Overview Compare Bus Train Taxi To Stay
How to get from SaPa to Ninh Binh?
If you want to take in more of Vietnam’s natural wonders after exploring SaPa, then Ninh Binh is the perfect next destination.
You can find here the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, located in the tranquil town of Tam Coc. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An boasts of amazing viewpoints, limestone peaks, temples and pagodas.
Ride a boat along Trang An River. Surrounded by rice paddies and karst mountains, it is such a sight to behold!
3 ways to get from SaPa to Ninh Binh
When travelling the 405km distance from SaPa to Ninh Binh, you have 3 options. You can take a 7-hour bus, an 11-hour train (incl. transfers), or an 8-hour taxi. Rates range between 413,000 VND ($17) and 4,614,000 VND ($195).
Taking the bus is the fastest and cheapest option when travelling from Sapa to Ninh Binh. Fares start from 413,000 VND ($17) for the 7-hour journey. It’s worth noting that buses depart in the afternoon and arrive around midnight so you will still need an accommodation for that night.
Another good option is to go by train. We think that trains in Vietnam are very convenient and much safer than taking the bus. This particular route involves a few transfers and takes much longer than the other options. But with the train, you can save a night on accommodation.
Booking a private car can be quite expensive, but also convenient if you’re travelling with a group. You can get a spacious 5-seater car starting from 4,614,000 VND ($195). This will pick you up at your hotel in SaPa and drop you off at your hotel’s doorstep in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary from SaPa to Ninh Binh
Train
- Sapa
- 45 minutes
- Lao Cai Railway Station
- 8 hours
- Hanoi Railway Station
- 2 hours
- Ninh Binh
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Bus
Taking a direct bus is a cheap and easy way to travel from Sapa to Ninh Binh. Buses normally depart in the afternoon and arrive in Ninh Binh around midnight.
The fastest bus can take you from SaPa to Ninh Binh in around 7 hours. A bus ticket costs 413,000 VND ($17).
Departure & Arrival station
All buses depart from Sapa Bus Station in Sapa city centre.
Both The Long Travel and Ha Son drop off passengers in Ninh Binh city centre, but The Long Travel also brings passengers all the way to Tam Coc.
Bus Schedules from SaPa to Ninh Binh
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Train
There are no direct trains operating from Sapa to Ninh Binh so you will have to make a few transfers for this route.
The journey by train takes 4 hours longer than the bus and is also more expensive. However, unlike the bus, you’ll be able to save one night on accommodation with the train.
Step 1: Sapa to Lao Cai by Van
In SaPa, you can take a van or a public bus to Lao Cai Railway Station.
We recommend taking one of the last van or bus trips of the day so you won’t have to wait a long time at the train station. The last van/bus usually depart from Sapa around 17:00-18:30.
Read more about this route on our page from Sapa to Hanoi.
Step 2: Lao Cai to Hanoi by Train
There are two trains operating from Lao Cai to Hanoi. These depart at 20:55 and 21:30. Travel time is around 8 hours, enough time for a good night’s sleep.
A bed in a 4-berth cabin from Lao Cai to Hanoi costs 353,000 VND ($14.50).
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You are to get off at Hanoi Railway Station, the same station where you can catch your connecting train to Ninh Binh.
Step 3: Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Train
There is only one train that departs in the morning from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. This leaves at 06:00. Depending on which train you take from Lao Cai to Hanoi, you will have 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to catch the connecting train.
The train journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes a little more than 2 hours. Ticket prices start from 100,000 VND ($4.20) for a soft seat.
Trains arrive at Ninh Binh Railway Station, located within the city centre and 6km from Tam Coc.
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For more details, check out our page on how to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
Optional: Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc
If you’re staying in Tam Coc, you have 2 ways to get to your hotel from Ninh Binh Railway Station: a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi.
If you’re travelling solo and don’t have a lot of luggage, you can take a motorbike taxi for 25,000 VND ($1.05) to 50,000 VND ($2.10). Alternatively, you can take a regular taxi with rates from 120,000 VND ($5).
Suggested Itinerary from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
| Method of transport | Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van or public bus to Lao Cai | 17:30-18:15 | 45 minutes |
| Sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi | 20:55-04:35 | 7hrs 40m |
| Train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh | 06:00-08:16 | 2hrs 16m |
| Taxi from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc | 08:30-08:45 | 15 minutes |
SaPa to Ninh Binh by Taxi
Travelling by taxi is a very expensive way to get from SaPa to Ninh Binh. Rates start from 4,614,000 VND ($195) for a 5-seater car.
Still, the taxi provides an alternative option if you want your own private ride for the 8-hour journey.
We recommend booking your private transfer with BookAway, which offers nice cars with professional drivers.
Book a Private Car with BookAway
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.
