Da Nang to Ninh Binh tickets

About the ride from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

To travel from Da Nang to Ninh Binh, choose between a train or a bus to cover the 678-kilometer (421-mile) distance.

After the low-key chaos of Da Nang, you'll adore Ninh Binh's laid-back atmosphere and surreal views.

Hop on a train for a more relaxing journey, complete with a bunk bed, to pass the long journey from Da Nang Train Station to Ninh Binh Train Station.

Budget-conscious people will love the bus option, which is slightly less relaxing but no less efficient. 

What is Ninh Binh like?

Ninh Binh often refers to the wider region, including the nearby town of Tam Coc, where most attractions reside.

Aside from its confusing borders, this region of Vietnam is world-famous for its spectacular natural beauty, especially the numerous karst mountains that enclose the towns. These green-covered rocks also rim valleys and waterways that carve through the landscape's bountiful rice fields. 

Unforgettable activities in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is a small region, but you'll still find plenty of activities here to fill your days. Keep these top sites at the top of your list:

1. Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint. This iconic site populates many Instagram feeds, and with good reason. The peak demands an intense climb to reach the top, but it's so worth it for the panoramic views of the surrounding riverways and rice fields.

2. Fall in love with the Trang An Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site rightfully earned its spot on this treasured list. Take a rowing boat through the labyrinthine water passageways, visiting temples, caves, and viewpoints. Relax, and trust your boat driver to ferry you to the best spots. Remember to tip at the end!

3. Explore Cuc Phuong National Park. Located a short drive from Ninh Binh, this vast park is home to incredible wildlife, including 300 types of birds and various reptiles. You should also stop by the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to meet the gibbons and langurs recuperating before being released back into the wild. 

4. Rent a bicycle to discover the countryside. Finding a bike to rent in Ninh Binh is super easy because many locals use them instead of scooters. Wake up early and head out to discover the sprawling beauty of Ninh Binh's rice fields, and find a cozy spot to sunbathe with a book before sampling some local cuisine at a roadside eatery.

How do I get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh?

Travelers looking for the best way to get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh have two options: a bus or a train.

By train: The most comfortable option to get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Vietnam Railway is the state-owned operator of all the trains in Vietnam. Services depart from Da Nang Train Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Train Station.

The train takes around 14 to 15 hours to reach Ninh Binh, but delays may extend the journey time.

Travel classes include first and second-class sleeper trains, a second-class seated train, and a cabin for two. Your choice will depend on how much you value comfort over budget.

The main difference between the first and second-class sleeper trains is the number of beds per berth. The first class only has four beds per cabin, whereas the second class has six. Second-class sleeper tickets start at around $42, and first-class tickets are at $47. 

Additionally, you'll enjoy a more comfortable experience overall thanks to recent renovations in first-class cabins.

Possible first/second-class sleeper amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC

Charger point

Blanket and pillow

Cabins with four or six bunks 

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs) per passenger

With sleeper tickets, you get a bed, but with traditional seated tickets, there are upright rows of seats laid out in groups of four around a shared table. Tickets cost less due to the upright seats, starting at $26.

Possible second-class seated carriage amenities include:

Air conditioning 

WC on board

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs) per passenger

Those with a bigger budget and a need for privacy can take a cabin for two to have more privacy and a higher quality of service. This option costs around $109 per person.

By bus: The cheapest way to get from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

Take the bus from Da Nang to Ninh Binh for a budget-friendly option with tickets starting at $17.

Most services depart from the operator's office, so arrive 30 minutes early to avoid missing your departure.

Buses can take 10 to 17 hours to reach Ninh Binh. Some routes stop in Hue along the way.

For the most part, ticket classes can be broadly split into sleeping buses and VIP buses.

Sleeper buses have more basic amenities but are very modern and comfortable, with deep reclining seats. Usually, the VIP buses have fewer seats per bus and offer a little more privacy…a little — it's still a bus. They also typically have things like USB charger points and a TV. 

Possible amenities on a sleeping bus include:

Air conditioning

Blanket

WC 

Rest stops

Reclining seats

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (44 lbs) per passenger

The best things about the ride from Da Nang to Ninh Binh

The best thing about the drive between Ninh Binh is the snatches of beautiful views. Sadly, the vehicle will be moving too fast for you to see much detail, but it's enough to tease the senses before arriving at the sprawling fields surrounding Ninh Binh. 

The drive hugs the coast until veering inland to arrive at the borders of Ninh Binh. It's a long journey, so bring some good earphones or a book to pass the time.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is in the spring season, which starts in January and ends in March.

These few months enjoy significantly less humidity than in the summer, meaning visitors can soak up the majestic sites of Ninh Binh without melting into a puddle of sweat. Temperatures generally sit around 73°F (23°C) during this time.

Still, if you are desperate to see Ninh Binh at its most picturesque, plan your trip in May, June, July, or August, when the lotus ponds flower and the rice fields wow visitors with their green vibrancy. But be prepared to melt.

How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh?

Visitors to Ninh Binh should set aside two to three days to see everything Ninh Binh offers.

Spend the first couple of days exploring the area's top sites, including hiking to the peak of Hang Mua and discovering the riverways of Trang An, before spending an afternoon getting lost in the town's rice fields. 

Where should I go after Ninh Binh?

Departing the stunning Ninh Binh will be a wrench, but never fear; Vietnam is full of natural beauty spots for hungry tourists to discover.

Head north to experience Ninh Binh's watery counterpart, Ha Long Bay. This world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see.

If you're eager to experience the organized chaos of another Vietnamese city, get a bus straight to Hanoi. This bustling city could suck you in for years with its treasures, wild nightlife, and fascinating culture.