How to Get Around Nam Dinh by Bus: Your Budget-Friendly Guide to Ninh Binh Province

The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is a cultural and natural gem in the Red River Delta, offering historic sites like Tran Temple, serene Vi Xuyen Lake, and vibrant markets such as Chợ Rồng. For budget-conscious travelers, local buses provide an affordable, authentic way to explore Nam Dinh’s compact attractions, connecting key spots from the city center to rural areas like Hai Hau and Vu Ban. While not as fast as taxis or as flexible as motorbikes, buses offer a social, eco-friendly option to immerse yourself in local life. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, complements your bus journey with eco-conscious tours—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide on getting around Nam Dinh by bus, featuring updated routes, costs, safety tips, and sustainable travel insights for an unforgettable experience in Ninh Binh Province.

Local buses in Nam Dinh offer unique advantages:

• Affordability: Fares start at ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD), making it the cheapest transport option.

• Cultural Immersion: Share rides with locals, experiencing daily life and market bustle.

• Eco-Friendly: Buses reduce carbon emissions compared to private vehicles, aligning with sustainable travel goals.

• Accessibility: Connects Nam Dinh City to key sites like Vu Ban (Vieng Market) and Hai Hau (Thinh Long Beach).

• Group Travel: Ideal for teams, offering time to socialize during rides.

Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, enhance your bus experience with guided explorations. Book now to discover Nam Dinh with Legend Travel Group!

Following Vietnam’s administrative changes, the former Nam Dinh Province is now a ward within Ninh Binh Province, with Ninh Binh City as the provincial hub. The district level has been abolished, improving infrastructure and bus connectivity to Nam Dinh’s attractions. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring accurate navigation within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.

Nam Dinh’s local bus network, operated primarily by the Nam Dinh Transport Corporation, is a cost-effective way to travel within the region’s ~5–35 km radius, linking Nam Dinh City to rural wards like Giao Thuy, Hai Hau, and Vu Ban. Buses are basic, often non-air-conditioned, but reliable for short trips to attractions such as Tran Temple (~10 km) or Thinh Long Beach (~30 km). While wait times (15–30 minutes) and limited English signage can pose challenges, buses offer an authentic glimpse into local life. Recent infrastructure improvements have enhanced route reliability, making bus travel a viable option for eco-conscious explorers.

Below are the main bus routes for Nam Dinh’s top attractions, with updated fares, schedules, and travel times.

Nam Dinh City to Tran Temple (Tuc Mac Village)

• Distance: ~10 km.

• Travel Time: ~20–25 minutes.

• Fare: ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD/trip).

• Route: From Nam Dinh Bus Station (National Highway 10) via Highway 38B.

• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes (6:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• Highlights: Affordable access to a sacred Tran Dynasty site; 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.

• Tips: Board buses marked “Tuc Mac”; alight at Tran Temple stop; carry exact change.

Nam Dinh City to Vu Ban (Vieng Market/Phu Day Relic Complex)

• Distance: ~15 km.

• Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes.

• Fare: ~15,000 VND (~$0.60 USD/trip).

• Route: From Nam Dinh Bus Station via local roads to Vu Ban.

• Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes (6:00 AM–5:30 PM).

• Highlights: Ideal for festival season (lunar January 7–8); Phu Day’s UNESCO-recognized heritage, 4.5/5 stars.

• Tips: Check schedules for Vieng Market; buses may be crowded during festivals.

Nam Dinh City to Hai Hau (Thinh Long Beach)

• Distance: ~30 km.

• Travel Time: ~45–60 minutes.

• Fare: ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD/trip).

• Route: From Nam Dinh Bus Station via Highway 37B to Hai Hau.

• Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes (6:00 AM–5:00 PM).

• Highlights: Budget-friendly coastal access; 4.4/5 Tripadvisor rating.

• Tips: Alight at Hai Hau market; take a motorbike taxi (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD) to the beach (~5 km).

Nam Dinh City to Giao Thuy (Xuan Thuy National Park)

• Distance: ~35 km.

• Travel Time: ~60–75 minutes.

• Fare: ~40,000–50,000 VND (~$1.60–$2 USD/trip).

• Route: From Nam Dinh Bus Station via Route 21A to Giao Thuy.

• Frequency: Every 45–60 minutes (6:00 AM–4:30 PM).

• Highlights: UNESCO Ramsar site for birdwatching; 4.5/5 Vietnam Tourism rating.

• Tips: Board buses marked “Giao Thuy”; arrange a local guide for park tours (~200,000 VND, ~$8 USD).

Finding Bus Stations

• Main Hub: Nam Dinh Bus Station (National Highway 10, Nam Dinh City) is the primary departure point for all routes.

  • Amenities: Basic waiting area, ticket counters, nearby food stalls (~10,000–50,000 VND, ~$0.40–$2 USD for snacks).

  • Access: ~1 km from Nam Dinh Railway Station; taxi ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD) or walk ~15 minutes.

• Smaller Stops: Local stops like Tran Hung Dao or Minh Khai Streets in Nam Dinh City serve city routes; look for blue bus signs.

Buying Tickets

• Onboard: Pay cash directly to the conductor; fares are ~10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.40–$2 USD).

• At Stations: Purchase at Nam Dinh Bus Station counters for inter-district routes; no advance booking required.

• Tips:

  • Carry small VND notes (10,000–50,000); exact change preferred.

  • Confirm destinations with conductors, as signage may be in Vietnamese only.

Schedules and Frequency

• Operating Hours: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; rural routes may end earlier (~4:30–5:00 PM).

• Frequency: City routes every 15–20 minutes; inter-district routes every 30–60 minutes.

• Tips: Check schedules at Nam Dinh Bus Station or via local tourism offices; expect delays during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:00–6:00 PM).

Bus Types

• City Buses: Non-air-conditioned, basic seating; ideal for short trips (e.g., Vi Xuyen Park, ~2 km).

• Inter-District Buses: Slightly larger, some with AC; connect to Hai Hau or Giao Thuy.

• Amenities: Limited; no Wi-Fi or toilets; occasional rest stops on longer routes (~20–30 minutes).

A bus-based tour of Nam Dinh City and its surroundings is a budget-friendly way to explore key attractions. Here’s a sample half-day itinerary:

• 7:00 AM: Depart Nam Dinh Bus Station for Tran Temple (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD; 20 minutes). Explore the sacred site (~1 hour; ~30,000 VND, ~$1.20 USD entry).

• 9:00 AM: Bus to Vu Ban for Phu Day Relic Complex (~15,000 VND, ~$0.60 USD; 25 minutes). Visit the UNESCO-recognized temples (~1 hour; ~30,000 VND, ~$1.20 USD entry).

• 11:00 AM: Return to Nam Dinh City (~15,000 VND, ~$0.60 USD; 25 minutes). Walk to Vi Xuyen Park (free) or Chợ Rồng for lunch (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD for phở).

• Total Cost: ~120,000 VND (~$4.80 USD/person, excluding snacks).

Tips:

• Start early to avoid midday heat (25–35°C in summer).

• Carry a reusable water bottle and snacks; buses lack onboard amenities.

• Combine with Legend Travel Group’s guided tours for deeper insights.

• Budget Wisely: Expect ~10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.40–$2 USD/trip); total daily transport ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD).

• Safety:

  • Watch belongings in crowded buses, especially during festivals (lunar January–March).

  • Secure valuables in a money belt; pickpocketing is rare but possible.

  • Note emergency contacts: Police (113), Ambulance (115).

• Language: Limited English on buses; use a translation app or carry destination names in Vietnamese (e.g., “Chùa Trần” for Tran Temple).

• Weather Considerations:

  • Spring/Autumn (February–April, September–November): Mild (15–28°C), ideal for bus travel.

  • Summer (May–August): Hot, rainy (25–35°C); avoid peak heat (11:00 AM–3:00 PM); bring rain gear.

  • Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); comfortable but carry a light jacket.

• Sustainability: Buses reduce emissions; support local vendors at stops for snacks (~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD); use reusable items to minimize waste.

• Navigation:

  • Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) for stops; confirm routes with conductors.

  • Allow 15–30 minutes wait time; buses may depart early if full.

• Cultural Respect: Offer seats to elders; greet conductors with “xin chào” (hello); tip ~5,000 VND (~$0.20 USD) for helpful service.

• Challenges:

  • Wait Times: 15–30 minutes between buses; rural routes less frequent.

  • Crowding: Peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:00–6:00 PM) can be packed.

  • Language Barrier: Minimal English signage; conductors may not speak English.

  • Summer Heat: Non-AC buses can be uncomfortable (25–35°C).

• Alternatives:

  • Motorbikes: ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day) for flexibility; ideal for rural areas like Vi Khe.

  • Taxis: ~100,000–400,000 VND (~$4–$16 USD/trip) for comfort; book Mai Linh (+84 228 3838 383).

  • Bicycles: ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD/day) for eco-friendly city exploration; rent at homestays.

  • Walking: Free for Nam Dinh City center (e.g., Vi Xuyen Park, ~1 km).

Tip: For a hassle-free experience, combine bus travel with Legend Travel Group’s guided tours, which include eco-transfers and English-speaking guides.

Our sustainable tours complement bus travel with curated experiences:

• Cultural Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Bus transfers to Tran Temple, Phu Day, and Vi Xuyen Park; includes lunch and eco-friendly local transport.

• Street Food Adventure Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Bus to Chợ Rồng, guided tastings of phở bò and kem xôi; includes snacks and eco-transfers.

• Coastal Getaway Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Bus to Hai Hau, Thinh Long Beach visit, seafood dining; includes meals and eco-transfers.

• Ninh Binh Cultural Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Bus and bike transfers, Nam Dinh highlights, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night); includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, activities, and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) available. Book now via links around this page!

Exploring the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province by local bus is an affordable, eco-friendly way to immerse yourself in its cultural and natural wonders. From bustling Nam Dinh City to serene coastal beaches and historic temples, buses connect you to the region’s heart while keeping costs low. Despite wait times and language barriers, the authenticity of bus travel is unmatched. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours enhance your journey, offering guided insights and eco-conscious transfers for a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your bus-friendly exploration today!
Ready to explore Nam Dinh’s wonders by bus? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable Ninh Binh adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group