Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? Can we visit both?

Both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are UNESCO-recognized heritage sites in northern Vietnam, featuring breathtaking limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. While Halong Bay is a world-famous seascape with over 1,600 islands and islets, Ninh Binh’s Trang An Landscape Complex is often called the "Halong Bay on land" with lush greenery, tranquil rivers, and ancient temples.

Many travelers wonder: Which is better, Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? To help you decide, let's compare both destinations in terms of scenery, activities, and overall travel experience with Halong Bay Cruise Trip.

Halong Bay Landscapes vs Ninh Binh Landscapes

1. Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? Which to Visit?

1.1. What’s Special About Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vast seascape with over 1,600 islands and islets, divided into Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. Travelers can explore the bay on a Halong Bay day cruise (6-8 hours) or opt for an overnight luxury cruise, the most popular way to experience its beauty. Coming to Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, tourists often choose an overnight cruise to explore comprehensively the beauty of the World Site.

Overnight cruises are based on the range of service luxury or budget costs between $130 and $350 per person with activities such as island-hopping, kayaking, cave visits, and onboard dining. Must-visit spots include Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Titop Island, Luon Cave, and floating fishing villages. The bay is ideal for those who love cruising, water-based adventures, and breathtaking ocean views.

Halong Bay luxury cruise

1.2. What’s Special About Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land” features a tranquil, nature-focused experience with a landscape of rivers, rice paddies, and towering karst formations. A highlight of visiting Ninh Binh is a sampan boat ride through Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long Nature Reserve, where visitors will glide through caves and lush scenery such as lily waters and rice fields. 

These boat tours last around 2 hours and cost approximately $8 - $12 per person, with 2-4 passengers per boat rowed by local boatwomen. Beyond its natural beauty, Ninh Binh is home to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda (Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex), and Hang Mua Viewpoint, so it’s great for those interested in history, culture, and outdoor activities.

Ninh Binh Tourist Attractions

2. Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh: Ocean vs. Rivers & Mountains

Is Halong Bay or Ninh Binh better? With the essential information above, let’s see a detailed comparison of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.

2.1. Similarities

Both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh share some key features that make them top destinations in Vietnam. First, both locations are known for their dramatic limestone landscapes, creating breathtaking views. Visitors explore Halong Bay on cruise ships or day boats, while Ninh Binh offers traditional sampan boat rides through scenic waterways.

Also, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while Ninh Binh’s Trang An Landscape Complex is also listed for its cultural and natural significance. Therefore, whether it’s the emerald waters of Halong Bay or the lush rice fields of Ninh Binh, both destinations are incredible photo places.

Halong Bay Limestones

2.2. Differences

Types of Tours & Duration

Halong Bay: Travelers can choose between day cruises (6-8 hours) or overnight cruises (2D1N or 3D2N). The longer Halong Bay cruises allow for a more immersive experience, including nighttime activities like squid fishing, kayaking, swimming, and sunrise tai chi on the deck.

Ninh Binh: Most visitors choose a Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi (8-10 hours total including travel time), though some stay overnight to explore more. Tours usually include a 2-hour sampan boat ride at Trang An or Tam Coc, cycling around local villages, and visits to temples and viewpoints such as Hoa Lu Ancient Town and Mua Cave.

Trang An boat tour

Activities & Exploration

Halong Bay is best explored by cruise with activities like kayaking through caves such as Dark & Bright Cave and Luon Cave, swimming in hidden lagoons such as Titop Island and Ba Trai Dao Beach, and visiting floating fishing villages like Viet Hai Village or Cai Beo. The experience is more water-based, with most activities centered around the sea.

Ninh Binh provides a more diverse set of activities, including boat tours through limestone caves, cycling through rice fields, climbing Hang Mua for panoramic views, and visiting historical sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Distance & Travel Time

Halong Bay: Located 165 km from Hanoi, it takes 2.5 - 3 hours by highway to reach ports such as Tuan Chau or Halong Bay International Port. Many travelers take a shuttle bus, private car, or even a seaplane for a more scenic arrival.

Ninh Binh: Closer to Hanoi, at 100 km away, the journey takes only 1.5 - 2 hours by car for an easier day trip option.

Tour Costs & Budget Considerations

Halong Bay cruises tend to be more expensive, starting from $100 for a day tour and going up to $350+ for luxury overnight cruises.

Ninh Binh is more budget-friendly, with boat rides costing only $8 - $12 per person and entrance fees for attractions like Hang Mua or Bai Dinh being around $3 - $5.

Halong Bay cruise with pricy service on cruise

3. Can You Visit Halong Bay & Ninh Binh in One Trip?

Yes! Halong Bay to Ninh Binh distance is about 180 km apart, and it takes around 3.5 - 4 hours to travel between them by car or bus. Many travelers combine both destinations in a 3-4 day itinerary:

Suggested Itinerary Halong Bay and Ninh Binh tour:

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter

Day 2: Ninh Binh day trip (Trang An, Hang Mua, Hoa Lu), return to Hanoi

Day 3-4: Halong Bay overnight cruise, return to Hanoi

If you have less time, a private car transfer allows you to go directly from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay without returning to Hanoi, there you’ll spend 1 night at Ninh Binh Hotel. Or you can first visit Halong Bay and then Ninh Binh.

Hoa Lu Ancient Town (Ninh Binh) at night

4. Halong Bay or Ninh Binh - What’s Your Pick?

So, which is better Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? If you’re a fan of cruising, breathtaking ocean views, and a touch of luxury, then Halong Bay is just the spot for you! You can imagine relaxing on a cruise over its stunning emerald waters while soaking in the beauty of incredible limestone islands, hidden caves, and lively floating villages.

On the flip side, if you’re in the mood for a peaceful countryside experience filled with rich culture, Ninh Binh is absolutely perfect. It’s a place where you can glide along calm rivers in a charming sampan boat, cycle through lush, green rice fields, and hike up to scenic viewpoints that offer jaw-dropping landscapes.

For an ultimate experience, why not try both? The tour of Halong Bay seascape and Ninh Binh countryside will give you a complete trip in Northern Vietnam! At Halong Bay Cruise Trip, we do offer land tours around Vietnam, contact us to connect your Halong Bay cruise trip to other places to visit in Vietnam!

Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh

In a nutshell, do you choose Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? Share your experiences below about Halong Bay or Ninh Binh which is better or contact us for free customized travel itineraries!