[LATEST] Ultimate Travel Guide to Hanoi Sapa Ninh Binh

Best Time to Travel to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh

Due to their locations in Northern Vietnam, Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh all experience distinct four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. However, Sapa, nestled in the northern mountainous region, enjoys a cooler climate, especially in winter, with occasional snowfall.

If you choose to join the Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh tour in spring (from January to March in the lunar calendar), the weather in Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh is harmonious: mild days and cool nights. This is a suitable condition and time for spring trips, early-year temple visits, and participating in major festivals. During this period, light drizzles may occur, so remember to bring an umbrella, hat, or raincoat.

Ideal Time to Start the Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh Trip

From late May to late September is an ideal time if you want to admire ripe rice fields in Sapa and Ninh Binh. The golden ripe rice fields will be a favorite spot for those who love taking Instagram-worthy photos. However, during this time, the sun can be quite intense, so despite wearing comfortable clothes, you still need to ensure sun protection.

Traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh in autumn is also a recommendation worth considering. Autumn in Hanoi is enchanting. The weather in Hanoi, as well as Ninh Binh and Sapa during this time, is not too hot or too cold. Especially, try experiencing autumn in Hanoi once, with its ancient and poetic beauty, alongside yellow leaves falling on the streets that will leave you with unforgettable memories. For those who want to experience the Northern winter or chase snow in Sapa, consider traveling from November to January.

No matter when you travel throughout the year, you'll experience the unique beauty of each season and destination. Consider your needs and specific schedule to choose the ideal time to travel to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh.

What to prepare when traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh?

Heading for traveling Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh, what should you prepare? There will be many necessary items and clothes to serve your trip as you need to move to 3 places: Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh.

Regarding clothing, you need to choose smart outfits depending on the time and your travel destination. In summer, you should choose dynamic, cool clothes paired with sneakers or sandals convenient for moving around. Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh may have sunshine or sudden rain, so be sure to prepare an umbrella, hat, or raincoat. Especially on cold weather days, ensure your suitcase has enough warm clothes, scarves, and thermal socks.

Prepare adequate clothing and necessary tools

Currently, in the tourist centers of Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, there are many ATMs, so you should note not to carry too much cash; instead, use cards. Before joining the trip, check carefully to ensure you have personal documents, confirmation papers for reservation services to facilitate quick procedures at tourist destinations. Moreover, personal items, medical supplies, and electronic devices are all essential for the journey. The preparation of luggage for traveling Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh will be crucial for your trip.

Means of transportation when traveling Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh

Means of transportation to the locations in the itinerary

For those of you in Hanoi or in the vicinity, traveling to Hanoi is very easy and convenient. You can choose to ride a motorbike or use various means of transportation such as buses, cars, and buses. However, for those of you in distant areas like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, choosing to book a flight to Hanoi is the best option to reach the capital. Air travel saves time, but you need to spend time hunting for tickets if you want to travel at a low cost. Apart from airplanes, traveling by bus, sleeper cars, or trains is also an interesting suggestion for those who want to experience the journey. While enjoying the scenery along the way, traveling by bus, sleeper cars, or trains takes time and can be tiring, affecting the entire trip.

From Hanoi to Sapa, there are various means of transportation for you to choose from, such as cars, buses, limousines, trains, or motorcycles. Some buses you can choose to travel with are Sapa Express, Inter Bus Lines, Hung Thanh Sapa, Queen Cafe, etc. You can book a train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai starting from Tran Quy Cap Station in Hanoi to Lao Cai and then choose various means of transportation to Sapa. A risky option is a motorcycle. The distance from Hanoi to Sapa is on average 350km or more depending on the route you take, so prioritize your safety above all.

Bus to Sapa

From Sapa to Ninh Binh, you need to travel a quite long 406km route, which takes about 6-7 hours by bus. Some buses you can consider are Ha Son Ninh Binh Sapa Bus, Sao Viet Sapa - Ninh Binh Bus, etc. Alternatively, you can choose to travel by boat. However, since there is no direct train from Sapa to Ninh Binh, you need to follow the route: Sapa - Hanoi, Hanoi - Ninh Binh. Motorcycling from Sapa to Ninh Binh is suitable for young, healthy individuals as the route is mostly through winding mountain roads and takes time. Choose a suitable means of transportation, ensuring your well-being.

Means of transportation at tourist attractions

Hanoi: Currently, Hanoi provides various transportation services for you. You can choose from: bicycles, motorcycles, taxis, buses, cyclos, electric cars, or motorbike taxi services like grab, bee, goviet, etc., to explore the thousand-year-old capital. No matter which means of transportation in Hanoi you choose, make sure to inquire about the service prices before using them.

Sapa: To fully explore the beauty of the picturesque city of Sapa, consider the following modes of transportation: walking, bicycles, motorcycles, cyclos, taxis, cable cars. In the mountainous region of Sapa, trekking is a popular activity, but not everyone has the health and endurance to conquer the roof of Indochina. The perfect choice is to travel to the top of Fansipan to admire the breathtaking scenery from above.

Ninh Binh: Here, common services like grab or buses are not prevalent, so the preferred choices are still renting bicycles or motorcycles to move around Ninh Binh. You can rent bicycles or motorcycles right in the area where you stay, ensuring both reasonable prices and safety. Additionally, at some of Ninh Binh's tourist attractions, electric cars are available at quite affordable prices, starting from 20,000 VND per ticket. Notably, car rentals are also quite popular at this attractive tourist destination.

Rental services for motorcycles in Ninh Binh

Where to stay when traveling Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh?

Traveling Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh, where to stay? In Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, there are a variety of accommodations ranging from high-end hotels to budget homestays. Below are some Hanoi hotels, Sapa hotels, and Ninh Binh hotels for your reference:

Latest updated hotel price list in 2020

>> Book a hotel at Mytour for the best rates

Where to go, what to do in the Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh trip?

So what's next to explore in Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh? Mytour has some suggestions for you right away.

Tourist attractions in Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, offers diversity in destinations, culture, and cuisine. When traveling to Hanoi, don't miss historical sites like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda... Explore the 36 ancient streets, marvel at the charm of the Old Quarter. Enjoy shopping and entertainment at shopping centers like Vincom Ba Trieu, Times City, Royal City, AEON Mall Long Bien,.... Ba Vi National Park, Ecopark urban area, and the cultural villages of ethnic groups are also fascinating nearby tourist spots.

Check-in at Thang Long Imperial Citadel

Tourist attractions in Sapa

Still pondering on what to do in Sapa? Fret not! Sapa boasts numerous recreational areas and scenic spots for relaxation and Instagram-worthy moments. Explore places like Fansipan Peak, Stone Church Sapa, Sapa Market, Cat Cat Village, Ham Rong Mountain, O Quy Ho Pass,... Sapa has plenty to offer, so book a Sapa travel combo with friends or family and immerse yourself in the misty town of Sapa.

'Instagrammable' moments on Fansipan Peak, Sapa

Tourist attractions in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is renowned for being a captivating tourist destination, selected as the filming location for Kong Skull Island and the Running Man show. Due to its natural beauty, when traveling to Ninh Binh, explore these must-visit spots: Mua Cave, Trang An scenic area & Kong film set, Van Long Nature Reserve, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc, Cuc Phuong National Park, and many other fascinating places.

Must-visit spots in Ninh Binh for Instagram-worthy moments

Recommended itinerary for Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh tour

Planning a family trip to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh and unsure how to design a suitable itinerary? Let Mytour assist you with ideas for this travel journey through the following schedule:

Day 1: Explore Hanoi

- Pick-up service at the hotel in the Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House to commence the Hanoi tour.

- Move to Tran Quoc Pagoda - a national heritage, also a significant Buddhist monument in Hanoi located near West Lake.

- Explore the Ho Chi Minh historical site: Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum - tour Bác's stilt house. Then proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda - an iconic architectural symbol of Hanoi, and the Temple of Literature.

- Afternoon: Lunch and relaxation at a local restaurant.

- Continue the tour to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Hoan Kiem Lake, including Ngoc Son Temple.

- Move on to Bat Trang ceramic village, experience the traditional pottery craft here.

- Conclude the tour, the vehicle will take you back to Hanoi for rest.

- Evening exploration on your own at Hanoi's Old Quarter and night market.

Explore the pottery village of Bat Trang

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

- Pick up from your accommodation area and transfer to Ninh Binh.

- Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda - a magnificent temple with numerous records.

- Enjoy lunch and relax at a local restaurant.

- Continue exploring the eco-tourism area of Trang An.

- Then, return to Hanoi for some rest.

Bai Dinh Pagoda - A spiritual haven not to be missed in Ninh Binh

Day 3: Hanoi - Sapa - Dragon Jaw Mountain

- Sleeper bus picks up guests at the hotel for the highway journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, heading to Sapa.

- Upon arrival in Sapa, check-in at the hotel, have lunch, and take some rest.

- Afternoon visit to Dragon Jaw Mountain.

- Evening indulgence in a feast with various Sapa specialties, capturing moments at the Stone Church of Sapa, and shopping at the Sapa Night Market.

Admire the scenery on Dragon Jaw Mountain, Sapa

Day 4: Sapa - Fansipan Peak - Hanoi

- Morning breakfast at the hotel.

- Transfer to the Fansipan cable car station, commencing the journey to conquer the rooftop of Indochina - Fansipan.

- Noon return to the hotel for lunch, rest, and check-out.

- Return to Hanoi.

What to eat when traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh?

Northern cuisine is always diverse, attracting visitors from all regions. Especially when traveling to Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, you will delight in savoring delicious dishes with the following suggestions.

In Hanoi, you won't have to think too much about what to eat because Hanoi's specialties are very rich. For breakfast in Hanoi, you can enjoy a bowl of fragrant pho (Pho Thin, Pho Ly Quoc Su, etc.) or a serving of bun cha, which was chosen by former President Obama to savor (Bun Cha Huong Lien). Additionally, explore with family and friends the flavorful Cha Ca La Vong, West Lake shrimp cakes, rolled pho Ngũ Xã, Thanh Tri rolled rice pancakes, Vong village green rice, or the enticing Trang Tien ice cream.

Pho Cuon Ngũ Xã - Hanoi Specialty

When you come to the misty town of Sapa, the cuisine here will undoubtedly make you ecstatic. With a cool climate, Sapa is always bustling with people entering various grilled food stalls offering a variety of dishes such as: Mèo-style rolled beef with vegetables, grilled bamboo rice, seasoned grilled pork, chicken feet, grilled chicken wings, grilled mountain fish, grilled stomach, various grilled mushrooms, and more. Additionally, try the famous dishes in Sapa: rocky moss vegetables, Sapa ferns, thắng cố (a local dish), black chicken, Sapa apple wine, etc.

Make your Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh tour even more exciting by savoring the following Ninh Binh specialties: Ninh Binh burnt rice, mountain goat meat, Kim Son snakehead fish salad, Ninh Binh mountain snails, Cuc Phuong jungle fowl, Tung Truong carp, Dong Giao pineapple, and To Nhu pork and bamboo shoot noodle soup.

Tips for buying gifts when traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh

Each travel destination has its own unique specialties that everyone wants to buy as gifts for their loved ones and family. Mytour will suggest some specialties from Hanoi, Sapa, and Ninh Binh for your upcoming trip.

Hanoi is famous for many delicious specialties and meaningful souvenirs: West Lake lotus tea, preserved apricots, Vong village green rice, lam rice cake, pork sausage, Hanoi silk, Bat Trang ceramics, Dien pomelo, etc.

Wondering what to buy as gifts during your Sapa trip? Unmissable items include terracotta products, homegrown buffalo meat, forest mushrooms, forest chestnuts, Mường Khương chili sauce, Sapa bamboo shoots, Chẩm Chéo (a local delicacy), and many other interesting local specialties and souvenirs.

Not only famous for its stunning landscapes, but Ninh Binh also offers various fascinating local specialties that you can buy as gifts for your loved ones. Notable mentions are burnt rice, Nho Quan wine, Yen Mac nem (spring rolls), Ninh Binh goat meat, and Kim Son woven mats.

Ninh Binh burnt rice - A local specialty

Some tips to keep in mind when traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh

According to the experience of traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh, here are some notes that will be helpful for your upcoming trip:

• For those needing to book a flight to Hanoi, it's advisable to book tickets about 2-3 weeks in advance for discounted prices.
• Bring an adequate amount of cash as Hanoi has some unsafe areas regarding pickpocketing. There are plenty of ATMs in Hanoi for quick cash withdrawal.
• When traveling to Sapa, bring a raincoat as the weather in Sapa often has rain or dense fog. The weather in Sapa is cooler than Hanoi and Ninh Binh, so choose appropriate clothing.
• Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda before visiting the Trang An tourist area, as Trang An is vast. If you explore all of Trang An, you may not have much time to move to other attractive destinations.
• Wear modest, respectful clothing, and gentle behavior is essential at spiritual sites, pagodas, mausoleums, etc.
• Understand the prices of motorcycle taxi services or products to avoid overspending without satisfactory quality.

Here are all the notes to keep in mind when traveling to Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh that you should jot down for a smooth and perfect journey. If you need to book a Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh travel combo or any accommodation, flight tickets, contact the hotline 1900 2083 of Mytour for quick assistance.

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