The journey from Ninh Binh to Hue covers approximately 570 kilometers, and there are several options available for making this trip, depending on your budget and preferences. Whether you prefer speed, comfort, or scenic stops along the way, we’ll explore the best ways to travel between these two destinations.
Good to know
Phong Nha
One of the key attractions located between Ninh Binh and Hue is Phong Nha National Park. Widely regarded as one of the best nature destinations in Vietnam, Phong Nha is home to some of the world’s most spectacular caves and lush jungle landscapes. Before you decide to travel directly from Ninh Binh to Hue or vice versa, it’s worth considering whether a stop at Phong Nha fits into your travel plans.
Distance
The journey from Ninh Binh to Hue is about 570 kilometers. Keep in mind that highways in Vietnam are not as fast as those in Germany, often passing through towns where speed limits are lower.
Option 1: Sleeper train
A popular choice for traveling between Ninh Binh and Hue is by sleeper train. Trains depart in the evening, allowing you to travel overnight, which is a comfortable way to cover nearly 12 hours of travel. Compared to daytime travel, taking a sleeper train lets you rest, and while the trains may shake a bit, they generally provide a more comfortable sleeping experience than sleeper buses.
Train information:
- Travel time: 11 to 12 hours
- Schedule: 3 to 5 trains per day
- Price: Starting from 25 euros per person for a standard 4-berth cabin, 65 euros for a tourist train cabin
What to choose:
- 4-berth cabins: The Reunification Express offers several classes, including hard seats, soft seats, 6-berth cabins, and 4-berth cabins. For long-distance travel, it’s best to book a 4-berth cabin for a more comfortable experience.
- Tourist trains: On some routes, you also have the option to choose tourist trains. These are private companies that operate cabins on the Reunification Express, offering more comfort and better toilet facilities. On this route, you can choose from options like Lotus Train and Laman Express, which are more expensive but provide a better overall experience.
Tip: If you want privacy, you can book all the beds in a cabin, even if you’re traveling with only two people. This way, you ensure that you won’t share the space with others.
Option 2: Flight
The quickest way to travel between Ninh Binh and Hue is by flight, although Ninh Binh does not have its own airport. To catch a flight, you’ll need to travel to Hanoi first, which takes about 2.5 hours. Once at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you can catch a direct flight to Hue. Even with the added time for travel to Hanoi and check-in, flying is still the fastest option overall.
Flight information:
- Travel time: Around 1 hour
- Schedule: 4 flights per day
- Airlines: Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines
- Price: From 40 euros (Vietjet) and 75 euros (Vietnam Airlines)
What to choose:
- Airlines: Both Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines are good choices, but if you’re looking for fewer delays and more comfort, Vietnam Airlines is the recommended option. Vietjet is ideal for budget travelers, but be sure to check additional fees, such as for checked luggage.
Option 3: Sleeper bus
For budget travelers, the sleeper bus is the most affordable way to travel between Ninh Binh and Hue. Similar to the sleeper train, you travel overnight and sleep during the journey, which helps you save time during the day. The sleeper bus will pick you up and drop you off in the city center of both destinations, making it a convenient choice.
However, the journey takes around 10 to 11 hours, which can be a long time to spend in a bus, even overnight. Not everyone finds it easy to sleep on a bus, and some travelers have concerns about comfort and safety, though it remains a popular option among backpackers and locals.
Bus information:
- Travel time: 10 to 11 hours
- Schedule: 20+ buses per day
- Price: From 18 euros for standard sleeper, up to 30 euros for VIP sleeper
What to choose:
- Type of bus: If your budget allows, opt for the VIP sleeper bus. These buses offer almost double the space compared to standard sleeper buses and provide more privacy, making the long journey more comfortable.
Overall, while the bus is the cheapest option for traveling between Ninh Binh and Hue, it may not be the most comfortable, especially for such a long trip. It’s still a favorite choice among backpackers looking to save money.
Option 4: Sightseeing tour
For a hassle-free and enriching travel experience, booking a sightseeing tour between Ninh Binh and Hue is an excellent option. This allows you to break up the long journey and explore key destinations along the way, such as Phong Nha National Park.
With everything planned in advance, including transportation, accommodation, and activities, you won’t need to worry about the logistics of booking individual trains, buses, or cars. This option also ensures that you don’t miss any major sights between Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, and Hue.
Example itinerary:
This itinerary can be done in either direction, starting from Hanoi or Hue.
- Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Limousine Bus: Start by traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, where you can explore the region’s highlights, such as Tam Coc, Trang An, or Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
- Ninh Binh to Phong Nha via Dong Hoi by Sleeper Train: After Ninh Binh, take a sleeper train to Dong Hoi, then continue on to Phong Nha. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the incredible caves and lush jungle landscapes of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Phong Nha to Hue by Private Car with Sightseeing: Finally, travel from Phong Nha to Hue by private car, stopping at historical sites along the way, such as the Vinh Moc Tunnels and the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This route offers both convenience and the chance to visit significant cultural landmarks.
A sightseeing tour is perfect for those who want a stress-free travel experience while making the most of the journey between Ninh Binh and Hue. You’ll enjoy well-organized transportation and get to explore some of Vietnam’s top sights along the way.
