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 car ride. You can also take a bus; 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 drive 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 Hoa Lo Prison. You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Walking tours and Food Tours. 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 still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, admire the masterpieces at Fine Arts Museum (Bao Tang My Thuat), and brush up on your military savvy at Vietnam Military History Museum.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Hanoi vacation planner.

You can drive from Ninh Binh to Hanoi in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can travel back home.