You should travel from Hoi An to Ninh Binh because of the stunning natural beauty, which includes towering limestone cliffs, caves, and rice paddies. Ninh Binh is also home to many cultural and historical attractions, such as ancient temples and pagodas. It is also a great place to experience authentic Vietnamese rural life and try local cuisine.

The options for traveling from Hoi An to Ninh Binh are by airplane, bus, or train. Flights are available from Da Nang International Airport to Hanoi, followed by a bus or train to Ninh Binh. Buses and trains depart regularly from Da Nang and Hue to Ninh Binh.

Cheapest

Bus

Fastest

Flight

Recommended

Train

How to get From Hoi An to Ninh Binh

Your options for traveling From Hoi An to Ninh Binh

Flights

There are no direct flights from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. The closest airport to Ninh Binh is in Hanoi, which is about 100km away. Therefore, travelers would need to take a connecting flight from Da Nang (the nearest airport to Hoi An) to Hanoi, and then take a bus or private car to Ninh Binh.

The flight from Da Nang to Hanoi usually takes about 1 hour and there are several airlines that operate this route, including Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, and Vietjet Air. Once in Hanoi, travelers can take a bus or private car to Ninh Binh, which is about a 2-3 hour drive from the city.

In terms of the flying experience, it depends on the airline and the type of plane being used. Generally, flights within Vietnam are relatively short and the planes are small to medium-sized, so the experience is usually comfortable and efficient. However, it is always recommended to check with the airline for specific details on baggage allowances, in-flight amenities, and other relevant information.

Pros
  • Fastest option to travel between Hoi An and Ninh Binh.
  • Comfortable and convenient, with air conditioning and in-flight services available.
  • Air travel can be less affected by traffic or road conditions compared to other modes of transportation.
Cons
  • Air travel can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, especially if not booked in advance.
  • Limited flight schedules may not be as flexible as other options.
  • There may be additional travel time and expenses required to get to and from airports, as well as for check-in and security procedures.

Bus

There are several options for getting from Hoi An to Ninh Binh by bus. You can take a bus from Hoi An to Hue, and then transfer to another bus from Hue to Ninh Binh. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Hoi An to Ninh Binh.

One popular bus company that operates this route is The Sinh Tourist, which offers both day and overnight buses. The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours.

There are also other bus companies that operate this route, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that best fits your schedule and budget.

Pros
  • Cheaper than flying or driving a private car.
  • Can be a scenic route with beautiful views of the countryside.
  • Can be a good way to meet and interact with local people.
Cons
  • Longer travel time compared to flying or driving a private car.
  • May be uncomfortable for some due to the long hours of sitting.
  • Possible language barrier or difficulty in communicating with bus operators or other passengers.

Train

To get from Hoi An to Ninh Binh by train, you would need to take a train from Da Nang or Hue to Ninh Binh, as Ninh Binh does not have its own train station.

  1. From Hoi An, you can take a bus or taxi to Da Nang or Hue.
  2. From Da Nang or Hue, take a train to Ninh Binh, which will take around 10-12 hours depending on the type of train.
  3. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to your final destination.

Please note that train schedules and availability may vary depending on the season, so it's best to check in advance and book your tickets in advance.

Pros
  • Train travel can be a scenic and enjoyable way to experience the countryside of Vietnam.
  • Trains are generally more spacious and comfortable than buses, with more legroom and the ability to move around.
  • There are several train options available, including overnight sleeper trains, which can be a convenient way to save time and money on accommodation.
Cons
  • Train schedules may be less flexible than other modes of transportation, with fewer departure times available.
  • Train tickets can sell out quickly during peak travel periods, so it's important to book in advance.
  • The train station in Ninh Binh may be further from your final destination than other transportation options.

FAQ about traveling From Hoi An to Ninh Binh

The distance from Hoi An to Ninh Binh is approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles) by road. The travel time by car or bus is approximately 10-12 hours, while the travel time by train is approximately 16-18 hours.
Yes, Ninh Binh is definitely worth visiting. It’s known for its stunning natural landscapes, including limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a great place to experience rural Vietnamese culture and traditional village life.
Yes, it is possible to drive a motorbike or private car from Hoi An to Ninh Binh. The distance between the two places is approximately 800 kilometers and the journey takes around 16-18 hours depending on the route and traffic conditions. However, it is important to note that driving in Vietnam can be challenging for foreign visitors due to the country’s unique traffic patterns and road conditions.
Yes, there are several interesting sights to see on the way from Hoi An to Ninh Binh, including: Tam Coc: a scenic area known for its limestone cliffs and caves, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land”. Trang An: a UNESCO World Heritage site with a complex of caves, pagodas, and temples surrounded by limestone cliffs and rivers. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: a stunning park with vast cave systems, lush forests, and underground rivers. Hue: a historical city with a citadel, palaces, temples, and tombs of former emperors. These are just a few of the many attractions that can be found along the way, making the journey from Hoi An to Ninh Binh a scenic and rewarding one.
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