Ninh Bình, just over 90km from Hanoi, is a hidden gem of Vietnam, boasting majestic natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. From the winding rivers of Tràng An, the grand Bái Đính Temple, to the poetic rice fields of Tam Cốc, Ninh Bình offers a journey rich in culture and scenery. This article from Daisy Land Travel suggests a one-day itinerary to explore Ninh Bình from Hanoi, along with travel tips to fully embrace the beauty of this region.

Ninh Bình – Where Nature Meets Culture

Ninh Bình, often called “Halong Bay on land,” is a captivating blend of nature, history, and spirituality. Just a 2-hour trip from Hanoi, it’s perfect for a day trip. According to Vietnam Travel (2025), Ninh Bình attracts millions of international visitors with its cultural treasures like the ancient Hoa Lư capital and UNESCO-recognized sites. The itinerary below is designed to help you discover three iconic spots – Tràng An, Bái Đính Temple, and Tam Cốc – in a single day.

Suggested Itinerary for a Day in Ninh Bình

Morning: Exploring Tràng An and Bái Đính Temple

• 6:30 – 8:30: Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Bình by bus or private car. Buses from Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình stations cost around 80,000–150,000 VND/person and run frequently (Klook, 2025). For more comfort, book a group tour with Daisy Land Travel or hire a private car (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND/4-seater car). Grab a light breakfast of bánh mì or sticky rice before heading out.
• 8:30 – 11:00: Visit the Tràng An Ecological Area, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site. A boat ride along the river, weaving through caves and limestone mountains, feels like stepping into a mythical world. Boat ticket: 250,000 VND/person (Vietnam Travel, 2025). Highlights include ancient temples and stunning landscapes, especially Địa Linh and Tối caves.
• 11:00 – 12:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Tràng An. Savor Ninh Bình specialties like crispy rice or mountain goat dishes, priced at 100,000–200,000 VND/person. Many restaurants offer international menus to suit foreign tastes.

Afternoon: Bái Đính Temple and Tam Cốc

• 12:30 – 14:30: Continue to Bái Đính Temple, the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia, featuring a 10-meter-tall Buddha statue and a corridor with over 500 Arhat statues. Entry is free, but the electric cart to the temple costs about 30,000 VND/person (Klook, 2025). The temple’s spiritual ambiance and grand architecture offer a deep dive into Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
• 14:30 – 17:00: Head to Tam Cốc, dubbed “Halong Bay among rice fields.” A boat ride along the Ngô Đồng River, gliding through rice paddies and limestone cliffs, is a highlight not to miss. Boat ticket: 150,000 VND/person (Vietnam Travel, 2025). If time allows, rent a bicycle to explore the peaceful village paths and countryside scenery.
• 17:00 – 19:00: Return to Hanoi by bus or private car. On the way back, stop to buy local specialties like crispy rice or Gia Viễn fermented shrimp paste as souvenirs (priced at 50,000–100,000 VND/pack).

Tips for Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Bình

1. Choose the Right Transport:
   • Bus: Companies like Hoàng Long or Cường Hưng operate Hanoi–Ninh Bình routes from Giáp Bát or Mỹ Đình stations, with tickets at 80,000–150,000 VND/person (Klook, 2025). Book online to secure a seat.
   • Private Car or Group Tour: Hiring a private car (1,500,000–2,000,000 VND/4-seater) or joining a group tour with Daisy Land Travel saves time and includes a guide to share cultural insights.
   • Train: The Hanoi–Ninh Bình route (Ninh Bình station) costs 70,000–150,000 VND/person, but you’ll need a motorbike taxi or cab to reach attractions (Vietnam Railways, 2025).
2. Travel Timing: Start early (6:30–7:00) to avoid crowds and maximize exploration time. The Hanoi–Ninh Bình highway cuts travel time to about 1.5–2 hours.
3. What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and a light jacket, as Ninh Bình’s weather in August–October may include brief showers. Bring sunscreen and water for outdoor visits.

Tips for Exploring Ninh Bình’s Culture and Scenery

1. Respect Local Culture: At Bái Đính Temple, dress modestly (long sleeves, long pants) and stay quiet. Ask permission before photographing locals in Tam Cốc.
2. Choose Less Crowded Boats: At Tràng An and Tam Cốc, opt for early morning boat rides to enjoy a peaceful experience. Each boat carries up to 4 people, with fixed ticket prices (Vietnam Travel, 2025).
3. Dine Safely: Pick busy restaurants or those recommended by guides for hygiene. Nguyễn Tiến Đạt, Vice President of the Hanoi Tourism Association (VNExpress, 31/7/2025), notes that Ninh Bình’s eateries are regularly inspected for food safety to enhance visitor experiences.
4. Carry Small Cash: Have small bills (10,000–50,000 VND) for tickets, snacks, or tipping boat rowers. Many places now offer QR code payments for online transactions (Báo Đà Nẵng, 2025).
5. Book Tours in Advance: Save time by booking tours through Daisy Land Travel or platforms like Klook for a seamless itinerary.

Why Ninh Bình is a Must-Visit Destination

Ninh Bình is a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tràng An and Tam Cốc offer breathtaking landscapes of mountains and rivers, while Bái Đính Temple stands as a symbol of Vietnam’s spiritual and architectural legacy. According to Vietnam Travel (2025), Ninh Bình ranks among the world’s top 7 fastest-growing destinations, thanks to its natural splendor and warm hospitality. A day in Ninh Bình is a chance to touch the soul of Vietnam, from serene rivers to enduring cultural values.

Daisy Land Travel hopes this itinerary inspires an unforgettable journey. Contact us via https://daizytravelvietnam.com/ for tailored tours from Hanoi to explore Ninh Bình’s timeless beauty!

---

Daisy Land Travel Viet Nam (DLT)

• 🏢 Head Office: No. 11, Alley 55, Linh Quang Alley, Van Chuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• 📞 Phone/ Whatsapp/ Viber: (+84)931307887 / (+84)368020960
• 📧 Email: booking.daisylandtravelvietnam@gmail.com