Travel Guide, Ha Long Bay
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Trip
Jan
Are you planning a journey from the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh to the majestic Ha Long Bay in Vietnam? This Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay guide is crafted to assist you in navigating the various transportation options available for this picturesque journey. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends on an adventure, this guide will help you find the best way to travel between these two iconic destinations.
How far from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh, the two filming locations in northern Vietnam, are around 200 kilometers apart and need about 3.5 hours to get to by automobile. Depending on the route taken, the distance may differ.
The best route to go to Ha Long is by the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway, also known as CT04 or QL5B. The newly constructed highway connects Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Ha Long City across a distance of 105.5 km. This roadway, one of the six main construction planning projects in northern Vietnam, sees a lot of daily vehicle traffic.
How to get from Ninh Binh to Ha Long
The short travel distance and adaptability of vehicles make the trip from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay simple. In the event that flying is not possible, you have other options for getting around, including driving and even taking trains with a stopover in Hanoi.
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay Bus
The limousine bus
A comfortable and convenient way to get from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is by limousine bus, which is provided by a number of firms. The interiors of these buses are usually air-conditioned, roomy, and equipped with free Wi-Fi and water for passengers.
The trip takes about three and a half hours less in the limousine van since it stops less often than the local busses. Along the journey, it provides stunning views of the Vietnamese countryside. Ticket prices vary from 15 to 20 USD based on the bus type and operator.
The local bus
A more affordable option is to take a local bus from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay; one-way costs range from 8 to 10 USD. These buses typically hold 45 passengers and have a meager selection of occasionally subpar amenities. The trip can take up to five hours because of the multiple stops made to pick up more passengers.
These buses run often every day, but passengers must go to the bus station to board one. Passengers should also be ready for what may be a crowded and uncomfortable voyage, but it can offer an insight into Vietnamese daily life.
List of reputable and quality buses
Daiichi Travel Bus
- Departure times from Ninh Binh: 07:00, 09:30
- Arrival times in Ha Long – Quang Ninh: 10:24, 12:54
- Pick-up points: Ninh Binh office (Tam Coc Boat Wharf)
- Drop-off points: Ha Long office
- Ticket price: 250,000 VND per ticket
Ninh Binh Excursion Transport Bus
- Departure times from Ninh Binh: 07:30, 07:31, 07:32
- Arrival times in Ha Long – Quang Ninh: 10:54, 10:55, 10:56
- Ticket price: 260,000 VND per ticket
The Long Travel Bus
- Departure time from Ninh Binh: 07:30
- Arrival time in Ha Long – Quang Ninh: 10:54
- Ticket price: 250,000 VND per ticket
The New Way Bus
- Departure times from Ninh Binh: 07:30, 11:00, 17:00, 18:00
- Arrival times in Ha Long – Quang Ninh: 10:54, 14:24, 20:24, 21:24
- Ticket price: 260,000 VND per ticket
Pros
- A fair price and the necessities
- Straightforward transfer with services for pickup and drop-off
Cons
- Sluggish due to stopping to pick up people en route
- Linguistic barrier, particularly when riding local busses
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay train
Price: 10 – 14 USD
Duration: 9.5 hours
Total distance: 315 km
Taking the train rather than a bus or automobile could be an excellent option if you get carsick. It’s crucial to remember that there isn’t a train route that goes straight from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay.
You will need to take two different trains in order to go to Ha Long Bay by train. The first train travels 2.5 hours from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. It will take you about seven hours to get to Ha Long Bay by second train from Hanoi.
Regarding the train from Ninh Binh Train Station to Hanoi Railway Station, there are five daily departures. Train departure times range from 3:20 AM to 4:50 PM. There are multiple ticket options available, with prices ranging from 2 to 10 USD, including hard/soft seats and sleeping beds.
There are just hard seats available on trains traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Tourists find the trek less appealing because it takes about seven hours. Nonetheless, the train can be a worthwhile choice to think about if you’re eager to experience native Vietnamese rail travel.
Pros
- The least risky method that is the safest
- Beautiful scenery and authentic local experiences
Cons
- The most indirect and slowest path
- Crowds, uncleanliness, and discomfort
Read More: Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay private car/ taxi
Price: 170 – 260 USD/ round trip
Duration: 3.5 hours
Total distance: 200 km
A private vehicle is your best bet if you want to go from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay in comfort and without any hassles. Depending on the vehicle’s capacity, a round-trip private car rental costs vary: a 4-seater costs approximately 170 USD, a 7-seater costs 190 USD, and a 16-seat minivan costs 230 USD.
Fuel, water bottles, highway tolls, parking taxes, and driver fees are all included in the ticket; however, other costs like tour guides and admission fees are not.
To accommodate luggage, it is advised to select a vehicle with more seats than the number of occupants. For example, a four-seater works best for two to three people, a seven-seater for five people, and a sixteen-seater for ten people.
Pros
- The fastest way & pleasant services
- Proactiveness & privacy
- Experienced and English-speaking drivers
Cons
- The most expensive way
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay motorbike
Experiencing the thrilling motorbike ride from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is a must-do activity for everyone seeking an exhilarating two-wheeled adventure. It’s the ideal method to discover rural scenery and local way of life. The trip to Bach Dang and Bai Chay, Halong City, using the QL1A–QL10–QL18 route takes about five to six hours.
You can avoid motorbike-prohibited highways and toll booths by choosing this route. Bicycle rentals cost between $7 and $10 USD per day, plus gasoline. Selecting a high-quality car is essential to guarantee travel safety.
Pros
- An affordable route from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
- Flexible schedule free from time constraints
- Ideal for explorers to explore the stunning route
Cons
- Hazardous and difficult because of Vietnam’s traffic and topography
- Not for people with motorcycle licenses and bad conditions
- The possibility of mishaps and unforeseen events while traveling
Conclusion
This journey, Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality, is more than just a travel experience; it’s a voyage into the soul of Vietnam. The rolling landscapes, the serene waters, and the echoing sounds of nature along the way are a testament to the country’s unspoiled beauty and the timelessness of its traditions. Let the journey itself be a destination, where every mile traveled brings a new discovery, and every sight seen is a treasure to be cherished.
FAQs
How long does it take to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
Travel time varies by mode of transportation:
- Train: Approximately 7-10 hours.
- Bus: About 4-6 hours.
- Private Car/Taxi: Around 4 hours.
- Motorcycle: Varies, but generally longer due to slower speeds and potential stops.
Is there a direct train from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
There is no direct train service from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. Typically, travelers looking to use rail services need to take a train from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, which is the nearest major rail hub. From Hanoi, you can then transfer to a bus or a private vehicle to reach Ha Long Bay. While this means you can’t travel directly by train the entire way, the journey offers a chance to experience the scenic beauty and local life of Northern Vietnam. It’s important to plan your itinerary and connections well, ensuring a smooth transition from train to your next mode of transport in Hanoi for the final leg to Ha Long Bay.
Are there any flights between Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay?
No, there are no direct flights between Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. The reason is mainly due to the relatively short distance between the two locations, which does not necessitate air travel. Both Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay are located within a manageable driving distance from each other, making road or rail travel more practical and commonly used. The closest airports to these destinations are in Hanoi, and travelers typically opt for land transportation options such as buses, private cars, or trains to cover the journey between Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay. This overland travel also provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Vietnam’s countryside.
What is the best time of year to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay?
The best time to travel from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is more stable, with a pleasant climate and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring offers the added beauty of lush, green landscapes and blooming flowers, while autumn brings cooler, comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Although summer (June to August) can be warm and suitable for beach activities in Ha Long Bay, it’s also the peak tourist season and may be more crowded. It’s advisable to avoid the winter months (December to February), as the region can be quite cold and misty, which might obscure the scenic views of Ha Long Bay.
