Ha Long Bay or Ninh Binh: Day Trips from Hanoi

Stay in Hanoi for three days or more and someone will ask: Ha Long or Ninh Binh? Both are limestone peaks rising from water, both breathtaking. The difference is that one is the sea, the other rice fields and winding rivers.

Ninh Binh: mountains among the fields

• About 100 km from Hanoi, roughly two hours by expressway.
• Trang An: rowing boats slip through caves so low you have to duck. The Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO mixed natural and cultural site.
• Tam Coc: boats drift down the Ngo Dong River through paddy fields, golden in late May and early June.
• Mua Cave: climb about five hundred steps for a view over the whole valley.

Perfect for a day trip, out in the morning and back by night.

Ha Long: a bay of nearly two thousand islands

• About 2.5 hours from Hanoi on the Hanoi to Hai Phong to Ha Long expressway.
• Limestone islands, caves and kayaking on jade water; Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site.
• For something quieter, consider Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba.

A day trip is possible but rushed, with nearly five hours on the road in total. If you can, spend a night on a cruise to see the bay at sunset and in the morning mist.

Which to choose

• One day, prefer the countryside, travelling with older relatives: Ninh Binh.
• Two days, want the sea and a night on the water: Ha Long.
• Travelling July to September: watch for storms, as boats can be suspended in bad weather.

Book at reception

The Narcissus front desk books Ha Long and Ninh Binh tours, many with pick-up at the hotel. Going overnight? Leave your big luggage with us and take a small bag. Ask when you check in, or message us from the contact page.

New to Hanoi? Start with our two days in the city.