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The Ultimate Budget Guide to Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Updated: May 14, 2024

We heard a lot about Ninh Binh when we arrived in Hanoi from people who had travelled north through the country. Many were saying it was their favourite spot and had the beauty to live up to being referred to as Ha Long Bay on land. But one important thing people kept forgetting to mention was that no one ever really stays in Ninh Binh. Instead, people choose to stay a short distance from the city centre in a place called Tam Coc.


Tam Coc is tourist central and appears to have been set up to serve all the backpackers and holiday makers visiting the area; from the karaoke buses to the large resort. But, don’t let that put you off! We really felt like Tam Coc had a lovely relaxed but vibrant atmosphere and had a wealth of things to do outside of partying! It also felt that bringing the tourists out of the city helped remove some pressure on the city centre whilst still providing work for local people.


So, if you’re planning to visit Tam Coc here’s my ultimate guide to of where to stay, what to do and where to eat! And, if you’re looking for something that spares on the details check out my TikTok too.


Where to Stay?

First up, we stayed in Banana Tree Hostel where there is a great bar with a pool and excellent happy hour deals and food. They even offer bicycle hire and tours too - although we opted not to do their tours and planned our own.


We were a little concerned about it being a so-called ‘party hostel’ but our fears were swarted as when we arrived it felt pretty relaxed with super clean dorms rooms with private pods. You even get all this for just £5 a night.


The view from just outside my dorm room.

We decided to stay in Tam Coc for 3 nights and that felt like the perfect amount of time for us. It gave us the opportunity to do everything we wanted to without having to rush.


Things to do

If you’re reading this you probably already know about Tam Coc’s amazing scenery and boat trips! But here are some particular ideas for how you can really make the most of these assets!


Cycling or Motorbiking

Cost: varies but Banana Tree Hostel bike hire was just 50,000 VND per day


Definitely hire bicycles or a motorbike and just explore the area! It is super flat, besides the karst limestone cliffs, so has super accessible cycling routes and a lot of hotels offer bicycle hire at super cheap prices (or free!).


Using bikes or motorbikes also means you can do most of the main activities without having to pay for a tour.



Mua Cave and Lying Dragon Mountain

Cost: 100,000 VND

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Location: Mua Cave



I cycled from Tam Coc to Mua Cave and it was super easy and you can just shove your phone in the bike's customary basket and follow Google Maps. I’d definitely recommend using the side roads to make the most of the scenery though!


Once you arrive you’ll likely be bombarded with people telling you to park your bikes with them but if you just keep going right to the end of the road there is a more ‘official’ parking space for bikes.


Mua and Tiger Caves are fairly underwhelming but the Lying Dragon Mountain viewpoint is 100% worth the sweaty climb up! You’ve got an initial climb to a fork in the road where you can go left or right to different peaks. Both directions have amazing views and its definitely worth doing both!


If you head left you’ll be welcomed by magnificent views and a huge dragon at the top. Whereas, heading right brings you to a small pagoda. Both of which you can pose with for amazing shots for the gram!


Trang An Boat Trip

Cost: 250,000 VND

Time Needed: 2-3 hours



To get there I decided to cycle but many people opt to take a motorbike or Grab to save on time. If you’re up for cycling do be warned that some of the roads are pretty busy but wide enough to stay safe!


Once you arrive at Tràng An you might be as confused as I was as there are lots of route options. Put simply there are 3 route options all taking 2-3 hours and costing the same 250,000 VND. We were told that routes one and two are the best options.


I am sure they are all equally beautiful and worthwhile as the area is simply stunning! But, for the sake of details here’s a brief overview of each route.


Route 1:

  • Longest and most northerly route

  • Takes in 9 caves and 3 temples

  • Will take around 3 hours

Route 2:

  • Medium length

  • Around 2 hours

  • 4 caves and 3 temples

Route 3:

  • 3 caves and 3 temples

  • Shortest in length

  • Around 2 hours


The next confusing thing is getting in a boat. Boats will only leave when there are four people so as I was with my boyfriend we had to find another pair to go with. This did mean we ended up on route 2 instead of our preferred route 1 but it was still an amazing trip!


The final thing is that each boat comes equipped with an oar for each person and your rower/driver/boat driver might ask you to get involved and give them a helping hand! So, go with your best rowing hands on.

Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

Cost: Free entrance (but read on for the true cost)

Time Needed: between 2 hours and a full day

Location: Bai Dinh Pagoda


This was an amazing place that you can spend anywhere between two hours and a full day there!! There is so much to see and pay your respects to.


It is a bit of a hidden gem and doesn't quite get the attention it deserves. Famous for the stupa but with so much more to see including:

  • The main hall

  • The old temple

  • Tan Quan Gate

  • Ngoc Well

  • And more!


It is accessible from Tam Coc by bicycle if you're prepared for an around 20 km circular route or hiring a motorbike can make it a little easier to get to.


The complex is theoretically free to enter. However, there are a number of ‘’hidden’ costs. To climb the stupa there is a 50,000 VND fee and when you arrive parking is quite a distance from the complex and you need to take an electric buggy which costs 30,000 VND for the cheapest option.


Cuc Phuong National Park

Cost: 1,100,000 VND per person

Time Needed: full day



This is another one that we didn't know much about until we reached Tam Coc but made for an amazing day trip! It is a little more expensive than the other things to do in Tam Coc.


We paid 1.1 million VND for our day trip that ended up being a private tour as there were no other visitors! So, considering we also got lunch and the entrance fee included actually feels like a pretty good deal!


When you arrive at the park you'll visit the primate centre first. This is a great place where they are running a breeding program funded by Germany to reintroduce primates into the national park. After a tour around the centre you'll head deeper into the park for a visit to a cave once inhabited by ancient humans and a short trek through the jungle!


This was my favourite thing I did whilst in Tam Coc and comes 100% recommended!


We went with Cuc Phuong National Park Daily Tours and our guide was amazing! They were also the cheapest option we could find but still offered a great service. You can book the tour here.


Phố Cổ Hoa Lư Ninh Bình

Cost: cost of a Grab from your accommodation

Time Needed: a couple of hours



Not many people venture into central Ninh Binh but I definitely think it is worth having a short explore. I went at around dusk to check out the lanterns, lit up pagodas on the town's lake and the night market.


The night market was a little underwhelming but the lanterns and pagodas did not disappoint! The town is best seen from dusk into the night as this is when the lights and lanterns are most visible.


If you're looking for a taste of what Hoi An is like and don't want big crowds then central Ninh Binh is the place for you.


And the Rest

There are also two other great spots that are worth checking out if you've got a little spare time left over.


The first of these is Bich Dong Pagoda located just a short walk from Tam Coc which is a beautiful, small temple which is often alive with prayer.


The second is Buffalo Cave. This is a small cave with local people living nearby who will let you see their farm and even feed their ducks right from your hand. You pay a small fee of 75,000 VND which includes a welcome drink.


Where to Eat?

The Banh Mi Lady

Cost: from 20,000 VND


This was my favourite banh mi in Vietnam and is from a very unassuming little steal outside Banana Tree Hostel. With fillings ranging from peanut butter to tofu to pork the stall has everyone covered! She's even got a wide selection of drinks.


It is an understatement to say I loved it here! She even knew my order by the time we left - second to none customer service!


Buddha Belly

Cost: 40,000-70,000 VND for a main

Location: Buddha Belly


This is a very tasty vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a pretty wide selection of dishes at affordable prices! The classics of tofu and rice, noodles and even some sweet dishes!


Banh Mi Hanoi

Cost: 25,000-70,000 VND

Location: Banh Mi Hanoi


This is another tasty banh mi place but this one is more of a restaurant for those looking to sit down and enjoy what feels like a proper meal.


It has a wide selection of both food and drinks including banh mis, breakfast options, pho and coconut coffee. Head here whether you're looking for a quick lunch or breakfast.


Tam Coc Noodle Soup Restaurant

Cost: 35,000-100,000 VND for a main


A nice little restaurant located right beneath someone's house and with lovely friendly owners that are up for a little chat and laugh. The food was also delicious. They serve dishes ranging from papaya salad to tofu vermicelli.


It's tucked away down a bit of a side street but is definitely worth the small amount of extra effort required to find it!



If you’ve got a trip to Ninh Binh or Tam Coc planned then I hope this article gives you a little helping hand. You can also find more useful tips, tricks and recommendations for Vietnam and SE Asia more generally on my TikTok and Instagram!


Check out the products we recommend for any traveler (these are affiliate links):



I also have an affiliate link and discount code (SARAHOUTSIDE) for anyone who is looking for volunteer opportunities!



 
 
 

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