Ninh Binh Travel

Ninh Binh Weather Overview

With humidity on an average throughout the year and the city has high humidity ranges between 80-85%, Ninh Binh is typical for tropical monsoon climate with rainfall all the year round The temperature is measured and the average temperature during the year is approximately 23.4 Degrees Celsius. In Ninh Binh, huge storms are not a common.

Rain mode is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season in summer, Summer lasts from May to October in Ninh Binh is hot, humid and with plenty of rainfall. If you wish to witness the vivid greens of the rice paddy fields here, then this season is the best bet for you. However, note that the region is susceptible to typhoons during September.

From November to March is Winter when the climate is cold dry. The most beautiful weather is from April and October which is known as the transition periods like spring and autumn.

In general, the weather is so enjoyable all time of the year; thus it might be said you can visit at any time of the year when coming to beautiful Ninh Binh.

Check the below table to have the idea of Ninh Binh weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Ninh Binh

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during May and July, which offer you the chance to admire the natural beauty of this place. Apart from the harvest season with the beautiful golden paddle fields, another advantage of visiting Ninh Binh in June is that you can see lotus in Tam Coc - Bich Dong. Once you get here, you can feel the perfume of lotus pervades in the air. 

May - July is not only the best time for lotus lovers, but also a great time for travellers to enjoy the natural beauty of the caves as well as the mountains. From September to October, the weather is nice and cool; therefore, it is the perfect time for your travel. You can get rid of bad weather that you might experience if you visit in other months, such as the heat and humidity, as well as rainfall and potential typhoons.

Other months which are worth visiting Ninh Binh is February and March. This is right after the Lunar New Year so you can enjoy the solemn atmosphere in the pagodas. In this time, thousands of people from all over the country will visit the Bai Dinh pagoda to burn the incense and wish a new year full of luck, happiness, and prosperity for their family. 

Additionally, an important event called Hoa Lu ancient capital traditional festival is held on March 6th, 7th, and 8th every year. This festival is to celebrate the recognition of noble heroes who built the Hoa Lu Kingdom and Dai Co Viet State.

On the other hand, November to April is the dry months so the weather can be cold during these months. August is usually the time of the year when there is a lot of rainfall, so it makes the travelling difficult and uncomfortable. Because there might be typhoons, August to early September can be a bit risky as well. You need to follow the weather forecast carefully if you plan to visit Ninh Binh these months. However, despite those downfalls, you can have benefits regarding airfares and accommodation costs. More than that, the place will not be so crowded.

Ninh Binh Seasonal Weather Guide

Dry season (From November to March)

Weather is somewhat cool and wet, even sometimes foggy this time of year in Ninh Binh to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average during this season is between 19°C and 26°C, have high humidity and a little rainfall. January and February are crowded with domestic tourist since it's the festival season.

November

In November, the lowest average temperature can get down to 22°C with 162 hours of sunshine. This month is regarded as the most ideal time in the year for activities like cycling, swimming, camping and walking.

December

Ninh Binh in December has the average minimum temperature as 19°C. December is a dry month with an average of 23 millimeters rain and a bit less sunshine.

For visitors traveling to Ninh Binh,  we recommend wearing layers. So maybe a skirt, t-shirt, shorts for during the day and jeans and a warm jacket for some days and evenings to keep you warm.

January

In January, the average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Ninh Binh is 18°C. January is the driest month of the year and you will hardly see any sunshine. Therefore, weather conditions allow you to participate in all kinds of outdoor sport and activities. However, the cold weather is something you should pay attention to – keeping warm is our advice.

February

​​​The average minimum temperature in Ninh Binh in February is 19°C. Just like other winter months in Ninh Binh, you should never go out for swimming because you might get a freeze in the cold water. Furthermore, if you plan on hiking, the temperature can get very low at the peaks of the mountains so you should be careful to protect yourself.

March

In March, the average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Ninh Binh is 21°C. The amount of rain in March is normal, but this month you will hardly see any sunshine. So what to wear in March?

Visitors traveling to Ninh Binh should plan on bringing a totally waterproof rain jacket since it will be raining some days. Also, bring your shorts and or a skirt because it can be very nice and warm.

Raining season (From April to October)

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel hot, humid with lots of heavy rainfall. Beware of typhoons in around September. The temperature is high ranging from 25°C to over 30°C. Rain is somewhat common with 4 to 11 days of significant precipitation per month.

Spring is the slowest for foreign tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Ninh Binh, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

April

In April, the average minimum temperature is around 25°C with a high chance of rain throughout this month. There will not be much sunlight in April, so just like March, you should bring some rain jackets and wearing shorts if you have a plan to Ninh Binh in this month.  

May

In May, The average minimum temperature in Ninh Binh is 28°C. May falls in the rainy season, but you will also see the sun sometimes this month. This month is suitable for walking, cycling and other outdoor sports activities.

June

June in Ninh Binh expects the average minimum temperature of 30°C and 156 hours of sun. Since the sunlight in this month is much stronger than the previous months, you should prepare sunglass, suncream and a hat when you come to Ninh Binh in June.

July

In July, the average minimum temperature in Ninh Binh in is 30°C. The weather can get very hot sometimes, so you should bring along sunblock things to protect yourself.

August

The average minimum temperature in Ninh Binh in August is 29°C. August falls in the rainy season and is the wettest month of the year.  

An umbrella or rain jacket will be your best friend if you want to go to Ninh Binh in August. However, the weather conditions are still good enough for outdoor activities.

September

In September, the weather in Ninh Binh can get as low as 26°C and still in the rainy season. The weather this month has cool down a bit, so it’s really suitable for travelers coming here. But as I said above, beware of typhoons around this month.

So if you are planning your trip to Ninh Binh this September, double check the weather!

October

In October, the average minimum temperature in Ninh Binh is 25°C. The amount of rain in October is high with an average of 130 millimeters. You will see the sun sometimes this month, but camping is not recommended in October due to a highly likely chance of rain and thunderstorm

Best time to visit some tourist spots in Ninh Binh

For charming ripe rice fields and boat ride in Tam Coc - Bich Dong

There are two perfect times to observe the magnificent beauty of ripening rice fields. They are from late May to early July, when Ninh Binh local residents harvest summer rice and the other is the harvest time of wet rice ranging from September to October.

According to almost all local inhabitants, it is the best time to visit Ninh Binh, also to enjoy the whole charm of Tam Coc - Bich Dong complex.

One special thing you would be keen on is floating along the natural streams of Tam Coc - Bich Dong, also known as "A terrestrial Ha Long Bay". It sounds great to sitting boats in the cool streams surrounded by a host of ripe rice fields and taking some beautiful photographs on your unforgettable trip.

The pristine natural beauty of Tam Coc Grotto combining with simple but beautiful landmarks and a scared spiritual life of locals is a harmonious match, which contributes a lot to alluring thousand flocks of foreign tourists from all regions of the world.

For attractive views of thousands of lotus flowers

Besides enjoying the view full of the yellow color of ripe rice fields in Tam Coc Bich Dong Complex, tourists can also seek a chance to watch the fabulous forest of lotus in here. It can be said that lotus and waterlily are omnipresent in every part of Ninh Binh, especially in Tam Coc Grotto. Floating along the stream to Tam Coc Grotto, tourists seem to turn back the significant history of Le Dynasty.

Best time to visit Ninh Binh and Tam Coc - Bich Dong to watch lotus is June, in which the perfume of lotus flowers pervades the surrounding air. For lovers of flower, it's the best time to enjoy the flavor of lotus and involve in the natural beauty of this mountainous regions.

For Trang An Landscape and Pagodas

Ninh Binh is known as a spiritual land with various scared pagodas and temples such as Bai Dinh Pagoda and Bich Dong Pagoda. It also owns Trang An Landscape Complex with limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys. It is of great significance thanks to the role as a remarkable humid tropical tower-karst landmark.

The best time to visit Ninh Binh, especially the beauty of nature in Trang An or the solemn atmosphere of the pagoda is after Lunar New Year Festival (Tet holiday), starting from February to March. On this time, many thousands of pilgrims from all over the country gather in Ninh Binh to burn the incenses a wish a new year full of happiness, luck, and prosperity for family and relatives.

There is also an important event taking place on March 6th, 7th, and 8th called Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Traditional Festival in recognition of noble heroes building the Hoa Lu Kingdom and Dai Co Viet State.

Other natural landscapes such as Cuc Phuong Natural Park, Van Long Nature Reserve, and Thung Nham, travelers can visit at any season in the year.

Ninh Binh Current Weather & 7-day forecast

NINH BÌNH WEATHER

Ninh Binh is a playground for adventurers, and an oasis for nature lovers. Vietnam’s first capital was established here, and today the area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of mossy pagodas, striking limestone karsts, and surreal landscapes. Ready for an adventure? Here are ten must-do activities when in Ninh Binh.

Cruise on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc

Some of Ninh Binh’s best scenery can only be accessed by boat. A paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc is an essential Ninh Binh experience. Your own boatman or woman will paddle you along the gentle current, in the shadow of enormous, jungle-covered karsts. The boats stop at temples and glide underneath grottoes along the way.
TIP: Make sure to pack a snack and bring some water on your boat tour — each one lasts two to three hours.

Go temple trekking at Bich Dong Pagoda

Located at the foot of a large mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda’s ornate gate is one of the most iconic sights in Ninh Binh. A stone bridge spans a large lotus pond, which explodes with bright pink blossoms in the summer. Just beyond the gate is a tranquil courtyard and a traditional Buddhist temple. Follow the stairs up and around the mountain for stunning views, then look for two other temples embedded in the mountain, dating back to the 18th century.

TIP: As with many Buddhist sites, Bich Dong Pagoda has a dress code that requires visitors to cover up their shoulders and knees. You’ll want comfortable hiking shoes for the trek up. 

Taste the local specialities

While in Ninh Binh make sure to try the province's signature dishes: com chay and de tai chanh. Com chay is a fried rice crust which is eaten as a delicious snack or dipped into a warm stew. De tai chanh is made from goat meat -- Ninh Binh's most popular protein -- lightly cured in lemon juice and tossed with chilies, lime leaves, and sesame seeds. For a real local breakfast, order a plate of banh cuon; fresh rice paper rolls filled with diced pork and mushrooms and served with mint and a mild fish sauce. 

Stroll through Hoa Lu Ancient Village

If walls could talk you’d want to know what Hoa Lu’s brick- and vine-covered structures would say. Located just 20 minutes by car from the Trang An area, this is the site of Vietnam’s very first capital city. Hoa Lu reached its peak in the 10th and 11th centuries, when the surrounding karst landscape offered natural protection from invaders. Today you can stroll through two atmospheric structures that survive from the old citadel. The compound’s leaning archways, layered banyan trees, and rolling brick courtyards will transport you back in time. 

Conquer the top of Hang Mua 

Mua viewpoint is located at the top of a steep mountain, but the views are worth the 200,000 VND ticket, and the 500 steps up. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Tam Coc valley. The viewpoint is sometimes covered in mist but wait for it to clear, and you’ll marvel at the patchwork quilt of green rice fields below and snaking rivers weaving in, out, and around the ancient karsts.

Book a local homestay

While the city of Ninh Binh is great for beer corners and local restaurants, just a short cycle away the homestays in Trang An and Tam Coc will treat you to sweeping rice paddies and lush scenery. Ninh Binh's friendly locals will be happy to give you inside tips on the destination. For a memorable retreat away from the action, try Emeralda Resort, Chez Beo, or Nguyen Shack. 

Wander the Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is an enormous complex and the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. This singular attraction is a noted pilgrimage stop for Vietnamese Buddhists, and full to overflowing during Buddhist holidays. You’ll need lots of time to see the whole site. Expect to be awed by thousands of Buddha statues, elaborately carved bells and a 13-story watchtower, offering sweeping views of the countryside.

Hop on a motorcycle tour

A motorbike tour is always a great idea in Vietnam. In Ninh Binh, you'll get to know the backroads of Ninh Binh and snag an inside look at how the people in this area live. From the seat of a motorcycle, Ninh Binh's towering limestone karsts and vast paddy fields whizz by in a flash of vibrant green and dark grey, as does the local wildlife -- climbing goats, placid water buffalo, and flocks of ducks. 

Go for a hike in Cuc Phuong National Park

Only an hour away from Ninh Binh City, Cuc Phuong is one of the oldest national parks in Vietnam. A ticket to enter the park is just 20,000 VND. Inside you'll have several stops to choose from, including rehabilitation centres for reptiles and primates, and trails inside the national park to visit a clutch of ancient trees, some more than 1,000 years old. Set aside half a day for a rejuvenating hike through the forest, then reward yourself with a local lunch inside the park.

Explore the Van Long Wetlands

Set in the shadow of a massive limestone mountain the Van Long Wetlands is a magical marshy reserve. The reserve is extremely popular with bird watchers and home to a wide variety of feathered friends. Book a boat tour to discover remote scenery, and gain a special glimpse into this serene setting.

Ninh Binh is not only famous for its beautiful with many tourist attractions but also for special and delicious food. The famous food here smell and taste with the flavor of limestone mountains where locals feed animals

#1 - Rice Crust (Cơm Cháy)

Although rice crust has long been a familiar dish to many people both foreign visitors and Vietnamese, that offered by Ninh Binh will certainly astonish you from the very first bite. Rice crust has made its own brand in Ninh Bình and is regarded as one of the most impressive specialties in the area. Despite being a common dish and the presentation is not like that of a masterpiece, the taste is absolutely tempting and irresistible. The crispiness of the deep-fried rice and a little bit of spiciness from chilli in combination with the salted shredded meat as the topping are a perfect experience of taste that a dish of common food can create. In addition, the great advance of being used as both snack and the main course has made Ninh Binh rice crust more popular and of course, more worthwhile.

#2 - Kim Sơn Swarm Eel Spring Roll (Gỏi Cá Nhệch Kim Sơn)

In Ninh Binh, there is a province called Kim Sơn which is famous for a really special spring roll dish made of swarm eel. It may sound creepy because of the swarm eel which is quite like a kind of snake but to make a delicious swarm eel spring roll dish, it takes extreme practice and the knowledge of the chief for eel, which not all the chief except for Kim Son’s can do. The tempting sweetness of roasted rice, the light sourness of vinegar in association with the spiciness of chilli, ginger, garlic, pepper are just right to add up with the perfect sauce. All parts of the eel are thoroughly processed: the skin is deep-roasted to create the crispiness as an ingredient to eat with the roll, the bones are carefully smashed to mix with vinegar and the most important ingredient, the meat is very sophisticatedly cooked and mix with roasted rice to perfect the dish.

#3 - Undercooked Goat Meat With Lime (Dê Tái Chanh)

For its specialty, it is not coincident when goat meat is chosen as one special dish of so many places in the country and there is no exception when it becomes the main ingredient in the widely-known undercooked goat meat with lime of Ninh Binh province. Right after setting foot to Ninh Binh, brave yourself and be prepared because you will be astonished and surprised of how many goat meat restaurants there are in Ninh Binh. This only is enough to explain the excessive popularity of goat meat here. Making a dish of goat meat is not extremely hard but how to cook it well is a different story. The meat must be rightly stewed with citronella until it is fairly undercooked. The meat will then be sliced and citronella after being stewed will be cut to pieces with ginger, chilli, sesame and lime leaves to make spices for the meat. Only by hearing is it tempting enough; trying it therefore, must be a great experience.

#4 - Sweet and Sour Anabas Soup (Canh Chua Cá Rô)

Despite being a quite common dish, sweet and sour anabas soup or broth is still a special dish that you may try when going to Ninh Binh. Fish is carefully stewed in the broth made of sour tomatoes and dracontomelum.

#5 - Eel Rice Vermicelli (Miến Lươn)

It may sound funny but I guess Ninh Binh makes quite a reputation for eel. Eel rice vermicelli is rumored as an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh. Although there are various kinds of eel dishes around the country, eel rice vermicelli of Ninh Binh is particularly savory for the broth is specially made of stewed bones. The sweetness of the broth delivered from the bones in mixture with simmered eel meat made from the own area’s recipe is the greatest flavour that one can add to the dish. The price for a dish of eel vermicelli can vary from regions but it usually takes from 30.000vnd to 35.000vnd for a common dish.

#6 - Roasted Field Crab With Wild Betal Leaves (Cua Đồng Rang Lá Lốt)

In spite of trying once or trying none, roasted field crab with wild betal leaf is a must-eat dish when we travel to Ninh Binh. It will definitely be a great waste if you skip out this absolutely mouth-watering dish. The crispiness of field crabs melting in mouth after bites in the combination with the special sweetness of betal leaves is just right to melt even the coldest hearts. The dish is especially suitable to enjoy with rice but in general, you can try it with anything that you like because I can ensure it will not disappoint you in any case.

#7 - Nauclea Orientalis cooked with Sauce and Fish (Cá Kho Gáo)

Here comes another strange dish from Ninh Binh that you will hardly refrain from trying, nauclea orientalis cooked with sauce and fish. May the name nauclea orientalis sound a little bit sophisticated, it actually in relation with mistletoe and can be easily found near the foot of the hills or streamlets. For its unique combination of flavour between light sour and sweetness, nauclea is widely used as an ingredient in sweet and sour broth like tamarind and dracontomelum. However, its flavour is still considered as best fit to cook with sauce and fish. In the making process and preparation, nauclea will be put at the bottom of the pot to completely add up its sweet smelling flavour to the fish meat. The finishing dish will be presented with slices of delicious fish meat with some green vegetables as the topping to stimulate appetite.

#8 - Nho Quan Ant Egg Sticky Rice (Xôi trứng kiến Nho Quan)

Ant egg, though sound not so tasty but it has distributed greatly to the well-known Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice. If Kim Sơn is famous for eel spring roll and Hoa Lư is famous for goat meat then Nho Quan has made its own name for the illustrious ant egg sticky rice. Sticky rice may be a common dish in Vietnam that you can easily find in every street and the ingredients can vary from green beans, black beans to durian but there has never been any kind made of ant eggs so far, expect for that of Nho Quan. Strange yet absolutely delicious, ant egg sticky rice is definitely an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh and is also very nutritious. This is also a rare dish because ant eggs only hatch in a specific season (usually in February according to the Lunar Calendar). Besides, processing and finding a strange ingredient like ant eggs are not easy. This explains why ant egg sticky rice is so unique and is “hunted” by many visitors both foreign and local in Ninh Binh.

As Ninh Binh surges in popularity with domestic and foreign tourists alike, the question of where to stay in Ninh Binh becomes one on everyone’s mind. To accommodate travelers coming from both the south and the north of Vietnam, hotels, hostels and homestays have begun to sprout up in this wonderful province. Ninh Binh is a destination bestowed with natural beauty and perfect harmony between many man-made creations like floating villages, pagodas and cathedrals. Here, we break down the accommodation options for the different attractions of the province and give you an idea of where to stay in Ninh Binh, depending on your budget.

Where to stay in Ninh Binh City

Being the hub of all travel throughout the province, Ninh Binh City has quite a selection of hotels, homestays and hostels for every type of traveller. Transport connections to all of the province’s sites can be accessed from here, making it the focal point of Ninh Binh accommodation.

Hotel

The Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh is a professional and family-run hotel in the heart of Ninh Binh City, offering pick-up services from, and tours to, several destinations. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and feature a huge list of amenities.

Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh - https://thevancouverhotel.com -  +84 (0)985 390 999

Hostel

Go Ninh Binh Hostel is the best choice for backpackers looking to save some dong. This hotel was renovated on an old train station and now offers spacious dorm rooms and private double rooms.

Go Ninh Binh Hostel -https://goninhbinhhostel.com  +84 30 387 1186

Where to stay in Tam Coc

If you feel like getting out of Ninh Binh City and into more rural surrounds, then maybe opting for a stay in Tam Coc is your best bet for accommodation in Ninh Binh. Tam Coc’s village and its grottoes comprise a much more idyllic atmosphere than Ninh Binh City, with cheap places to stay abounding amid the green and gold rice fields.

Hotel

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is not so much a ‘hidden charm’ as it is a gigantic imposing building on the side of the road towards Tam Coc from Ninh Binh. Nevertheless, rooms are very stylishly decorated and many feature wonderful views of the undulating Tam Coc scenery. 

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort - https://hiddencharmresort.com  - 0229 3888 555

Hostel

There are only a few hostels in Tam Coc and they all offer a very basic service at a very low price. Tam Coc Backpackers Hostel is about as low-thrills as the name suggests, but has everything you need for a good time in Tam Coc, such as a bar and a pool table. 

Homestay

La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay is an elegant accommodation option in the centre of Tam Coc, with some very charming features such as an expansive garden where dinner is held on warm nights. 

La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay - 0169 679 0173

Where to stay in Van Long Nature Reserve

Van Long Nature Reserve is a vast marshland where locals row boats for visitors to Ninh Binh who are maybe fatigued by the mass tourism in Tam Coc. The most peaceful solution to the question of where to stay in Ninh Binh is often Van Long.

Hotel

Quite possibly the stateliest example of Ninh Binh accommodation, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh is a stunning specimen of Vietnamese architecture, set on a lotus pond and encircled by tall limestone rocks. The level of service and quality of the amenities here is unbeatable, and this is reflected in its rather luxurious price tag of 2,800,000VND per night including breakfast.

Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh - https://www.emeraldaresort.com/ - 0229 3658 333

Homestay

Van Long Family Homestay is a simple but friendly accommodation option just down the road from Van Long Nature Reserve. The buildings are built entirely from, of all things, red bricks, lending a touch of home to the décor of the rooms. They provide a cheap, private option for your accommodation in Ninh Binh.

Van Long Family Homestay - 098 108 84 56

Where to stay in Cuc Phuong National Park

Cuc Phuong National Park is right on the fringes of Ninh Binh Province, but it is gradually seeing more and more interest as its beauty is uncovered to visitors. Accommodation options are very sparse around the park as most tours come from Ninh Binh City, but any independent travellers looking to spend the night surrounded by rugged wilderness should check out the options.

Hotel

The cottages of the Cuc Phuong Hotel are a bizarre mix of romantic straw-roofed huts and stately English manors. This adds much to the charm of this piece of Ninh Binh accommodation, along with its spa, gym swimming pool and location amongst the fertile trees of Cuc Phuong National Park.

Cuc Phuong Hotel - https://cucphuonghotel.com/ - 094 713 37 33

Guesthouse

The most rustic place to stay Ninh Binh, Bong Substation is a stilt house at the back of Cuc Phuong Park with a large, open lawn out the front for watching the stars. There is no electricity so you are provided with a candle as you check in and left to fall asleep under an orchestra of rainforest sounds.

Where to stay in Trang An

Just 5 minutes by car from Ninh Binh City, Trang An offers much more appealing surroundings than its neighbouring city and is situated on a river that is popular for boat tours. The beauty of Trang An is in its homestays that put you directly in touch with nature.

Homestay

It seems like everything at Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay is made of bamboo, which adds to the very natural feel of the place. Hammocks are situated on the decks for anyone wanting to relax with a view of Tam Coc’s rice fields stretching for miles around them.

Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay - 094 844 36 16

You can’t really get closer to the action than at Lotus Field Homestay, where stilt huts sit just above the water amongst the reeds. A wooden walkway connects the huts that lie at the foot of some vertical limestone peaks, while a view of Trang An waterway reaches out in front.

Lotus Field Homestay - +84 98 735 01 35

By Train

Ninh Binh's train station is just behind the bus station across the Van River from the post office. At least five trains a day stop en route to Hanoi and at least four stop heading south, taking around 3 hours. Seats to Hanoi range from 44,000 to 85,000VND. Fares vary depending on the class of train and seating.

By Bus

Buses take around 1.5 to 2 hours to/from Hanoi, depending on the type of bus and the route it takes. Allow 2 hours to be safe. From Hanoi, buses leave from Giap Bat (southern) bus station. As soon as you arrive you are likely to be accosted by someone asking if you want to go to Ninh Binh -- they are trying to get you on their bus and there's no harm in this, just make sure they take you to buy a ticket at the window in the ticket office (70,000VND) before getting on the bus.

Ninh Binh's bus station is located near the railway station, just across the bridge leading to Phat Diem, on the last section of Tran Hung Dao (Highway 1) going south towards Hue. Buses to all destinations are frequent and you'll rarely have to wait long. If you're not staying near the bus station, you can wait on the main road -- Tran Hung Dao -- and wave down a bus, but you may be stuck sitting on the floor.

Most buses to Hanoi terminate at Giap Bat bus station, although some go to My Dinh. Either is a bit of a trek from Hoan Kiem.

Fares to Hanoi range from 60,000 to 70,000VND. We heard news of a tourist bus that would pick up at hotels in Ninh Binh for around 120,000VND and drop off near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, but we didn't try it out (preferring the floor of an overcrowded bus of course).

Heading south, you may prefer to book onto an Open Tour bus to ensure you get a seat, as the next stop of particular interest is Dong Khoi, and that's 400 kilometres away. Hotels can help with this.