Ninh Binh vs Sapa – Comprehensive Guide to Choose Your Perfect Place

Ninh Binh and Sapa are two breathtaking destinations in the north of Vietnam. Both deliver incredible natural beauty, unique cultural experiences, and chances for outdoor activities. However, they are totally different. If you do not have time to visit both, you might find it hard to decide whether to come to Ninh Binh or Sapa. 

In this guide, Aloha Vietnam Travel provides comprehensive information about travel time, unique natural and cultural features and the cost of a trip to each place. Hope that it is helpful for your travel planning process. 

A brief overview of Ninh Binh and Sapa

Is Ninh Binh or Sapa better? Let's look closer at each destination. 
Both Sapa and Ninh Binh offer breathtaking views of mountains and rice paddies. So they are favourite places for those looking for natural retreats and eco-tourism. However, they are 2 different lands.

Cat Cat Village in Sapa is a famous place for sightseeing and cultural discovery 

Sapa, nestled within the Hoang Lien Son range near the Chinese border, is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscape, characterised by rolling hills and terraced rice fields. Sapa is home to many ethnic minority groups and is very rich in cultural values. The town, though small, is a delightful corner with traditional markets offering handcrafted textiles and fresh vegetables.

A boat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc brings relaxation & peaceful moment 

Meanwhile, Ninh Binh stands out with its limestone towers, peaceful rivers, and caves. This province is not only well-known for its natural beauty but also holds historical significance, once serving as the capital of ancient Vietnam during the Dinh dynasty - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. 

Weather differences in Ninh Binh and Sapa

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh and Sapa? Actually, Ninh Binh and Sapa bring contrasting weather experiences due to their significant difference in altitude and location. You should choose Ninh Binh if you prefer warm weather and sunshine. Or if you want cooler temperatures or to escape from the heat, Sapa is the best choice. 

With heavy rains, Ninh Binh is still accessible and can be explored through indoor activities. On the other hand, traveling to Sapa on rainy days is dangerous due to the long travel distance, the hazardous mountain roads, and the risk of flooding. 

Here's a breakdown:

Ninh Binh Weather

Mua Cave - Dragon Peak in Ninh Binh is famous for its panoramic view

Climate: Subtropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Temperature: Generally warm to hot throughout the year.

Average Highs:

• Winter (December-February): 18°C (68°F)
• Spring (March-May): 28°C (82°F)
• Summer (June-August): 34°C (93°F)
• Autumn (September-November): 25°C (84°F)

Rainfall: Most significant during the wet season (May-October), with occasional showers in the dry season.

Best time to visit: March-May and September-November for pleasant temperatures and less rain.

Ninh Binh Weather Guide: What to Expect Each Month

Sapa Weather

Sapa is called a foggy city 

Climate: Temperate, with cool summers and mild winters.

Temperature: Significantly cooler than Ninh Binh.

Average Highs:

• Winter (December-February): 15°C (59°F)
• Spring (March-May): 22°C (72°F)
• Summer (June-August): 29°C (84°F)
• Autumn (September-November): 24°C (75°F)

Rainfall: More evenly distributed throughout the year, with occasional mist and fog.

Best time to visit: April-May and September-October for comfortable temperatures and clear skies.

Transportation to Sapa vs Ninh Binh

How to get to Ninh Binh

A bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is cheap and operated daily 

• Accessibility: Easy and convenient.
• Distance from Hanoi: Ninh Binh is just a 2-hour drive or train ride from Hanoi, the capital city, making it an accessible day trip or overnight escape.
• Transportation options:
  • Train: Several daily trains connect Hanoi and Ninh Binh. A budget-friendly option with prices starting around $20.
  • Bus: Frequent buses between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Ticket prices start around $10.
  • Private car/taxi: 2-hour driving. The price depends on vehicle type and negotiation, ảound $150. 
  • Motorbike/Bicycle rental: Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a fantastic way to explore Ninh Binh, with prices starting at around $5-$10 per day.

How to get to Sapa

Train or sleeper bus to Sapa are common

• Accessibility: More challenging and time-consuming.
• Distance from Hanoi: Sapa is located further north in the mountains, around a 5-hour drive or an overnight train journey from Hanoi.
• Transportation options:
  • Train: The most popular option is the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, followed by a short taxi ride to Sapa. Offers a budget-friendly option with prices starting around $30.
  • Bus: Several day buses offer direct transportation from Hanoi to Sapa, taking approximately 5-6 hours. Prices start around $25-$40.
  • Private car/taxi: Hiring a private car is the most expensive option but offers the fastest and most comfortable journey. Expect to pay around $200-$250.

Duration of visit: Sapa & Ninh Binh

• Sapa: 3-4 days
• Ninh Binh: 1-2 days

Cycling around villages in Tam Coc - Ninh Binh 

Sapa typically requires a longer duration due to the long time to reach there, and there are lots of things to explore. A standard visit to Sapa might range from 3 to 4 days to fully appreciate its stunning landscapes, engage in trekking activities, and immerse oneself in the local culture.

On the other hand, the short travel duration in Ninh Binh makes it a suitable option for those with limited time on their itinerary. You can explore Ninh Binh in just a day tour, or 2 days are enough. 

How many days in Ninh Binh: Should I spend 1,2, or 3 days in Ninh Binh?

Highlights in Ninh Binh vs Sapa

Unique landscapes in Ninh Binh

Trang An, Ninh Binh is a great site to see with old temples, limestone karst and adventure caves

Ninh Binh's most iconic feature is its dramatic karst landscape, with towering limestone cliffs jutting out of the emerald rice paddies. Explore hidden caves, boat through grottoes, and rivers to visit old temples.

Top 6 Things To Do For The Best Tour To Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Viewpoint: Explore Breathtaking Views of Tam Coc

Scenic wonders in Sapa

Treking through terraced rice fields is unbelievable 

Sapa is nestled amidst the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging trekking trails. Hike through terraced rice fields, climb Mount Fansipan (the highest peak in Vietnam), or explore hidden waterfalls and valleys. Sapa often has misty clouds and stunning sunrises. 

Cultural Experiences in Sapa Compared to Ninh Binh

The local markets in Sapa open every weekend

Sapa is home to diverse communities like the Hmong, Dao, and Tay, each with distinct customs, clothing, and languages. Visit their traditional villages, and you will be surprised by their handicrafts. Throughout the year, Sapa comes alive with colourful festivals that follow their ethnic traditions. Attend the "Love Market" in Bac Ha, where young people meet and express their feelings through song and dance. 

Ninh Binh walking street - A busy life after dark

In Ninh Binh, instead of visiting ethnic villages, you can explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam, and climb up to Bich Dong Pagoda, a centuries-old temple nestled among limestone cliffs. Discover the dynasties that once ruled Vietnam and their lasting influence on the region’s culture. You can also visit impressive pagodas such as Bai Dinh, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, where Buddhist monks chant prayers and perform ceremonies, offering insight into the principles of Buddhism and its role in Vietnamese life. In the evening, head to Hoa Lu Ancient Quarter and Ninh Binh Walking Street, where traditional art performances, folk dances, and live music shows bring local culture to life in a lively and colourful atmosphere.

Activities to do in Sapa vs Ninh Binh 

A signature of Tam Coc boat tour - a local drives the boat by his legs

When you reach Fansipan Peak in Sapa, yit seems like a great achievement in your life

How to experience Ninh Binh like local people - Explore Ninh Binh in authentic ways

Cost of a Trip to Sapa vs Ninh Binh

Sapa and Ninh Binh, which one is more affordable? See the table below:

A mountain train in Sapa - go through flower fields

• Sapa might be slightly more expensive due to transportation and potential trekking costs.
• Ninh Binh offers more budget-friendly activities and exploration options.
• Both destinations have budget and luxury options, so your choices will significantly impact the final cost.

In conclusion, both Ninh Binh and Sapa are must-see destinations in northern Vietnam, each with its own charm. If you are wondering “Should I go to Ninh Binh or Sapa?” or asking “Ninh Binh or Sapa – which is better?”, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. For those who want to know why visit Ninh Binh and what is Ninh Binh famous for, it is home to dramatic limestone landscapes, ancient temples, and serene boat rides. Sapa, on the other hand, is known for its terraced rice fields, cool mountain climate, and ethnic minority culture.

When planning your journey, consider transport options. Or if you love both places, check the Ninh Binh Sapa bus,the Ninh Binh Sapa sleeper bus. You can even travelling from Ninh Binh to Sapa by car or train. Keep in mind the Ninh Binh Sapa distance as it may affect your schedule and comfort.

Our comprehensive guide with travel times, highlights, and trip costs is designed to help you make the best choice for your adventure. Whether you choose Ninh Binh, Sapa, or both, we hope this information helps shape an unforgettable trip in northern Vietnam.

See our offer: 

Ninh Binh Best Day Tour Option: 

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi (1 day) 

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party (1 day)

Sapa Option for 2 days 1 night: 

Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night by the early morning Bus (Cat Cat village- Ham Rong Mountain)

Sapa Tour 2 days 1 night by the morning early bus (Cat Cat- Lao Chai - Ta Van)
When is the Tam Coc rice season: A Guide to Tam Coc Boat Tour & Bike Tours