Hanoi to Ninh Binh – 3 Best Routes
Updated 14/01/2025
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Hanoi to Ninh Binh
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
Update 2022
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.
Exploring Ninh Binh by Motorbike
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.
Google Map
This Google map may help you out with how to get to Ninh Binh, what to do and where to stay.
Travelling From Hanoi to Ninh Binh by Motorbike
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.
Route Option 1: Meandering Route (5-6 Hours)
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.
Route Option 2: Direct Route (3-4 Hours)
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.
Route Option 3: Less Direct Route (4-5 Hours)
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.
UPDATE 2022
Route Option 4: New Suggested Route - Via Nam Dinh
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.
