How to Travel 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 cultural and natural gem in the Red River Delta, located ~90 km from Hanoi and ~1,300 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Renowned for its historic Tran Temple, vibrant Vieng Market Festival, and serene Thinh Long Beach, Nam Dinh is easily accessible via multiple transport options, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re seeking the convenience of a limousine bus from Hanoi, the scenic charm of a train, or the speed of a flight from Ho Chi Minh City, this guide covers all you need to plan your journey. Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable tourism, offers eco-friendly tours to enhance your Nam Dinh experience—book via links throughout this guide. Dive into our comprehensive travel guide, including updated costs, schedules, and sustainable travel tips for an unforgettable adventure in Ninh Binh Province.

Nam Dinh captivates travelers with its diverse attractions:

• Cultural Heritage: Explore Tran Temple and Phu Day Relic Complex, reflecting Vietnam’s imperial past.

• Culinary Delights: Savor iconic Nam Dinh phở, bánh xíu páo, and Siu Chau candy.

• Natural Beauty: Wander through Xuan Thuy National Park’s mangroves or relax at Thinh Long Beach.

• Accessibility: Close to Hanoi (~90 km) and reachable from Ho Chi Minh City via flights and ground transport.

• 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 journey. Book now to discover 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.

Nam Dinh is strategically located in the Red River Delta, accessible from Hanoi (~90–100 km) and Ho Chi Minh City (~1,300 km). Below are detailed transport options, including train, bus/limousine, motorcycle, and plane, with costs and tips for reaching key sites like Tran Temple or Xuan Thuy National Park.

From Hanoi to Nam Dinh Region (~90–100 km)

By Train

The Reunification Express, operated by Vietnam Railways, offers a scenic ride from Hanoi to Nam Dinh Station.

• Distance: ~115 km (rail route).

• Travel Time: ~1.5–2.5 hours.

• 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 daily trains (6:00 AM–8:10 PM, e.g., SE5, SE7, SE19).

• 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).

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

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

• Booking: Online via dsvn.vn, Baolau.com, or 12go.asia; in-person at Hanoi Station; book 1–2 weeks ahead for peak seasons (lunar January–April).

• Transfer to Attractions:

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

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

• Tips: Choose soft seats for comfort; arrive 30 minutes early; bring snacks.

Costs:

• 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).

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

By Bus/Limousine

Buses and limousine vans are fast and convenient, departing from Hanoi’s major stations.

• Distance: ~90–100 km.

• Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours.

• Departure Points:

  • 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 (hotel pick-up for limousines).

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

• Bus Types:

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

  • Luxury Coach: ~150,000–200,000 VND (~$6–$8 USD).

  • Limousine Van: ~200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–$12 USD).

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

• Operators:

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

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

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

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

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

• Booking: Online via 12go.asia, Baolau.com, Vexere.com; in-person at stations; book 1–2 weeks ahead 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).

• Tips: Choose limousines for comfort; confirm drop-off points; arrive 5–10 minutes early.

Costs:

• 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).

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

By Motorcycle

Ideal for adventurous travelers, motorcycling offers flexibility to explore Nam Dinh’s rural roads.

• Distance: ~90–100 km.

• Travel Time: ~2–3 hours (40–60 km/h).

• Route: National Highway 1A or 38B; flat, well-paved, with rural sections.

• Rental Providers in Hanoi:

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

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

• 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).

• Requirements: Passport/ID or ~500,000 VND (~$20 USD) deposit; International Driving Permit (IDP) or Vietnamese A1 license for >50cc bikes.

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

• Booking: In-person at Hanoi’s Old Quarter shops; online via motorbike.vn; book 1–2 days ahead.

• Safety: Wear helmets (included); avoid night riding; fines for unlicensed riding ~200,000 VND (~$8 USD).

• Tips: Use Maps.me for offline navigation; stop at eateries like Phở Cường (~50,000 VND, ~$2 USD); carry raincoats (summer).

Costs:

• 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).

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

From Ho Chi Minh City to Nam Dinh Region (~1,300 km)

By Airplane

Flying is the fastest option, landing at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, followed by a ground transfer to Nam Dinh.

• Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to Noi Bai Airport (HAN), then ground transport.

• Flight Distance: ~1,100 km.

• Flight Duration: ~2 hours.

• Total Travel Time: ~4–5 hours (flight + 1.5–2 hours road).

• Frequency: 20–30 daily flights.

• Airlines:

  • Vietnam Airlines: ~1,500,000–3,500,000 VND (~$60–$140 USD).

  • VietJet Air: ~750,000–2,000,000 VND (~$30–$80 USD).

  • Bamboo Airways: ~1,000,000–2,500,000 VND (~$40–$100 USD).

• Booking: Online via vietnamairlines.com, vietjetair.com, Baolau.com; book 2–3 months ahead for deals.

• Ground Transfer from Noi Bai:

  • Bus: Hanoi (Giap Bat) to Nam Dinh (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD, 1.5 hours), then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).

  • Taxi/Grab: ~600,000–1,200,000 VND (~$24–$48 USD), 1–1.5 hours.

  • Limousine Van: ~200,000–300,000 VND (~$8–$12 USD) to Ninh Binh City, then taxi (~100,000 VND, ~$4 USD).

• Tips: Arrive at SGN 1.5–2 hours early; pre-arrange transfers; book early for Tet.

Costs:

• Flight: ~750,000–3,500,000 VND (~$30–$140 USD).

• Transfer: ~200,000–1,200,000 VND (~$8–$48 USD).

• Total: ~950,000–4,700,000 VND (~$38–$188 USD one-way).

Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Flight & Cultural Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes flights, transfers, and Tran Temple visits.

By Train

The Reunification Express from Ho Chi Minh City to Nam Dinh Station is a scenic, budget-friendly option for long-distance travelers.

• Distance: ~1,300 km.

• Travel Time: ~32–35 hours.

• Departure Point: Saigon Station (1 Nguyen Thong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City).

• Arrival Point: Nam Dinh Station.

• Frequency: 4–5 daily trains (6:00 AM–7:30 PM, e.g., SE2, SE4, SE8).

• 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 ~2,500,000 VND (~$100 USD).

• Booking: Online via dsvn.vn, Baolau.com; in-person at Saigon Station; book 2–3 weeks ahead for berths.

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

• Tips: Choose soft berths for overnight comfort; bring snacks; check for delays (~1–2 hours).

Costs:

• 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).

Book Now: Legend Travel Group’s Train Adventure Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD) includes tickets, transfers, and guided visits.

• 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), reusable water bottle, light jacket (buses/trains), rain gear (summer), and snacks.

• Safety:

  • Secure valuables at stations; confirm bus details.

  • For motorbikes, carry IDP; avoid night riding; emergency contacts: Police (113), Ambulance (115).

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

• Navigation: Allow 1–2 hours from Hanoi, 4–5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City; use Maps.me for rural routes.

• Weather:

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

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

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

• From Hanoi:

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

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

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

• From Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Airplane + Transfer: ~950,000–4,700,000 VND (~$38–$188 USD one-way).

  • Train + Transfer: ~850,000–2,150,000 VND (~$34–$86 USD one-way).

• Dining: Street food (phở, Siu Chau candy): ~10,000–100,000 VND (~$0.40–$4 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 from Hanoi, Tran Temple, Phu Day, phở tasting. Includes tickets and lunch.

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

• Flight & Coastal Tour (~3,500,000 VND, ~$140 USD/person): Flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Thinh Long Beach, seafood dining. Includes flights 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!

Nam Dinh region in Ninh Binh Province is a vibrant destination accessible from Hanoi via train, bus, or motorcycle, and from Ho Chi Minh City by plane or train. Whether you seek cultural immersion, culinary delights, or natural beauty, Nam Dinh offers an unforgettable experience. Legend Travel Group’s Ninh Binh Tours guide you through this cultural and natural haven, ensuring a sustainable Ninh Binh Travel journey that supports local communities and preserves Ninh Binh’s heritage. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Nam Dinh 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. By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group – Certified Original Content.