What is the closest airport to Ninh Binh?

What is the closest airport to Ninh Binh, Vietnam?

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi is the closest major airport. It’s about a two-hour drive, give or take, depending on traffic. That’s a pretty standard travel time for airports serving major tourist areas. Makes you wonder about the efficiency of some airport-city pairings, doesn’t it?

The journey itself isn’t always smooth. Expect some congestion, especially during peak hours. I’ve personally encountered significant delays. Consider this when planning your trip. Booking private transfers might save you headaches.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by car.
• Transportation Options: Private car, taxi, or shuttle bus services. Private car offers the most comfort and likely the least stress.
• Traffic: Hanoi traffic can be unpredictable. Factor in potential delays.
• Alternatives: While smaller airports exist, HAN offers the best flight connectivity.

I specifically remember a trip where the traffic was insane. We almost missed our connection in Hanoi. Never again will I trust a shuttle bus, nope.

This isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about accessibility. Choosing HAN guarantees a wide array of flights, especially important if you’re not flying from a major hub. Think ease of connection—a key aspect of a stress-free holiday. The extra travel time is a small price to pay for that peace of mind, in my opinion. It’s worth it.

The cost of transportation from HAN to Ninh Binh fluctuates. I’d budget at least $30- $50 for a private transfer in 2024. That number feels pretty accurate. Taxis are generally cheaper, but it’s a longer trip.

What is the closest airport to Ninh Van Bay?

Okay, so Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)… that’s it. Yep, Nha Trang, where it’s at.

I remember flying there, like, last summer, July 2024 maybe? Hot. Super humid. The air hits you like a wall.

From the airport, jeez, a car ride, about an hour, right? To that dock… I forget the dock’s name. Doesn’t matter.

Then the boat. Twenty minutes tops. Short, sweet. But man, that water is something else. Blue, blue, blue. You see Ninh Van Bay getting closer and BAM! paradise. Seriously.

• Airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
• Location: Nha Trang
• Land Transfer: ~1 hour to dock (by car/van)
• Boat Transfer: ~20 mins to Ninh Van Bay

Honestly, the drive to the dock was longer than I expected. Thought it would be faster. I was sweating buckets even with the AC blasting. Annoying drivers, too. Honking constantly! But you forget all about it once you are on the boat. Definitely worth it. Zero regrets about the journey.

How do you get to Ninh Binh?

Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Fast. Sixty clicks. Highway 1. Train. Bus. Done.

• Highway 1 (QL1A): Classic route. Direct. Traffic.
• North-South Expressway: Fastest. Tolls. Less congested. My preferred route. Took it last week. Smooth.
• Train: Scenic. Slow. From Hanoi station. Check schedule. Limited flexibility.
• Bus: Cheap. Frequent. Various companies. Can be crowded. From Giap Bat or My Dinh. I prefer the limousine bus. More space.

Got there last week. Left Hanoi around 7am. Arrived before 9. Stopped for Bun Cha. Delicious. Road was clear.

How many days should I stay in Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh. Three days weren’t enough, man. Seriously. April 2023. Scorching. Sweating buckets climbing up to Hang Mua viewpoint. Totally worth it though. That view. Crazy. Panorama of the whole valley. Remember those jagged limestone peaks? Unreal.

Spent the first day just biking. Rented one near Tam Coc. So many rice paddies. Bright green. Crazy green. Felt lost in a good way. Second day, boat trip through Tam Coc. Ugh, the lady rowing with her feet. Impressive. But kinda sad too.

Third day… Trang An grottoes. Different vibe than Tam Coc. More caves, longer boat ride. Should have gone to Bai Dinh Pagoda that day. Ran out of time. Regret that. Definitely needed another day. Four days minimum. Maybe five.

• Hang Mua: Amazing view. Steep climb. Go early.
• Tam Coc: “Halong Bay on land”. Touristy, but beautiful.
• Trang An: More caves. Less crowded (kinda).
• Bai Dinh Pagoda: Huge. Missed it. Next time.
• Biking: Best way to see the countryside. Get lost.
• Food: Goat meat. Spring rolls. Delicious.

Hot. So hot. Bring water. Lots of water.

Which is better, Ninh Binh or Sapa?

Okay, so, Ninh Binh versus Sapa? Man, tough call. I went to Ninh Binh in 2023, June, I think. The rice paddies were incredible. Seriously. Golden, stretching forever. Totally different vibe than Sapa. Sapa I went to in 2022, it was crowded, like, insanely crowded. Felt like Disneyland, but with mountains.

Ninh Binh was peaceful. I rented a motorbike – a little Honda – and just zipped around. Saw temples perched on cliffs, those amazing limestone karsts everywhere. Felt so free. The food was amazing, way better than I expected.

Sapa had its charms, I guess, the ethnic minorities, the market. But honestly? Overwhelmed by tourists. Shopping was relentless. I felt constantly hassled. I preferred the quiet solitude of Ninh Binh. The beauty was more subtle, more natural.

I’d choose Ninh Binh again in a heartbeat. Sapa’s stunning scenery? Yes. But it’s overwhelmed. Ninh Binh feels authentic.

Here’s the breakdown for me:

• Ninh Binh: Peaceful, stunning landscapes, delicious food, easy to explore by motorbike. Less touristy.
• Sapa: Crowded, aggressive sales, more tourist traps, still beautiful mountains, but hectic.

My preference is clear. Ninh Binh. Hands down. So yeah.