Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on land” of Vietnam, is an ideal destination for those who love nature, culture and history. With only 2 days and 1 night, you can explore beautiful landscapes such as Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda and enjoy unique local cuisine .
This article will provide a detailed, easy-to-follow itinerary, along with practical tips to make your trip complete, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned traveler .
Imagine you are rowing a boat in the middle of Ngo Dong River, admiring the majestic mountains, or standing in front of the sacred Bai Dinh Pagoda, all waiting for you to explore !
- Why is Ninh Binh (old) the perfect destination for 2 days 1 night?
- Pre-Trip Preparation: What You Need to Know
- Detailed itinerary 2 days 1 night in Ninh Binh
- Day 1: Explore Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda and local cuisine
- Day 2: Tam Coc, Hang Mua and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Compare means of transportation in Ninh Binh
- Frequently asked questions when traveling to Ninh Binh
- 1. When should I go to Ninh Binh?
- 2. How much does a 2 day 1 night trip cost?
- 3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
- 4. Are there any activities suitable for children?
- Conclusion: A memorable journey in Ninh Binh
Why is Ninh Binh (old) the perfect destination for 2 days 1 night?
Ninh Binh (old) is only about 100km from Hanoi, easy to travel by motorbike, car or bus. This place is famous for its spectacular natural scenery, rich cultural heritage and peaceful atmosphere, very suitable for short trips.
From the mysterious caves of Trang An to the golden rice fields of Tam Coc, Ninh Binh offers a diverse experience for all ages. Moreover, the cost of traveling here is quite reasonable, suitable for families, friends or couples.
Think of the moment when your group of friends laugh together on a boat, or the peaceful feeling when standing in front of the gate of Bai Dinh pagoda. That is why Ninh Binh is always on the list of must-see destinations.
Pre-Trip Preparation: What You Need to Know
To have a smooth independent trip to Ninh Binh, you need to prepare carefully. Below is a specific checklist:
- Personal documents: Bring your ID card to book a hotel room or rent a car.
- Transportation: From Hanoi, you can take a bus (VND 80,000-120,000/way), motorbike (about 2-3 hours), or self-drive car. If you are traveling in a group, rent a private car through apps like Klook (VND 1,200,000-1,500,000/day).
- Accommodation: Choose a homestay or hotel in the Tam Coc area or near the center of Ninh Binh (old). The price of a nice homestay like Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow is about 300,000-600,000 VND/night, a 3-star hotel like The Reed Hotel is 800,000-1,200,000 VND/night.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before going. The best season is January-March (rice harvest season in Tam Coc) or September-November (cool weather).
- Useful apps: Download Google Maps, Foody (find restaurants), and Klook to book sightseeing tickets or shuttles.
- Attire: Wear comfortable sneakers, hats, sunscreen (if going in the summer), and dress appropriately when visiting the temple.
Money saving tips: Book accommodation and transportation 1-2 months in advance to get a good price. Bring water and snacks to avoid buying expensive things at tourist attractions.
Detailed itinerary 2 days 1 night in Ninh Binh
Day 1: Explore Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda and local cuisine
Morning: Depart from Hanoi at 6:30-7:00 to arrive in Ninh Binh at around 9:00. Start the journey at Trang An Eco-tourism Area - a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Choose a 3-hour boat tour (ticket 250,000 VND/adult, 120,000 VND/child under 1m) to explore caves such as Dia Linh Cave, Toi Cave, and Trinh Temple. The mountain and river scenery here is picturesque, especially suitable for families and the elderly.
Transportation: From Ninh Binh center to Trang An is about 7km, by motorbike or taxi (price 50,000-100,000 VND/way). If taking a bus, get off at Ninh Binh bus station and rent a motorbike (100,000-150,000 VND/day).
Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant near Trang An, such as Thang Long Restaurant or Duc De Restaurant. Try specialties such as burnt rice, mountain goat, mountain snails (price 50,000-150,000 VND/dish). If you want to save money, choose a cheap restaurant with prices of 30,000-50,000 VND/meal.
Afternoon: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda , the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia (15km from Trang An). The pagoda has a majestic architecture with Bao tower, Tam The temple and 10m high bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. You can take the electric car to the pagoda (30,000 VND/person round trip) to save energy. Remember to wear polite clothes and walk slowly to enjoy the sacred space.
Evening: Check-in homestay or hotel, then have dinner in Ninh Binh city center. Chalet Ninh Binh restaurant is famous for grilled goat and goat hotpot (price 100,000-200,000 VND/dish). Then, take a walk around Ninh Binh walking street or night market to feel the local atmosphere.
Tip: Buy Trang An tickets early (before 9am) to avoid the crowds. If you are traveling with children, bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun while on the boat.
Day 2: Tam Coc, Hang Mua and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Morning: After breakfast at the homestay (usually with bread or pho, priced at 20,000-50,000 VND), move to Tam Coc (7km from the center). Buy a boat ticket (150,000 VND/adult, 75,000 VND/child) to explore the Ngo Dong River, admire the rice fields and limestone mountains. The journey lasts about 2 hours, taking you through three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba.
Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near Tam Coc, such as Tam Coc Rice Fields Restaurant , with a beautiful view of the rice fields (price 50,000-100,000 VND/dish). Try Tong Truong perch or eel salad – a Ninh Binh specialty.
Afternoon: Visit Mua Cave (5km from Tam Coc, ticket 100,000 VND/person). Climb 486 steps to the top of Ngoa Long mountain, see the whole view of Tam Coc from above. This is a "million like" check-in point with majestic mountain scenery. If you go with an elderly person, you can rest at the foot of the mountain, where there is a lotus pond and cool green space.
After Hang Mua, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (3km away, free ticket). This is the first capital of Vietnam, where you can visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le and learn about history. Visiting time is about 1 hour, suitable to end the journey.
Evening: Return to Hanoi by bus or private car (depart before 5pm to avoid the dark). If you have time, stop by to buy souvenirs such as burnt rice and Gia Vien shrimp paste at the shops along the way.
Tip: Climb Hang Mua early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring water and snacks to fuel your visit.
Compare means of transportation in Ninh Binh
| Vehicle | Advantage | Disadvantages | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | Flexible, easy to move between points | Tired if traveling far, need driving experience | 100,000-150,000/day |
| Bicycle | Relaxing, suitable for Tam Coc | Slow, not suitable for long distances | 50,000-80,000/day |
| Taxi | Comfortable, convenient for large groups | More expensive than motorbike | 15,000-20,000/km |
| Private car | Convenient, safe, fixed price | Reservation required | 1,200,000-1,500,000/day |
Frequently asked questions when traveling to Ninh Binh
1. When should I go to Ninh Binh?
January to March is the ripe rice season in Tam Coc, very beautiful for taking pictures. September to November is cool, with little rain, suitable for outdoor exploration.
2. How much does a 2 day 1 night trip cost?
One person needs about 1,500,000-2,500,000 VND (including transportation, food, entrance tickets, accommodation). If traveling in a group, the cost will be cheaper when sharing a car and room.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Not required, but booking Trang An and Tam Coc tickets through Klook or at the pier will save you time, especially on weekends or peak season.
4. Are there any activities suitable for children?
Yes! Trang An and Tam Coc have gentle rowing boats that are suitable for children. Hang Mua has a foothill area for children to play, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital has a large space to explore.
Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night is a short but full trip for you to feel the natural beauty, culture and history of the ancient capital. From the boat trip through the caves in Trang An, watching the golden rice fields in Tam Coc, to the feeling of conquering the peak of Hang Mua, every moment is worth it.
Make plans today, pack your backpack and explore Ninh Binh in your own way with your family and friends!
Source: https://baonghean.vn/chuyen-hanh-huong-2n1d-ve-mien-co-do-xua-mang-hoi-tho-phat-phap-10302183.html
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