Learn how to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province by plane, train, or bus. Explore schedules, costs, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for a cultural adventure.
Start your Ninh Binh Travel with serene vistasEmbarking on a journey from the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City to the culturally rich Nam Dinh region, now a ward of Ninh Binh Province, offers a gateway to Vietnam’s Red River Delta heritage. Spanning approximately 1,300 km, this trip connects you to historic sites like Tran Temple, culinary delights such as Nam Dinh phở, and serene landscapes like Thinh Long Beach. With multiple travel options—plane, train, bus, and more—planning your route is key to a seamless experience. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, provides eco-friendly tours to enhance your adventure—book via links throughout this guide. Discover the best ways to travel to the Nam Dinh region, including updated costs, schedules, and tips for a memorable trip.
The Nam Dinh region is a cultural and natural gem, making it worth the journey from Ho Chi Minh City:
Cultural Heritage: Explore Tran Temple and Phu Day Relic Complex, steeped in Tran Dynasty history.
Culinary Excellence: Savor iconic dishes like phở, bánh xíu páo, and xôi xíu, reflecting local flavors.
Natural Beauty: Enjoy Thinh Long Beach, Xuan Thuy National Park, and rice paddy vistas.
Sustainable Tourism: Legend Travel Group’s tours use low-impact transport and support local artisans, aligning with eco-conscious travel.
Adventure Options: Choose fast flights or scenic train/bus routes for a tailored experience.
Our curated tours, displayed around this article, ensure a responsible, immersive journey. Book now to explore Nam Dinh sustainably!
Capture the authentic charm of Ninh Binh’s nature (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, enhancing infrastructure and connectivity to Nam Dinh’s attractions. This guide focuses on the Nam Dinh region, ensuring accurate travel planning within Ninh Binh’s tourism framework.
Begin your Ninh Binh Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)The Nam Dinh region is ~1,300 km from Ho Chi Minh City, with no direct airport or train station in Nam Dinh itself. Travelers typically fly to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, take a train to Nam Dinh or Ninh Binh Station, or use long-distance buses, followed by a short transfer (15–30 km) to Nam Dinh sites like Tran Temple or Thinh Long Beach. Below are the primary travel options, with costs and details.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Nam Dinh region, landing at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, ~90–110 km from Nam Dinh, followed by a ground transfer.
Route: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City to Noi Bai Airport (HAN), Hanoi.
Distance: ~1,100 km (flight); ~90–110 km (ground transfer to Nam Dinh).
Flight Duration: ~2 hours.
Total Travel Time: ~4–5 hours, including airport procedures and transfers.
Frequency: 20–30 flights daily.
Airlines:
Vietnam Airlines: Full-service, 30kg baggage (~1,500,000–3,500,000 VND, ~$60–$140 USD one-way).
VietJet Air: Budget, 7kg carry-on (~750,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$30–$80 USD).
Bamboo Airways: Hybrid, 20–30kg baggage (~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND, ~$40–$100 USD).
Pacific Airlines: Budget, 7kg carry-on (~800,000–2,000,000 VND, ~$32–$80 USD).
Booking: Online via vietnamairlines.com, vietjetair.com, bambooairways.com, Baolau.com, or 12go.asia; or through Legend Travel Group for bundled packages. Book 2–3 months in advance for peak seasons (January–April, Tet).
Ground Transfer from Noi Bai:
Taxi/Grab: ~600,000–1,200,000 VND (~$24–$48 USD), 1–1.5 hours to Nam Dinh.
Private Car: ~1,000,000–1,500,000 VND (~$40–$60 USD), 1–1.5 hours.
Bus: Hanoi (Giap Bat) to Nam Dinh (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD, 1.5 hours), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Limousine Van: ~200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–$12 USD) to Ninh Binh, then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).
Tips:
Book flights early for deals; avoid Tet for lower fares.
Arrive at SGN 1.5–2 hours before departure; online check-in available.
Pre-arrange transfers to avoid delays at Noi Bai.
Flight: ~750,000–3,500,000 VND (~$30–$140 USD) one-way.
Transfer: ~100,000–1,500,000 VND (~$4–$60 USD).
Total: ~850,000–5,000,000 VND (~$34–$200 USD) one-way.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Cultural Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights, transfers, and guided Nam Dinh exploration.
The Reunification Express, operated by Vietnam Railways, offers a scenic, budget-friendly journey from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Station) to Nam Dinh Station, with a travel time of 32–35 hours.
Route: Saigon Station to Nam Dinh Station.
Distance: ~1,300 km.
Travel Time: 32 hours 4 minutes–35 hours 5 minutes (e.g., SE2, SE4, SE6, SE8).
Frequency: 4–5 trains daily (e.g., SE2 at 7:30 PM, SE4 at 8:30 PM).
Seat/Berth Types:
Hard Seat: ~750,000 VND (~$30 USD).
Soft Seat: ~900,000–1,200,000 VND (~$36–$48 USD).
Hard Berth (6 berths): ~1,500,000–1,800,000 VND (~$60–$72 USD).
Soft Berth (4 berths): ~1,800,000–2,000,000 VND (~$72–$80 USD).
Amenities: Air-conditioned cabins (soft seat/berths), toilets, snack carts; luxury options like Livitrans (~2,500,000 VND, ~$100 USD).
Booking: Online via dsvn.vn, Baolau.com, 12go.asia; at Saigon Station (1 Nguyen Thong, District 3); or through Legend Travel Group. Book 2–3 weeks in advance for soft berths.
Transfer from Nam Dinh Station: Taxi/Grab to sites (~100,000–150,000 VND, ~$4–$6 USD, 15–20 minutes).
Tips:
Opt for soft berths for overnight comfort; avoid hard seats for long trips.
Bring snacks and earplugs; check schedules for delays (1–2 hours possible).
Train Ticket: ~750,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD) one-way.
Transfer: ~100,000–150,000 VND (~$4–$6 USD).
Total: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 USD) one-way.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Train Adventure Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes tickets, transfers, and guided visits.
Bus travel is a cost-effective option, taking 39–42 hours with transfers in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. Open-tour buses allow stops at cities like Hue or Da Nang, ideal for multi-destination trips.
Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Mien Dong Station) to Hanoi (Giap Bat) or Ninh Binh, then transfer to Nam Dinh.
Distance: ~1,300 km (direct); up to 1,400 km with stops.
Travel Time:
Direct: ~39 hours 20 minutes.
Open-tour: 42–48 hours with stops.
Bus Types:
Standard: Upright seats (~850,000 VND, ~$34 USD).
Sleeper: Reclining beds (~900,000–1,000,000 VND, ~$36–$40 USD).
VIP Sleeper: Spacious beds (~1,000,000–1,200,000 VND, ~$40–$48 USD).
Frequency: Multiple daily departures from Mien Dong (292 Dinh Bo Linh, Binh Thanh District).
Operators: Phuong Trang (Futa), Mai Linh Express, Hoang Long; book via 12go.asia or Baolau.com.
Transfer:
From Hanoi: Bus to Nam Dinh (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD, 1.5 hours) or taxi (~600,000 VND, ~$24 USD).
From Ninh Binh: Taxi/Grab (~100,000–150,000 VND, ~$4–$6 USD, 20–30 minutes).
Tips:
Choose VIP sleeper buses for comfort; bring a blanket for cold air-conditioning.
Confirm transfer points; book open-tour buses for multi-city stops.
Bus Ticket: ~850,000–1,200,000 VND (~$34–$48 USD) one-way.
Transfer: ~100,000–600,000 VND (~$4–$24 USD).
Total: ~950,000–1,950,000 VND (~$38–$78 USD) one-way.
Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Open-Tour Bus Adventure (~4,000,000 VND, ~$160 USD) includes multi-city stops and guided Nam Dinh tours.
Private Car: ~5,000,000–7,000,000 VND (~$200–$280 USD) one-way, 24–28 hours; ideal for groups but expensive and tiring.
Motorbike: ~150,000–300,000 VND/day (~$6–$12 USD) for rentals, ~3–5 days; only for experienced riders due to distance and safety concerns.
Bicycle/Boat: Not practical due to the 1,300 km distance and lack of direct waterways.
Capture the beautiful landscapes of Ninh Binh’s journey (Source: Internet)Book Early: Reserve plane, train, or bus tickets 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during Tet (January–February) or festivals (February–April).
Pack Smart: Bring snacks, reusable water bottle, blanket (for buses), earplugs, and small cash (VND) for vendors.
Check Schedules: Train delays (1–2 hours) are common; verify times on dsvn.vn or Baolau.com. Bus transfers need coordination.
Luggage: Trains allow 20 kg/adult; buses have undercarriage storage; secure valuables.
Sustainability: Choose Legend Travel Group’s tours to reduce your carbon footprint; support local eateries during stops.
Safety: Confirm taxi fares (~12,000–15,000 VND/km); avoid late-night arrivals; keep emergency contacts (police: 113, ambulance: 115).
Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours for transfers; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me) for rural Nam Dinh routes.
Embrace the vibrant spirit of Ninh Binh Travel adventures (Source: Internet)Airplane:
Flight: ~750,000–3,500,000 VND (~$30–$140 USD).
Transfer: ~100,000–1,500,000 VND (~$4–$60 USD).
Total: ~850,000–5,000,000 VND (~$34–$200 USD) one-way.
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).
Total: ~950,000–1,950,000 VND (~$38–$78 USD) one-way.
Additional Costs:
Meals: ~50,000–150,000 VND (~$2–$6 USD) at stops.
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 travel 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:
Flight & Cultural Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD/person): Flight, Tran Temple, phở tasting, eco-transfers.
Train Adventure Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD/person): Train ticket, Phu Day Relic Complex, bánh xíu páo stalls, transfers.
Open-Tour Bus Adventure (~4,000,000 VND, ~$160 USD/person): Multi-city stops (Hue, Da Nang), Thinh Long Beach, bánh nhãn tasting, transfers.
Ninh Binh Explorer (~10,000,000–15,000,000 VND, ~$400–$600 USD/person, 3–4 days): Choice of plane/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 offers a range of options to suit every traveler’s needs. Fly for speed, take the train for scenic beauty, or choose a bus for budget-friendly flexibility. Each route connects you to Nam Dinh’s cultural treasures, from historic temples to culinary delights. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours ensure a seamless, eco-conscious experience, supporting local communities and preserving Ninh Binh’s heritage. Plan your journey now—browse our featured tours and book your Ninh Binh Travel adventure today!
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.
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
