Ninh Binh, also known as Ha Long Bay on land, is a hidden gem located just around 2 hours drive from Hanoi. If you have limited time, but still want to explore nature, then Ninh Binh just is a good choice. Ninh Binh offers many exciting activities and it’s also home to many tourist attractions. Let’s go into the details of what to do for your Ninh Binh Day Trip.
Transportation Options
Most travelers start their Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi. To go to Ninh Binh from Hano, there are have several transportation options to choose from:Going by train is a popular choice among locals. The average travel time of around 2 hours from Hanoi train station. If you have car sick, this would be the most convenient option. The average ticket costs around 80,000vnd from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh train station, you can catch a taxi to your next place.Travelling by car is probably the most convenient option, especially if you stay in the Old Quater. A car ride to Ninh Binh takes on average 1 hour and 25 minutes. The limousine usually costs 300,000vnd from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. However, they don’t pick up customers directly from the hotel so you will need to get a taxi to the pickup place.For adventurous souls craving speed, the fastest option by motorbike taking only 2 hours and 17 minutes. But it’s not recommened if you are not familiar with the route.
Top 4 Ninh Binh Day Trip Options
There are many tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. So, it’s basically impossible to visit all the places in one day. Therefore, if you are on a day trip, you have to choose what you want to see based on your preference. Take a look at 4 suggest itinerary below if you are planning your day trip.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave Tour
This is the first itinerary for nature lover. With this itinerary, you can explore nature and at the same time, visit the acient capital to learn about the Old Capital of Vietnam.In the morning, you will explore Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu, and admire its historical temples. Then you will cruise along the Tam Coc river. In the afternoon, you can climb up to Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic views of the region.
Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, and Mua Cave Tour
This itinerary is a good choice for those who wants to visit temples. This itinerary allows you to have enough time to visit the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, one of the largest in Vietnam. You can then explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An by boat in the afternoon. In the late afternoon, you will hike up to Mua Cave for mesmerizing views of the countryside.
Cuc Phuong National Park Tour
A tour to Cuc Phuong National park is perfect for those who wants to explore nature. At this park, you will feel the beauty and biodiversity of Cuc Phuong National Park. If you visit during the right season, you will see more than 400 types of butterflies in different colors. The butterfly season starts from late April to the end of May. You can imagine millions of wings flying in flocks across the road leading into the national park. Ticket price to visit the garden is around 60,000 VND for adults and 10,000 VND for children (grades 1 to 11).
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Tuyet Tinh Coc, and Hoa Lu Tour
If you prefer non-touristic place but still want to do a boat ride, you can buy a boat ticket and go through the tranquill Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. Then move to the next spot, Tuyet Tinh Coc cave, this place is not well-known among foreign tourists, but it’s really famous among locals. After that, you will visit Hoa Lu, the last attraction before having dinner at a local restaurants.
Exploring Ninh Binh’s Culinary Delights
In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, Ninh Binh is also renowned for its delicious local cuisine. Some must-try specialties include: Oc nui (Mountain Snails), Com chay (Ninh Binh Rice Crust). If you stay longer, you can try finding Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll (Nem chua Yen Mac) or Braised Fish with Gao Fruit (Ca kho qua gao). These two dishes are not very well-known, but it’s really worth a try.Many probably have never heard of mountain snails, but trust me, this is one of the must-try dish when you are in Ninh Binh alongside goat meat. Ninh Binh is home to many famous goat meat dishes such as “Thit de chay toi” (Goat meat stir-fried with garlic), “De Tai Chanh” (Boiled Goat Meat with Lemon Juice).
Conclusion
A Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi promises unforgettable moments. Ninh Binh is a special place where you can enjoy tranquil natural beauty in combination with cultural heritage. I’m sure you are in for a good time no matter what itinerary you choose to take. Contact us to book a Ninh Binh tour if you need more information about this lovely place.
In addition to its natural beauty and historical sites, Ninh Binh is also renowned for its delicious local cuisine. Some must-try specialties include: Oc nui (Mountain Snails), Com chay (Ninh Binh Rice Crust). If you stay longer, you can try finding Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll (Nem chua Yen Mac) or Braised Fish with Gao Fruit (Ca kho qua gao). These two dishes are not very well-known, but it’s really worth a try.Many probably have never heard of mountain snails, but trust me, this is one of the must-try dish when you are in Ninh Binh alongside goat meat. Ninh Binh is home to many famous goat meat dishes such as “Thit de chay toi” (Goat meat stir-fried with garlic), “De Tai Chanh” (Boiled Goat Meat with Lemon Juice).