From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh | A Full Travel Guide

Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are two of the most popular travel destinations in northern Vietnam, attracting visitors, both sharing the same limestone mountain vibe. 

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best explored on a Halong Bay Cruise Trip, where you can sail through clear waters and see towering limestone islands. Ninh Binh, home to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, has peaceful rivers, green rice fields, and impressive rock formations.

The best part is that you can explore both without needing to pass through Hanoi. If these two places are on your travel list, read this Halong Bay travel guide to learn how to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh!

1. Why Travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?

Is Halong Bay or Ninh Binh better? Halong Bay and Ninh Binh have a strong connection through their limestone karst landscapes which create a similar yet unique beauty in each place. Many people call Ninh Binh the "Halong Bay on land" because the same dramatic rock formations rise from rivers and rice fields instead of the sea.

Both places are recognized by UNESCO for their natural beauty and cultural importance. Halong Bay is famous for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands while Ninh Binh’s Trang An Landscape Complex is known for its stunning scenery combined with ancient temples and caves.

How far from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh? The Halong Bay to Ninh Binh distance is about 180 kilometers or 112 miles apart with a travel time of around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road. After exploring Halong Bay by cruise travelers can continue to Ninh Binh for boat rides through caves historic sites and breathtaking viewpoints.

Halong Bay to Ninh Binh routes

2. Best Way to Get From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

Traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is easy with several transport options to choose from. The two main ways to travel from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh are by limousine bus or private car.

2.1. Limousine Bus Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

• Ticket price: Around 250,000 - 450,000 VND per person.
• Travel time: 3 - 4.5 hours.

Limousine buses from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh usually depart from Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, or central Halong, then follow the Halong – Hai Phong Expressway. This modern highway significantly shortens travel time.

From Hai Phong, the bus continues along the Hanoi – Ninh Binh Expressway (CT01) before taking a national road leading to Ninh Binh City or major attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Hang Mua.

Limousine buses from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

2.2. Private Transfer Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

• Price: From 1,500,000 - 2,500,000 VND per one-way trip.
• Travel time: Around 3 - 4.5 hours.

Private Halong Bay to Ninh Binh by cars follow the same route as limousine buses but offer more flexibility for stops. The journey starts in Halong, taking the Halong – Hai Phong Expressway, then continues on the Hanoi – Ninh Binh Expressway.

Private Halong Bay to Ninh Binh by cars

A private car from Halong to Ninh Binh is a great option for groups or travelers with lots of luggage for a more personalized and comfortable journey.

3. Suggested Halong Bay and Ninh Binh Tour

3.1. How Many Days to Spend in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh?

To enjoy both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, you should plan 4 to 5 days for the trip following the route Hanoi to Halong bay to Ninh Binh. Each place has beautiful landscapes and exciting activities, so spending a few days in both is a good idea.

In Halong Bay, a 2-day, 1-night Halong Bay cruise is a great choice. You can see limestone islands, explore caves, and visit floating villages. 

If you want a slower pace, a 3-day, 2-night cruise with Lan Ha Bay gives you more time to relax, go kayaking, and visit less crowded spots.

For Ninh Binh, 2 days and 1 night is enough to see the main attractions like Trang An, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Trang An Boat Tour

3.2. Where to Stay in Halong Bay and Ninh Binh?

Halong Bay: A Halong Bay cruise is the best option for overnight stays on the water. Popular choices include V’Spirit cruise, Indochine Grand cruise, and Hermes Cruise. If staying on land, Bai Chay has many hotels.

Ninh Binh: Stay in Trang An, Tam Coc, or Ninh Binh city for easy access to attractions. Recommended stays include Tam Coc Garden Resort, Emeralda Ninh Binh, and budget-friendly homestays like Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat.

Halong Bay Cruises

3.3. Halong Bay and Ninh Binh Tours from Halong Bay Cruise Trip

If you are looking for a well-planned trip covering Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, here are two great options from Halong Bay Cruise Trip:

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi on a city tour

Day 3: Visit Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, then return to Hanoi

Day 4: Travel to Halong Bay and stay overnight on a cruise

Day 5: Enjoy the bay in the morning, then return to Hanoi for departure

Kayaking on Halong Bay

Vietnam Highlights with Halong Bay Cruise Trip 4 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi and explore the city

Day 2: Take a day trip to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, then return to Hanoi

Day 3: Enjoy a Halong Bay day cruise, then return to Hanoi

Day 4: Depart from Hanoi

Tam Coc boat ride

To make the most of your journey between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, consider how many days you want to spend at each destination and how to go from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh. We also offer customized tours to match your travel style and schedule from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh tour. With the right plan, you can enjoy the best of Vietnam’s stunning limestone landscapes in just a few days!