Three Days in Ninh Binh & Tam Coc: Exploring Vietnam’s Halong Bay on Land
If Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder, Ninh Binh is its quieter, equally stunning cousin. With emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, Ninh Binh offers all the scenery without the crowds. Just 2.5 hours from Hanoi, it’s perfect for a 3-day escape. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Where to Stay
Tam Coc Garden Resort
This charming resort feels like a traditional Vietnamese village, with stone walls, wooden furniture, and private terraces overlooking gardens and rice fields. With just 16 rooms, it’s peaceful, intimate, and the ideal base for exploring the area. Guests enjoy complimentary bicycles and easy access to Tam Coc and Linh Coc.
Day 1: Arrival & Mua Cave Viewpoint
Getting There: From Hanoi, it’s a straightforward 2–3 hour drive. Your hotel can arrange a luxury van for hassle-free transportation.
Hike to Mua Cave: Climb 500 stone steps to the top for one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Vietnam. Spot the dragon statue perched on the ridge and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Tam Coc valley below.
Evening: Relax with cocktails by the pool — I recommend the spicy margarita — and enjoy dinner at the resort, which combines Vietnamese classics with French-inspired dishes.
Day 2: Linh Coc & Tam Coc
Morning Boat Ride in Linh Coc: Skip the crowds by visiting Linh Coc, just a short walk from your hotel. Glide along the serene river with locals rowing using their feet — a uniquely peaceful experience. Aim to go before 8 am to catch the water lilies in bloom.
Cycle to Central Tam Coc: Grab a complimentary bike from the resort and take the scenic Water Loop past Bich Dong Pagoda. Dirt paths wind alongside limestone cliffs, giving you plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection.
Lunch: Soul Garden Tam Coc is tucked away on the backstreets, offering delicious Vietnamese dishes like bun cha and banh mi.
Afternoon: Treat yourself to a coffee and a foot massage in town — you’ve earned it.
Dinner: For something different, try Aroma India Restaurant for classic Indian dishes, beer, and cocktails — a nice break from Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 3: Trang An Boat Ride
Today is about the classic experience. Trang An, a UNESCO-listed scenic area, is the highlight of Ninh Binh. Towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, caves, temples, and pagodas make for a dramatic and immersive day. Choose from multiple routes, all offering unique views and stops along the way.
Return to Hanoi: Grab your belongings, bid farewell to Ninh Binh, and head back to Hanoi to continue your Vietnam adventure.Before your trip:
Things to do before your trip:
Visa requirements: Be sure to check if you need a visa or any entry documents.
Double-check the details: Take a look at all of your booking confirmations and check that the names, dates, and times are all correct.
Secure travel insurance: If you haven’t already sorted this, now’s a good time to think about coverage. I most often reccommend Faye— you can use this link to build a quote. Let me know if you have any questions.
Book tours or activities:
You can browse and book directly through my travel partner link here. It’s a great way to line up day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique experiences. In addition to Viator, I also regularly use Get Your Guide. Both of those links are attributed back to me (thanks!)Purchase an eSIM:
For international travel, an eSIM can make things easier (and cheaper) than relying on Wi-Fi or roaming. We’ve used Holafly all over the world; it’s slightly pricier than alternatives but has unlimited data that never slows, which we appreciate. This link will save you 5%.Arrange a transfer: For airport/hotel transfers, I use Welcome Pickups around the world. It’s similarly priced to Uber, but you can pre-schedule the pickups and they wait for you with a sign at the airport. There’s an app that keeps it all organized and the drivers, once assigned, communicate via WhatsApp. .
