How to get from
Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh

About the ride from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh

The natural beauty of Phong Nha Ke Bang is absolutely unsurpassed in Vietnam and discovering the national park's network of limestone caves and river systems is a real thrill for city-weary travelers. Son Doong Cave, especially, is an incredible sight and when you finally think about moving on, and heading north to Ninh Binh, it will be this gigantic cavern – the world's largest – that is bound to linger long in the memory. Well, that and the mosquitoes – mozzie repellent is a must!

The ride from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh is fairly lengthy, around 400 kilometers (248 miles), and leaves you about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Hanoi. The journey allows you to experience much of northern Vietnam although, as many of the rides are overnight, you may want to just get some rest in readiness for more adventures to follow.

Sleeper buses are one of the most popular modes of transport for travelers. These not only provide a fairly comfortable and affordable way to get from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh but they also allow you to meet other travelers and swap stories, photos and laughs along the way. 

If you're looking for something a little bit more luxurious, then private cars – and drivers – can be hired for a little bit more expense. Larger minivans, too, can also be hired and are spacious enough to accommodate a maximum of eight passengers. Although they are more expensive than buses they do give you the freedom to travel when you want to rather than having to make a set departure time. Also, you get a bit more legroom and peace and quiet. Big buses can often be quite noisy – and that’s not just the roar of the engine.

 

What to see when traveling from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh

Buses tend to depart in the evening so you're not going to see that much on the ride from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh. If you're traveling by private car or minivan you can leave when you wish so you can see much more on the eight hour ride north if you're traveling in the day. However, it's often advisable to make this journey overnight. Not only will you be able to catch up on some rest but you'll also save money on a night's accommodation. Who needs sleep anyway when you're on vacation?

No matter how you choose to travel you will get a chance to stretch your legs along the way. These opportunities are usually nothing more than comfort breaks at service stations or functional restaurants and restrooms. One to watch: the city of Vinh – about four hours' drive north of Phong Nha Ke Bang – often provides a brightly lit slice of suburban life midway through the journey.

Ninh Binh, itself, is way off the typical tourist trail and as you approach the city suburbs, as the sun begins to rise, you'll be treated to an authentic look at life in Vietnam which more than makes up for the lack of sleep if you've forgotten to pack your ear plugs and sleep mask.  Of course, your first cafe noir will also prise your bleary eyes open on arrival so be prepared to embrace the new day at the end of your eight hour journey through the night.

 

How to get from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh

 

Taking a bus

The cheapest way to travel from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh is overnight on a bus with reclining seats. Air conditioning and onboard washrooms make for a relatively comfortable journey north. The bus goes direct to Ninh Binh although there are at least a couple of stops for food and comfort breaks. Buses can be busy and quite noisy however, they do alleviate the need to shell out on accommodation. Also, overnight travel means you get to spend more time exploring Vietnam in the sunshine rather than watching from a car window. 

Pro tip: get to your bus departure point at least 30 minutes before you're due to leave. This takes out the stress of a mad dash and also gives you a chance to check out the other travelers to see where you'd like to sit, and where you'd prefer to avoid.

 

Driving with a private car or minivan

As you can only drive a car in Vietnam if you're a Vietnamese national you get to sit back and let someone else take over behind the wheel. It's an eight hour ride from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Ninh Binh so you'll have plenty of time to rest and maybe catch some shut-eye. Air-conditioned minivans (maximum eight passengers) also provide a good way to travel north to Ninh Binh.

You'll get much more legroom than in a bus or private car and you'll also get to travel with a smaller group of people. Private cars and minivans are more expensive than buses but they do provide more comfort, less noise and a flexible approach to when you depart and arrive. Basically, you pay your money and you take your choice.