Ninh Binh 2-Day Itinerary: A Perfect Short Escape from Hanoi

05/11/2025 Paul Lee

Day 1 - Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Tuyet Tinh Coc & Thung Nham

Morning - Tuyet Tinh Coc

The trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh typically takes around two hours by car, making it a smooth and scenic journey.
When you arrive at Tuyet Tinh Coc, you will see why it is one of the most photographed places in Ninh Binh.
A calm emerald lake encircled by limestone cliffs welcomes you to the quiet beauty of Ninh Binh. If you can, start in the morning to avoid the crowds.

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Traveler preparing for a boat trip on emerald waters among limestone cliffs.

Afternoon - Thung Nham Bird Park

Cost: 150,000 VND (not included electric car)
Once you leave Tuyet Tinh Coc, you will go to the Thung Nham Bird Park. Over 50,000 birds representing about 40 different species inhabit the sanctuary in Northern Vietnam.
What you can expect:

Boat tour through Hang Cụt, a cave located deep in the heart of the river
As dusk falls, you can witness thousands of birds gliding back to their nests, a serene end to the day.Visit a colorful flower valley, be sure to save some batteries, as you might take a lot of pictures there.
Visit several caves: Động Tiên Cá, Ba Cô and Bái Giời.

Note: Tiên Cá Cave is beautiful but to pass through, you will have to bend your back slightly not suitable for those who have bad knee or back problems
Large fruit garden (over 80,000 m²), where you can pick seasonal fruits
Thung Nham remains one of Ninh Binh’s lesser-known treasures: calm, lush, and full of hidden beauty.

Flock of birds returning to their nests as rain approaches in Thung Nham Bird Valley.

Evening

Finish your first day in your homestay, a quaint riverside village famous for its friendly locals and leisurely pace of life.
Dinner at a local restaurant, take a stroll along the quiet roads and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.
You can also visit Hoa Lu old Capital to experience nightlife activities like dinner, sightseeing,...
Recommended places to stay:

Tam Coc Garden
Muong Village
Tam Coc Rice Fields Homestay

Ancient temple by peaceful lake surrounded by limestone mountains in Hoa Lu.

Day 2 - Trang An & Hang Mua

Early Morning - Trang An Boat Tour

Start the day exploring Trang An, a UNESCO-listed landscape known for its labyrinth of river caves and ancient temples. The boat tour will last two hours and will cost 250,000 VND for adults and 120,000 VND for children.
You can select between three routes. I prefer Route 1, as it provides a good balance of nature, temples and caves, without being too rushed.
Recommend:
Request your boat driver to stop at Hang Dơi (Bat Cave). You can climb a few stairs up to a view point, a bit steep but worth the effort. In May when I visited, the view from above captured rice fields, mountains and the winding river in one picture.

Be patient, Trang An is designed to be slow and experiential.

Couple enjoying a peaceful boat tour among limestone mountains in Ninh Binh.

Afternoon - Hike Hang Mua

Cost: 100,000 VND
Hang Mua is where you will once again experience the sensation of "wow". After a 750-step climb, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of lush rice fields, karst mountains, and winding rivers below.
If you visit in May or June, you will also experience lotus season making the scenery even more visually appealing.
The combination of river, mountain and farmland create a landscape that feels both peaceful and enjoyable.

Traveler enjoying sunrise over rice fields and limestone peaks from Hang Mua.

Tips for a 2-Day Journey in Ninh Binh

Getting to Ninh Binh

Limousine Bus: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Car (private): Flexible, Convenient, Great for Families.
Motorbike: Approximately 2.5 hours from Hanoi - Scenic but Longer.

Things to Bring

Pack things to help you remain comfortable during the day:

Comfy Shoes.
Lightweight Clothing.
Sunscreen & Hat.
Light Jacket (can be cool in the morning and evening).

Suggested Places to Stay

For the most beautiful scenery and easiest access to tourist attractions, choose hotel or homestay close to:

Tam Coc
Trang An
Hoa Lu

These areas have the most beautiful mountain views and peaceful countryside ambiance.

Peaceful view of Tam Coc with calm river and limestone mountains.

Last Thoughts - Brief Escape, Lasting Memories

Ninh Binh is a place that you're gonna love: misty mornings, serene boat rides, golden sunsets and the gentle rhythm of rural life.
If you are looking for a short trip from Hanoi that combines nature, culture and relaxation, then Ninh Binh is the perfect escape. And with VIET DOVE Travel, planning your vacation is beautifully simple.

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