Tiếng Việt
With the majestic beauty of mountains, rice fields and rich historical and cultural relics, Ninh Binh has become one of the most attractive destinations in the North. There’s nothing better than traveling to Ninh Binh by motorbike to freely explore the beautiful scenery in this “Ha Long Bay on land”. The article below will provide you with the most detailed and useful information for a memorable trip in the ancient capital.
Route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike
With a distance of only about 93-95km, the route to Ninh Binh from Hanoi by motorbike is quite convenient and easy. This is a familiar route to many backpackers in the North, especially suitable for those who want a short trip full of experience.
Follow National Highway 1A through Phu Ly – Ha Nam
From Hanoi, you move in the direction of Giai Phong street and enter National Highway 1A. This is the main route, spacious and easy to navigate. On this road, you will pass through the city of Phu Ly in the province of Ha Nam, an ideal stop to rest and refuel before continuing the journey.
This journey takes you through the vast rice fields of the Red River Delta, peaceful villages with traditional architecture typical of the North. If you go during the ripe rice season (May-June or October), the scenery on both sides of the road will be even more brilliant with the golden color of ripe rice.
Time and distance to note
Total travel time from Hanoi center to Ninh Binh by motorbike is about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on speed and number of stops. You should leave early, around 6-7 am to avoid traffic jams when leaving Hanoi and have plenty of time to explore Ninh Binh upon arrival.
Note that the road passing through National Highway 1A often has many trucks and container trucks, so please move carefully, keep a safe lane and comply with the prescribed speed. You should stop for about 15 minutes after every 1 hour of driving to avoid fatigue. In the Tam Diep area there are many cafes and gas stations that are ideal stops.
Famous attractions in “Ha Long Bay on land”
Ninh Binh is known as “Ha Long Bay on land” with majestic limestone mountains and winding rivers. Exploring Ninh Binh by motorbike allows you to freely move between famous attractions and explore little-known corners.
Trang An – Tam Coc and Mua Cave
Trang An – A world heritage site recognized by UNESCO since 2014, outstanding with a system of limestone caves, rivers and mountains interwoven to create a majestic landscape. To explore Trang An, you will take a boat through caves such as Thien Cung cave, Dark cave, Sang cave and stop at temples and communal houses along the route. Sightseeing ticket price is 250,000 VND/person (2024), including boat service.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is the next destination not to be missed. This place is famous for its boat tour on Ngo Dong River, taking you through three natural caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. In particular, Tam Coc is most beautiful during the ripe rice season (May-June) with sparkling golden fields reflecting on the water. Boat ticket price at Tam Coc is 120,000 VND/person + 150,000 VND/boat.
Hang Mua is a famous check-in point of Ninh Binh with 486 steps leading to the top of Ma Yen mountain. From here, you can see the panoramic view of Tam Coc with limestone mountains and stretching rice fields. On the top of the mountain there is also a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara and a stone dragon curving along the mountainside. Entrance ticket price is 150,000 VND/person.
Hoa Lu ancient capital and Bai Dinh pagoda
Hoa Lu ancient capital was the first capital of Vietnam during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh. Currently, the remaining relics are mainly temples to these two kings. The relic area is not too large but has rich historical value and typical architecture of the Dinh – Early Le period. The entrance fee is quite affordable, only 20,000 VND/person.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, including an old pagoda area and a new pagoda area with an area of more than 700 hectares. This place is famous for the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia, the Arhat corridor with 500 statues and a bronze bell weighing 36 tons. Although admission is free, you need to pay for the tram to move around the campus (30,000 VND/person) and tickets to visit some attractions such as the Maitreya Buddha statue (40,000 VND).
In addition, you should also explore Van Long Lagoon – a pristine nature reserve, home to the rare Delacour’s langur; and Sun Valley – a new destination with beautiful mountain scenery, especially in the ripe rice season.
Ninh Binh travel guide for backpackers
A complete Ninh Binh travel guide will help you have a complete and economical trip to the North. With diverse terrain from mountains to plains, Ninh Binh has its own weather conditions and characteristics that tourists should understand before setting out.
Which season is the best time to travel to Ninh Binh by motorbike is a question many people ask. In fact, each season in Ninh Binh has its own unique beauty, but according to the experience of many backpackers, the two most beautiful seasons are:
- Spring (January-March): The weather is cool, fresh, temperatures range from 15-23°C, with little rain. This is also the festival season with many traditional cultural activities such as the Bai Dinh Pagoda festival (from January 1). Spring scenery with yellow mustard flowers and blooming peach blossoms creates a romantic scene.
- Early summer (April-June): This is the time when the rice is ripe and golden in Tam Coc, creating the “most beautiful scene of the year” with golden rice fields reflecting in the water, dotted with majestic limestone mountains. Temperature is about 25-32°C, sometimes with short showers.
You should avoid going to Ninh Binh during the rainy season (July-September) because heavy rain will make it difficult to travel by motorbike and do outdoor activities. Winter (November-December) is quite cold and humid, can drop below 15°C, but there are few tourists, suitable for those who like quiet space.
Regarding the time of day, you should start early when visiting places like Hang Mua to avoid the hot sun while climbing, and at the same time have a beautiful angle to take photos with the morning light. Trang An and Tam Coc boat tours should start at 8-9 am to enjoy fresh air and avoid crowds.
Beautiful roads and stops when traveling to Ninh Binh
The appeal of traveling around Ninh Binh by motorbike lies not only in the destinations but also in the beautiful roads and interesting stops along the journey. Beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural experiences are waiting for backpackers to explore.
The road along the Sao Khe River is one of the most beautiful roads when driving a motorbike in Ninh Binh. The road curves along the river, on both sides are limestone mountains and green rice fields. Especially on the road from Tam Coc to Bich Dong, you will admire the scenery of golden rice fields during the harvest season (May-June) or the lush green color of young rice in other seasons.
The road to Hang Mua with winding turns, passing through terraced fields and rocky cliffs, brings an interesting driving experience. You can stop at homestay Mua Caves Ecolodge to see the panoramic view of the area before climbing up 486 steps to conquer the top of Ngoa Long mountain.
The road around the tourist area Trang An is also worth exploring with small roads weaving between the mountains. Especially the road along the foot of the mountain from Trang An to Am Tien Cave, a place that is still quite wild and little known to tourists. Don’t forget to stop at Sun Valley – a beautiful photo spot with spectacular rice field and rocky mountain landscapes.
Ideal stops along the way include The Vibe Ninh Binh coffee shop (near Mua Cave) with views of the mountains, a sugarcane juice shop at the road junction to Bich Dong, and roadside homestays like Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort, where you can rest and enjoy a drink in a peaceful space amidst nature.
Suggested itinerary for 2 days 1 night trip to Ninh Binh
To have a complete experience and not miss famous places, below is a detailed Ninh Binh backpacking itinerary for 2 days 1 night, suitable for self-sufficient travel to Ninh Binh by car machine.
Day 1: Hanoi – Tam Coc – Hang Mua
- 6:00: Departing from Hanoi, traveling along National Highway 1A
- 8:30: Stop in the city. Phu Ly (Ha Nam) for breakfast and rest
- 9:30: Continue your journey to Ninh Binh
- 10:30: Arrive in Tam Coc, park the car and start the boat tour to explore Tam Coc – Bich Dong (about 2-2.5 hours)
- 13:00: Lunch in the Tam Coc area with specialties such as Ninh Binh scorched rice, mountain goat
- 14:30: Move to Hang Mua (about 5km from Tam Coc)
- 15:00: Climb 486 steps to the top of Ngoa Long mountain, admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc and take photos
- 17:00: Visit Thai Vi temple – the temple worshiping Tran dynasty kings
- 18:30: Check-in hotel/homestay, rest
- 19:30: Have dinner and explore local cuisine in the city center area. Ninh Binh
Day 2: Trang An – Hoa Lu – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Hanoi
- 7:00: Breakfast, check out hotel
- 8:00: Move to Trang An tourist area (about 7km from Ninh Binh city center)
- 8:30: Visit Trang An by boat, explore caves and temples (about 3-3.5 hours)
- 12:00: Lunch in Trang An area
- 13:30: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – historical relic of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties
- 15:00: Move to Bai Dinh Pagoda (about 15km from Hoa Lu)
- 15:30: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the largest pagoda in Vietnam
- 17:30: Departure for Hanoi
- 20:00: Arrive in Hanoi
Note: The above schedule can be flexibly adjusted depending on weather and health conditions. If you have more time, you can add additional attractions such as Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long Lagoon, or Phat Diem Stone Cathedral – other famous places to travel to Ninh Binh by motorbike.
Experience with renting motorbikes and costs for traveling to Ninh Binh
Motorbike rental in Ninh Binh is a popular choice for tourists who want to be proactive in traveling. The economical way to travel to Ninh Binh by motorbike starts from choosing a suitable car rental service and planning a reasonable spending plan.
There are two main options when traveling to Ninh Binh: ride a motorbike from Hanoi or take a bus to Ninh Binh and then rent a motorbike locally. If you choose the second option, you can easily rent a motorbike at hotels, homestays or professional motorbike rental shops. Car rental prices range from 100,000 – 200,000 VND/day depending on the type of vehicle (manual or scooter) and time (prices are often higher on weekends and peak seasons).
Some reputable addresses to rent motorbikes in Ninh Binh:
- Ninh Binh Local Tour: 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day
- Tam Coc motorbike (Tam Coc area): 150,000 – 180,000 VND/day
- Car rental service at Trang An Retreat: 150,000 – 200,000 VND/day
When renting a car, you need to provide ID/Passport and a deposit of 1-3 million VND or keep your identification documents. Please carefully check the vehicle’s condition before accepting: brakes, lights, horn, gasoline and especially tires. Take photos of the car from many angles to avoid disputes when returning the car.
About the cost for a 2-day-1-night trip to Ninh Binh, below is a detailed estimate for 1 person:
- Petrol (if traveling from Hanoi): 200,000 – 250,000 VND
- Motorbike rental price in Ninh Binh: 200,000 – 400,000 VND/2 days
- Hotel/homestay: 300,000 – 600,000 VND/night (double room)
- Sightseeing tickets: 550,000 – 650,000 VND (Tam Coc, Hang Mua, Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh)
- Meals (6 meals): 500,000 – 700,000 VND
- Other expenses (drinks, souvenirs): 200,000 VND
Total expected cost: about 1,500,000 – 2,200,000 VND/person for 2 days 1 night, can increase or decrease depending on the level of savings and the type of service you choose. Compared to a package tour (about 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/person), traveling to Ninh Binh by motorbike is significantly more economical and brings more interesting experiences.
Ninh Binh cuisine not to be missed
Exploring Ninh Binh cuisine is an indispensable part of an authentic Vietnam experience. The ancient capital is not only famous for its majestic natural landscape but also for its unique cuisine with many unforgettable dishes.
The symbolic dish of Ninh Binh must include Ninh Binh mountain goat – a famous specialty nationwide. Goats here are grazed naturally on limestone mountains, eating wild grasses and leaves, so the meat is firm, delicious and has no odor. Goat is processed into many dishes such as steamed goat, grilled goat, stir-fried goat, but the most famous dishes are rare goat with lemon and grilled goat with satay. Delicious goat restaurants in Ninh Binh you should try:
- Quoc Anh mountain goat (Hoa Lu area)
- Duc Huong mountain goat (near Tam Coc tourist area)
- Hong Son mountain goat (2km from Trang An)
Ninh Binh scorched rice is another specialty not to be missed. Different from scorched rice elsewhere, Ninh Binh scorched rice is made from delicious rice, pressed into flat pieces and fried crispy, then served with goat meat sauce or minced pork stir-fried with shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, garlic and spices. The crispy flavor of the burnt rice mixed with the rich sauce creates a unique, unforgettable flavor.
It is impossible not to mention Yen Mac fermented pork roll – a special type of fermented pork roll originating from Yen Mac village, Yen Mo district. Nem is made from delicious pork, along with pork skin, rice noodles, guava leaves, garlic, chili and special spices according to a family recipe. Nem Yen Mac has a harmonious sour, sweet and salty taste and a unique aroma, often eaten with fig leaves.
You should also try Cuc Phuong mountain snail – a special type of snail found only in the Cuc Phuong limestone mountains. Snails are small in size but have firm and sweet meat, often stir-fried with lemongrass and chili or cooked in sour soup. This dish often appears on the menus of local restaurants around Cuc Phuong and Van Long areas.
After the meal, don’t forget to enjoy Hoa Lu wine – a wine soaked with precious herbs and medicinal plants from Ngoa Long mountain. Wine has a sweet taste, mild aroma and is believed to be nutritious and improve health.
Note on safety when exploring the North by motorbike
Exploring the North by motorbike is a wonderful experience, but safety must always come first. Below are important notes to make your Ninh Binh motorbike tour go smoothly and safely.
Before leaving, careful preparation is extremely important. Check the condition of your motorbike: brakes, lights, horn, mirrors, tires and oil. If you are not technically savvy, you should take your car to a reputable car repair shop for a comprehensive check. Pay special attention to tire wear and the effectiveness of the braking system, because Ninh Binh’s terrain has many steep mountain passes, especially the Tam Coc and Hang Mua areas.
Regarding personal safety equipment, a quality helmet is a must, along with gloves, goggles and sun protection. You should wear long-sleeved clothes to protect your skin from sunlight and scratches if an accident occurs. Sneakers or sandals with straps are safer than slippers when driving a motorbike.
When traveling on the road, strict compliance with traffic laws is a basic requirement. The maximum speed allowed in urban areas is 40km/h and outside urban areas is 60km/h for motorbikes. Absolutely do not drink alcohol while driving, do not swerve, and always stay in the correct lane. Pay special attention when traveling through roads with many trucks and containers on National Highway 1A.
In Ninh Binh, some passes around the limestone mountain area can be slippery, especially after the rain. Please slow down and be cautious when cornering. When stopping to visit or take photos, always park in a safe place, not obstructing traffic, and pay special attention to anti-theft.
Documents to bring include: driver’s license (mandatory), vehicle registration, motorbike insurance and identification. You should prepare a simple first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic alcohol, headache medicine and necessary personal medications. Store emergency numbers such as ambulance (115), police (113) and fire (114) on your phone.
Finally, always notify relatives or friends of your itinerary, update the situation when you arrive at key destinations, and share your actual location via applications like Google Maps if possible. Being careful and alert will help you have a memorable and safe trip to Ninh Binh by motorbike.