About the ride from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
When traveling the 700 kilometer (435 mile) distance between Ninh Binh and Hoi An, you have one transportation option: a cozy sleeper bus that will take you to Hoi An in 14 to 16 hours.
All buses depart from Ninh Binh in the evening and arrive in Hoi An early in the morning. If you’re looking to save money on accommodation, this is a great choice for you. Once you arrive in Hoi An, it will already be daytime and you can go off to explore the charming town.
Hoi An has two distinctive seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from March to September, and the rainy season lasts from October to February. When it comes to temperature and humidity, the most pleasant time of the year is between February and April.
What to see when traveling from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
You’ll be making the journey between Ninh Binh and Hoi An on a sleeper bus, and there won’t be much to see outside of your window during your trip. However, this is the perfect time to rest and try to get some sleep.
If you’re one of those travelers who can’t sleep on a moving bus, you can always catch up with your work or finish the book you started reading many weeks ago.
Once you arrive in Hoi An, it will already be daylight, the perfect time to explore the town. Did you know that this charming little town is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The Old Town has more than 800 historic buildings. As you walk through these streets, you’ll feel like you traveled back in time. If you want to learn more about the history of the region, dedicate some time for a visit to the Hoi An Museum, Hoi An Silk Village, Tan Ky Family House, and My Son Ruins.
The town is located on the Bon River, and the shoreline is dotted with cafes, bars, and local markets. Just like many other cities in Vietnam, Hoi An also has a tasty street food scene. For a taste of local food, tasty spices, cool handicrafts, and a variety of souvenirs, visit the Hoi An Central Market.
Hoi An is also known for a large number of cooking schools, where you can learn to make some of the famous Vietnamese dishes, such as pho noodles, spring rolls, and banh xeo. Who wouldn’t want to take these tasty recipes back home with them?
Just across the river from Hoi An lies An Hoi island, where you’ll find the Lantern Market. As the name suggests, you’ll find traditional, beautiful lanterns in all shapes and sizes here.
Even though Hoi An has so many different sights and experiences to offer, don’t forget that the town is also a beach destination. Once you get tired of roaming around the streets, you can relax on An Bang Beach. You’ll also find a strip of restaurants dotted right along the beach that serve delicious seafood.
One of the most popular spots in the city for snapping a few images is the colorful Japanese Covered Bridge. This is also one of the focal points of the city. If you’re visiting the bridge, you can also check out the nearby Phung Hung Old House which has a beautiful, ornate entrance hall, covered in lanterns, and wall hangings. In addition to this, there’s a pretty balcony that offers a spectacular view.
Those who are looking for some fun nightlife will find it on the An Hoi islet. Here, you’ll come across many bars and cafes that serve tasty local beer, bia hoi. This is the perfect spot to relax after the entire day of sightseeing.
How to get from Ninh Binh to Hoi An
Taking a bus
Taking a bus between Ninh Binh and Hoi An is a convenient and affordable option. The journey between two places is between 14 and 16 hours long, and all buses are sleeper buses. It departs in the evening and arrives in Hoi An early in the morning.
Buses don’t have toilets on board, but they do make frequent stops for food and restrooms. Bus cabins have A/C, reclining seats, and blankets.