Ninh Binh is a famous travel destination in northern Vietnam, once the capital of the country from 968 to 1010, and home to both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Although I’ve visited Ninh Binh many times before, this was my first time spending two full days here to truly explore and experience the beauty of this region. Before the trip, I spent quite a bit of time researching the best photo spots and creating an itinerary that suited my travel style.
In this blog, I’ll share my complete 2-day Ninh Binh itinerary from Hanoi, including the best places to visit, photography spots, and travel tips to help you plan your own trip. Keep reading to discover how to make the most of your 2 days in Ninh Binh!
- How to Get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh:
There are two great ways to explore Ninh Binh from Hanoi. You can either join a convenient one-day tour with a set itinerary or enjoy a more personalized journey by renting a private car with a driver —perfect for those seeking comfort and flexibility.
– Discover a variety of one-day tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh HERE .
– Prefer a tailor-made experience? Hire a private car with driver from Hanoi (or directly from Noi Bai Airport) and travel on your own schedule HERE .
DAY ONE
- Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda (Ksitigarbha Phi Lai Temple)
While researching the route from Hanoi to Tam Coc – Trang An, I discovered that I would pass by Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, a stunningly serene temple in Ha Nam. Captivated by its beauty, I decided to include it in my Ninh Binh itinerary—not only as a stop to rest after a long ride but also as an opportunity to explore and capture the temple’s peaceful charm through my lens.
Address of Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple: Google Map
I've also written a detailed post about Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda. To see more photos and learn more about this serene temple, you can check out my post HERE.
I left Hanoi at 7 AM and spent the morning exploring and capturing photos until 11 AM before continuing my journey to Ninh Binh for lunch.
For my lunch, I chose bánh đa cá rô đồng, a Ninh Binh specialty featuring thick rice noodles served with tender perch and a mix of fresh herbs. I dined at a local eatery at 163 Tay Thanh, Tan Thanh, Ninh Binh. The food was delicious, and the restaurant was clean, but keep in mind that they close around 1–2 PM, so it’s best to arrive early.
Restaurant address: Google Map
After eating, I checked in to the homestay, rested and prepared for the afternoon trip. There are many homestays in Ninh Binh , and the prices are also extremely affordable, only from 20 USD / 1 person for 1 night.
Here are some suggestions for Homestays from cheap to luxury for your reference:
ChezCao Rice Field Ecolodge Ninh Binh 3 minutes from Trang An. Reserve HERE.
Fairy Mountain Retreat - A peaceful hideaway only 5 minutes from Trang An. Reserve HERE.
Salina Hotel - A budget option just 6 minutes from Tam Coc. Reserve HERE.
2. Tam Coc - Bich Dong.
This is a small yet stunning part of the Tam Coc – Trang An scenic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere, it’s undoubtedly a must-visit when traveling to Ninh Binh. I’ve previously written a detailed article about this destination on my blog—be sure to check it out for more insights!
Bich Dong Pagoda Address: Google Map
In Tam Coc, you can immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes as you glide along the river on a boat, passing through majestic mountains and mysterious caves. Personally, I find Tam Coc even more worth visiting than Trang An, as its natural beauty feels more raw and immersive.
Address of boat ticket office in Tam Coc: Google Map
You can check out my detailed article on how to get to Tam Coc – Bich Dong and the best photography spots HERE.
I began my journey at 2 PM and wrapped up my exploration of Tam Coc – Bich Dong by 6 PM. After that, it was time to indulge in a must-try specialty of Ninh Binh—delicious goat meat.
Today, I chose to dine at De Chinh Thu Restaurant, a highly-rated spot recommended by many travelers.
Address: Google Map
3. Hoa Lu Ancient Town.
Ninh Binh offers a fantastic nightlife experience, with beautifully illuminated streets and attractions.
Address: Google Map
In Hoa Lu Ancient Town, you’ll find plenty of exciting nighttime activities, such as boating on Ky Lan Lake to admire the scenery, exploring the lively walking street, and visiting the many restaurants and souvenir shops that line the roads around the ancient town.
DAY TWO
- Trang An
On the second day of exploring Ninh Binh, I arrived at Trang An early. Since the boat tour takes around three hours, starting late in the morning could leave you feeling hungry and exhausted by the end. To make the most of your experience, it's best to go early.
Trang An boasts an impressive 48 discovered caves, with some stretching up to 2 kilometers in length. Due to its vast size, the area is divided into three different sightseeing routes, allowing visitors to choose the one that best suits their preferences. As of 2024, the ticket price for adults is 250,000 VND
Trang An Route 1: This route takes you through 9 caves and 3 spiritual sites, with a total travel time of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. It is the longest boat ride among the three routes.
Trang An Route 2: This route includes 4 caves and 3 spiritual sites, with a travel time of around 2.5 to 3 hours. This is the route I chose for my journey today.
Trang An Route 3: This route features 3 caves and 3 spiritual sites, with a stunning stalactite system extending over 1,000 meters. The total travel time is about 3 to 3.5 hours.
What to Wear When Visiting Trang An? It's best to choose light-colored clothing to stand out against the stunning backdrop of caves, mountains, and spiritual sites. Avoid dark colors, as they may blend into the surroundings and not pop in photos.
You can stop at any spot along the way. If you come across a beautiful view and want to take a photo, simply let the boatman know, and he will gladly stop for you to enjoy the scenery or snap some pictures.
After 3 hours of exploring Trang An, I returned to the homestay to rest and check out before heading to lunch. The restaurant I chose for today’s meal was "Com Nieu Viet Xua", a charming spot serving traditional dishes of ancient Vietnam, located near Hoa Lu Ancient Town
Restaurant address: Google Map
2. Van Long Lagoon.
The final destination on my Ninh Binh exploration trip was Van Long Lagoon, the largest wetland reserve in the Northern Delta and one of Vietnam's renowned eco-tourism destinations.
Address: Google Map
Here, people can also admire the scenery on a boat like Tam Coc and Trang An. The boat ticket price is 4 USD / 1 adult.
Van Long Lagoon offers a serene, untamed landscape with towering limestone mountains, lush reed fields, and a water surface so still it mirrors the surroundings. Most of the photos I took here beautifully capture the reflections of the mountains, creating a truly stunning effect.
This place remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a wild and peaceful atmosphere since it's a nature reserve. While it may feel a bit quiet for some, Van Long Lagoon is a favorite among landscape photographers. The best time to visit is in autumn when the reeds are in full bloom, creating a breathtaking scene.
What draws photographers to Van Long Lagoon is not only its stunning natural beauty but also its rich biodiversity. The lagoon is home to various bird species, including storks, as well as rare animals like the Delacour's langur—a Vietnam-endemic primate listed in the World Red Book.
Additionally, there’s a photo area with sheep, where you can take pictures for just 40,000 VND per person. However, it’s worth noting that the sheep aren’t always fully wooled. 😀
And that’s the entire 2-day itinerary for my exploration of Ninh Binh, starting from Hanoi, completely based on my personal preferences. If you have more time in Ninh Binh, you could also visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, which holds many Vietnamese and Asian records, or Cuc Phuong National Park – a vast nature reserve in both Ninh Binh and Vietnam.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Address: Google Map
Cuc Phuong National Park Address: Google Map
Day tour to Cuc Phuong National Park and Van Long Lagoon HERE .
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