How to Get Around Nam Dinh Region: Your Ultimate Transportation Guide for Ninh Binh Province

The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is a vibrant destination in the Red River Delta, offering a rich tapestry of cultural landmarks, serene landscapes, and culinary delights. From the historic Tran Temple to the tranquil Vi Xuyen Lake and coastal Thinh Long Beach, navigating Nam Dinh’s compact yet diverse attractions requires a reliable transportation plan. Unlike Hanoi’s bustling ride-hailing scene, Nam Dinh relies on traditional options like motorbikes, taxis, and bicycles, each providing unique ways to explore its charm. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to enhance your journey—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive guide on getting around Nam Dinh, including updated transportation options, costs, safety tips, and sustainable travel insights for an unforgettable experience in Ninh Binh Province.

Nam Dinh’s transportation options cater to various travel styles:

• Flexibility: Motorbikes and bicycles allow you to navigate narrow village paths to sites like Vi Khe Bonsai Village.

• Convenience: Taxis and private cars offer quick, comfortable travel to attractions like Xuan Thuy National Park.

• Cultural Immersion: Walking or cycling through Nam Dinh City markets connects you with local life.

• Affordability: Options like buses and bike rentals start at ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD), making exploration budget-friendly.

• Sustainable Travel: Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours use bicycles and low-impact vehicles, supporting Ninh Binh’s eco-tourism goals.

Our curated tours, displayed around this article, ensure a seamless and responsible journey. 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, improving infrastructure and 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 compact size (~5–35 km between major sites) and well-maintained roads make it easy to explore using various transport modes. Below are the primary options, with updated costs, providers, and tips for navigating key attractions like Tran Temple, Thinh Long Beach, and Vieng Market.

1. By Motorbike

Motorbikes are the most flexible way to explore Nam Dinh’s rural paths and coastal roads, ideal for independent travelers.

• Cost:

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

  • Fuel: ~30,000–50,000 VND (~$1.20–$2 USD/day) at Petrolimex stations (~25,000 VND/liter, ~$1 USD).

• Rental Providers:

  • Huong Duong Motorbike Rental (58 Alley 104 Le Thai To, Ninh Binh City, ~20 km from Nam Dinh): ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD/day); free delivery, includes helmets.

    • Contact: +84 914 793 589.

  • Dung Manh Motorbike Rental (Tuan Cao Hamlet, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu): ~120,000–180,000 VND (~$4.80–$7.20 USD/day); no deposit required.

  • Anh Hoang Motorbike Rental (Tam Coc, ~30 km from Nam Dinh): ~100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD/day); new bikes.

• Requirements:

  • Passport/ID or deposit (~500,000 VND, ~$20 USD).

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese A1 license for bikes >50cc; 50cc scooters often don’t require a license, but verify with police.

• 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.

• Safety Tips:

  • Wear helmets (mandatory, included); full-face helmets recommended.

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

  • Check brakes/tires; fines for unlicensed riding ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD).

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

• Highlights: “Perfect for rural exploration” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars).

• Tips:

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

  • Use Maps.me for offline navigation; carry raincoats for summer (May–August).

  • Practice in quiet areas if new to riding; refuel at Petrolimex stations.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Motorcycle Adventure Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD) includes rentals, guided rides to Xuan Thuy, and eco-transfers.

2. By Bus

Local buses are an affordable, social way to travel, connecting Nam Dinh City to nearby attractions, though less frequent than in Hanoi.

• Cost:

  • City buses: ~10,000–20,000 VND (~$0.40–$0.80 USD/trip).

  • Inter-district buses (e.g., Nam Dinh City to Hai Hau): ~20,000–50,000 VND (~$0.80–$2 USD/trip).

• Providers:

  • Nam Dinh Transport Corporation: Operates city and inter-district routes from Nam Dinh Bus Station (National Highway 10).

  • Key routes: Nam Dinh City to Vu Ban (Vieng Market, ~15 km), Giao Thuy (Xuan Thuy, ~35 km).

• Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes (6:00 AM–6:00 PM); less frequent to rural areas.

• Amenities: Basic, non-air-conditioned; some newer buses have AC.

• Key Stops:

  • Tran Temple: ~10 km, ~20 minutes, ~10,000 VND (~$0.40 USD).

  • Hai Hau (Thinh Long Beach): ~30 km, ~45 minutes, ~30,000 VND (~$1.20 USD).

• Highlights: “Budget-friendly and social” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.2/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Arrive early at Nam Dinh Bus Station; buses may depart when full.

  • Carry small VND (10,000–20,000) for fares; no cards accepted.

  • Avoid peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM, 4:00–6:00 PM) for less crowding.

  • Watch belongings in crowded buses; summer heat (25–35°C) can be uncomfortable.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Explorer Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes bus transfers to Tran Temple and eco-friendly local transport.

3. By Taxi

Taxis provide the fastest, most convenient option for short trips or day tours, ideal for families or those prioritizing comfort.

• Cost:

  • Base fare: ~12,000–15,000 VND (~$0.48–$0.60 USD); ~20,000–30,000 VND/km (~$0.80–$1.20 USD/km).

  • Sample fares:

    • Nam Dinh City to Tran Temple (~10 km): ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD).

    • Nam Dinh City to Thinh Long Beach (~30 km): ~300,000–400,000 VND (~$12–$16 USD).

  • Full-day rental: ~800,000–1,200,000 VND (~$32–$48 USD/day).

• Providers:

  • Mai Linh Taxi: Reliable, metered, some English-speaking drivers; book via app or phone (+84 228 3838 383).

  • Thanh Hung Taxi: Local, budget-friendly; call +84 228 3868 686.

  • Grab: Limited availability in Nam Dinh City; more common in Ninh Binh City (~20 km away).

• Availability: 24/7 at Nam Dinh Bus Station, train station, or via phone/app; pre-book for rural areas.

• Highlights: “Quick and comfortable” (Tripadvisor, 4.4/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Confirm metered fares; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

  • Use Mai Linh for English support; carry destination addresses in Vietnamese.

  • Book full-day taxis for multi-site tours (e.g., Tran Temple, Vi Khe, ~400,000 VND, ~$16 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Private Cultural Tour (~2,000,000 VND, ~$80 USD) includes taxi transfers, guided visits to Phu Day, and eco-friendly options.

4. By Bicycle

Cycling is an eco-friendly, immersive way to explore Nam Dinh’s flat terrain, ideal for short distances and rural areas.

• Cost:

  • Rental: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day).

  • Guided bike tours: ~100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD/half-day).

• Rental Providers:

  • Ninh Binh Bike Tour (Tam Coc, ~30 km from Nam Dinh): ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD/day); guided tours available.

  • Homestays/Hotels (e.g., Giao Thuy Eco-Homestay, ~35 km): ~50,000–80,000 VND (~$2–$3.20 USD/day).

  • Local Shops (Nam Dinh City, Minh Khai Street): ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD/day).

• Key Routes:

  • Nam Dinh City to Vi Xuyen Park: ~2 km, 10–15 minutes.

  • Nam Dinh City to Vi Khe Bonsai Village: ~15 km, 45–60 minutes.

• Highlights: “Eco-friendly and scenic” (Vietnam Tourism, 4.3/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Rent from homestays for quality bikes; check tires and brakes.

  • Cycle in spring/autumn (15–28°C) for comfort; avoid summer heat (25–35°C).

  • Use Maps.me; stick to paved paths for safety; carry water.

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Eco-Bike Village Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bike rentals, Vi Khe visits, and eco-transfers.

5. By Walking

Walking is a free, immersive option for exploring Nam Dinh City’s compact center, ideal for short distances and markets.

• Cost: Free; snacks at markets ~10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.40–$2 USD).

• Key Areas:

  • Nam Dinh City Center: Tran Hung Dao, Minh Khai, and Chợ Rồng market (~1–2 km radius).

  • Vi Xuyen Park: Central, walkable from train station (~1 km).

• Highlights: “Intimate and cultural” (Tripadvisor, 4.2/5 stars).

• Tips:

  • Walk morning (6:00–9:00 AM) or evening (6:00–9:00 PM) to avoid heat.

  • Wear comfortable shoes; watch for motorbikes on narrow streets.

  • Visit Chợ Rồng for street food (e.g., bánh mì Ba Lan, ~10,000 VND, ~$0.40 USD).

• Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s City Walking Tour (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD) includes guided market strolls and eco-friendly local transfers.

• Motorbike:

  • Rental: ~100,000–250,000 VND (~$4–$10 USD/day).

  • Fuel/Parking: ~35,000–65,000 VND (~$1.40–$2.60 USD/day).

• Bus: ~10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.40–$2 USD/trip).

• Taxi:

  • Short trips: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD).

  • Full-day: ~800,000–1,200,000 VND (~$32–$48 USD).

• Bicycle: ~50,000–100,000 VND (~$2–$4 USD/day); guided tours ~100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–$8 USD).

• Walking: Free; snacks ~10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.40–$2 USD).

• Dining: Street food (phở, kem xôi): ~15,000–80,000 VND (~$0.60–$3.20 USD); restaurants: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD).

• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses: ~300,000–600,000 VND (~$12–$24 USD/night); mid-range hotels: ~800,000–1,500,000 VND (~$32–$60 USD).

• 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 small vendors; ATMs in Nam Dinh City (Vietcombank, Agribank); book tours for eco-transfers and savings.

• Plan Ahead: Book transport or tours 1–2 weeks in advance, especially during festivals (lunar January–March), via Legend Travel Group or Baolau.com (+84 938 123 456).

• Safety:

  • Secure valuables in crowded areas (e.g., Chợ Rồng); use hotel safes.

  • For motorbikes, carry IDP; avoid heavy rain (July–August).

  • Emergency contacts: Police (113), Ambulance (115).

• Sustainability: Choose bicycles or walking to reduce emissions; Legend Travel Group’s tours use eco-friendly vehicles.

• Navigation: Allow 15–60 minutes per trip; use Maps.me for offline routes; combine sites (e.g., Tran Temple and Vi Xuyen Park) for efficiency.

• Weather:

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

  • Summer (May–August): Hot, rainy (25–35°C); carry raincoats for motorbikes.

  • Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); comfortable for taxis or buses.

• Cultural Respect: Greet drivers/vendors with “xin chào” (hello); tip ~5,000–25,000 VND (~$0.20–$1 USD) for great service.

Our sustainable tours combine transport with immersive experiences:

• Tran Heritage Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Taxi transfers, Tran Temple, Phu Day, phở tasting. Includes English-speaking guides and lunch.

• Eco-Bike Village Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Bicycle rentals, Vi Khe Bonsai Village, local markets. Includes snacks and eco-transfers.

• Coastal Getaway Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Motorbike or taxi to Thinh Long Beach, seafood dining, Hai Hau markets. Includes meals and transfers.

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

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

Getting around the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province is a breeze with diverse options like motorbikes, taxis, buses, bicycles, and walking, each offering unique ways to explore its cultural and natural treasures. Whether cruising to Thinh Long Beach or cycling through Vi Khe, Nam Dinh’s transport choices cater to every traveler. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours ensure a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience, supporting local communities and preserving Ninh Binh’s heritage. Plan your journey now—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh adventure today!
Ready to get around Nam Dinh’s vibrant attractions? Reserve your eco-friendly 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, 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. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group.