How many days do you need for Ninh Binh?

Is a day trip to Ninh Binh enough?

Man, Ninh Binh. Went there last August, scorching hot. Seriously, 38 degrees Celsius, felt like melting. My friend Sarah and I, we decided to wing it, no tour. Huge mistake.

We rented a motorbike, oh god, that was an adventure in itself. The roads? Crazy. So many motorbikes, bumpy as hell. We almost crashed like, three times. I swear, Sarah was screaming the whole time.

First stop, Trang An. Beautiful, breathtaking views. But, the boat ride was packed. Tourists everywhere. Felt claustrophobic. We barely got to enjoy it. The whole day was rushed. We had to stick to a schedule to fit everything in.

Then, we tried to find this hidden temple everyone raves about online. Couldn’t find it! Spent ages wandering around lost and sweating. Totally wasted time.

By the time we reached Tam Coc, we were exhausted, sunburnt, and grumpy. The boat ride there was better, less crowded, more serene. But we were too tired to fully appreciate it.

We barely saw half the stuff. Absolutely no time for anything leisurely. Two days? Bare minimum. Maybe three, even. Seriously. Do not do a day trip. A day tour is a waste of money, and it also sounds rushed. Just go for at least two days and explore at your own pace.

• Two days minimum: A day trip is completely insufficient.
• Rent a motorbike: Fun, but be prepared for chaotic traffic.
• Trang An: Beautiful, but incredibly crowded.
• Hidden temples: Research thoroughly beforehand; online directions can be misleading.
• Tam Coc: More relaxed than Trang An.
• Avoid tours: Too rushed and structured. You’ll miss out on the real experience.
• Pack accordingly: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes are essential.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese: It’ll help with communication, especially when getting lost.
• Be prepared for heat: It’s incredibly hot in August, so plan your trips accordingly.

Is 1 day in Ninh Binh enough?

One day in Ninh Binh? Crazy. Not enough. Seriously.

It’s a rush. You’ll miss so much. Three days, minimum. Four is better. My last trip… August 2023, I think. Even then, I felt… rushed.

Prioritize:

• Trang An. The boat trip is stunning. Must-see. Absolutely.
• Bai Dinh Pagoda. Massive. Overwhelming. Beautiful, though. It’s huge.
• Choose one: Tam Coc or Mua Cave. Both amazing, but time is the enemy. Tam Coc feels more… peaceful. Mua Cave is a killer climb. Worth it, but exhausting.

That’s it. Pick two and sprint. Don’t even think about anything else. You’ll regret it otherwise. One day isn’t fair to Ninh Binh. It isn’t. It’s beautiful. I wish I had longer.

I spent way too much time trying to find that perfect photo of the rice paddies. Stupid. I should’ve just soaked it all in. More time is the answer. I am so tired just thinking about this. Ugh.

Is it worth it to go to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh? Absolutely. Think Halong Bay, but… landlocked. And way less crowded. Seriously, less elbow-to-elbow competition for Insta-worthy photos.

Stunning scenery? Check. Rice paddies that look like a painter’s masterpiece gone wild, karst mountains that resemble giant broccoli florets – it’s visually intoxicating. My friend, Sarah, swore she saw a dragon sleeping on one. I’m not sure I believe her, but hey, the scenery was that good.

Temples? Caves? Double check. Ancient temples perched dramatically on limestone cliffs. Caves that whisper secrets (or maybe just bat noises). You’ll find yourself pondering life’s big questions…or just admiring the exquisite craftsmanship. Either way, win-win.

Practicalities:

• Easy to reach from Hanoi – a quick bus or train ride.
• Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly homestays to luxurious resorts. I personally enjoyed the quirky little homestay run by a family who served the best egg coffee I’ve ever had. It was heavenly, I tell ya.
• Food is amazing. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine at unbelievably low prices.
• Expect crowds, especially during peak season (November – April), but even then, it’s manageable.

In short: Go. Now. Before everyone else discovers this hidden gem. Unless you prefer your stunning landscapes devoid of other humans. Then maybe wait a bit. But really, go.

How long is needed in Ninh Binh?

Three days? Nah, four’s better. Gotta see Trang An, right? Those boat trips are amazing. And the temples! So many temples. Plus, I want to hike up that mountain…what’s it called again? Mây. Yeah, Mây. The views are supposed to be killer.

Honestly, two days is cutting it too short. You’d be rushing. Absolutely rushing. Need time for the food too. That goat stew… yum. I think I gained five pounds last time. Worth it.

Wait, what about Tam Coc? The boat ride through the rice paddies is a must. It’s seriously picturesque. Then you could cycle around… I loved that. So peaceful, unlike my life back in Hanoi.

Four days is perfect. It gives you flexibility. You know, in case you find a hidden gem. Like that little cafe I stumbled upon. Amazing coffee. Should’ve taken a photo. Ugh.

Key things:

• Trang An boat trip: Essential!
• Tam Coc: Rice paddies, stunning.
• Mây Mountain: Hike for the views.
• Food: Don’t skip the goat stew!

My friend spent only two days and regretted it. Said she felt rushed the whole time. She’s going back in 2024 for a longer trip. Crazy, right? I need to get back there myself. Maybe this summer.

Can Ninh Binh be a day trip from Hanoi?

Ninh Binh? A day trip from Hanoi? Totally doable! It’s like, what, 95 km? A hop, skip, and a jump. Forget that Hanoi traffic tho, or you’ll be saying your prayers.

Think, hour and a half by car south, if the stars align, or I guess a private shuttle, if you’re feelin’ fancy.

The real kicker? The Trang An boat ride. Seriously, it’s better than binge-watching cat videos (and that’s saying something).

• How to get there: Car, shuttle, maybe a very determined pigeon.
• Travel time: 1.5 hours? Sure, if you ignore Hanoi traffic. Assume longer.
• Main attraction: Trang An boat ride. Worth it? Yep. Absolutely.
• Pro-tip: Pack snacks. You’ll be hungry and hangry before you can even say “pho.”
• Another tip: Don’t forget sunscreen! You don’t wanna end up looking like a boiled lobster.
• Also: Bargain hard for those souvenirs. Those vendors are craftier than a fox in a henhouse.
• Oh, and: Learn a few Vietnamese phrases. “Hello” and “Thank you” go a long way.
• Don’t forget: You will need to pay for transportation. Consider that some places may have entrance fees.
• Bonus: Watch out for rogue motorbikes. Seriously, they’re everywhere.