Ha Long Bay vs Ninh Binh: Which One Should You Choose?
- Leanne Gayle
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re planning a trip to northern Vietnam, there’s a good chance you’re stuck between two names that come up again and again: Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
They’re often described as similar. You’ll even hear Ninh Binh called “Ha Long Bay on land”. But in reality, they offer very different experiences.
Understanding the Difference
Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh share the same dramatic limestone formations, but the setting and experience are completely different.
Ha Long Bay is about being on the water, cruising between islands and sleeping on a boat. Ninh Binh is about being on land, moving through rice fields, rivers, temples, and countryside.
One is a cruise experience. The other is an overland exploration.
Ha Long Bay: Limestone Scenery from the Water
Ha Long Bay is explored by cruise boat. Most travellers visit on a day cruise or stay one or two nights on an overnight cruise, where accommodation, meals, and activities are all included.
Cruising routes may take you through:
Ha Long Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
Typical activities include cruising between limestone islands, visiting caves and lagoons, kayaking or bamboo boats, and relaxing on deck.
Getting there
From Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is around 2.5 to 3 hours away. You can travel by private car, shared limousine, or cruise shuttle bus. Many cruises include round-trip transport from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, which makes logistics very easy.
Ha Long Bay suits travellers who want a smooth, all-in-one experience without needing to plan each day.
Ninh Binh: Limestone Scenery on Land
Ninh Binh offers a very different pace.
Instead of cruising, you explore by car, bicycle, and small rowing boat. The landscape opens up into wide rice fields, rivers winding between cliffs, ancient temples, pagodas, and rural villages.
Visitors can choose to:
Do a one-day trip from Hanoi, or
Stay two or three nights to explore at a slower pace
Typical activities include boat rides through cave systems, short hikes to viewpoints, cycling through the countryside, and visiting historic and spiritual sites.
Getting there
From Hanoi, Ninh Binh is about 2 hours by shared limousine bus or private car.
Ninh Binh suits travellers who enjoy being active and experiencing everyday life alongside nature.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ha Long Bay is a strong choice if:
You want a relaxed, all-in-one experience
You prefer scenery without too much physical activity
You like the idea of sleeping on the water
You’re short on time
Ninh Binh is ideal if:
You enjoy being active and outdoors
You want a mix of nature, culture, and countryside
You prefer hotels over boats
You like flexible days and varied landscapes
Travelling with Kids or Older Travellers
Families often enjoy both, but for different reasons.
Ha Long Bay works well for families who want minimal logistics and downtime, although some cave visits and viewpoints involve steps.
Ninh Binh is great for families with older children who enjoy cycling, walking, and boat rides, but full days can feel more tiring.
Older travellers often appreciate Ha Long Bay’s comfort and slower pace, while Ninh Binh suits those who enjoy gentle exploration and frequent scenic stops.
Can You Do Both?
Yes, and many travellers do.
Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh complement each other beautifully. One shows Vietnam’s limestone landscapes from the water, the other from the land.
Both destinations offer tours with Hanoi return transport included, or you can travel directly between them by private car or shared limousine in around 3 hours.
Combining the two creates a far more rounded experience than choosing just one.
One Last Tip
Don’t choose based on photos alone.
Both places are stunning, but the way you experience them matters far more than how they look online. Think about how you like to travel, how active you want to be, and whether you’d rather float or explore.
Choosing the right fit turns a good trip into a great one.
Still deciding your itinerary?
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