Ninh Binh Itinerary 4 days: Suggested 4 days in Ninh Binh Itinerary From Hanoi

May 25, 2025

Discover the Ninh Binh 4 days 3 nights itinerary (4 days in Ninh Binh Itinerary ) from Hanoi with detailed travel experiences, costs and sightseeing suggestions from Living Nomads!

tam coc bich dong ninh binh 2 — | Ninh Binh Itinerary 4 days

With beautiful natural landscapes and unique cultural heritages, Ninh Binh is definitely a destination not to be missed in the journey to explore Vietnam. Visitors need a few days to admire the entire “charming landscape” of Trang An eco-tourism area; or the majestic mountains and forests of Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong Forest and experience the historical and cultural space at Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Check out our 4 days 3 nights Ninh Binh itinerary from Hanoi to have memorable experiences in this land.

Ninh Binh Itinerary 4 days — Day 1: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Trang An Eco-Tourism Area – Hoa Lu Walking Street

Dinh Le Temple | Ninh Binh Itinerary 4 days

The journey to explore Ninh Binh begins with a trip back in time to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of the centralized feudal state of Vietnam. Here, you will admire the vestiges of the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, and listen to the heroic story of a heroic period of building and defending the country.

Then, the boat will take you through the majestic limestone mountains of Trang An Eco-Tourism Area, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage. Sitting on the boat, you will be amazed by the peaceful beauty of the winding river, mysterious caves and towering cliffs reflecting on the clear blue water.

trang an ninh binh 2 — Trang An scenic landscape complex | Ninh Binh Itinerary 4 days

In the evening, you remember to visit Hoa Lu Walking Street right in the city center to enjoy famous Ninh Binh specialties such as burnt rice, mountain goat, and Yen Mac sour sausage, all with a strong local flavor. After a day of exploring, you will rest at a hotel or homestay around the center of Ninh Binh city.

4 days in Ninh Binh Itinerary — Day 2: Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Am Tien Cave – Mua Cave

Early in the morning, you should go to Tam Coc to enjoy the peaceful and quiet beauty of this place when the dawn just rises. Sitting on a boat drifting along the Ngo River, you will feel the different tranquility compared to the crowded noon. Don’t forget to stop by Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient pagoda leaning against the cliff, known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (the second most beautiful cave in the South Heaven).

The next destination is Am Tien Cave, a mysterious cave hidden in the heart of the mountain, with wild and quiet beauty. When the sun gradually sets, it is the right time to conquer Mua Cave, where you can have a panoramic view of Tam Coc with the golden rice fields stretching and the gently winding Ngo River from the top.

After sightseeing, you can relax at a cafe with a beautiful mountain view, sip a drink and enjoy the fresh air of Ninh Binh.

Day 3: Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone – Ninh Binh Dragon Market

The third day will be spent at Thung Nham Bird Park, famous for its wild beauty and home to thousands of different bird species. A gentle boat ride will take you through the rich vegetation, and especially admire the impressive scene when flocks of birds fly back to their nests in the late afternoon.

thung nham bird garden — Thung Nham bird garden

In the afternoon, go to Ninh Binh Dragon Market to feel the rhythm of local life, experience the bustling trading atmosphere, and explore countless items from fresh agricultural products, specialty foods such as burnt rice, sour sausage, shrimp paste, to household items, clothes and souvenirs.

Day 4: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – Return to Hanoi

Early morning is probably the right time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, a large pagoda complex famous for its massive architecture and many Buddhist records in Vietnam and Asia. Walking in the large campus, you will be able to admire the majestic Buddha statues, unique architectural works and feel the solemn, peaceful atmosphere.

After visiting and admiring the pagoda, you will have time to buy souvenirs of Ninh Binh products such as handicrafts, specialty cakes before returning, ending the meaningful 4-day, 3-night Ninh Binh discovery journey.

Best Time to Travel to Ninh Binh 4 Days 3 Nights

Weather is an important factor for you to have a complete trip to explore Ninh Binh 4 days 3 nights from Hanoi. Ninh Binh’s scenery in each season has its own beauty, depending on your needs, you can choose.

Spring (January to March of the lunar calendar)

To enjoy the festival atmosphere, spring is a great choice. You will have the opportunity to participate in large traditional festivals such as Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival (usually opens on the 6th of January and lasts) and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Festival (usually takes place from the 9th to the 11th of March of the lunar calendar). The weather at this time is usually pleasant, suitable for visiting historical sites and scenic spots.

Summer (late May – early June)

Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Ninh Binh — Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh | 4 days in Ninh Binh Itinerary

This is the time when Ninh Binh puts on a golden coat of ripe rice fields. This is a great opportunity for you to have beautiful check-in photos amidst the peaceful countryside scenery. However, the weather at this time can be quite hot.

Autumn (September – October)

September and October are considered by many visitors to be the most ideal time. The weather is cool, not too hot or too cold, with little rain, very suitable for outdoor activities such as boating, mountain climbing and cycling. You can also admire the beauty of autumn with blooming lotus carpets in Van Long lagoon.

Transportation to Ninh Binh from Hanoi

Ninh Binh city is about 95 km from Hanoi capital and the estimated travel time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by road or rail, depending on personal needs.

Long-distance Bus

To travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in a popular and economical way, long-distance buses are the top choice. Buses depart from major bus stations in Hanoi such as My Dinh, Giap Bat and Nuoc Ngam. Travel time by bus is usually about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, with ticket prices ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND/person.

Rent a Limousine (With Private Driver)

If you prioritize comfort, convenience and quick travel for your group or family, renting a limousine with a private driver from Klook is a worthy option. This service provides door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from Hanoi to famous tourist areas in Ninh Binh according to your own schedule, helping you save time and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Go to Ninh Binh by Train from Hanoi

Ninh Binh station | 4 days in Ninh Binh Itinerary

Another option to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is by train, with departures from Hanoi station. Travel time by train can be the same or longer than by bus. The advantage of the train is that it is safe and you can enjoy the scenery along the way, however, the fixed schedule may not be as flexible as other means of transport, especially if your destination is not near the station.

Transportation in Ninh Binh

During the 4-day 3-night tour in Ninh Binh, you have many options to move between attractions. Motorbike taxis and taxis are always available in the city. If you want to explore freely and be proactive about your time, renting a motorbike or a self-driving car is a great idea, allowing you to explore the corners of Ninh Binh as you wish.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh for 4 Days 3 Nights?

Ninh Binh is one of the leading tourism-developed provinces in the North, so it is not difficult to find a place to stay here. Below are some hotels, homestays and resorts near tourist attractions in Ninh Binh for your reference:

Trang An Flower Hotel Ninh Binh (agoda, klook)
The Vissai Hotel Ninh Binh (agoda, klook)
The Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh (agoda, klook)
MH Cherish Homestay (agoda, klook)
SoNa Resort Ninh Binh (agoda, klook)

4 Days 3 Nights Ninh Binh Travel Cost Reference

Ninh Binh tour prices may change depending on the time and travel costs will vary depending on the needs and interests of each person. Below is the cost table for a 4-day, 3-night Ninh Binh trip that we have compiled based on the above itinerary:

Category	Cost per adult
Round trip Limousine ticket Hanoi - Ninh Binh	360.000 vnd
Entrance ticket to Hoa Lu ancient capital	20.000 vnd
Tickets to visit Trang An scenic landscapte complex	250.000 vnd
Tam Coc and Bich Dong sightseeing and boat tickets	270.000 vnd
Tickets to visit Mua Cave area	100.000 vnd
Van Long lagoon sightseeing and boat trip tickets	80.000 vnd
Bai Dinh Pagoda entrance ticket + electric car	80.000 vnd
Food expenses	2.500.000 vnd
Rent a hotel in Ninh Binh for 3 nights	1.800.000 vnd
Motorbike rental in Ninh Binh for 4 days	500.000 vnd
Other costs	200.000 vnd
Estimated total cost of 4N3D trip	6.160.000 vnd

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Ninh Binh for 4 Days and 3 Nights

Which area should I stay in for convenient travel to Ninh Binh?

Ninh Binh city area or the area near Tam Coc – Bich Dong are the best options. Ninh Binh city has many hotels, restaurants and it is easy to travel to attractions by taxi or rented motorbike. Tam Coc area is close to many famous tourist attractions, there are many homestays and small hotels with peaceful space.

Should I hire a tour guide for a 4-day, 3-night trip?

It depends on your interests and needs. If you want to understand more about the history, culture and stories of each location, especially in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu or ancient pagodas, having a tour guide will help you optimize your time and not miss important information. If you prefer to explore on your own, you can still go by yourself with the help of maps and online information.

Is the 4-day, 3-night itinerary in Ninh Binh too much time?

With the suggested itinerary, 4 days and 3 nights is enough time to explore the highlights of Ninh Binh comfortably, without being too rushed. You can adjust the time at each location according to your preferences. If you want to explore more of the surrounding areas of Ninh Binh or want to have more time to relax, then 5 days is reasonable.

Is there a tour that covers all the famous attractions of Ninh Binh?

Klook offers day tours, or 2 days and 1 night tours to explore Ninh Binh including major attractions such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda. You can search for these tours on the Klook app or contact Klook Vietnam directly.

What delicious food to eat in Ninh Binh during a 4-day, 3-night trip?

Ninh Binh has many attractive specialties you should try: mountain goat, eel vermicelli, eel salad, perch rice paper, burnt rice, Yen Mac sour sausage, etc.

Hopefully with the above suggested 4-day, 3-night Ninh Binh travel itinerary from Hanoi, you will be able to immerse yourself in the beautiful nature and admire the precious cultural heritages here.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Ninh Binh, Trang An, Tam Coc you can refer to

Read more Vietnam guide here.