15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000
Traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is one of the most rewarding journeys you can make while exploring northern Vietnam. These two destinations represent Vietnam’s greatest natural treasures: one is a majestic wonder of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, and the other is a serene landscape of mountains, caves, rice fields and quiet rivers often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Many travelers visit Halong Bay first and then wonder how to continue their adventure southward. This guide answers everything you need to know about traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh, including transportation options, distances, travel times, itineraries, must-see attractions and insider tips. It is written for couples, families, solo travelers, backpackers, photographers and luxury travelers.
Throughout the guide, you will also find helpful recommendations from Golden Trail Travel, a trusted local operator offering private transfers, organized tours and custom itineraries to make your journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh seamless and enjoyable.
Website: https://goldentrailtravel.com/
This is your complete, SEO-optimized, long-form guide to traveling between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.
Halong Bay showcases towering limestone islands jutting out of the sea, mystical caves and tranquil bays. After cruising through Halong Bay’s emerald waters, Ninh Binh offers a completely different yet equally magical atmosphere: rice fields shimmering beneath steep cliffs, peaceful rivers carving through dark caves, and temples hidden deep in the countryside.
Visiting both gives you:
A full picture of northern Vietnam’s natural beauty
Varied experiences from sea to land
Incredible photography opportunities
Cultural encounters with friendly local communities
If you want a truly memorable Vietnam itinerary, combining these two destinations is a must.
The distance from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is roughly 175 to 190 km, depending on your exact starting point in Halong Bay (Bai Chay, Tuan Chau Marina or Hon Gai). You can reach Ninh Binh in:
3.5 to 4.5 hours by private car or limousine
4.5 to 5.5 hours by bus
5 to 6 hours by motorbike
The roads are modern, scenic and comfortable to travel on.
Whether you are on a cruise, backpacking or traveling with your family, the journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is simple, comfortable and flexible. Golden Trail Travel offers tailored private transfers and complete Ninh Binh tours that synchronize perfectly with Halong cruise finishing times.
The fastest, most comfortable and most seamless way to travel is by private car, especially when booked through Golden Trail Travel. This is ideal if you want:
Door-to-door service
Pick-up directly from your cruise port
Flexible departure times
Space for luggage
Comfort and air conditioning
Travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
This option is highly recommended for couples, families, seniors or anyone who prefers convenience.
Book your private transfer here:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Limousine buses are becoming extremely popular in Vietnam thanks to:
Reclining leather seats
Air conditioning
Spacious interiors
Affordable pricing
They pick up travelers from Halong City and drop off in Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc.
Travel time: 4 to 4.5 hours
The cheapest option but also the least comfortable. Local buses take longer, make many stops and may not depart directly from tourist harbors.
Travel time: 5 to 5.5 hours
For adventure enthusiasts, the motorbike route offers a spectacular ride through:
Coastal roads
Mountain passes
Countryside farmland
Villages and rivers
However, this option should only be considered by experienced riders.
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours
There is no direct train from Halong to Ninh Binh. You would have to:
Take a bus/taxi from Halong to Hai Phong or Hanoi
Board a train to Ninh Binh
This adds many hours to your journey and is not recommended unless you want to explore Hanoi again before traveling south.
Most private cars and limousines will use the express highway connecting Halong and Ninh Binh. This road is:
Smooth
Modern
Safe
Faster than older routes
This makes the journey comfortable even for long-distance travelers.
The scenic route allows riders to pass through:
Rice fields
Coastal edges
Rural towns
Limestone formations
It’s beautiful but slower.
This is perfect for travelers finishing a Halong cruise in the morning.
Morning:
Cruise check-out
Private transfer with Golden Trail Travel
Afternoon:
Visit Trang An boat complex
Enjoy a peaceful river journey through caves
Check in at your hotel in Tam Coc
Day 1:
Transfer to Ninh Binh
Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Boat ride in Tam Coc
Overnight in Tam Coc
Day 2:
Climb Mua Cave viewpoint
Visit Trang An
Lunch and transfer back to Hanoi
Day 1:
Transfer to Ninh Binh
Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda
Sunset at Mua Cave
Day 2:
Tam Coc boat ride
Cycling tour
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Day 3:
Trang An scenic boat trip
Lunch and relaxation
Transfer to Hanoi or onward destination
UNESCO-recognized, Trang An charms visitors with:
Stone caves
Quiet rivers
Limestone mountains
Hidden temples
A boat ride here is one of Vietnam’s most unique experiences.
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Tam Coc offers a boat ride through:
Rice fields
Caves
Limestone formations
It feels peaceful and timeless.
Climbing 500 stone steps leads you to:
A sweeping panorama of Tam Coc
The dragon statue viewpoint
Sunrise and sunset photography heaven
Discover Vietnam’s 10th-century history at:
King Dinh Temple
King Le Temple
Ancient courtyards
One of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complexes, featuring:
Giant bronze statues
Sacred halls
Peaceful mountain views
Cycling through Tam Coc or Trang An offers:
Rural life
Rice fields
Village paths
Scenic farms
Golden Trail Travel includes cycling in many of their itineraries.
Golden Trail Travel makes the journey from Halong to Ninh Binh effortless thanks to:
Expert guides, modern vehicles, excellent planning.
Private tours, small group tours, day trips, multi-day adventures.
Pickups directly from Tuan Chau Harbor, Bai Chay Harbor or Halong hotels.
They know the best times, hidden spots, photography locations and cultural sites.
Website: https://goldentrailtravel.com/
Schedule your transfer to match cruise departure times
Bring snacks and water for the journey
Wear comfortable clothing
Choose a private transfer if you have large luggage
Plan a 2-day stay for a deeper Ninh Binh experience
Book tours in advance to secure seats
“Perfect transition from Halong to Ninh Binh”
“We booked a private transfer with Golden Trail Travel after finishing our Halong Bay cruise. The car was clean, the driver was kind, and we arrived in Ninh Binh in perfect time for our Trang An boat tour.”
– Claire & Marco, Italy
“Beautiful and well organized”
“Golden Trail Travel arranged our entire journey from Halong to Ninh Binh. Everything was smooth, and the Mua Cave viewpoint was unforgettable.”
– Daniel, UK
“Highly recommended”
“This company made our trip so easy. The scenery in Ninh Binh was breathtaking. The cycling tour was our favorite part.”
– Sophie, Australia
How far is Ninh Binh from Halong Bay?
About 175 to 190 km.
How long does it take to travel?
Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by private car.
What is the best way to travel?
Private transfer via Golden Trail Travel.
Is there a direct train?
No, trains require going through Hanoi or Hai Phong.
Can I visit Ninh Binh in one day after Halong?
Yes, with an early pickup.
Which is better: Trang An or Tam Coc?
Both are beautiful. Trang An has more caves; Tam Coc has more rice fields.
Can Golden Trail Travel pick me up from the harbor?
Yes. Just book in advance.
Traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh is the perfect way to experience two of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes in a single itinerary. Whether you choose a smooth private transfer, a comfortable limousine bus or a scenic motorbike ride, the journey is easy and rewarding.
With trusted support from Golden Trail Travel, your transfer, itinerary and local experiences are handled professionally, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the beauty of northern Vietnam.
Book your Ninh Binh adventure today at:
https://goldentrailtravel.com/
