Explore the beauty of Ninh Binh in 2 days and 1 night

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Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An

Day 2: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral – Kenh Ga Hot Spring – Hanoi

Alternative Options:

Some budget hotels in Ninh Binh:

Just under 100 km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh boasts numerous breathtaking landscapes and historical significance, making it a popular choice for many travelers. Its convenient location allows weekenders from Hanoi to embark on a promising journey in just 2 days.

Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An

Depart from Hanoi at 6:00 AM and arrive directly at Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh after 2 – 3 hours. Stop along the way for breakfast in Phu Ly (Ha Nam). Don't miss trying banh cuon cha or banh da cua. If you take the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway and then turn onto National Highway 10, it will take about 1.5 hours to reach Ninh Binh city (from there, it's another 15 km to Bai Dinh Pagoda).
Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda, including specific sites such as the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda (4km from the new pagoda), Hang Sang, Dong Toi, the Nguyen Holy Temple, the Cao Son deity temple, the Ngoc well, and more. Total visiting time: 2 – 3 hours. To save time and energy, you can purchase tickets for the electric car service for a comprehensive tour of the spacious pagoda area.
After visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, if you have time, you can also visit the Dinh Le Kings' Temple, which is only about 4 km away from Bai Dinh.
Enjoy lunch and rest for 1 – 2 hours.
At around 2:00 PM, head to Trang An tourist area. Total visiting time: 3 – 5 hours. Main attractions include the Trinh Temple, the Tran dynasty's temple, the Cay Thi temple, and more. Near Trang An, there's a restaurant called Ba Cua located deep in an alley near the Dinh King's Temple. They serve delicious goat meat with burnt rice. Feel free to ask locals for further directions.
Return to Ninh Binh city by car, check into your hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.
Ninh Binh city also offers many nighttime snack spots and leisure activities around Pho 8 area, Huong Mai restaurant, Co Do stilt house, and various restaurants near the sports arena.

Day 2: Phat Diem Stone Cathedral – Kenh Ga Hot Spring – Hanoi

From Ninh Binh city, head to Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, a 28 km journey. Have breakfast and depart around 7:00 AM, arriving after about 1 hour. Note that if you visit the cathedral, it's best to go on Sunday mornings around 9:30 AM to attend the church service. Allow 2 – 5 hours for sightseeing and taking memorable photos.
Have lunch and rest near Phat Diem Stone Cathedral or return to Ninh Binh city.
At 1:00 PM, depart for Kenh Ga (Kenh Ga is 21 km north of Ninh Binh, about a 30 – 45 minute drive), where you can soak in the hot springs. Estimated time: about 5 hours. Currently, the entrance fee is around 15,000 VND, and the bathing fee is around 170,000 VND per person.
Conclude your Ninh Binh journey and return to Hanoi.

Alternative Options:

- Alternatively, you can replace one of the 2-day itineraries with a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park (although a single day allows for limited sights, 2 days offer more comfort)

- Travelers who have visited Trang An can opt for another similar attraction, Tam Coc - Bich Dong. Like Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong offers boat rides to explore caves and grottos. However, Tam Coc - Bich Dong has some longer caves compared to Trang An. Near Tam Coc - Bich Dong, there's the Ancient Village of Co Vien Lau, which also holds many interesting features.

- Close to Kenh Ga Hot Spring, Van Long Lagoon is also a beautiful scenic spot worth visiting.

Some budget hotels in Ninh Binh:

Hoang Son Peace Hotel Ninh Binh, 4 stars

Address: Trinh Tu Street, Ninh Binh City

Price: 980,000 VND/room/night

Vissai Ninh Binh Hotel, 4 stars

Address: 848 Tran Hung Dao, Tan Thanh

Price: 763,000 VND/night

Queen Ninh Binh Hotel, 3 stars

Address: 20 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thanh Binh Ward

Price: 405,000 VND

Xuan Hoa 2 Ninh Binh Hotel, 2 stars

Address: 31-D Minh Khai Street, Nam Thanh Ward

Price: 402,000 VND/night

Ngoc Anh Ninh Binh Hotel, 2 stars

Address: 30 Luong Van Tuy Street, Ninh Binh City

Price: 275,000 VND/night

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Source: Mytour Travel Handbook

MytourApril 24, 2014

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main attractions to visit in Ninh Binh during a 2-day trip?

During a 2-day trip to Ninh Binh, key attractions include Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, and Kenh Ga Hot Spring. Each site offers unique experiences, from historical significance to stunning landscapes, making your visit memorable and fulfilling.

How long does it take to travel from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda?

Traveling from Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda takes approximately 2 to 3 hours by car. Depending on traffic and your chosen route, plan for stops along the way to enjoy local breakfast delicacies, making the journey both efficient and enjoyable.

Is it recommended to visit Kenh Ga Hot Spring while in Ninh Binh?

Yes, visiting Kenh Ga Hot Spring is highly recommended during your stay in Ninh Binh. It offers a relaxing atmosphere and natural hot springs, providing an ideal way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Allocate ample time to soak and enjoy the scenery.

What local dishes should travelers try while in Ninh Binh?

Travelers in Ninh Binh should definitely try local dishes such as 'banh cuon cha' and 'goat meat with burnt rice.' These regional specialties can be found in various eateries, providing a delightful culinary experience that complements the region's cultural richness.

Can visitors easily find accommodation options in Ninh Binh?

Yes, visitors can easily find accommodation options in Ninh Binh, ranging from budget hotels to more upscale choices. Popular options include Hoang Son Peace Hotel and Vissai Ninh Binh Hotel, ensuring that travelers can find suitable lodging to match their preferences and budgets.