and safely, I made my way towards the dragon.
After spending some time at the top, I tried to take a picture with my camera but couldn’t manage it.
Just then, I noticed someone passing by and asked if he could take a photo for me. He happily agreed!
I also met a little girl who was curious to know where I was from and whether I liked Vietnam. Her father encouraged her to keep the conversation going, which made the moment even more special.
Soon, I made my way down the steps and returned to the entry gate, where the bus was waiting.
A day that started as an ancient and historical visit soon added an adventurous path to it. Furthermore, I was eager to experience Trang An.
Trang An
Around 4 p.m., we left Hang Mua for Trang An.
Trang An is a boating location. But it’s not just a boating location; it’s surrounded by gorgeous landscapes and caves. Thus, a serene boating area.
Meanwhile, on the bus, the guide divided everyone into groups of 4. I was accompanied by a solo traveler from New York and an older couple.
The ticket for the Trang An boat tour was 250,000 VND (Approx. Rs. 850).
The guide arranged the tickets for us while we stood in the entry line.
Before sitting in the boat, we’re told to remember the boat number because, in between, we’re asked to get down of the boat to visit places. Hence, for that.
Our turn came, and we sat in the boat. The lady rowing the boat looked very happy and welcoming!
The First stop in the Red River Delta was to visit the Trinh Temple.
Located in a serene and peaceful environment, Trinh Temple is situated in a perfect setting.
Since the guide was not accompanying us during the boat tour. So, getting to know more about the spot was challenging. Then, it’s only about framing my subjects and getting back to the boat.
Limestone Caves
We again sat in the boat to find out what this place holds for visitors.
Then, we came across caves.
When passing through caves, we’re obligated to mind our heads because the limestones are pointed enough to injure us.
But the experience of passing through the cave is exquisite. Although it’s not completely dark inside, small bulbs give the much-needed light.
The scenery was getting better and better with each passing cave.
While we were done with most of the things, I saw oar in the boat and thought to help the lady by providing an extra hand in rowing the boat. The other three also picked up oars and joined.
The boat’s speed increased, and the lady also felt very pleased.
Soon, we reached the starting point.
We remembered the guide’s suggestion to give “happy money” as a token of appreciation to those working during the Tet holiday season.
I gave 25,000 VND (around ₹85) to the lady, and others did the same.
After visiting Trang An, we headed back to the bus.
Is a Ninh Binh day trip more than enough?
A day trip to Ninh Binh is more than enough until and unless you want to travel slowly and experience this side more profoundly by staying overnight.
In Hanoi, I heard, foreigners renting bikes and making their way to Ninh Binh for a couple of days. So, you can do that as well if you have enough time.
Ninh Binh to Hanoi
It was a tiring yet productive day spent exploring.
We made our way back from Ninh Binh to Hanoi with happy memories. Indeed, the way back was full of traffic jams. But the bus managed to reach the Hanoi Old Quarters around 9 p.m.
I reached the hostel, had dinner, and went to sleep because the next day would be the same, as I would be headed to Cat Ba Island.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!
