Are you planning a trip from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh and wondering about the best transportation options? Look no further! This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh smooth and memorable.
Exploring Northern Vietnam’s Highlights: Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh
Northern Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, and two destinations that often steal the spotlight are Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.
Halong Bay is famous for its emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone karsts and islands. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s perfect for cruising, kayaking, and admiring stunning sunsets. Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” features dramatic limestone cliffs rising from lush rice paddies and winding rivers, offering serene boat rides, caves, and ancient temples.
While Halong Bay impresses with its dramatic landscapes, Ninh Binh captivates with peaceful countryside charm and cultural heritage. Visiting both lets travelers experience the best of Northern Vietnam’s nature and history.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to explore both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh is during the dry season, from November to March. During these months, the weather is cool, the skies are clear, and outdoor activities like cruising, kayaking, and boat rides are most enjoyable.
Visiting in the spring (February–April) brings lush landscapes and blooming flowers, while autumn (September–November) offers mild temperatures and less crowded attractions. Avoid the hot, humid summer months (May–August), which often bring heavy rains and occasional storms.
💡 Tip: Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times for photography and to enjoy the serene beauty of both destinations without the crowds.
From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh: Locations and Travel Tips
These two spots are among Northern Vietnam’s highlights and are easy to visit together in a single trip. Halong Bay is in Quang Ninh Province, about 160 km east of Hanoi, while Ninh Binh, famous for its peaceful rivers and dramatic karst landscapes, lies roughly 100 km south of the city. The distance between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh is about 220 km by road, with a private car or taxi taking around 3–3.5 hours, depending on traffic, and buses usually take a bit longer, closer to 4 hours.
From Limestone Karsts to Lush Valleys: Halong Bay and Ninh Binh
How many ways to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
There are 3 convenient ways by road to make the journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh, which takes around 3.5–5 hours. Depending on your preferences and travel style, you can choose from limousine buses, private cars, or local buses. I would love to guide you each one in detail:
By limousine bus – highly recommended
- Time: 3.5–4 hours
- Cost: $13 – $17
Taking a limousine bus from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is a highly recommended option due to its time efficiency, money-saving, seat availability, and comfort. Those buses go over smooth roadways with specified stops. One of the most significant benefits of moving by tourist/limousine bus is that you will not be overwhelmed by crowds since each limousine carries just 9 passengers.
In addition, couples or independent travelers will enjoy this choice the most. Instead of renting a whole car, you may select a more cost-effective alternative to share with other strangers.
By private car/taxi
- Time: 3.5–4 hours
- Cost: $100 (2–3 people)
Traveling by private car from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is the most convenient and comfortable option. You can book a private car from Halong City to Ninh Binh City through your hotel or ask an organized tour company to book for you.
By local bus: off the beaten path (with patience)
- Time: 4–5 hours
- Cost: $6 – $10
For the adventurous, local buses offer the most budget-friendly option. However, be prepared for a longer journey with more stops and potentially less legroom. This route might be less suitable for luggage-laden travelers. Direct buses from Halong City to Ninh Binh are available every day.
Some local buses that have direct transfers from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh are Anh Thang bus, Vu Ngu bus, Quan Nam bus, and Hai Thang bus.
💡Want a smooth and hassle-free transfer from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh? We can arrange a private car with an English-speaking driver, so you can relax and enjoy the journey. Contact us to book your ride in advance!
Common road routes from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh:
- Halong Bay to Ninh Binh city: Approximately 210 km (130.5mi) – 3h30m
- Halong Bay to Trang An complex: Approximately 190 km (118mi) – 3h10m
- Halong Bay to Bai Dinh Pagoda: Approximately 215 km (133.6mi) – 3h50m
- Halong Bay to Cuc Phuong National Park: Approximately 240 km (149mi) – 5h
Bonus tip: consider combining with Hanoi
Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are both conveniently located near Hanoi. If you have extra time, consider including the bustling capital city in your itinerary. Many travelers opt to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay, and then continue to Ninh Binh before returning to Hanoi. This allows you to explore all three destinations efficiently.
>>> Read more: 5 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Tour: Perfect Itinerary For Relaxing
How many days for each place is worth it?
Halong Bay – 2 Days / 1 Night
Spending 2 days in Halong Bay lets you fully enjoy an overnight cruise, the best way to soak in the iconic limestone islands and hidden caves at a relaxed pace. You’ll have time to kayak, swim, and catch the sunrise or sunset over the emerald waters without feeling rushed.
Here are some activities you won’t want to miss:
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Junk boat cruise: Drift among towering limestone pillars and take in the breathtaking scenery.
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Explore hidden caves: Visit Thien Cung (Cave of Heaven) or Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) for a glimpse of the bay’s natural wonders.
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Kayak through secluded coves: Find hidden beaches and enjoy the peaceful waters.
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Night squid fishing: Try your hand at a traditional fishing experience under a starry sky.
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Visit a floating pearl farm: Learn about pearl cultivation and see how these treasures are grown.
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Swim in crystal-clear waters: Cool off and relax amidst the stunning scenery.
Discover Halong Bay from a Scenic Boat Perspective
>>> If you wanna find out more about how many days in Halong Bay, read this blog: How many days in Halong Bay? A must-read travel guide
Reliable cruises to discover Halong Bay for your preferences:
- Indochina Sails: the largest luxury wooden boat on Halong Bay, a traditionally styled Indochine aromatic wooden cruise with large sails, priced from $140 per person
- Heritage Line Violet: French-Indochinese-designed luxury cruise, perfect for romantic sojourns, well-being cruising, or privatized sailings, priced from $369 per person
- Orchid Premium Cruise: traditional Asian nostalgia with elegant, luxurious French neoclassical style, priced from $298 per person
Ninh Binh – 1–2 Days / 1–2 Nights
Spending 1–2 days in Ninh Binh gives you time to fully enjoy its peaceful rivers, dramatic karst landscapes, and charming countryside. Staying overnight lets you soak in the calm atmosphere, capture stunning photos in the best light, and explore at a relaxed pace.
Here’s how to make the most of your time:
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Boat rides in Tam Coc or Trang An: Glide through grottoes and past limestone cliffs for an unforgettable view.
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Visit historical sites: Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and climb Mua Cave for panoramic landscapes.
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Cycle through villages and rice paddies: Immerse yourself in rural life and enjoy the serene scenery.
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Take a cooking class: Learn to make authentic Vietnamese dishes and experience local flavors firsthand.
Explore the Lush, Emerald Landscapes of Ninh Binh
>> For more information, you can check out this Glimpse of Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 5 Days, which offers you the best combinations of these stunning destinations above.
You can customize your own itinerary to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, or any destination that inspires you. Contact us, and our travel experts will help you plan a perfect Vietnam tour while giving the best travel advice for an unforgettable journey
Extra travel tips
- Consider the seasons: The dry season (March-May and August-October) offers pleasant weather for both locations.
- Pack smart: Bring comfortable shoes for exploring, a swimsuit for Halong Bay, and light layers for Ninh Binh’s varying temperatures.
- Embrace local cuisine: Don’t forget to enjoy fresh seafood, grilled chopped fresh squid (Cha Muc) in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh’s specialties like “com chay” (vegetarian rice) and “goi ca nho” (tiny fish salad).
- Learn a few basic phrases: A “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you) go a long way in connecting with the locals!
- Bargaining basics: Don’t be afraid to bargain at local markets politely in Ninh Binh.
- Respect the locals: Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
- Local currency: Carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) for smaller purchases and entrance fees. ATMs are readily available in both spots
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
By private car or taxi, it usually takes around 3–3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Buses may take slightly longer
2. What is the distance between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh?
The road distance is roughly 220 km, with no direct expressway, so travel winds through provincial roads and highways.
3. What’s the best way to travel between the places?
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Private car or taxi: fastest and most flexible, ideal for groups or families.
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Shuttle/limousine bus: comfortable and convenient, often timed after cruises.
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Train via Hanoi: scenic but longer, only recommended if you want a stop in Hanoi.
4. Are there any stops worth making along the way?
While most travelers go direct, you can take short breaks at local towns or scenic spots along the highway for refreshments or photos.
5. Can I combine both in one trip?
Absolutely! They are just a few hours apart and make a great Northern Vietnam combo, offering both dramatic seascapes and peaceful countryside landscapes.
>>> Maybe you need these travel blogs:
- How to choose the best Halong Bay overnight cruise?
- How is Vietnam Halong Bay weather in different seasons?
- Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay: Which one represents true exploration?
Mo Nguyen – From Halong Junk Cruise
