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How to get from SaPa to Ninh Binh?
When travelling the 405km distance from SaPa to Ninh Binh, you have 3 options: you can take the bus (7.5 hours), the train (11.5 hours) or a taxi (8 hours). Rates range between $19.50 to $240.
3 ways to get from SaPa to Ninh Binh
Taking the bus is the fastest and cheapest option when travelling from Sapa to Ninh Binh. Night buses are also available so you won’t lose a day travelling.
Another good option is to go by train. We think that trains in Vietnam are very convenient and much safer than taking the bus. However, this particular train route involves a few transfers and takes much longer than the other options. Continue reading for a step-by-step guide.
Booking a private car is a very convenient option if you are travelling with more people. You can get a spacious 5-seater car for $240. This will pick you up at your hotel in SaPa and drop you off at the doorstep of your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary from SaPa to Ninh Binh
Train
- Sapa
- 45min
- Lao Cai Railway Station
- 7h 50min
- Hanoi Railway Station
- 2h 17min
- Ninh Binh
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Bus
Duration: 7.5 hours
Cost: 450,000 VND ($19.50)
Taking a direct bus is a cheap and easy way to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh.
The bus ride takes at least 7.5 hours and you can consider taking a night bus to save day time. Just remember that travelling at night is not the safest option.
Bus Schedule from SaPa to Ninh Binh
Quang Anh, Sao Viet and Viet Anh used to operate this route as well. Currently, they are not available on our preferred booking websites. But you can still try booking them via local agencies.
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Train
Duration: 11.5 hours
Cost: 545,000 VND ($24)
There are no direct trains operating from Sapa to Ninh Binh so you will have to make a few transfers for this route.
First, you have to take a van from SaPa to Lao Cai railway station. From there you can take the sleeper train to Hanoi. When the train arrives in the early morning in Hanoi, you can switch trains to Ninh Binh and optionally take a taxi to Tam Coc.
Step 1: Sapa to Lao Cai by Van
Duration: 45min
Cost: 60,000 VND ($2.60)
In SaPa, you can arrange a van or take the public bus which brings you to Lao Cai train station in 45min.
Read more about this route on the page from Sapa to Hanoi.
Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train
Duration: 7h 50min
Cost: 385,000 VND ($17)
From Lao Cai, you can take the train leaving at 20:55 or 21:40 for Hanoi. A bed at a 4-berth cabin costs 385,000 VND ($17).
Read more about this on the page from Sapa to Hanoi.
Step 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
Duration: 2h 14min
Cost: 100,000 VND ($4.50)
When you arrive in the early morning in Hanoi, you can switch to the train going to Ninh Binh. Two trains depart in the morning at 6:00 and 9:00. A soft seat costs 100,000 VND ($4.50).
This train takes a bit more than 2 hours. If you stay in Tam Coc, you can take a taxi from Ninh Binh railway station (15min).
Read more about this route on the page from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Train Itinerary for Hanoi to Ninh Binh
| Method of transport | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van or public bus to Lao Cai | 17:30-18:15 | 45m |
| Sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi | 21:40-05:30 | 7h 50m |
| Train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh | 09:00-11:17 | 2h 17m |
| Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc | 11:17-11:32 | 15m |
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Taxi
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: 5,560,000 VND ($240)
A private car is by far the most convenient option to reach Ninh Binh. Definitely worth to consider when you want some more luxury and are travelling with a group.
With Hanoi VIP Transfer, you can rent a comfortable 5-seater car for 5,560,000 VND ($240). This option is much more expensive than taking the bus or the train. But it gives you the advantage of travelling door-to-door and you can stop anytime for food and bathroom breaks.
Our favourite places to stay in Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Tam Coc Family Hotel
Want to stay in a real Vietnamese Guesthouse? Tam Coc Family Hotel is a perfect example why you don't have to spend more than $17 for a great guesthouse. The super friendly owners will tell you the best spots to visit and will make sure you have a good start of your day with a delicious breakfast. It's a 1-minute walk from the Tam Coc river and drop-off point of the bus.
Tam Coc Bungalow
Do you prefer to stay close to the river? 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 common area. 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.
