You can grab the full resolution PDF of the map by hitting the button in this post.
About This Map of Ninh Binh
Despite a few mishaps at Bai Dinh Pagoda, our day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi turned out great!
Our boat trip on the winding rivers between Trang An’s karst mountains was a blast. Most importantly, we achieved our goal: to unwind and explore a part of Vietnam without being overwhelmed by the crowds.
Even so, I still could not shake off the traveler’s itch as we returned to Hanoi. I knew that we still missed a ton of other incredible experiences in Ninh Binh.
To this day, I’m determined to go back and check off all the spots we skipped in Ninh Binh. That’s why I decided to create this Ninh Binh map. It will be my visual guide when I start planning the actual trip.
If you’re planning a trip to Ninh Binh too, I’m sure you’ll find this map super handy! Feel free to download the PDF by clicking the button below.
Also, don’t forget to share it with any friends or family members who might be visiting Ninh Binh!
Ninh Binh Attractions Links to Google Maps
- Train Station
- Old Town Hoa Lu
- Ninh Binh Walking Street
- Chua Vang
- Trang An
- Kong Skull Island
- Tuyet Tinh Coc
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Mua Caves & Viewpoints
- Thai Vi Temple
- Tam Coc
- Bich Dong Pagoda
- Thung Nham Eco Tourism Zone
Hi reader! It’s Eljon, and before we continue, I want to welcome you to my blog, Explore to Thrive. Here, I share my experiences with traveling, reflections on spirituality, personal growth and insights on building an online business, all to make a difference. But my mission goes beyond that. You can learn more about what I do by visiting my homepage.
Essential Tips for Your Ninh Binh Trip
I’m determined to make my next Ninh Binh trip the best one yet, so I’ll be sure to prepare properly. I’m going to use what we learned from our mistakes and the things we missed to make sure this trip is much better. I’m going to tell you all about them right here.
The duration of your trip is the very first thing you need to sort out. Trust me, trying to do Ninh Binh as a day trip from Hanoi is simply not enough time.
Most travelers feel two days are enough. However, after looking at all the attractions on my Ninh Binh map, I personally recommend going for three days. This way, you can enjoy everything without feeling rushed.
Honestly, an extra day wouldn’t hurt. Vietnam is so affordable. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy peaceful nature without going home broke.
I can easily picture myself cycling across the plains and snapping the stunning scenery. I’m thrilled to take photos of the locals wearing the traditional nón lá in the lush rice fields, with those incredible karst mountains looming behind them!
Also, since most of the sights and key locations in Ninh Binh are outdoors, it’s also smart to build in an extra day in case of bad weather.
Getting around Ninh Binh is another thing you have to figure out when you plan your trip, especially since public transportation isn’t the easiest way to go.
There are five bus routes, but I think only route number 3 actually stops near a main sight, Cuc Phuong National Park. That’s why during our last trip, we just signed up for a group tour.
Since I’m planning a multi-day trip this time, a one-day tour to get around won’t work, so I need to figure out the best way to get around on my own.
From what we saw during our trip and what I’ve researched, there are basically four main ways to travel around Ninh Binh (excluding the bus):
- First up is renting a car with a driver. It’s definitely the most comfortable, but if I go by myself, it’s just not practical.
- Next, motorbike rental. It’s the most flexible, fastest, and parking is never a headache. The downside? You’re exposed to the weather, and it’s not ideal if you’re traveling with a partner.
- Bicycle rental is the cheapest option, but whether I choose it totally depends on the weather and the time of year. I definitely don’t want to be cycling for hours when it’s 32°C outside!
- The option I’d probably go for if I’m with friends or family is Grab (the Uber of Southeast Asia). It’s convenient and flexible. I can just book a car or motorbike whenever I need one and move around without stressing about parking. The only issue is that it can get really pricey, especially with surge charges during busy times.
When it comes to the attractions, I have a few essential suggestions and tips to make the most of your visit.
First up is Hang Mua Caves. This is where you get the most iconic view in Ninh Binh, a truly unique and stunning panorama of the whole landscape. Just be ready for a bit of a leg workout because you’ll have to climb a lot of stairs! To beat the crowds and catch a more dramatic scene, try to go early in the morning or closer to sunset during the golden hour.
Speaking of spectacular sunsets and nighttime views, you should also think about visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda. The temples in this huge religious complex light up after dark. It creates an amazing view, especially from spots like the Water Pavilion pond.
You can check my map of Bai Dinh Pagoda to see exactly where the Water Pavilion is.
Finally, if you check out all the attractions I marked on the map, you’ll see a few that offer similar experiences. I suggest researching them thoroughly so you don’t end up having a redundant trip.
For example, Trang An and Tam Coc.
Both places treat visitors to peaceful boat rides that wind through Ninh Binh’s breathtaking karst scenery. You’ll float past majestic limestone mountains jutting up from the water and through a series of natural, enchanting caves.
Their main difference?
- Tam Coc’s boat ride often features beautiful, open views of rice paddies nestled among the karst mountains, giving you a more rustic, intimate feel of local village life.
- Trang An, on the other hand, is much larger and a highly preserved ecological complex with longer, multi-stop routes. You can actually hop off the boat to explore several ancient temples and pagodas along the way.
As you may already know, we went to Trang An on our trip and had such a blast! I especially loved when we came across a temple in the middle of a lagoon, surrounded by those mountains, where a lady was singing a traditional song.
You can read our blog post about our Trang An boat tour to watch the short video of that goosebump-inducing experience.
Before you finalize your plans, know that I have even more valuable insights to share for your incredible trip to Ninh Binh and Northern Vietnam. Whether you are leaning toward an easy day trip from Hanoi or planning a comprehensive do-it-yourself itinerary, you must check out my detailed posts.
These resources cover various parts of Northern Vietnam, including essential information on Hanoi and Sapa.
Enjoy your trip!
Planning to Explore Ninh Binh?
Let’s now start planning and organizing your unforgettable trip to Ninh Binh. Everything you need for your adventure is just a click away in the button below.
Let’s Go Explore Northern Vietnam!
Being in Ninh Binh puts you within easy reach of more beautiful places in Northern Vietnam. We made sure to see Sapa and Hanoi as well, and I am sure you would find them wonderful. Check out my 4-Day Vietnam Itinerary to learn more.
Thank you for reading
I hope my trip and experiences spark ideas for your travels and help you plan your next trip. But before you go, if you haven’t checked it out yet, drop by my homepage so I can give myself a proper introduction. Catch you there!
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