Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night itinerary, most detailed

Ninh Binh, the land known as "Ha Long on land", is an ideal destination for those who love majestic nature, long-standing historical culture, and exciting self-guided travel experiences.

With a 2-day, 1-night Ninh Binh itinerary, you will be able to fully explore prominent destinations such as Trang An, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu without worrying about costs or plans.

This article will provide detailed instructions from A to Z, from preparation, specific schedules, to cost-saving tips, suitable for beginners and experienced travelers who want to explore Ninh Binh.

Why should you choose Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night self-guided tour?

Ninh Binh is not only famous for its beautiful natural landscapes but also for its unique cultural and historical heritage. A 2-day-1-night itinerary is the perfect choice to explore this land. Here are the reasons why:

• Reasonable time:2 days 1 night is enough for you to explore highlights such as Trang An, Tam Coc, Hang Mua, and Bai Dinh Pagoda without feeling rushed.
• Cost savings:Independent travel helps you flexibly control costs, suitable for budgets from students to families.
• Experience freedom:Self-guided tours allow you to customize your itinerary, stop at your favorite places, and explore Ninh Binh on your own terms.

Compare package tours and independent travel for 2 days 1 night

What to prepare for a 2-day, 1-night self-guided tour of Ninh Binh?

To make your independent trip go smoothly, careful preparation is very important. Below is a detailed checklist:

1. Identification documents:ID card/CCCD, driver's license (if renting a motorbike), birth certificate (if traveling with children).
2. Light luggage:Small backpack, waterproof bag to protect your belongings when going boating in Trang An or Tam Coc.
3. Skin:Comfortable clothes, non-slip sneakers (especially when climbing Hang Mua), hat, sunglasses, thin raincoat.
4. Personal items:Sunscreen, basic medicine (headache, motion sickness), spare batteries, and camera/phone for taking pictures.
5. Cash:Bring about 1-1.5 million VND for tickets, food, and personal expenses.

Tips from the experts:Book your Trang An or Tam Coc tickets online in advance to avoid queues. If you rent a motorbike, check the brakes, tires, and gas before picking it up.

Detailed itinerary for Ninh Binh 2 days 1 night on your own

The itinerary below is designed to optimize your time, allowing you to fully explore the highlights of Ninh Binh, while also having time to relax and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Trang An - Mua Cave - Tam Coc

Bright:

• 06:30-07:00: Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by bus (Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station, ticket price is about 80,000-120,000 VND) or motorbike (about 2 hours, 80km).
• 09:00: Arrive in Ninh Binh city, rent a motorbike (price 100,000-150,000 VND/day) at hotels or homestays.
• 09:30: Breakfast with specialtiesNinh Binh grilled vermicelli with grilled porkoreel vermicelliat local restaurants in the downtown area.
• 10:30: SightseeingTrang An Scenic Landscape Complex(UNESCO World Heritage Site). Take a traditional boat tour (VND250,000/person) to explore the cave system, mountains, and temples.

Lunch:

• 12:30: Lunch at a restaurant near Trang An wharf, enjoymountain goat meatorburnt rice– two famous specialties of Ninh Binh.

Afternoon:

• 14:00: Move toHang Mua(10km from Trang An). Climb 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua, enjoy the panoramic view of Tam Coc and the beautiful rice fields (entrance fee 100,000 VND/person).
• 16:30: SightseeingTam Cocby bamboo boat (ticket 150,000 VND/person). Enjoy the view of “Ha Long on land” with Ngo Dong River, caves, and rice fields on both sides.

Dark:

• 18:30: Check in at homestay or hotel in Tam Coc area or Ninh Binh city (price from 300,000-600,000 VND/night).
• 19:30: Dinner with dishes such asgoat with lemon,braised fish in coconut shell, ormountain snail. Free to explore Ninh Binh walking street or relax at homestay.

Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Hanoi

Bright:

• 06:30: Breakfast at homestay withpate breadoreel vermicelli.
• 07:30: Depart forBai Dinh Pagoda(20km from Ninh Binh center), the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Visit the bell tower, the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, and the La Han corridor (free entrance, electric car 30,000 VND/person).
• 10:30: SightseeingHoa Lu ancient capital, the first capital of Vietnam. Learn about history at the temples of King Dinh and King Le, and enjoy the majestic mountain views.

Lunch:

• 12:00: Lunch at a restaurant near Hoa Lu, enjoyGrilled goatorsour snakehead fish soup.

Afternoon:

• 13:30: Stop byNinh Binh marketto buy specialties such as burnt rice, shrimp paste, or cucumber kimchi as gifts.
• 15:00: Take a bus or motorbike back to Hanoi, expected arrival around 17:00-17:30.

Ninh Binh Cuisine – What to Enjoy in 2 Days?

Ninh Binh is famous for its rustic, rural cuisine. Here are some dishes you should not miss:

• Mountain goat meat:Goat is processed into many dishes such as raw goat with lemon, grilled goat, or steamed goat, the meat is soft and sweet.
• Crispy rice:Crispy burnt rice served with goat meat or shrimp sauce is a famous specialty.
• Eel vermicelli:Vermicelli soup or stir-fried vermicelli with eel is crispy, fragrant, and rich in spices.
• Mountain snail:This special type of snail is only found in the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh, often stir-fried with lemongrass and chili or steamed with ginger.

Tips from the experts:Eat at local restaurants in the Tam Coc area or near Bai Dinh Pagoda for reasonable prices and authentic flavors. Ask for prices before ordering to avoid being overcharged.

Cost of 2 days 1 night self-guided tour of Ninh Binh

The cost of a self-guided trip ranges from 1-1.8 million VND/person, depending on how you manage your spending. Below is a table of reference costs:

Note:Costs can increase if you choose to eat at high-end restaurants or buy a lot of specialty products as gifts. Bring your own drinks and snacks to reduce extra costs.

Tips for a perfect 2 days 1 night trip to Ninh Binh

1. Choose the right time:January-March (spring) or May-June (ripe rice season) is the best time to see Ninh Binh. Avoid the rainy season (July-September) because the roads are slippery.
2. Book tickets in advance:Buy tickets to visit Trang An, Tam Coc online to save time and avoid crowds.
3. Motorbike rental:Motorbikes are the ideal means of transport to explore Ninh Binh, helping you save costs and move flexibly.
4. Choose homestay near Tam Coc:Tam Coc area has many beautiful, cheap homestays, and is close to tourist attractions.
5. Respect culture:When entering Bai Dinh Pagoda, wear modest clothing and maintain order to respect the spiritual space.

Q&A about 2 days 1 night self-guided tour to Ninh Binh

1. Is independent travel suitable for first-time visitors to Ninh Binh?
Yes, Ninh Binh has a convenient transportation system and easy-to-find attractions. Just prepare your schedule carefully and rent a motorbike, you will easily explore.

2. Should I choose Trang An or Tam Coc?
Trang An has majestic scenery, more caves, suitable for nature lovers. Tam Coc is more beautiful in the rice harvest season, suitable for taking pictures. If you have time, you should go to both.

3. How to save costs?
Travel in groups to share transportation and accommodation costs, eat at local restaurants, and book sightseeing tickets early for discounts.

4. Do I need to carry a lot of cash?
Bring about 1-1.5 million VND for personal expenses, tickets, and food. Many places in Ninh Binh accept payment by card or e-wallet.

A 2-day, 1-night self-guided tour of Ninh Binh is a great way to explore the natural beauty, culture, and history of the land of "Ha Long on land". With a detailed itinerary, you will experience everything from boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, climbing the top of Hang Mua to see the scenery, to visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Whether you are a beginner or familiar with independent travel, this trip will bring you unforgettable memories at a reasonable cost. Plan today, pack your backpack, and get ready for an emotional journey to explore Ninh Binh!