A beautiful view from within central Ninh Binh-mobile

How to get from
Sapa to Ninh Binh

Sapa to Ninh Binh Trip Overview

Distance320 km (200.0 miles)
Price range$13-$310
Ride Duration Range5h 20m-10h 5m
Earliest Departure21:30
Latest Departure23:00

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Sapa to Ninh Binh



























































































Taking a bus from Sapa to Ninh Binh

Fastest bus: 5h 20m

Cheapest bus: $13

The fastest: 5h 20m

The cheapest: $13

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

Wifi

Blanket

A/C

WC

Food

Reclining Seats

Charger

The fastest: 8h

The cheapest: $310

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

The fastest: 8h

The cheapest: $208

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

English Speaking Staff

A beautiful view from within central Ninh Binh

About the ride from Sapa to Ninh Binh

When traveling the 429 kilometer (267 mile) distance between Sapa and Ninh Binh, you have 3 options you can choose from:

  • Hopping on a cozy overnight bus that will take you to Ninh Binh in less than 9 hours
  • Booking a private minivan transfer for a group of up to 10 passengers
  • Driving from Sapa to Ninh Binh with a private car (for a group of up to 5 passengers)

The bus leaves Sapa late in the evening and arrives in Ninh Binh early in the morning. If you choose a private transfer, then you can pick the departure time that works best for you.

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during May and June. The harvest season is at its peak during this time of the year. You’ll have a chance to enjoy gorgeous golden fields, lotus flowers in Tam Coc and Bich Dong, and the nearby caves and mountains. You can also visit it during other times of the year, but May and June have the perfect weather conditions.

 

What to see when traveling from Sapa to Ninh Binh

What you’re able to see outside of your window while traveling from Sapa to Ninh Binh depends on the time of the day you’ll leave Sapa. If you’re traveling during the night, the best thing you can do is catch up on your sleep. On the other hand, if you chose the departure during the day, you’ll be able to enjoy lush green scenery outside of your window.

You’ll probably be hungry after your trip, and you can head straight to the Cho Bop Market where there are many cafés, and street food stalls. Noodle soups, fried meals, and a tasty draft beer, bia hoi, is exactly what you need before you start exploring.

Ninh Binh is an entire area that is scattered around the central town, with most of the attractions outside of the city. Most travelers book accommodation in town and start off their adventures from there.

Tam Coc is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It’s a scenic area with limestone hills located right next to emerald green rice fields. You can also explore this area on a boat tour.

The nature that surrounds Ninh Binh town is magnificent, and there are so many great spots that you can spend days and weeks exploring them. Some of these spots are Van Long Nature Reserve, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Mua Cave. If you’re looking to explore local religious centers, take a trip to Phat Diem Cathedral, Bich Dong Pagoda, or the Buddhist complex Chua Bai Dinh.

The local delicacy in this area is snails, and you can get a portion of them in many restaurants and street food joints around town. Usually, they’re prepared with hot chillies and aromatic lemongrass. However, if you don’t like them, there are many more tasty foods to try in Ninh Binh!

 

How to get from Sapa to Ninh Binh

Taking a bus

Taking a bus from Sapa to Ninh Binh is a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two places. All buses travel overnight and have reclining seats and blankets provided so that you can rest until you arrive in Ninh Binh. The buses have A/C, but they don’t have toilets on board. Don’t worry, though. Drivers will make frequent stops during your journey.

 

Taking a private minivan

If you’re traveling with a group of family or friends of up to 10 people and you need more privacy, you can consider booking a private minivan. This option is more expensive compared to the bus, but you’ll be able to choose your departure time, location, as well as the drop off point in Ninh Binh. The minivan has reclining seats and A/C.

 

Driving with a private car

For smaller groups of up to 5 passengers who also need privacy, booking a private car transfer might be the best option. This is the most expensive way to get to Ninh Binh, but you’ll have privacy, and the option to choose your departure time. The driver will pick you up at your hotel in Sapa, and drop you off wherever you want in Ninh Binh. The car has A/C.

Companies Operating from Sapa to Ninh Binh

Average time

8h

Average price

$208

(90)

Average time

9h

Average price

$17 - $18

(110)

Average time

5h 20m - 9h 10m

Average price

$14 - $30

(37)

Average time

6h 45m

Average price

$16 - $18

(24)

Popular stations and stops in Sapa and Ninh Binh

Departure stations in Sapa

Sapa - Any hotel in the city center

New Sapa Bus Station

Sapa Bus Station

Sapa SSB Bus Station

Ket Doan Bus office (Hey Hotel)

View more

Arrival stations in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh - Any hotel

Ninh Binh Central Hotel

The Long Hotel, Tam Coc

Ninh Binh Luxury SSB

207 Le Dai Hanh

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