Ninh Binh on a Budget: Affordable Day Tour Options

Importance of budget-friendly day tours 

Budget-friendly Ninh Binh day tours are always a smart choice for several reasons: 

• Allow tourists on a tight budget to explore multiple attractions of Ninh Binh without worrying about the cost. Ninh Binh is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam with many attractions to explore, from breathtaking landscapes to historical landmarks. However, many travelers may be hesitant to visit due to concerns about high costs. By choosing a budget-friendly day tour, you can enjoy all that Ninh Binh has to offer while staying within your budget. These tours often include transportation, admission fees, and a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights and history about the attractions. 
• Budget-friendly tours can provide opportunities to connect with other travelers and make new friends, enhancing the overall travel experience. 
• Budget-friendly tours often offer a range of options to suit different interests and schedules, allowing travelers to customize their experience to fit their needs. This can include different tour lengths, modes of transportation, and activities, allowing travelers to get the most out of their time in Ninh Binh.
• Save money for other travel plans in Vietnam. 

Ticket price for famous attraction in Ninh Binh 2023

Most tourist attractions in Ninh Binh only require an entrance ticket. Below is a list of famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh along with the latest entrance fees for 2023.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

• Adult tickets: 250,000 VND. (~ 11 USD) 
• Children's ticket: 120,000 VND. (~ 5USD) (Under 1m in height)

(A boat for a maximum of 4 passengers)

Tam Coc-Bich Dong 

• Adult tickets: 250,000 VND  (~ 11 USD) 
• Children's ticket: 60,000 VND. (~ 2-3 USD) (Under 1m40 in height)
• The boat ticket: 150,000 VNĐ (~6 USD)

(A boat for a maximum of 4 passengers)

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital 

The entrance ticket for the Hoa Lu ancient capital is 20,000 VND per person. (~ 1 USD)

Am Tiem Cave 

The entrance fee to Am Tien Pagoda is 20,000 VND/person. (~ 1 USD)

Bai Dinh Pagoda 

• Bai Dinh Pagoda's electric bus tickets: 30,000 VND per person per round. (~ 1-2 USD)
• Admission tickets for Bao Thap cost 50,000 VND per person. (~ 2 USD)

Hang Mua Cave

The admission ticket price for Hang Mua is 100,000 VND per person. (~ 4 USD)

Cuc Phuong National Park 

• Adults: 60,000 VND (~ 2 USD) 
• Student: 20,000 VND (~ 1 USD)
• Children: 10,000 VND  (~ 1 USD)

Thung Nham 

• The admission fee for Thung Nham is 100,000 VND per person. (~4 USD)
• The ticket for visiting the bird garden is 30,000 VND per person. (~ 1-2 USD)
• The entrance fee for But Cave is 30,000 VND per person. (~ 1-2 USD)

Tips for a budget-friendly day tour in Ninh Binh

• Research tour companies in advance: One essential tip is to research tour companies in advance to find the best deals and services. Look for companies that offer affordable prices while also providing excellent customer service and safety. Reading reviews and comparing prices from different operators can help you make an informed decision. Some online platforms help you check prices and read reviews from customers who have experienced tour services: Getyourguide.com or Tripadvisor.com. Also, You should look at the company fanpage to see their recent business. You can also ask your hotel for more recommendations. 
• Weather conditions: Each season, Ninh Binh has its own unique beauty. While some may not consider the weather to be a significant factor affecting the cost of their trip, we advise checking the weather forecast to make informed decisions. In the case of scorching weather, we suggest avoiding visiting Mua Cave and venturing outdoors during midday. Furthermore, observing the weather helps you know what items to bring and avoid purchasing unnecessary items along the way.
• Negotiate prices: Negotiating prices can also help you save money on your Ninh Binh tour. In Vietnam, you should bargain with street vendors before purchasing. Moreover, most tour operators in Vietnam are open to bargaining, especially when you travel in a big group. You can often get a better deal by asking for a discount or by booking in advance.
• Bring your own food and water: When booking a tour, you are usually provided with complimentary bottled water, but the quantity is limited. If you want to save on costs, buy some in advance from convenience stores like Circle K and bring them with you. However, note that restaurants may not allow you to bring your own beverages, such as beer or wine.
• Opt for shared transportation: Opting for shared transportation is another great way to save money on your Ninh Binh tour. You can share a taxi, bus, or limousine car with other travelers, which can significantly reduce transportation costs. You can also book a shared tour with other tourists, which is often cheaper than a private tour.
• Avoiding the peak tourist season: Finally, to save money on food and accommodation, consider avoiding the peak tourist season. Prices tend to be higher during this time, and you may have to pay more for meals and hotels. Instead, plan your trip during the low season when prices are lower. If you travel in the peak season. If you travel to Ninh Binh during the peak season, we recommend booking your tour through a travel agency. Their prices are generally more stable and lower compared to booking individual services for your own tour.

Other tips for reducing expenses: include staying in budget-friendly accommodations, avoiding expensive activities, and shopping at local markets for souvenirs and snacks. By following these tips, you can enjoy a budget-friendly Ninh Binh tour without compromising on the experience.

Trang An Boat Tour or Tam Coc Boat Tour?

Although Trang An and Tam Coc are the two most famous destinations in Ninh Binh, they share many similarities. Therefore, instead of spending too much time visiting these two places, tourists should choose one of them and save time exploring other beautiful sites. So the question is which one to choose, Trang An or Tam Coc?

Both Trang An and Tam Coc offer boat tours through stunning limestone karst landscapes and river systems. The choice between Trang An and Tam Coc for a boat tour will depend on your preferences and what you are looking for in your experience.

The boat tour in Trang An is longer and includes more caves and grottos to explore, making it a more adventurous experience. There are 3 boat routes with various choices for you. On the other hand, Tam Coc's boat tour is shorter but more focused on the natural beauty of the rice paddies and limestone karsts. The scenery is also stunning and peaceful, but there are fewer caves to explore than in Trang An. Specifically, the period from May to early June when the yellow rice fields are in full bloom is considered the best time to witness the beauty of Tam Coc.

In terms of prices, the boat tours in Trang An are a bit more expensive than in Tam Coc, as they are longer and offer more extensive cave exploration. A typical boat tour in Trang An can cost anywhere from 250,000 VND per person, which is approximately 11 USD. in comparison, a typical boat tour in Tam Coc can cost around 150,000-200,000 VND per person, which is approximately 6 to 9 USD. Besides, Tam Coc boat tour. 

In addition, the Tam Coc tour also includes the experience of cycling around the nearby villages and temples. If you want more activities, choose the Tam Coc tour. However, if you want to spend more time relaxing on the boat and taking beautiful photos, the Trang An tour would be more suitable.

Top affordable day tours in Ninh Binh

Aloha Travel and Guide offer various Ninh Binh Tour at a competitive price.

• Hoa Lu - Tuyet Tinh Coc - Trang An ($68)
• Hoa Lu - Tuyet Tinh Coc - Tam Coc - Bich Dong ($68)
• Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc Boat Tour- Bich Dong Pagoda ($79)
• Tuyet Tinh Coc - Mua Cave - Trang An ($79)

Looking for Ninh Binh Budget Tours HERE

Read more about The top 5 best Ninh Binh day tours from Hanoi 2023

Overall, budget-friendly day tours offer tourists a fantastic way to explore a destination's top attractions and immerse in the local culture. By opting for affordable day tours, you can save money on transportation, entrance fees, and activities, allowing you to have a great trip without overspending.