Discover how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province by train or bus. Explore schedules, costs, travel times, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic Vietnamese adventure.
Capture the historic charm of Ninh Binh’s rail journey (Source: Internet)Traveling from the vibrant urban hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the culturally rich Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province, offers a journey through Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and heritage. While flights are the fastest option, trains and buses provide a scenic, immersive experience, connecting you to the heart of the Red River Delta. Whether you’re drawn to Nam Dinh’s iconic phở, historic Tran Temple, or tranquil Thinh Long Beach, this guide details how to travel by train or bus, including updated schedules, costs, and travel tips. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to enhance your journey—book via links throughout this guide. Start planning your trip to Nam Dinh with our comprehensive travel guide!
Choosing train or bus travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region offers unique benefits:
Scenic Journey: Traverse Vietnam’s countryside, passing rice paddies, rivers, and coastal vistas, especially on the Reunification Express train route.
Cultural Immersion: Stop at cities like Hue or Da Nang, or engage with locals at bus rest stops, for a deeper Vietnamese experience.
Affordability: Trains and buses are budget-friendly compared to flights, with options for all comfort levels.
Sustainable Travel: Legend Travel Group’s tours use low-impact transport and support local communities, aligning with eco-conscious travel.
Flexibility: Open-tour buses allow stops at multiple destinations, ideal for exploring en route.
Our curated tours, displayed around this article, ensure a seamless, responsible journey. Book now to explore Nam Dinh sustainably
How to go to Nam Dinh City from Ho Chi Minh City by Train or Bus? (Source: Internet)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.
Start your Ninh Binh Travel with scenic serenity (Source: Internet)The Nam Dinh region is approximately 1,300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with no direct airport. Trains and buses travel to Nam Dinh or nearby Ninh Binh City, followed by a short transfer (15–20 km) to Nam Dinh sites like Tran Temple or Thinh Long Beach. Below are detailed options for train and bus travel, including schedules, costs, and travel times.
The Reunification Express, operated by Vietnam Railways, is a popular and scenic way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Station) to Nam Dinh Station, covering ~1,300 km in 32–35 hours. Trains offer a range of seating and sleeping options, making overnight journeys comfortable.
Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Station) to Nam Dinh Station.
Distance: ~1,300 km.
Travel Time: 32 hours 4 minutes–35 hours 5 minutes, depending on the train (e.g., SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8).
Frequency: 4–5 trains daily (e.g., SE2 at 7:30 PM, SE4 at 8:30 PM, SE6 at 6:00 AM, SE8 at 9:00 AM).
Seat/Berth Types:
Hard Seat: Basic, non-air-conditioned (~750,000 VND, ~$30 USD).
Soft Seat: Air-conditioned, cushioned (~900,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$36–$48 USD).
Hard Berth (6 berths/cabin): Air-conditioned, basic bedding (~1,500,000–1,800,000 VND, ~$60–$72 USD).
Soft Berth (4 berths/cabin): Air-conditioned, more comfortable (~1,800,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$72–$80 USD).
Amenities: Air-conditioned cabins (soft seat and berths), toilets, snack carts; private operators (e.g., Livitrans Express) offer luxury cabins (~2,500,000 VND, ~$100 USD).
Booking:
Online via Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn), Baolau.com, or 12go.asia; e-tickets must be exchanged for physical tickets at the station.
At Saigon Station (1 Nguyen Thong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City) or through travel agencies like Legend Travel Group.
Book 2–3 weeks in advance for soft berths, especially during Tet (January–February) or holidays.
Luggage: 20 kg limit for adults, 10 kg for children; secure bags under seats or on racks.
Tips:
Choose soft berths for overnight comfort; avoid hard seats for long journeys.
Bring snacks, as onboard food is limited; pack earplugs for noise.
Check schedules on Baolau.com, as delays (1–2 hours) are common.
Train Ticket: ~750,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD) one-way, depending on seat/berth type.
Transfer to Nam Dinh Region: Taxi/Grab from Nam Dinh Station to sites (~100,000–150,000 VND, ~$4–$6 USD, 15–20 minutes).
Total Cost: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 USD) one-way.
SE2 Train: Departs Saigon at 7:30 PM, arrives Nam Dinh at ~3:34 AM (32 hours 4 minutes).
SE8 Train: Departs Saigon at 9:00 AM, arrives Nam Dinh at ~8:05 PM next day (35 hours 5 minutes).
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Train Adventure Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes train tickets, transfers, and guided Nam Dinh exploration.
Bus travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region is a budget-friendly option, taking 39–42 hours with transfers in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. Open-tour buses allow stops at cities like Nha Trang, Hue, or Da Nang, ideal for multi-destination trips.
Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi or Ninh Binh, then transfer to Nam Dinh region.
Direct Route: Ho Chi Minh City to Nam Dinh (via Hanoi, ~39–40 hours).
Open-Tour Route: Stop at cities en route (e.g., Da Nang, Hue), extending travel time to 42+ hours.
Distance: ~1,300 km (direct); up to 1,400 km with stops.
Travel Time:
Direct: ~39 hours 20 minutes (including transfers).
Open-tour: 42–48 hours, depending on stops.
Bus Types:
Standard Bus: Upright seats, air-conditioned (~850,000 VND, ~$34 USD).
Sleeper Bus: Reclining beds, air-conditioned, toilets (~900,000–1,000,000 VND, ~$36–$40 USD).
VIP Sleeper: More spacious beds, amenities like chargers (~1,000,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$40–$48 USD).
Frequency: Multiple daily departures from Mien Dong Bus Station (Ho Chi Minh City).
Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), Mai Linh Express, Hoang Long; book via 12go.asia or Baolau.com.
Booking:
Online via 12go.asia, Baolau.com, or operator websites.
At Mien Dong Bus Station (292 Dinh Bo Linh, Binh Thanh District) or through travel agencies.
Book 1–2 weeks in advance for peak seasons (Tet, holidays).
Amenities: Air-conditioning, reclining seats/beds, toilets (sleeper buses), occasional rest stops for meals (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD).
Tips:
Choose sleeper buses for comfort; VIP options offer more space.
Bring a blanket, as air-conditioning can be cold; pack snacks for long stretches.
Confirm transfer points (Hanoi’s Giap Bat or Ninh Binh) to avoid confusion.
Bus Ticket: ~850,000–1,200,000 VND (~$34–$48 USD) one-way, depending on bus type.
Transfer to Nam Dinh Region:
From Hanoi (Giap Bat): Bus to Nam Dinh (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD, 1.5 hours) or taxi (~600,000 VND, ~$24 USD, 1–1.5 hours).
From Ninh Binh: Taxi/Grab (~100,000–150,000 VND, ~$4–$6 USD, 20–30 minutes).
Total Cost: ~950,000–1,950,000 VND (~$38–$78 USD) one-way.
Direct Bus: Departs Mien Dong at 6:00 PM, arrives Hanoi (Giap Bat) ~9:00 AM (39 hours), then bus/taxi to Nam Dinh (~1.5 hours).
Open-Tour Bus: Departs Mien Dong at 7:00 PM, stops in Da Nang (~20 hours), Hue (~24 hours), arrives Hanoi (~39 hours), then transfer to Nam Dinh.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Open-Tour Bus Adventure (~4,000,000 VND, ~$160 USD) includes multi-city stops, transfers, and guided Nam Dinh tours.
Learn Ninh Binh’s heritage with expert insights (Source: Internet)Legend Travel Group specializes in sustainable tourism, offering tailored tours that blend convenience with cultural immersion. Our Nam Dinh region tours include:
Eco-Friendly Transport: Bicycles or electric vehicles for local transfers, supporting Ninh Binh’s “Eco-Tourism Development” initiative.
Local Expertise: Guides share insights into Nam Dinh’s history, cuisine, and festivals.
All-Inclusive Packages: Train/bus tickets, transfers, and activities bundled for ease and savings.
Community Support: Partnerships with local vendors and artisans preserve Ninh Binh’s heritage.
Browse our tour options displayed on this page and book today to explore the Nam Dinh region responsibly!
Capture the authentic charm of Ninh Binh’s wonders (Source: Internet)Book Early: Reserve tickets 2–3 weeks in advance for peak seasons (January–April, Tet); use Baolau.com or 12go.asia for convenience.
Pack Smart: Bring snacks, a reusable water bottle, blanket (for buses), earplugs, and small cash (VND) for vendors.
Check Schedules: Train delays (1–2 hours) are common; confirm times on Vietnam Railways (dsvn.vn) or Baolau.com. Bus schedules vary, so verify transfer points.
Luggage: Trains allow 20 kg/adult, 10 kg/child; buses have undercarriage storage but secure valuables.
Comfort: Choose soft berths (trains) or VIP sleeper buses for long journeys; avoid hard seats for 30+ hours.
Sustainability: Opt for Legend Travel Group’s tours to reduce your carbon footprint; support local eateries during stops.
Safety: Keep valuables secure; confirm taxi fares (~12,000–15,000 VND/km); avoid late-night arrivals in unfamiliar areas.
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for transfers; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) for rural Nam Dinh routes.
Train:
Ticket: ~750,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD).
Transfer: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD).
Total: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 USD) one-way.
Bus:
Ticket: ~850,000–1,200,000 VND (~$34–$48 USD).
Transfer: ~100,000–600,000 VND (~$4–$24 USD, depending on Hanoi/Ninh Binh).
Total: ~950,000–1,950,000 VND (~$38–$78 USD) one-way.
Additional Costs:
Meals: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD/meal) at rest stops or stations.
Tips: ~25,000–50,000 VND (~$1–$2 USD) for drivers/guides.
Accommodation in Nam Dinh: Budget guesthouses (~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).
Total Daily Cost in Nam Dinh: ~500,000–1,750,000 VND (~$20–$70 USD) (budget: ~$20–$35 USD; mid-range: ~$35–$50 USD; luxury: ~$50–$70 USD).
Tip: Book bundled train/bus and tour packages with Legend Travel Group for savings; carry VND for small vendors.
Our sustainable tours make your journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region unforgettable:
Train Adventure Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD/person): Train ticket, Tran Temple, phở tasting, eco-transfers.
Open-Tour Bus Adventure (~4,000,000 VND, ~$160 USD/person): Multi-city stops (Da Nang, Hue), Thinh Long Beach, bánh nhãn tasting, transfers.
Cultural Foodie Tour (~3,750,000 VND, ~$150 USD/person): Train/bus, Phu Day Relic Complex, xôi xíu stalls, guided dining.
Ninh Binh Explorer (~10,000,000–15,000,000 VND, ~$400–$600 USD/person, 3–4 days): Train/bus, Nam Dinh highlights, Trang An, homestays (~300,000–600,000 VND, ~$12–$24 USD/night). Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include tickets, 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 Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province by train or bus is a scenic, affordable way to experience Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. Whether you choose the Reunification Express for its historic charm or an open-tour bus for flexible stops, you’ll arrive ready to explore Nam Dinh’s temples, beaches! Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours guide you through this cultural and natural haven, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel experience filled with immersive exploration. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-journey today!
Ready to discover Nam Dinh’s temples and beaches 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
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