Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Open Bus & Hoa Lu Temple Stop

The Hanoi–Ninh Binh Bus That Stops at Ancient Temples

You board at your hotel or at Hanoi Opera House, ride south through countryside for two hours, stop at Hoa Lu's ancient temples for an hour, then arrive in Tam Coc by midday. The bus is shared but not crowded, includes an English-speaking guide and pickup, and the fixed schedule means you don't have to negotiate transport or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bus trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

• Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Or meet at Hanoi Opera House 8:20am
• Bus departs Hanoi at 8:30am
• Enjoy countryside views during 2-2.5 hour drive
• Stop at Hoa Lu for temple visit
• Visit King Dinh and King Le Temples
• Continue to Tam Coc
• Arrive at Tam Coc Wharf around 12:30pm
• Service ends at Tam Coc Wharf

The experience

Yeah, so the bus picks you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter at 8:20am, or you can meet everyone at Hanoi Opera House if that's easier. Either way, you're on the road by 8:30am heading south through the countryside, and that's when you actually see what's outside the city. Rice fields, water buffalo, villages that don't look like they've changed much. The drive to Ninh Binh takes about two to two and a half hours, and the bus is air-conditioned, which matters when it's hot.

Around 11am you stop at Hoa Lu, where the old royal temples are. This is the part most people don't expect. You get 45 to 60 minutes to walk around the King Dinh and King Le temples, which sit in this narrow valley with limestone cliffs on both sides. The entrance fee is 20,000 VND per person (you pay that yourself at the gate), and your English-speaking guide is there to explain what you're looking at. It's not a long stop, but it's the actual reason to take this route instead of just driving straight through.

After that, the bus continues to Tam Coc, arriving around 12:30pm. That's where the service ends. You're at Tam Coc Wharf, ready to do whatever you've booked next (boat tours, hiking, lunch). If you're doing the return trip, the afternoon bus leaves from Tam Coc Family Restaurant at 3:15pm or 3:30pm and gets you back to Hanoi's Old Quarter by 6pm or 6:30pm, depending on traffic. You get a half-liter of water on the bus, and the whole thing runs with small groups, not a packed coach.

What’s included

• Your journey includes hotel pickup from selected Old Quarter hotels (or meeting point at Hanoi Opera House), an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, a 45–60 minute stop at Hoa Lu's King Dinh and King Le temples, and a half-liter bottle of water per person.
• The return trip includes pickup from Tam Coc and drop-off in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
• Temple entrance fees are paid separately at the gate.

Options for this experience

2 options

Hanoi to Ninh Binh limousine busGuide in English · 07:45Duration: 3 hours. Daily shared shuttle bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh departing at 8:00 am. Pickup is in the Hanoi Old Quarter area, with drop-off at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital at 11:00 am or at Tam Coc wharf at 12:30 pm. Pickup is included.

Ninh Binh to Hanoi limousine busGuide in English · 15:30Duration: 3 hours. Fuso limousine from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Pickups begin at hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter about 30 minutes (around 7:30 am) before the 8:00 am departure. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:45 and 15:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Vietnam Open Tour Limited Company

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to reach Ninh Binh without renting a motorbike or hiring a private driver, and you're happy to see Hoa Lu's temples on the way. The shared bus keeps the cost low, and the fixed schedule means the temples are already built into your day instead of being an extra stop you have to arrange.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

Do I have to pay the temple entrance fee separately?

Yes. The 20,000 VND per person entrance fee to Hoa Lu is not included. You pay it at the gate when you arrive.

Can the bus pick me up from any hotel in Hanoi?

Hotel pickup is available from selected hotels in the Old Quarter. If your hotel is not on the list, you can meet the bus at Hanoi Opera House at 8:20am.

How long is the total journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

About 2.5 to 3 hours including the 45–60 minute stop at Hoa Lu temples.

Is the bus air-conditioned?

Yes, the bus is air-conditioned throughout the journey.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and will explain the temples during the Hoa Lu stop.

Can I do a one-way trip, or do I have to book both directions?

You can book one-way. Option 1 is Hanoi to Ninh Binh in the morning. Option 2 is Ninh Binh to Hanoi in the afternoon. Book whichever direction you need.

What if I have luggage?

The bus has storage space. Let the operator know if you're traveling with large bags when you book.

Is there a toilet stop on the way?

The itinerary does not mention a dedicated toilet break, but the Hoa Lu stop gives you time to use facilities in that area.