How to Get Around Nam Dinh Region by Motorcycle: Your Guide to Exploring Ninh Binh Province

Exploring the Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is an exhilarating experience best enjoyed on a motorcycle. This vibrant region, nestled in the Red River Delta, boasts cultural landmarks like Tran Temple, serene Thinh Long Beach, and the biodiverse Xuan Thuy National Park. Unlike Hanoi’s bustling ride-hailing scene, Nam Dinh offers a more traditional approach with affordable motorcycle rentals, granting you the freedom to discover its attractions at your own pace. Whether weaving through rice paddies or cruising to coastal eateries, a motorcycle unlocks Nam Dinh’s charm. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, provides eco-friendly tours to enhance your journey—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide on getting around Nam Dinh by motorcycle, including updated rental details, costs, safety tips, and sustainable travel options for an unforgettable Ninh Binh adventure.

Motorcycling in Nam Dinh offers unique advantages for travelers:

• Freedom and Flexibility: Navigate narrow village paths and reach remote sites like Vi Khe Bonsai Village without relying on tour buses.

• Scenic Immersion: Ride through lush rice paddies, coastal roads, and limestone landscapes, soaking in Nam Dinh’s natural beauty.

• Affordability: Motorcycle rentals start at ~100,000 VND (~$4 USD/day), a cost-effective alternative to taxis or private cars.

• Cultural Connection: Stop at local markets or street food stalls like those on Dong A Street for authentic experiences.

• Sustainable Travel: Motorcycles reduce emissions compared to cars; Legend Travel Group’s tours promote eco-conscious exploration.

Our sustainable tours, displayed around this article, ensure a seamless and responsible adventure. Book now to explore 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, enhancing infrastructure and access to Nam Dinh’s attractions. This guide refers to the Nam Dinh region, ensuring accurate navigation within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.

Motorcycle travel is ideal for exploring Nam Dinh’s compact yet diverse region, covering key attractions within 5–30 km of Nam Dinh City. Below are the essentials for renting, riding, and navigating safely, with updated costs and tips.

Motorcycle Rental Overview

• Rental Costs:

  • Manual Motorcycles (e.g., Honda Win, Yamaha Sirius): ~100,000–120,000 VND (~$4–$4.80 USD/day).

  • Automatic Scooters (e.g., Yamaha Nouvo, Honda Airblade): ~120,000–180,000 VND (~$4.80–$7.20 USD/day).

  • Premium/Adventure Bikes: ~200,000–250,000 VND (~$8–$10 USD/day).

  • Discounts for multi-day rentals (3+ days) often apply; prices may rise during festivals (lunar January–March).

• Inclusions:

  • Typically includes 1–2 liters of fuel, two helmets, and basic documentation.

  • Some providers (e.g., Huong Duong) offer raincoats or repair tools.

• Rental Duration: Daily (24 hours), hourly (~20,000–50,000 VND, ~$0.80–$2 USD/hour), or multi-day rentals available.

• Requirements:

  • Valid ID (passport, national ID) or deposit (~500,000 VND, ~$20 USD); some shops like Anh Hoang require no cash deposit.

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese A1 license for bikes over 50cc; 50cc scooters often don’t require a license but check local regulations.

• Insurance: Not typically included; confirm with providers or consider personal travel insurance for motorcycle coverage.

Top Motorcycle Rental Providers in Nam Dinh Region

Based on recent reviews and local expertise, here are trusted rental shops in or near Nam Dinh:

• Huong Duong Motorbike Rental:

  • Location: 58 Alley 104 Le Thai To, Tan Thinh, Ninh Binh City (~20 km from Nam Dinh center).

  • Cost: ~80,000–150,000 VND (~$3.20–$6 USD/day).

  • Features: New bikes, free delivery to Ninh Binh City or Nam Dinh attractions, includes fuel and helmets.

  • Highlights: “Reliable, friendly service” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars).

• Dung Manh Motorbike Rental:

  • Location: Tuan Cao Hamlet, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu (~25 km from Nam Dinh center).

  • Cost: ~100,000–180,000 VND (~$4–$7.20 USD/day).

  • Features: Well-maintained bikes, no deposit required, enthusiastic owner Mr. Manh offers local tips.

  • Highlights: “Top-notch customer service” (Vietnam.vn, 4.7/5 stars).

• Viet Dung Motorbike Rental:

  • Location: 64, 27/7 Street, Ngoc Ha Quarter, Nam Binh, Ninh Binh City (~20 km from Nam Dinh).

  • Cost: ~80,000–150,000 VND (~$3.20–$6 USD/day).

  • Features: Large fleet of scooters, ideal for Tam Coc and Nam Dinh routes, no deposit for IDs.

  • Highlights: “Convenient for tourists” (Gtrip.vn, 4.6/5 stars).

• Anh Hoang Motorbike Rental:

  • Location: Tam Coc, Ninh Binh (~30 km from Nam Dinh center).

  • Cost: ~100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD/day).

  • Features: No cash deposit, new bikes, supports delivery to Nam Dinh.

  • Highlights: “Hassle-free rentals” (Haiphongtours.com, 4.5/5 stars).

Tip: Rent from homestays or hotels in Nam Dinh City for convenience and reliability; many offer bikes at ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/day). Contact providers via WhatsApp or phone (e.g., +84 914 793 589 for Ninh Binh Motorcycle).

Booking Your Motorcycle

• Online: Use platforms like Vexere.com, Baolau.com, or motorbike.vn for pre-booking; some shops (e.g., Tra My) offer instant confirmation via WhatsApp.

• In-Person: Visit rental shops in Nam Dinh City or Ninh Binh City; arrive early (7:00–9:00 AM) to secure newer models.

• Travel Agencies: Legend Travel Group bundles motorcycle rentals with guided tours for hassle-free planning.

• Process:

  • Present ID or passport; some shops accept flight tickets as collateral.

  • Inspect bike for damage (brakes, tires, mirrors); take photos before riding.

  • Sign a contract (~10–15 minutes); confirm return time to avoid extra fees.

• Tips:

  • Book 1–2 days in advance during festivals (lunar January–March).

  • Test-ride the bike to ensure comfort, especially for longer trips to Xuan Thuy (~30 km).

Navigating Nam Dinh by Motorcycle

• Key Routes:

  • Nam Dinh City to Tran Temple: ~10 km, 15–20 minutes via Highway 38B.

  • Nam Dinh City to Thinh Long Beach: ~30 km, 30–45 minutes via Highway 37B.

  • Nam Dinh City to Xuan Thuy National Park: ~35 km, 45–60 minutes via Route 21A.

  • Nam Dinh City to Vi Khe Bonsai Village: ~15 km, 20–30 minutes via local roads.

• Road Conditions:

  • Well-paved highways (38B, 37B) connect major sites; rural roads to Vi Khe or Giao Thuy may be narrower but manageable.

  • Light traffic compared to Hanoi, but watch for pedestrians and livestock in villages.

• Navigation Tools: Use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) or Google Maps with a Viettel/Mobifone SIM (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD for 4G).

• Parking: Available at attractions (~5,000–15,000 VND, ~$0.20–$0.60 USD/motorbike); secure bikes at busy markets like Vu Ban.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Travel

• Licensing:

  • Carry an IDP or Vietnamese A1 license for bikes over 50cc; 50cc scooters (e.g., Yamaha Nouvo) often don’t require a license but verify with police.

  • Police checks are rare but possible; fines for unlicensed riding ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD).

• Equipment:

  • Wear helmets (mandatory, provided with rentals); use full-face helmets for safety.

  • Bring reflective raincoats for summer rains (May–August); some shops include them.

• Riding Tips:

  • Drive cautiously (max 40–60 km/h); rural roads may have potholes or gravel.

  • Avoid night riding due to poor lighting; stick to daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM).

  • Keep right and signal early; watch for sudden stops by other vehicles.

• Breakdowns:

  • Contact rental providers (e.g., Dung Manh: +84 914 793 589) for roadside assistance.

  • Basic repair tools often included; local mechanics charge ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD) for minor fixes.

• Insurance: Check if your travel insurance covers motorcycle accidents; rental shops rarely include coverage.

• Tips:

  • Practice riding in quiet areas (e.g., near homestays) if new to scooters.

  • Refuel at Petrolimex stations (~25,000 VND/liter, ~$1 USD); 1–2 liters suffice for a day’s ride.

• Motorcycle Rental:

  • Manual: ~100,000–120,000 VND (~$4–$4.80 USD/day).

  • Automatic: ~120,000–180,000 VND (~$4.80–$7.20 USD/day).

  • Premium: ~200,000–250,000 VND (~$8–$10 USD/day).

• Fuel: ~30,000–50,000 VND (~$1.20–$2 USD/day) for 50–100 km.

• Parking: ~5,000–15,000 VND (~$0.20–$0.60 USD/site).

• Dining:

  • Street food (phở, bánh mì): ~15,000–80,000 VND (~$0.60–$3.20 USD).

  • Restaurants: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD/meal).

• Attractions:

  • Tran Temple/Phu Day: ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD/entry).

  • Xuan Thuy National Park: ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD); boat tours ~1,200,000 VND (~$48 USD).

• Accommodation:

  • Budget guesthouses/homestays: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night).

  • Mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD).

  • Luxury resorts: ~3,000,000 VND (~$120 USD) and up.

• Total Daily Cost: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).

• Tip: Carry VND for rentals and fuel; ATMs in Nam Dinh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for eco-transfers and savings.

Our sustainable tours combine motorcycle travel with immersive Nam Dinh experiences:

• Cultural Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Motorcycle rental, Tran Temple, Phu Day Relic Complex, phở tasting. Includes eco-transfers and lunch.

• Birdwatching Eco-Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Motorcycle to Xuan Thuy National Park, guided birdwatching, mangrove boat trip. Includes transfers and snacks.

• Foodie Coastal Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Motorcycle to Thinh Long Beach, seafood dining, bánh nhãn tasting. Includes transfers and meals.

• Ninh Binh Motorcycle Odyssey (~8,500,000–13,500,000 VND, ~$340–$540 USD/person, 3–4 days): Motorcycle rentals, Nam Dinh highlights, Trang An, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include motorcycle rentals, 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 motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom to discover its cultural, natural, and culinary treasures. With affordable rentals, reliable providers, and well-maintained roads, you can navigate from historic temples to coastal beaches with ease. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours enhance your adventure, combining eco-friendly transport with guided experiences while supporting local communities and ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel journey. Start your adventure now—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh motorcycle adventure today!
Ready to explore Nam Dinh’s treasures in Ninh Binh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 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