Traveling between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, or vice versa, offers a scenic journey through northern Vietnam. While most travelers go through Hanoi, there are direct routes that save time. Whether you choose to travel by bus, private car, or join a tour, this guide outlines the best options for your trip.
An overview of traveling between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay
Location
Both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh are located in the northern part of Vietnam, east and south of Hanoi, respectively.
Though both destinations are must-see highlights in Vietnam, many travelers opt to return to Hanoi before visiting the other. However, it’s completely possible to travel directly between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh without the need to backtrack to Hanoi, saving both time and effort.
Travel times
- From Ninh Binh to Halong Bay: around 4 hours
- From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh: around 4 hours
Options
Local transportation between these two destinations is somewhat limited, as most locals do not travel directly between them, and many tourists prefer a route via Hanoi. However, there are still a few convenient ways to make the trip.
Destinations in Ninh Binh
Although the main city of Ninh Binh is a travel hub, most visitors prefer to stay in the countryside or the peaceful village of Tam Coc. The transportation options listed below generally include pick-up and drop-off in these areas.
Option 1: Halong Bay & Ninh Binh combination tour
For the most hassle-free travel experience, you can book a private or group tour that combines both destinations in a single package. These tours often include all transportation between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, as well as accommodations, meals, and activities.
By opting for a combination tour, you can enjoy a seamless journey without worrying about the logistics of getting from one place to another. Many tours are customizable, allowing you to adjust the length of your stay in each location, the type of cruise you prefer in Halong Bay, and the level of comfort you’re looking for in Ninh Binh.
This option is ideal for those who want a fully organized trip and prefer to have everything taken care of, from hotel bookings to guided tours, while still having a flexible and independent travel experience.
Option 2: Bus between Halong Bay & Ninh Binh
One of the most common and budget-friendly options is traveling between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh by limousine bus or shuttle bus. These buses are comfortable, equipped with VIP-style seats, ample legroom, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
There are several buses that run daily in both directions:
- Halong Bay to Ninh Binh: You can catch a bus from the Halong Bay cruise terminal directly to Ninh Binh, with multiple departures throughout the day.
- Ninh Binh to Halong Bay: Similarly, buses departing from Ninh Binh or Tam Coc can take you directly to Halong Bay, usually timed to align with cruise schedules.
Duration: The trip takes approximately 4 hours.
Cost: Prices range between 9 and 13 euros, depending on the type of bus and service.
When traveling from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, make sure to check your cruise’s departure time to ensure you arrive on time. For those traveling from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh, consider when your cruise finishes, as you may need to book an afternoon or early evening bus.
Option 3: Private car
For travelers seeking convenience and flexibility, booking a private car to travel between Halong Bay and Ninh Binh is an excellent option. This allows you to be picked up directly from your cruise terminal or hotel and taken straight to your accommodation in Ninh Binh, or vice versa.
- From Halong Bay to Ninh Binh: After your cruise disembarks, a private car will be waiting to take you directly to your destination in Ninh Binh, whether it’s a hotel in the countryside or a guesthouse in Tam Coc.
- From Ninh Binh to Halong Bay: A private car will pick you up from your accommodation and bring you straight to the cruise terminal at Halong Bay, ensuring that you arrive in time for your scheduled cruise.
Duration: The journey takes around 4 hours.
Cost: A private car is more expensive than the bus, but if you’re traveling in a small group, the price per person becomes more reasonable.
This option is ideal for travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and comfort, as you can stop along the way if needed, set your own departure time, and enjoy a more personalized travel experience.
Choose Lan Ha Bay
Why choose Lan Ha Bay over Halong Bay
If you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded experience than Halong Bay, consider choosing Lan Ha Bay as an alternative. Located just south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers the same stunning scenery of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters but with fewer tourists and cruise boats.
Here are some reasons to choose Lan Ha Bay over Halong Bay:
Different departure point: Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from Hai Phong City, which is about an hour closer to Ninh Binh than the Halong Bay departure points, making the journey slightly shorter.
Fewer tourists: Lan Ha Bay is less developed for tourism than Halong Bay, offering a more peaceful experience.
Same stunning landscapes: The views in Lan Ha Bay are just as breathtaking as those in Halong Bay, but you won’t have to contend with large crowds.
Cat Ba
Lan Ha Bay cruises often include a stop at Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the bay. While this may add a little extra travel time (due to the need for a ferry ride), it can be well worth it.
- Trekking and cycling: Cat Ba offers opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking through Cat Ba National Park or cycling around the island.
- Relaxed vibe: The island itself has a laid-back atmosphere, with beautiful beaches and small fishing villages to explore.
Combining a Lan Ha Bay cruise with a stay on Cat Ba Island offers a mix of peaceful cruising and more active adventure on land.
