How to Travel from Hanoi to Nam Dinh Region: Ultimate Guide to Ninh Binh Province

The Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, is a captivating destination just 90–100 km south of Hanoi, offering a blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary delights. From the historic Tran Temple to the serene Thinh Long Beach and vibrant Vieng Market Festival, Nam Dinh is easily accessible via train, bus, or motorcycle. Each mode of transport provides a unique way to experience the Red River Delta’s scenic landscapes and vibrant communities. 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 traveling from Hanoi to Nam Dinh, including updated costs, schedules, booking tips, and sustainable travel options for an unforgettable Ninh Binh adventure.

The Nam Dinh region is a must-visit for its unique offerings:

• Cultural Riches: Explore Tran Temple and Phu Day Relic Complex, steeped in Tran Dynasty history.

• Culinary Delights: Savor iconic Nam Dinh phở, bánh xíu páo, and xôi xíu at local eateries.

• Natural Beauty: Discover Xuan Thuy National Park’s mangroves and Thinh Long’s beaches.

• Proximity to Hanoi: Just ~90–100 km, making it ideal for day trips or short getaways.

• Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s tours use low-impact transport and support local communities, aligning with Ninh Binh’s eco-tourism goals.

Our curated tours, displayed around this article, ensure a responsible and immersive experience. Book now to explore Nam Dinh with Legend Travel Group!

Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, 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 travel planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework. Due to the proximity (~90 km), direct flights from Hanoi are unavailable, but multiple ground transport options make the journey seamless.

The Nam Dinh region is ~90–100 km from Hanoi, accessible via well-maintained highways (National Highway 1A, 38B) and rail lines. Below are the primary transport options—train, bus/limousine, and motorcycle—with updated details to reach key sites like Tran Temple, Thinh Long Beach, or Xuan Thuy National Park.

By Train

The Reunification Express, operated by Vietnam Railways, offers a scenic and affordable journey from Hanoi to Nam Dinh Station, located in Nam Dinh City center.

• Distance: ~115 km (rail route).

• Travel Time: ~1.5–2.5 hours, depending on the train (e.g., SE5, SE7, SE19).

• Departure Point: Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).

• Arrival Point: Nam Dinh Railway Station (01 Hoang Hoa Tham, Thanh Binh, Nam Dinh).

• Frequency: 5–6 trains daily (6:00 AM–8:10 PM).

• Seat/Berth Types:

  • Hard Seat: ~75,000 VND (~$3 USD), non-air-conditioned.

  • Soft Seat: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD), air-conditioned.

  • Hard Berth (6 berths): ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD), air-conditioned.

  • Soft Berth (4 berths): ~250,000 VND (~$10 USD), air-conditioned.

• Amenities: Air-conditioned cabins (soft seat/berths), toilets, snack carts; luxury options like Livitrans (~300,000 VND, ~$12 USD) available.

• Booking:

  • Online via dsvn.vn, Baolau.com, or 12go.asia; e-tickets require exchange at the station.

  • In-person at Hanoi Railway Station or through Legend Travel Group for bundled tour packages.

  • Book 1–2 weeks in advance for peak seasons (lunar January–April, Tet).

• Transfer to Attractions:

  • Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD) to Tran Temple (~10 km, 15 minutes).

  • Motorbike Taxi: ~50,000 VND (~$2 USD) for short distances.

• Tips:

  • Choose soft seats for comfort; avoid hard seats for longer trips.

  • Arrive 30 minutes early; bring snacks, as onboard food is limited.

  • Check schedules on Baolau.com for delays (~15–30 minutes possible).

Costs

• Train Ticket: ~75,000–250,000 VND (~$3–$10 USD) one-way.

• Transfer: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD).

• Total: ~125,000–400,000 VND (~$5–$16 USD) one-way.

Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Train Cultural Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD) includes train tickets, transfers, and guided visits to Tran Temple.

By Bus/Limousine

Buses and limousine vans are the fastest and most convenient options, departing from Hanoi’s key stations to Nam Dinh City or nearby points.

• Distance: ~90–100 km.

• Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic and bus type.

• Departure Points in Hanoi:

  • Giap Bat Bus Station: 06 Giai Phong, Hanoi.

  • My Dinh Bus Station: 20 Pham Hung, Hanoi.

  • Nuoc Ngam Bus Station: 01 Ngoc Hoi, Hanoi.

  • Old Quarter: Some limousines offer hotel pick-up (e.g., Trang An Limousine).

• Arrival Points: Nam Dinh Bus Station (National Highway 10) or direct drop-offs at attractions.

• Bus Types:

  • Standard Coach: Air-conditioned, upright seats (~100,000–150,000 VND, ~$4–$6 USD).

  • Luxury Coach: Reclining seats, Wi-Fi (~150,000–200,000 VND, ~$6–$8 USD).

  • Limousine Van: VIP seating, spacious, amenities like chargers (~200,000–300,000 VND, ~$8–$12 USD).

• Frequency: Every 15–30 minutes, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Operators:

  • Phuc Loc Tho: Luxury limousines, reliable (~200,000–250,000 VND, ~$8–$10 USD).

  • Hoang Long: Modern coaches (~150,000 VND, ~$6 USD).

  • Duy Khang Limousine: VIP vans (~250,000–300,000 VND, ~$10–$12 USD).

  • Trang An Limousine: Hotel pick-up (~200,000–250,000 VND, ~$8–$10 USD).

• Amenities: Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi (luxury/limousine), water, rest stops (20–30 minutes).

• Booking:

  • Online via 12go.asia, Baolau.com, or Vexere.com; mobile tickets often accepted.

  • In-person at bus stations; arrive 30 minutes early.

  • Legend Travel Group for bundled tour packages.

  • Book 1–2 weeks in advance for limousines during festivals.

• Transfer to Attractions:

  • Taxi/Grab: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD) to Phu Day (~15 km).

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

• Tips:

  • Choose limousines (e.g., Trang An) for comfort and hotel pick-up.

  • Confirm drop-off points; some vans go directly to Tam Coc or Trang An.

  • Arrive 5–10 minutes early to secure seats.

Costs

• Bus Ticket: ~100,000–300,000 VND (~$4–$12 USD one-way).

• Transfer: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD).

• Total: ~150,000–450,000 VND (~$6–$18 USD one-way).

Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Limousine Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD) includes bus tickets, transfers, and Phở Cường dining.

By Motorcycle

Motorcycling offers adventure and flexibility for experienced riders, ideal for exploring Nam Dinh’s rural roads and coastal paths.

• Distance: ~90–100 km.

• Travel Time: ~2–3 hours, depending on speed (40–60 km/h) and stops.

• Route: National Highway 1A or 38B; well-paved but narrow in rural areas (e.g., Vi Khe).

• Rental Providers in Hanoi:

  • Tigit Motorbikes (135/1A Ly Tu Trong, Hanoi): ~150,000–250,000 VND (~$6–$10 USD/day); reliable scooters (Honda Airblade).

  • Rentabike Hanoi (5B Tong Duy Tan, Hanoi): ~120,000–200,000 VND (~$4.80–$8 USD/day); includes helmets.

  • Flamingo Travel (66 Dao Duy Tu, Hanoi): ~100,000–180,000 VND (~$4–$7.20 USD/day); no deposit for IDs.

• Rental Costs:

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

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

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

• Requirements:

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

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese A1 license for bikes >50cc; 50cc scooters often license-free but verify.

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

• Booking:

  • In-person at rental shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter; online via motorbike.vn.

  • Book 1–2 days in advance during peak seasons.

  • Legend Travel Group offers rentals with guided tours.

• Safety:

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

  • Avoid night riding; rural roads may lack lighting.

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

• Tips:

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

  • Stop at local eateries (e.g., Phở Cường, ~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD) en route.

  • Practice on quiet roads if new to riding.

Costs

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

• Fuel: ~30,000–50,000 VND (~$1.20–$2 USD).

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

• Total: ~135,000–315,000 VND (~$5–$13 USD one-way).

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

• Booking: Reserve train/bus tickets or motorcycles 1–2 weeks in advance for festivals (lunar January–March) via 12go.asia or Legend Travel Group.

• Packing: Bring small VND (10,000–50,000 VND) for vendors, reusable water bottle, light jacket (buses/trains can be cold), and rain gear (summer).

• Safety:

  • Secure valuables at bus/train stations; confirm bus details (license plate).

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

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

• Sustainability: Choose buses or trains to reduce emissions; Legend Travel Group’s tours use bicycles/electric vehicles for local transfers.

• Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for travel; use offline maps (Maps.me) for rural routes to Vi Khe or Giao Thuy. Combine with dining (e.g., bánh mì chân cầu) for efficiency.

• Weather:

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

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

  • Winter (December–January): Cool (10–20°C); comfortable for train/bus travel.

• Train:

  • Ticket: ~75,000–250,000 VND (~$3–$10 USD).

  • Transfer: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD).

  • Total: ~125,000–400,000 VND (~$5–$16 USD one-way).

• Bus/Limousine:

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

  • Transfer: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD).

  • Total: ~150,000–450,000 VND (~$6–$18 USD one-way).

• Motorcycle:

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

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

  • Total: ~135,000–315,000 VND (~$5–$13 USD one-way).

• Dining: Street food (phở, bánh nhãn): ~15,000–160,000 VND (~$0.60–$6.40 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).

Our sustainable tours combine transport with immersive experiences:

• Train Cultural Tour (~1,500,000 VND, ~$60 USD/person): Train to Nam Dinh, Tran Temple, Phu Day, phở tasting. Includes tickets and lunch.

• Limousine Foodie Tour (~1,250,000 VND, ~$50 USD/person): Limousine to Nam Dinh, Phở Cường, bánh mì chân cầu, local markets. Includes transfers and snacks.

• Motorcycle Adventure Tour (~1,750,000 VND, ~$70 USD/person): Motorcycle rental, Xuan Thuy National Park, Thinh Long Beach. Includes guides and meals.

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

Traveling from Hanoi to the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province is a breeze with trains, buses, or motorcycles, each offering a unique perspective on Vietnam’s Red River Delta. Whether you prefer the scenic train ride, the comfort of a limousine bus, or the freedom of a motorcycle, you’ll arrive ready to explore Nam Dinh’s temples, beaches, and cuisine. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours ensure a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience that’s eco-conscious, enriching, and supports local communities while preserving Ninh Binh’s heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh adventure today!
Ready to travel from Hanoi to Nam Dinh in Ninh Binh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey!

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.