Ultimate Guide to Ninh Binh: A 3-Day Biking Itinerary

Ninh Binh is a captivating province located in northern Vietnam. Join us on a journey to discover this hidden gem. Often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and tranquil countryside. During a month-long stay in Hanoi, we visited both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, and we felt that Ninh Binh was definitely underrated.

In this blog post, we will delve into our three-day itinerary, highlighting its natural wonders, cultural heritage, immersive experiences, and practical tips to make the most of your visit. And of course, we won’t forget to share how much we spent! Are you ready to dive in?

How much time do you need to visit Nihn Bihn in Vietnam?

To fully experience the beauty of Ninh Binh, we recommend spending at least three days in the region. This timeframe allowed us to visit the major attractions, engage in outdoor activities, and immerse ourselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Of course, if you are looking for a place to relax, you could extend this stay for up to a week!

What did we do?

Here is a daily summary of our itinerary in Ninh Binh

Day	What did we do?
1 (Monday)	We commuted from Hanoi, checked in at the guesthouse, had lunch at Pig Family Restaurant, visited Bich Dong Pagoda and Thai Vi Temple, enjoyed the scenic view at Thung Sen Tam Coc cafe, and had dinner at Minh Khoi Restaurant.
2 (Tuesday)	We embarked on an early morning exploration of Mua Cave, had breakfast at the guesthouse, enjoyed lunch at Que Vu Restaurant, took a 3+ hours boat ride at Trang An, and continued exploring Mua Caves.
3 (Wednesday)	After having breakfast at the guesthouse, we took a leisurely walk along the picturesque rice paddy fields, enjoyed a satisfying lunch at Hai Linh, checked out from the guesthouse, and commenced our commute back to Hanoi.

The map below captures all the sites we’ve stopped at as well as the places we stayed and ate at.

Note: Links to the accommodations below are affiliate links, meaning that if you click and purchase any of them, Nomad Numbers may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please review our disclaimer page.

Day 1 – Exploring the Rich Heritage of Ninh Binh

Our Ninh Binh adventure began with a comfortable semi-private van ride from our Airbnb in Hanoi to our guesthouse, which took approximately 2-3 hours. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the guesthouse staff at Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay who kindly offered us refreshing pineapple and ginger tea! Since our room wasn’t ready yet, we decided to satisfy our hunger at a nearby restaurant, eager to start our exploration.

Once settled into our room, we took advantage of the guesthouse’s bike rental service, an excellent way to navigate the bike-friendly streets of Ninh Binh. We strongly recommend exploring the area by bike as it offers a unique sense of freedom and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning rice paddy fields and quaint city streets.

Our first destination was Bich Dong Pagoda, an enchanting complex of three ancient pagodas nestled into the mountainside. As we ascended the stone steps and ventured deeper into the pagoda, we marveled at the intricate architecture and the serene atmosphere that enveloped us. The highlight was reaching the top of the mountain, where a mesmerizing cave and panoramic view awaited us, making the climb well worth the effort.

Continuing our journey, we headed back towards our guesthouse and made our way to Thai Vi Temple, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush green rice fields. Though small in size, the temple exuded a tranquil charm and provided a peaceful escape from the bustling city. 

As the day progressed, we couldn’t resist the allure of Thung Sen Tam Coc restaurant & cafe, known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. We took a moment to appreciate the natural beauty before indulging in some refreshing drinks. It was a memorable experience that perfectly captured the essence of Ninh Binh’s serene ambiance.

To conclude our eventful day, we treated ourselves to a delightful early dinner at Minh Khoi Restaurant. The warm ambiance and extensive menu offered a satisfying culinary experience, leaving our taste buds thoroughly satisfied.

Day 2 – Exploring the Natural Wonders of Ninh Binh

On our second day in Ninh Binh, we woke up early with the intention of witnessing the sunrise at the renowned Mua Cave. However, the foggy weather prevented us start climbing the mountain. We embraced the opportunity to explore the nearby biking paths and had some interesting encounters with friendly locals along the way.

Returning to our guesthouse, we enjoyed a delicious and complimentary breakfast provided by our hospitable hosts, energizing us for a day filled with exciting explorations.

As midday approached, we embarked on a biking journey to Que Vu Restaurant, a picturesque dining spot offering not only delectable Vietnamese cuisine but also a stunning view. The restaurant served up a satisfying Vietnamese meal, allowing us to savor the authentic flavors and recharge for the next leg of our adventure.

The highlight of the day was the Trang An boat ride, a captivating experience that showcased the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Lasting over three hours, the boat ride took us through a network of rivers, caves, and lush greenery, with stops at various temples along the way. We even had the chance to visit the filming location of the famous movie “King Kong,” adding an extra touch of excitement to our journey.

To complete the day, we returned to the Mua Caves, this time blessed with clear weather. Climbing the steep staircase to the peak rewarded us with a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region, leaving us awestruck by the breathtaking vistas and grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural splendor from above.

Day 3 – Immersing in the Tranquil Charms of Ninh Binh

On our final day in Ninh Binh, we began with a delightful breakfast at our guesthouse. Opting for a leisurely walk, we left our bikes behind and strolled towards the serene Hang Thiên Hươngto temple. This picturesque journey took us through the town, past stunning rice fields, and provided a tranquil atmosphere to immerse ourselves in Ninh Binh’s natural beauty.

For lunch, we ventured to Hai Linh, a local restaurant known for its delectable Vietnamese dishes. Here, we had the opportunity to try some cured pork, indulging in the rich flavors of the region.

After a satisfying meal, it was time to bid farewell to our cozy guesthouse as we checked out and made preparations for our journey back to Hanoi. With our transportation organized, we embarked on the return trip, cherishing the memories and experiences gained during our delightful stay in Ninh Binh.

Where to stay?

While we usually like to use AirBnB for long stays to save close to 50% on accommodation cost, on very short stays AirBnB doesn’t always offer the best deals (partly due to the cleaning fee that can be as high as the nightly rate). This is when we also look to Booking.com which has a lot of options on what we were looking for. 

Day	Accommodation / Location	Nomad Numbers Rating
1-3	Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay (Ninh Binh)	5 out of 5 – Great place, exceptional hospitality A really nice guest house that comes with a swimming pool and free breakfast. While there isn’t a view on the mountain, the hospitality of the guests and their passion for welcoming hosts far exceed the view. We highly recommend this place! (9.7 score on booking.com)

Here are a few pictures and a short tour of our accomodation

Pro-tip: When searching for accommodation in Ninh Binh, keep an eye on accommodations with picturesque views of the surrounding rice fields. While we prioritize central convenience to explore by bike, opting for a guesthouse with a stunning view can be an excellent alternative. It offers a tranquil and immersive experience amidst the natural beauty of Ninh Binh’s countryside, providing a different perspective for those seeking a serene retreat.

How to get there?

Ninh Binh is easily accessible from major cities in Vietnam. The most convenient ways to reach Ninh Binh include:

• By train: You can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with the journey taking approximately two hours.
• By bus: Regular bus run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• By semi-private van. We do recommend this option as they are more frequent and provide a door to door experience. 

How much did we spend?

Our 3-day trip to Ninh Binh was budget-friendly, mostly due to the fact that Vietnam is a really affordable country. Eating in the area is really inexpensive and the bulk of our expense was really into accommodation and transportation.

TL;DR; As a couple we spent a total of 135 USD for this trip. Note: this budget is as a couple so if you travel solo, your budget might differ.

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Here is our budget breakdown per spending category: 

Category	Total Cost USD	Comments
Local Transportation	$37.84	This is for our semi-private van + bike rental
Accommodation	$34.90	Two nights at the great Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay
Dining Out	$32.68	This covered our lunch and dinner since breakfast was included in our homestay
Entertainment	$20.86	Mostly entrance fee for the cave and the boat ride
Snacks	$9.16	Coconut, pancakes and other local treats 😉
TOTAL	$135.02	At $22.50 per day for two people, this 3 day trip to Ninh Binh was really affordable especially for the experience we got!

Others tips?

Here are our tips for anyone that is planning to visit Nihn Bihn and wants to save time and money while having the best possible experience:

• Time your visit: Ninh Binh is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (from November to April) when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is minimal. Avoid the rainy season (from May to October) when heavy downpours can affect outdoor activities.
• Explore by bicycle (not scooter!): Consider renting a bicycle to explore Ninh Binh at your own pace. It provides flexibility and allows you to discover hidden gems and truly enjoy the scenic countryside.
• Take a river boat ride: Ninh Binh is known for its stunning waterways, so don’t miss the chance to take a boat ride. Whether it’s Tam Coc-Bich Dong or Trang An, these boat tours offer a unique perspective of the karst landscapes and caves.
• Sample local cuisine: Ninh Binh is famous for its delicious food. Don’t hesitate to try the local specialties such as goat meat dishes, rice crust, and eel preparations. Explore local markets and street food stalls for an authentic culinary experience.
• Stay in a homestay: Consider staying in a homestay to experience the warm hospitality of the locals and immerse yourself in the authentic Vietnamese lifestyle. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the community and learn about their traditions.
• Carry cash: While some places in Ninh Binh accept card payments, it’s advisable to carry enough cash or you will have to face a 3% (or above) fees to pay by card or even get cash. There are a couple of ATMs and they charge crazy fees! 
• Pack water – The area can get really hot in the summer, especially if you like hiking. Make sure to pack plenty of water and stay hydrated.

As we bid farewell to Ninh Binh, we reflect on the memories and experiences gained during our time in this captivating province. From exploring ancient pagodas and temples to cruising through rivers and caves, Ninh Binh’s natural wonders left us awe-inspired. The warm hospitality of the locals, coupled with the serene countryside and local cuisine, made this underrated destination a true gem in Vietnam. Whether you have three days or more, we highly recommend visiting Ninh Binh to immerse yourself in its rich heritage and natural beauty. Pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Ninh Binh – you won’t be disappointed!

What do you think about our itinerary to Ninh Binh? Did you know about it? Would you like to spend a few days there and enjoy everything this region has to offer? Please leave us a comment in the comment section below!