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.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bai Dinh Pagoda, Head underground at Trang An Grottoes, and then explore the fascinating underground world of Mua Caves. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to Tam Coc, then identify plant and animal life at Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Van Long Nature Reserve.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read Ninh Binh holiday planner.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in May, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison. 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: appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Quarter, brush up on your military savvy at Vietnam Military History Museum, take an in-depth tour of Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and contemplate the long history of Temple of Literature & National University.

To find reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hanoi holiday planner.

You can drive from Ninh Binh to Hanoi in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In May, daytime highs in Hanoi are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.