Ninh Binh Travel Guide For Solo Travelers: How To Plan A Trip, Suggested Itineraries For 2024

What makes Ninh Binh an excellent choice for solo travelers?

1. A safe destination for traveling solo 

Vietnam is generally safe for solo travelers, and Ninh Binh is no exception. If you're still concerned about crossing the streets in Hanoi or heard advice about being careful in busy streets in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll find much more peace of mind in Ninh Binh. There is almost no news regarding safety issues in Ninh Binh, allowing solo travelers to comfortably enjoy the local beauty. 

The tourist activities in Ninh Binh are also very safe, even for young children. You are required to wear a life jacket on boat trips and not venture beyond designated safe areas when hiking. Local people in Ninh Binh are known for their friendly and welcoming. The well-developed infrastructure makes it convenient to discover. 

Therefore, you can feel confident and at ease in every aspect when visiting Ninh Binh.

2. The ease of transportation 

How is Ninh Binh transportation for solo travelers? It’s easy to reach Ninh Binh by various means of transport: by bus, train, taxi, motorbike, or shared car. Ninh Binh is nearly 90 km from Hanoi. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Hanoi Old Quarter, there are numerous bus companies and tour operators that offer daily trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. With the one-day Ninh Binh tours, you can depart in the morning and return to Hanoi by evening, allowing you to have a full day of exploration.

The traffic in Ninh Binh is way different from Hanoi. There are very few vehicles along your way; most of them are tourists. So you can rent a bike or a motorbike to explore by yourself. Just remember to stay on the right side of the road, and you'll be fine.

3. An affordable place for solo travelers

Ninh Binh offers a budget-friendly experience, particularly when compared to other popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. As a result, solo travelers can easily find affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities, making it a cost-effective destination to explore.

One of the best ways to save costs is by joining a shared tour. 

You might read: Ninh Binh Share Tours: How to plan budget-friendly tours in Ninh Binh

4. Chance to make new friends 

Ninh Binh attracts a large number of solo travelers, creating great opportunities to meet new people and forge friendships. Moreover, there are several hostels and guesthouses specifically designed to accommodate solo travelers, enhancing the social atmosphere and providing a chance to connect with like-minded individuals.

Planning a solo trip to Ninh Binh

1. Things to do in Ninh Binh for solo travelers

1.1 Check-in famous historic and sightseeing places in Ninh Binh 

Ninh Binh is home to numerous historical sites. You have a chance to see Vietnam's past. Discovering the historical place in Ninh Binh is the best way to truly experience the rich culture of Vietnam. 

Top 5 famous historic sites to visit in Ninh Binh for solo travelers

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Bich Dong Pagoda 
• Trang An Landscape Complex
• Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Phat Diem Cathedral 

If you are someone who loves photography, Ninh Binh is a paradise for capturing stunning shots. The picturesque landscapes, including limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and serene rivers, provide endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. 

You might read: Ninh Binh Photography Tour: Discover the Top Check-in Spots and Instagram-worthy Locations

1.2 Take a boat trip on Trang An or Tam Coc 

Trang An and Tam Coc are famous for the best boat trip experiences in Ninh Binh. The entrance fees range from 195,000 to 250,000 VND, which is approximately $8 to $11. You can leisurely explore the sights during a 1.5-hour boat ride in Tam Coc or a 2-3 hour boat ride in Trang An. Typically, two to four tourists share a boat, allowing for a more personal experience. As you journey along the waterways, you'll be treated to breathtaking scenery, pass through captivating caves, and have the opportunity to visit charming old temples.

You might read: Exploring the Beauty of Tam Coc: A Guide to a Bike Tour, Boat Ride, and Must-See Attractions 2024

1.3. Climb up to the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view 

Mua Peak is known as the most panoramic viewpoint in Southeast Asia. It presents a glamorous view of majestic limestone cliffs, the scenic Tam Coc boat ride, and a picturesque rice paddy field. To visit Hang Mua, you only need a single entrance ticket. The price for adults is 100,000 VND. To access Hang Mua, visitors climb 486 steps, around 20 minutes. Apart from the Dragon Moutain viewpoint, Hang Mua's surroundings such as the waterfall, large lotus pond, and Tiger Cave are also worth visiting. 

You might read: Is Mua Cave Worth in your Ninh Binh Bucket List? The perfect way to include Mua Cave in your Ninh Binh Trip

1.4 Try local dishes on the riverbank 

The top local foods in Ninh Binh are: 

• Rice crust (Com chay): a crispy, crunchy dish made from leftover rice that is fried until golden brown. It is often served with a variety of toppings, such as shredded pork, vegetables, and fish sauce.
• Goat meat (Mountain goat): Goat meat is a popular dish in Ninh Binh, and it is often cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled, stewed, or stir-fried. 
• Mountain snails: Mountain snails are a unique dish to Ninh Binh, and they are often found in the limestone mountains of the region.
• Sticky rice with ant's eggs: This is a unique dish that is made with sticky rice and the eggs of black ants.
• Ninh Binh noodles (Bun cha quat): This is a dish of grilled pork meatballs and rice noodles, which is often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, chili peppers, and vinegar.

There are many restaurants serving local cuisine for international tourists. However, to experience the most authentic and intimate feeling with the local people, you should choose small restaurants or have meals in homestays with unique views. 

If you stay overnight in Ninh Binh, you can ask your hostel or homestay owner to prepare a meal for you. The price might be cheaper than in other restaurants. If you only have one day in Ninh Binh, having lunch by a river bank is fantastic. 

Solo travelers can choose a buffet option if you organized and travel alone. If you join a shared tour, you can choose a set menu option with your new friends. 

1.5 Ride a bike around the small village 

Riding a bike around the small villages in Ninh Binh is a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture and admire the picturesque countryside. As you pedal along, you will pass through lush rice fields and towering limestone karsts with the occasional sight of buffaloes and goats peacefully grazing in the fields. There are many different villages to choose from, each with its own unique charm. 

Some of the most popular villages to bike around include:

• Thung Nang: This village is located in the heart of Tam Coc, and it is a great place to witness the limestone karsts up close.
• Kenh Ga: This village attracts tourists through a traditional floating market, and it is a great place to see the local way of life
• Thai Vi: This village is home to an ancient temple complex, and it is a great site to discover the history of Vietnam. 
• Bich Dong Pagoda: Located approximately 10 kilometers from Tam Coc, the Bich Dong Pagoda presents a scenic and relatively easy bike ride

On a bike trip, make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, and local traffic regulations. 

1.6 Enjoy swimming and a sunset party with the green rice view

After a long boat trip or a ride bike, it’s time for swimming and enjoy a sunset party. Choose a homestay with beautiful swimming pools. Of course, you should book accommodation in advance which offers a swimming pool. If you just have a day trip in Ninh Binh and don’t know which place for swimming, some travel agents offer a day tour with this service, ask them for advice. 

Some beautiful homestays with swimming pools near Tam Coc: 

• Tam Coc La Siesta Homestay
• Tam Coc River View Homestay
• Tam Coc Garden Homestay
• Tam Coc Friendly Homestay
• Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay

Some beautiful homestays with swimming pools close to Trang An: 

• Trang An Retreat
• Trang An Family Homestay
• Trang An Emerald Pool Bungalows
• Trang An Eco Homestay

You might read: Discover 10 Best Homestays in Ninh Binh with Stunning Views and Cheap Price

1.7 Make friends on a local homestay. 

There are plenty of solo travelers in Ninh Binh, so take the time to connect with fellow travelers to make your journey even more exciting. You can spend time participating in evening activities at homestays, where you can engage in conversations and socialize. Ninh Binh offers a variety of nighttime activities, and joining these events with new friends is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange.

Ninh Binh itineraries for solo travelers

2.1 One-day itineraries in Ninh Binh for solo travelers

Option 1: Hoa Lu- Mua Cave- Tam Coc- Bike- Bich Dong Pagoda

In the morning: 

• Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
• Visit Mua Cave
• Have lunch at a local homestay

In the afternoon: 

• Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
• Cycle through the rice to visit Bich Dong Pagoda
• Back to Hanoi 

Option 2: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party

In the morning: 

• Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
• Visit Mua Cave
• Have lunch at a local homestay

In the afternoon: 

• Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
• Cycle through the rice to visit Thai Vi Temple
• Enjoy a sunset party at the swimming pool
• Back to Hanoi 

2.2 2-day itineraries in Ninh Binh for solo travelers

Option 1: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong

Day 1: Ancient temple - Moutain Climbing and boat trip:

• Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
• Visit Mua Cave
• Have lunch at a local homestay
• Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
• Cycle through the rice around the village 
• Enjoy a sunset party at the swimming pool

Day 2: Discover Cuc Phuong National Park by visiting: 

• Visit  Endangered Primate Rescue Cente
• Visit The Cave of Prehistoric Man

Option 2: Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bai Dinh- Trang An 

Day 1: Ancient temple - Moutain Climbing and boat trip:

• Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
• Visit Mua Cave
• Have lunch at a local homestay
• Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
• Cycle through the rice around the village 
• Enjoy a sunset party at the swimming pool

Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An – Hanoi

• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda 
• Have lunch in a local restaurant
• Have a boat trip in Trang An
• Leave Ninh Binh for Hanoi

Ninh Binh Tips for solo travelers 2024

Ninh Binh is exactly off the beaten path for solo travelers. For a successful solo trip to Ninh Binh, consider the following tips:

• Opt for accommodations that cater to solo travelers, as they provide opportunities for socializing and making new friends.
• Take advantage of organized tours and activities to explore the region's attractions and meet fellow travelers.
• Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to facilitate communication with the locals and enhance your overall experience.
• Stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety, as you would with any solo travel experience.

In general, with its safety, attractive landscapes, and cultural value, Ninh Binh is an unmissable destination for solo travelers when visiting Vietnam. Hope that this Ninh Binh travel guide for solo travelers helps you create a reasonable itinerary to make the most of your time and save costs. 

If you're looking for a reputable local tour operator, travel with Aloha Vietnam Travel.

We are the top choice for organizing tours to Ninh Binh. 

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