About the ride from Hue to Ninh Binh
Leave behind the historic city of Hue to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
Often referred to as Ha Long Bay on land, Ninh Binh is an unmissable destination for those wanting to experience the best of Vietnam.
It's a bit of a trek, located 567 kilometers (352 miles) from Hue, but it's well worth the journey.
Pick between a bus and a train and expect a journey between seven and twelve hours.
What is Ninh Binh like?
Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you'll soon see why many people name this one of Vietnam's top destinations.
Karst mountains surround the small, sprawling town, nestled amid verdant valleys with numerous riverways that carve through the landscape.
Get lost in the luscious green rice fields, discover ancient temples, and marvel at it all from viewpoints that reach the clouds.
Unforgettable activities in Ninh Binh
Visitors to Ninh Binh will be spoiled for choice when they arrive; the area is packed full of gems to discover. Put these sites at the top of your itinerary:
Discover the Trang An Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wonder. You'll spend three to four hours winding through maze-like waterways, through caves, and stopping off at jungle temples. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you'll never forget.
Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint. For surreal views, cycle or walk to the Hang Mua viewpoint. It's an intense hike to the peak, so you'll need a moderate fitness level to summit it.
Rent a bicycle to discover the countryside. It’s so affordable and the perfect way to check out the area's epic natural beauty. Spend a day exploring the rice fields to soak up the area's atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
Visit Cuc Phuong National Park. This sprawling park houses more than 2000 plant species and 300 types of birds, including various reptiles and animals. The preserved rainforest is an unmissable attraction. Don't forget to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to see langurs and gibbons.
How do I get from Hue to Ninh Binh?
Travelers looking to get from Hue to Ninh Binh have two options: a bus or a train.
While it's a bit of a trek to reach Ninh Binh from Hue, it's worth undertaking the journey to experience the area's awe-inspiring beauty.
By bus
Travel time: 10 to 14 hours
Starting price: $13
The bus is the most popular method of transportation in Vietnam, frequented by travelers and locals alike.
Journey times will vary depending on your chosen service. Some services offer speedier direct services; others have multiple stops that elongate the trip.
Although they are called various things, such as VIP Cabin Buses and Luxury Sleeping Buses, buses in Vietnam can be broadly divided into sleepers and VIPs.
A sleeping bus has three rows of double-decker seats, like moving bunk beds. These seats recline to a 45-degree angle and have plenty of room to stretch out and relax on a long journey. Each seat also has a small compartment beneath it to store your shoes.
Typical sleeping bus amenities include:
Air conditioning
Reclining seats
Small storage space for shoes
Rest stops
A luggage allowance of one large bag and one piece of hand luggage
A blanket and a pillow if it's a long trip
A curtain on the window
Some tickets will include a meal at one of the rest stops, so ask your driver to confirm
VIP buses, sometimes called luxury or tourist buses, provide a more comfortable experience than the standard option.
Possible VIP bus extra amenities include:
Sometimes, a WC on board
WiFi, subject to availability
Water provided
A blanket and a pillow if it's a long trip
A privacy curtain
USB charger point
Small TV screen tuned to local channels
Buses leave at various times throughout the day and into the night, so you can opt for a daytime or nighttime service that suits your travel plans.
Services typically depart from the operator's office in Hue and drop passengers off at their counterpart in Ninh Binh.
Check the booking details carefully to find the departure point and arrive 30 minutes early to avoid delays in your journey.
By train
Travel time: 11 to 13 hours
Starting price: $21
The most comfortable way to travel between these destinations is to take a train because you'll get a more scenic journey with bunk beds to lie down on.
Trains depart from Hue Train Station and arrive at Ninh Binh Train Station.
The train network is state-owned and operated by Vietnam Railways.
Choose between three classes when booking your travel: first-class sleeper, second-class sleeper, and second-class seated.
First-class carriages typically have four-person sleeper compartments. If you're on the bottom bunk, be prepared for people sitting on it! During the day, it's customary for people to use the bottom bunks as a shared seating area.
Possible first and second-class sleeper amenities include:
Air conditioning
WC
Charger point
Blanket and pillow
A luggage allowance of one 20 kg (44lbs) large bag and one piece of hand luggage
The most significant difference between first and second-class sleeper cars is that second-class cars have six bunks per room, with less room to stretch out.
Some trains have second-class seated carriages, perfect for travelers on a tighter budget.
You'll be a little more uncomfortable because it's a long journey in an upright seat, but you'll save some money to expand your adventures in Ninh Binh.
Seats usually come in configurations of four surrounding a small table.
The best things about the ride from Hue to Ninh Binh
Traveling between Hue and Ninh Binh is a relaxed journey, with many opportunities to see some of Vietnam's beautiful countryside.
As you go further north, you'll hug parts of the coast. Peek out the windows to catch snatches of the scenery as you rumble toward your destination.
However, if you're exhausted from traveling, you won't miss much by taking a power nap to preserve energy for adventures in Ninh Binh.
When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is in the cooler spring, which starts in January and ends in March. It's significantly less humid than the summer, allowing you to experience Ninh Binh's natural beauty without drowning in sweat. In spring, the average temperature is 73°F (23°C).
However, if you're eager to see the region at its most beautiful, book your trip in the summer between May and August. The lotus ponds flower then, and the rice fields are a vibrant green. You'll risk getting caught in the frequent rains, but it's worth it for the elevated picturesque scenery.
How many days should I spend in Ninh Binh?
Spend two to four days in Ninh Binh to soak up its serene natural beauty.
A few days will give you enough time to hike up Hang Mua, wind down the labyrinthine riverways of Trang An, and spend an afternoon cycling through the surrounding rice fields.
When visiting Ninh Binh during the monsoon season, book an extra day or two to avoid missing out due to the rains.
Where should I go after Ninh Binh?
When you can tear yourself away from the incredible sites of Ninh Binh, continue heading north by stopping off at Ha Long Bay to experience more of Vietnam's spectacular natural beauty.
Or, if you want to trade nature for the bustle of a city, book a trip to Hanoi to discover the wonders of Vietnam's multicultural northern gem. Immerse yourself in the city's chaotic streets and sample some of the country's best street food at any one of the curbside restaurants.