Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh tickets

About the ride from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh 

Finish your adventures on Cat Ba Island and check off more of Vietnam's natural beauty spots.

Less visited than the iconic areas of Ha Long and Cat Ba, Ninh Binh is a gem of epic proportions thanks to its sprawling green-tipped hills, winding waterways, and panoramic views.

Just 123 kilometers (76.4 miles) away from Ninh Binh, this eco-diverse treat for the eyes is easily reachable by bus, minivan, or car transfer.

Taking a bus and ferry or van and ferry combination is also an option, but whichever way you choose to arrive, Ninh Binh's captivating beauty will soon show you why it's nicknamed "Ha Long Bay on land."

What is Ninh Binh like?

So, the details first: technically, Ninh Binh is a small city and the capital of Ninh Binh province. The smaller town of Tam Coc is closer to the wonders travelers come here for.

But it's all colloquially referred to as Ninh Binh. You'll have easy access to all the sights, regardless of where you book accommodation.

The region is a magical place with an ancient feel, surrounded by karst mountains and lush green valleys split by winding rivers.

Get lost among the limestone peaks and wander the green rice fields before discovering the ancient temples and caves in their midst.

Unmissable activities in Ninh Binh

Despite its relatively small size, Ninh Binh is filled with unforgettable adventures. Keep these top options in mind when building an itinerary:

1. Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint: This spot is accessible by bike as it sits between Trang An and Tam Coc. Here, two small mountains sit next to each other, and you can climb both with stone steps. The views cannot be explained; they can only be seen.

2. Wander the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Vietnam's ancient capital once ruled the country for 41 years and is now a treasure trove of pagodas, temples, and tombs for Lara Croft wannabes to discover.

3. Conquer the Trang An Grottoes: This three to four-hour boat ride stops off at various jungle temples and glides through an array of caves as it takes you on a tour of this awe-inspiring natural treasure.

4. Visit Cuc Phuong National Park: Home to over 2000 plant species and 300 types of birds, including various reptiles and animals, this preserved rainforest is a must-visit for nature lovers. Stop off at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center to see langurs and gibbons.

5. Cycle around the countryside: Just go exploring! The landscapes around Ninh Binh will blow your mind, so go for the budget option and find a lotus lake or rice field for a picnic.

How do I get from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh?

To reach Ninh Binh from Cat Ba Island, travelers can choose between a bus, bus and ferry, minivan and ferry, private minivan transfer, and private car transfer.

By bus

As Vietnam's most popular mode of transportation, the bus is the most efficient way to travel between Cat Ba Island and Ninh Binh.

The drive will take approximately three hours to four hours and 30 minutes. Tickets start at $8 per passenger.

The departure and arrival stations depend on the operator, so check the booking confirmation to prevent disruptions.

Travel classes in Vietnam vary according to the route, whether it's peak tourism season or availability. On this route, you'll find VIP and tourist bus options. The bus routes offer pretty much identical services, but the VIP service enjoys comfier seats and more legroom. 

Possible bus amenities include:

Air conditioning

Reclining seats

Rest stops

A luggage allowance of one large bag and one piece of hand luggage

Sometimes, a WC on board

A blanket and a pillow if it's a long trip 

A curtain on the window

Some tickets will include a meal at one of the rest stops, so ask your driver to confirm,

By bus and ferry 

To take a bus and ferry combination direct from Cat Ba Island, travelers will first take a ferry to the mainland.

After this 30-minute journey, you'll be picked up at the ferry terminal by bus and drive three to four hours to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, depending on your operator.

Some bus and ferry services offer hotel pick-up and drop-off options. Tickets start at around $10 per passenger. 

Possible bus and ferry amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC (if the bus doesn't have one, it will make rest stops along the way)

Reclining seats

Rest stops

English speaking staff

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (45 lbs) and 7 kg (15 lbs) of hand luggage

By minivan + ferry

For the minivan + ferry option, most services start with a short ferry ride to the mainland before driving for around three hours to reach Ninh Binh. 

All minivan and ferry options offer hotel pick-up and drop-off to streamline your journey. Ticket prices start at $14 per passenger.

Services depart throughout the day, allowing for plenty of flexibility when planning your trip to Ninh Binh. 

Possible minivan amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC

Reclining seats

Rest stops

Water

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (45 lbs) and 7 kg (15 lbs)  of hand luggage

Charger point, subject to availability

WiFi, subject to availability

By minivan

Hopping in a minivan for the drive is a more comfortable option, as it takes four hours and 30 minutes to reach Ninh Binh.

You can take a private transfer with up to nine passengers for $170. While a little pricier, this option is ideal for people who want to travel comfortably and at their own pace.

The operator will pick you up at any hotel on Cat Ba Island and drop you off at your chosen hotel in Ninh Binh.

As you're hiring the whole van, you decide when you leave. Book a time that fits your schedule and request rest stops whenever necessary.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

Water 

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (45 lbs)

Rest stops

By car

A private car transfer is ideal for traveling in small groups, as each car can accommodate three to five people. 

Prices start at $110 for the whole car. 

Travelers can pick any departure time that fits their schedule and request rest stops throughout the journey.

After the driver picks you up at your hotel in Cat Ba Island, it will take 4 hours and 30 minutes, and you will finish the journey at your chosen hotel in Ninh Binh.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

Water 

A luggage allowance of 20 kg (45 lbs)

Rest stops

The best things about the journey from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh

This journey has scintillating views of the best of Vietnam's natural beauty. Even if you've filled up on nature during your adventures in and around Cat Ba Island, don't miss out on one last opportunity to marvel at Cat Ba Island's green-topped floating mountains and sapphire waters.

As the journey comes closer to Ninh Binh, dive into the rich, jungle-filled countryside, enjoying glimpses into daily life in some of the country's quieter areas. 

Later, speed past rice field after rice field to be blown away by the epic vistas surrounding Ninh Binh.

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The ideal time to visit Ninh Binh is in the spring, between January and March, which invites a cooler climate and less intense humidity.

If you want to see the views at their very best, schedule a trip in the summer from May to August when the lotus ponds flower and the rice fields sparkle emerald green. You'll risk getting caught in the monsoon season, though, as it runs from May to October, with rains hitting their peak in August.

How long should I spend in Ninh Binh?

Set aside at least two days to experience Ninh Binh's majestic natural beauty without rushing past the best views.

Spend one day cycling through rice fields, snapping pictures at the peak of Hang Mua and the next day exploring the labyrinthine waterways of Trang An.

An extra day or two will also act as insurance if any downpours interrupt the adventures. Or you can just use the extra time to check off every one of Ninh Bin's must-see sights.

Where should I go after Ninh Binh?

Head south to explore the magnificent caves at Phong Nha, or stop by the fascinating city of Hue to learn more about Vietnam's imperial history.

Alternatively, head north to Hanoi to get lost in its chaotic center, or consider taking on the epic Ha Giang Loop in the mountains.