
Riding from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for travelers. It is one that we believe should be a top experience for anyone visiting the country if you have a limited itinerary. At Rentabike we have designed three different routes for visitors to take when heading to Ninh Binh by motorbike. Route option 1 is 5-6 hours. Route option 2 is the direct route with 3-4 hours and Route option 3 is less direct and about 4-5 hours. Ninh Binh is close to Hanoi and the province can be enjoyed over 1-3 days
We have found a great place to visit whilst you are in Ninh Binh; it is the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary. As well as this, we have been told about a different route that it is possible to take. More info on both of these is below.
The province of Ninh Binh is vast and has man attractions that are widely spread across the region. We feel a motorbike trip is your best option for making the most of the area. Most visitors have 2 to 3 days to experience Ninh Binh, which results in a short time to soak it all up.
Read our Things to Do in Ninh Binh blog post to learn more about the province and what to do while staying there.
This Google map may help you out with how to get to Ninh Binh, what to do and where to stay.
The three route options for driving from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by motorbike have been designed to suit different needs. Each route varies in time, scenery and experience. At Rentabike, we are aware that you and all of our customers will arrive with a variety of requirements for their journey. Ninh Binh routes are regularly completed by customers renting motorbikes from our shop. Therefore, each individual route has been designed with customer needs in mind.
Below we will highlight each individual route, including the time required for each route, where to stop and what to see. We will also include an informative google map download to ensure your safe arrival in Ninh Binh.
Exiting Hanoi along the CT08 is uninteresting to begin with. But, once you have joined the QL21A, the journey really comes into its own. The surrounding scenery builds and you’ll breathe the fresh air of the countryside. During this journey, you will pass a number of different lakes, forests, and hills before even approaching Ninh Binh.
Waypoint number 5 is Chi Ne Market where we suggest taking a break to grab a bite to eat before moving forward. Despite the fact that this particular route is relatively easy, make sure you plan in enough rest stops to keep yourself engaged.
Our second option for arriving in Ninh Binh by motorbike is our most direct route. This particular route is relatively uninteresting in terms of scenery but it is the shortest for time and mileage. It is your best option for reaching your final destination in the shortest amount of time.
Although this route is our quicker option, it is important to pay particular attention to the road directions. The CT01 runs parallel to the QL1A and is technically the fastest road. However, the CT01 is a motorway and can only be used by cars. It is not safe for motorbikes and anyone who attempts it risks being stopped by the police.
The QL1A makes-up most of the journey to Ninh Binh and passes through the city of Phu Lu. Phu Lu is an ideal place to stop, have a bite to eat and give your backside a rest after the journey out of Hanoi.
Our final route option for arriving in Ninh Binh from Hanoi is our less direct option. This particular option has you cruising along the eastern side of the Red River, outside of Hanoi, toward the mountains of Ninh Binh Province.
Exiting Hanoi over the famous Long Bien Bridge to join the DT378 south of the city is a more interesting option than route 1. By following this route you will avoid any major roads and will be able to soak up some authentic Vietnamese culture.
Just like the two previous route options, it is possible to complete this route in 4 hours. We suggest allowing for more time to take rest stops and enjoying the views around you. This route also passes through the small city of Phu Lu, which makes for an excellent place to stop and have a quick lunch.
We saw online that someone, Alex Pike, suggested taking the route via Nam Dinh, which we thought was a good idea. So, we marked this on the Google Map in grey. You follow the Route 3 down to Hung Yen and then keep going over the Hung Ha Bridge an on to Nam Dinh. Then you head for Ninh Binh. This will keep you off the Highway and only add a little extra time to the journey. It is worth doing if you have plenty of time.
86B Đ. Trần Phú, Phường 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam (appointment only)
Tax Code: 0105306316
International Tour Operator License: 01-2010/2022/TCDL-GP LHQT
15a Ng. 12 Đ. Đặng Thai Mai, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
© 2025 Rentabike Vietnam. This site is subject to copyright. No unauthorised reproduction is permitted.
Engine Type
air-liquid cooled, twin cylinder, DOHC, boxer engine
Displacement
1255 cc
Bore X Stroke
102.5 mm x 76 mm
Ignition
FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
12.5:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 37 mm
Rear Suspension
single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever
Front Brakes
dual disc brake, floating brake discs, diameter 305 mm, 4-piston radial calipers
Rear Brakes
single disc brake, diameter 276 mm, double-piston floating caliper
Front Tyres
120/70 R19
Rear Tyres
170/60 R17
Wheelbase
1514 mm
Seat Height
850 mm
Ground Clearance
790 mm
Kerb Weight
249 kg
Fuel Capacity
20 litres
Dimensions
2207 mm (L) x 952.5mm (W) x 1430 mm (H)
Engine Type
air cooled, OHC, single cylinder
Displacement
149 cc
Bore X Stroke
57.3 mm x 57.8 mm
Ignition
CDI
Fuel System
20 mm piston valve carburettor
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Starter
electric with kick starter backup
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel
Rear Suspension
single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel
Front Brakes
dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc
Rear Brakes
mechanical drum
Front Tyres
90/90 19
Rear Tyres
110/90 17
Wheelbase
1362 mm
Seat Height
825 mm
Ground Clearance
243 mm
Kerb Weight
129 kg
Fuel Capacity
12 litres
Dimensions
2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)
Engine Type
liquid cooled parallel-twin four stroke
Displacement
470 cc
Bore X Stroke
67 mm x 66.8 mm
Ignition
PGMI – FI
Fuel System
fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
6-speed
Front Suspension
41 mm SFF-BP USD Forks
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
dual 296 mm discs with 4 piston calipers; ABS
Rear Brakes
240 mm disc; ABS
Front Tyres
110/80R19M/C (59H)
Rear Tyres
160/60R17M/C
Wheelbase
1445 mm
Seat Height
830 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
Kerb Weight
199 kg
Fuel Capacity
17.7 litres
Dimensions
2,155 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1,410 mm (H)
Engine Type
single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Displacement
286 cc
Bore X Stroke
76 mm x 63 mm
Ignition
Full Transistor Digital
Fuel System
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Starter
electric
Gearbox
5-speed
Front Suspension
43 mm telescopic upside down
Rear Suspension
Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster
Front Brakes
Rear Brakes
220 mm disc, single piston caliper
Front Tyres
80/100 21
Rear Tyres
120/80 18
Wheelbase
1455 mm
Seat Height
880 mm
Ground Clearance
285 mm
Kerb Weight
142 kg
Fuel Capacity
7.8 litres
Dimensions
2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)