Cycling Tours in Ninh Binh: Guide for All Levels

You can choose a bike tour in Ninh Binh or  create a Ninh Binh self-drive bike itinerary

Exploring Ninh Binh by bike is one of the most rewarding ways to see Vietnam’s countryside. With flat roads, scenic landscapes, and peaceful villages, Ninh Binh bike tours offer both adventure and relaxation. 

Whether you join a guided cycling in Ninh Binh experience or plan your own biking in Ninh Binh route through Tam Coc, Trang An, or Hoa Lu, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of rice fields and limestone mountains. 

Suitable for all levels, this guide helps you find the best routes, local tips, and things to know before starting your two-wheeled journey in Ninh Binh.

There are also suggested itineraries combining the biking experience and other things must try in Binh Binh. 

Why should I take a Ninh Binh cycling tour? 

Anyone can enjoy a bike tour in Ninh Binh — men, women, kids, or seniors alike

What is Ninh Binh famous for apart from the beautiful landscapes? It’s outdoor activities. Biking in Ninh Binh is a fantastic choice. Peddling on a bicycle lets you soak up incredible views and discover off-the-beaten paths. You can stop whenever something catches your eye. Along your Ninh Binh bike tour, you’ll pass by ancient temples and pagodas like Bai Dinh Pagoda and the Bich Dong Pagoda. 

In Ninh Binh, there's no noisy traffic to disturb you, just the rhythmic sound of your pedals. Unlike other modes of transportation, biking allows you to intimately connect with the landscape, making your experience personal and extraordinary. In addition, Ninh Binh in general, and biking in Ninh Binh, in particular, is at an affordable price, even cheaper than other destinations in Vietnam. 

Ninh Binh offers biking routes for all fitness levels and all ages. You'll find something that suits you.

Ninh Binh Biking for All Levels

Leisurely Rides in Ninh Binh for Beginners and Families

A group of friends or a multi-generational family can easily join a bike tour in Ninh Binh

If you’re new to cycling or simply prefer a relaxed pace to enjoy the scenery, Ninh Binh offers plenty of leisurely cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. You can take a gentle bike ride around a quiet village and visit a local temple in about 30 minutes. 

The roads are flat, safe, and surrounded by lush rice fields and towering limestone karsts, making every moment of the ride peaceful and enjoyable. 

With little traffic and friendly locals along the way, cycling in Ninh Binh is an easy and fun way to experience the countryside together.

Challenging Bike Routes in Ninh Binh for Intermediate Riders

Cycle to the Tam Coc - Bich Dong area

For those seeking a bit more excitement and physical challenge, Ninh Binh bike tours offer intermediate cycling routes that perfectly combine scenic beauty with moderate difficulty. 

These trails lead you deeper into the region’s hidden gems. For instance, cycle through Van Long Nature Reserve, home to rare wildlife and stunning limestone cliffs rising above peaceful wetlands. You can also explore the Tam Coc – Bich Dong area, pedalling past golden rice fields, crossing rivers on small boats, and admiring the magnificent caves tucked within the karst landscape. 

These intermediate trails in Ninh Binh offer the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.

Advanced Bike Trip in Ninh Binh

Riders who are physically fit and have a high level of cycling proficiency also enjoy going on bike tours in Ninh Binh. You can challenge yourself by conquering steep mountains and rough terrain while exploring the province's tougher trails. One of the most rewarding rides is through Cuc Phuong National Park, which is the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam, where dense tropical forests, limestone mountains, and hidden caves await.

Suggested Biking Route in Ninh Binh

Here are some recommended Ninh Binh cycling routes suitable for different levels of riders — from beginners to experienced cyclists. Each route offers unique scenery and local charm.

• Bicycle route 1: (The easiest one ~ 3km) Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda 
• Bicycle route 2: (10 km) Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda – Thung Nham Bird Park
• Bicycle route 3: (40 km) Tam Coc to Hang Mua, Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh
• Bicycle route 4: (40 km) Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park

Bicycle Route 1: (The easiest – about 3 km) Tam Coc → Bich Dong Pagoda
A short and gentle Tam Coc bike tour, perfect for beginners or families. Ride through peaceful countryside paths surrounded by rice fields and limestone cliffs before visiting the ancient pagoda.

Bicycle Route 2: (About 10 km) Tam Coc → Bich Dong Pagoda → Thung Nham Bird Park
Ideal for those who want a longer but still relaxing journey. You’ll pass small villages and stop by the bird park to admire thousands of birds returning at sunset.

Bicycle Route 3: (About 40 km) Tam Coc → Hang Mua → Trang An → Hoa Lu → Bai Dinh Pagoda
A full-day bike tour in Ninh Binh that covers the area’s most famous attractions. It’s a scenic and slightly challenging route, perfect for intermediate riders who love both nature and culture.

Bicycle Route 4: (About 40 km) Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park
Designed for experienced cyclists who enjoy adventure. The Cuc Phuong National Park cycling route offers forest trails, limestone mountains, and the chance to spot rare wildlife.

How Much for Ninh Binh Bike Rental

Bike rental fee in Ninh Binh is affordable for everyone

The cost of bike rental in Ninh Binh varies depending on the type of bike you rent, the length of time you rent, and the location of the rental shop. However, you can expect to pay:

• 150,000 VND (about $5) to 250,000 VND (about $10.00) per day for a regular bike.
• 400,000 VND (about $15) per day for mountain bikes and electric bikes

Note that: When renting a bike in Ninh Binh, you won't need to provide a valid driver's license and a passport or other form of identification. You may be required to pay a deposit, which will be refunded when you return the bike in good condition.

Suggested Itineraries for Cycling Experiences in Ninh Binh

Cycling in Ninh Binh is one of the most unique bicycle tours in Vietnam. However, not all tourists have enough time and physical condition to conquer a multi-day cycling trip in Ninh Binh. If you have just 1 day or 2 days in Ninh Binh and want to try all significant things here, Aloha Vietnam Travel would like to suggest the following itineraries. 

These itineraries allow you to visit the most famous attractions, engage in outdoor activities, and, of course, include cycling. 

Option 1: One-day tours 

Hoa Lu- Mua Cave- Tam Coc- Bike- Bich Dong Pagoda (Highly recommend)

In front of Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient Temple can be combined in your cycling route

After visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, you will have a short mountain climb of about 500 steps to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. In the afternoon, you try both a boat trip in Tam Coc and a bike tour around the rice fields and villages. The distance is around 5 km in turn, so everyone, even small kids, can take it. The highlight of this tour is the visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, an old temple built in 1428. You climb and discover 3 levels of this ancient temple before riding back to the bike station. 

All about Bich Dong Pagoda in Ninh Binh: Secret and Outstanding features

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party

Guests come back after a short boat trip in Tam Coc Ninh Binh 

This itinerary is similar to the first one. However, after enjoying the boat trip in Tam Coc, you cycle to the Thai Vi temple, a smaller temple, and then enjoy a small party by the pool at the local bungalow.

Thai Vi Temple in Tam Coc: A Historic Gem and Scenic Bike Tour in Ninh Binh

Option 2: Ninh Binh 2 Day 1 Night Tour Cycling Experiences

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong

Hoa Lu - Am Tien Cave- Tam Coc- Bich Dong- Bai Dinh- Trang An

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thung Nham National Park

Ninh Binh is a fantastic destination for cycling, blessed with stunning landscapes and mostly flat roads that make riding easy and enjoyable. There are Ninh Binh cycling routes for everyone — from relaxed half-day rides to more challenging multi-day adventures. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, a bike tour in Ninh Binh promises unforgettable moments surrounded by nature, culture, and the peaceful countryside. So, hop on your bike and start exploring!

You might read: Exploring the Beauty of Tam Coc: A Guide to a Bike Tour, Boat Ride, and Must-See Attractions

Check our cycling tours in Ninh Binh at Alohavietnam.net and on Tripadvisor now.