What to expect when visiting Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a natural paradise in northern Vietnam. The province is home to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which you can find in the tranquil town of Tam Coc.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts amazing viewpoints, limestone peaks, temples and pagodas. A boat tour along Trang An River is the most popular activity because it gives one a glimpse of traditional village life. Backdropped by rice paddies and karst mountains, Ninh Binh is a sight to behold!
3 ways to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 400 kilometers (249 miles) from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by bus (6 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours), private Transfer (8 hours) and train (9 hours 15 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 6 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 335,000 VND ($13.50) for the bus.Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ninh Binh at the bottom of this page.
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Bus
There are seven companies operating bus trips from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh. A bus ticket costs 335,000 VND ($13.50) for the journey that takes 6 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.
While the bus is a direct option, we can’t guarantee that it is comfortable.
Queen Cafe Bus doesn’t really get a lot of good reviews. There have been incidents of overbooked buses, rude staff, and aggressive driving. These aren’t always the case. But if you’re taking the bus, we recommend arriving early at the bus station.
Own experience: I travelled this route with Queen Bus and had a very comfortable ride. However, the last two passengers who entered the bus had to sleep in the walkway, even though they booked their tickets from their accommodation. Travelling by bus in Vietnam is not as safe as in Western countries. Taking the train is safer, but for this route, it comes with an extra transfer.
Departure and arrival station
Queen Cafe departs from Central Backpackers Hostel in Phong Nha city centre. It arrives at Ninh Binh Central Hotel in the centre of Ninh Binh.
If your hotel is in Tam Coc, you can get there by taxi for around 120,000 VND ($4.80).
Bus schedules from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
We recommend booking your ride online at least a few days before via BookAway.
TIP: Let your accommodation know when you expect to arrive and which bus company you booked with. When luck is on your side, you can check in early and enjoy your room straight away!
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Train
There is no train station in Phong Nha, but there is one in the nearby city of Dong Hoi, 40 km away. From here, there are several trains leaving for Ninh Binh daily.
Step 1: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi by Bus
You can choose from 2 ways to get from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Railway Station: a bus for 50,000 VND ($2) or a taxi with rates from 400,000 VND ($16.10).
Buses are available from 05:30 to 17:00. They depart from the main street in Phong Nha and stop across Dong Hoi’s Central Bus Station. From here, you can get to the train station via a 5-minute taxi for around 40,000 VND ($1.60).
See our route guide on how to travel from Dong Hoi to Phong Nha for more details.
Step 2: Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh by Train
There are a number of trains operating daily from Dong Hoi to Ninh Binh.
Only one of those trains operates during the day. That’s about 9 hours of train ride, though, and it will take up your entire day.
We recommend travelling at night so that you don’t lose a lot of daytime on the journey. But note that even with the night train, you will arrive very early in the morning in Ninh Binh. Advise your accommodation beforehand so that you can still check in as soon as you arrive.
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
You will find Ninh Binh Railway Station in the centre of Ninh Binh. From here, many accommodations are within walking distance. But we recommend staying in Tam Coc, a laidback village along Tam Coc River.
See our guide to Ninh Binh for more on why we prefer to stay in Tam Coc.
Optional: Ninh Binh to Tam Coc by Taxi
From Ninh Binh Railway Station, you can get to Tam Coc via a motorbike taxi for 15 minutes or a regular taxi.
Take the motorbike taxi only if you’re not carrying bulky luggage. A ride to Tam Coc costs 25,000 VND ($1) to 50,000 VND ($2).
Alternatively, you can take a regular taxi for 120,000 VND ($4.80).
Phong Nha to Ninh Binh by Private Transfer
Looking for a way to travel in private from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh? It’s quite pricey, but it’s possible.
Rates for a 3-seater car start from 9,242,000 VND ($370). You can also get a minivan that can fit up to 8 passengers.
Book your private transfer via BookAway to get a nice car that comes with a trusted driver.
Private Transfer options from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
Best places to stay in Ninh Binh
Tam Coc Family Hotel - Budget Friendly
Want to know what it feels like to stay with a Vietnamese family? Tam Coc Family Hotel really does make you feel at home with the family.
The friendly owners will tell you all of the best spots to visit in Ninh Binh, and start your day right with a delicious home-cooked breakfast. It’s a great example of why you don’t have to spend a lot for a great guesthouse.
Another plus: It’s a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Tam Coc Bungalow - Mid Range
Do you prefer to stay at the riverside of Tam Coc? Tam Coc Bungalow has spacious bamboo bungalows right next to the Tam Coc river. Bungalows start from $32 and dorm rooms from $6.
What we really liked about this place is their open-air restuarant. From the terrace you can watch the locals paddling back to Tam Coc town during sunset and in the evening you can play a game of pool at the open restaurant area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phong Nha to Ninh Binh
What is the distance from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
The distance from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh is 400 kilometers (249 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
The fastest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh is by bus and takes 6 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh?
The cheapest way to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh is by bus with ticket costs starting from 335,000 VND ($13.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phong Nha to Ninh Binh. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
