32 days in Ninh Binh & Hanoi Itinerary

A fairly nondescript town, Ninh Binh acts as a base for explorations of the province of the same name, with the karst landscape and lush valleys that surround the town offering a wealth of scenic vistas of rice paddies and rugged rocks.

On the 24th (Wed), take in the spiritual surroundings of Bai Dinh Pagoda, explore the fascinating underground world of Trang An Grottoes, and then Head underground at Mua Caves. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to Tam Coc, tour the pleasant surroundings at Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Van Long Nature Reserve.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Ninh Binh road trip website.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh is an approximately 2-hour bus ride. You can also drive; or take a train. In May, daytime highs in Ninh Binh are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) to allow time to take a bus to Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi has bounded back from the effects of war, and today serves as a bustling commercial and cultural hub bursting at the seams.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Old Quarter and Temple of Literature & National University. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Walking tours and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Spend the 2nd (Fri) exploring nature at Ba Vi National Park. Spend the 13th (Tue) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. There's much more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake of the Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake), relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, hone your skills at Vietnam Luxury Golf Tours, and see the interesting displays at Vietnamese Women's Museum.

For photos, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Hanoi trip planner.

You can take a bus from Ninh Binh to Hanoi in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.