If you’re planning a slow, immersive journey in Vietnam’s northern countryside, this Ninh Binh 3 days 2 nights itinerary is exactly what you need. Go beyond the highlights and dive into local life, ancient temples, peaceful waterways, and lush mountain valleys — all in a well-paced 3-day trip.
Who is this itinerary for?
- Nature lovers & photographers
- Families wanting a mix of adventure & relaxation
- Couples on a peaceful romantic escape
- Travelers seeking to go off the beaten path
- Backpackers with time for a slow weekend trip to Ninh Binh
🔗 Looking for shorter options?
3-Day Ninh Binh Highlights
- Row through caves in Trang An or Tam Coc
- Hike up to Hang Mua Viewpoint for sweeping rice field views
- Visit historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital & sacred Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Explore hidden temples like Bich Dong, Thai Vi temple
- Discover Thung Nham Bird Park or Cuc Phuong National Park
- Stay at eco-lodges, riverside resorts or charming homestays
Ninh Binh 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary (2025 Plan)
Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
Morning
- Depart from Hanoi (~7:30 AM)
- Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnam’s first dynasty site
Afternoon
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Take a boat ride in Tam Coc – pass through 3 caves under limestone karsts
Optional: bike ride around countryside
- Climb 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua for panoramic views
Evening
- Check in to hotel or Homestay/Bungalow in Tam Coc or Trang An
- Dinner with local specialties (goat meat, crispy rice)
Day 2: Bai Dinh – Trang An – Bich Dong
Morning
- Breakfast
- Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the largest complex in Southeast Asia
Afternoon
- Lunch at a countryside restaurant
- Trang An boat tour (2–3 hours) through caves & temples
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda – ancient cave temple in the mountains
Optional: bike ride to Thai Vi Temple (bonus hidden gem)
Evening
- Stay in a boutique riverside bungalow or resort
- Enjoy sunset by the rice fields or spa session at the resort
Day 3: Thung Nham or Cuc Phuong – Back to Hanoi
Option A: Nature Lovers
- Morning: Explore Thung Nham Bird Park
- Visit Hang But (Buddhist Cave)
- Lunch at a local organic farm eatery
Option B: Adventure Explorers
- Head to Cuc Phuong National Park (~1.5h away)
- Light trek to prehistoric cave & thousand-year-old tree
- Visit endangered primate center
- Late lunch before return
Evening
- Depart back to Hanoi ~16:00
- Arrive in the city around 18:30
> EXPLORE MORE:
- Top Best ninh binh day trip from hanoi
- Best Ninh Binh 2 Days tour from Hanoi
- 3 Days Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi
Where to stay in Ninh Binh (3 Days)
| Area | Vibe | Suggested Stays |
| Tam Coc | Central + scenic | Tam Coc Garden, Chez Loan |
| Trang An | Quiet + private | Trang An Retreat, Ninh Binh Valley Homestay |
| Near Bai Dinh pagoda | Spiritual + luxurious | Bai Dinh Hotel, Hidden Charm Resort |
🔗 Full List: Where to stay in Ninh Binh
What to Pack for 3 Days in Ninh Binh
- Walking shoes & sandals
- Comfortable, breathable clothes
- Raincoat or poncho (May–Aug)
- Power bank / camera gear
- Hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
- Swimsuit (Kenh Ga Hot Spring or resort pool)
Estimated Cost Overview
| Tour Type | Ideal For | From Price | Inclusions |
| Group Tour | Budget travelers | $186 | Guide, meals, hotel, tickets |
| Private Tour | Families/couples | $316 | Custom schedule, private car, boutique hotels |
| Luxury Tour | Honeymooners | $286 | 4–5 star resort, fine dining, spa, limousine service |
Have a look at:
- Ninh Binh Luxury Tour – The Exclusive Travel Experience in Ninh Binh!
- Ninh Binh Private Tour – Your Ultimate Personalized Journey in Vietnam (2025 Updated)
FAQs – Ninh Binh 3-Day Itinerary
Is 3 days in Ninh Binh too much?
- Not at all. You’ll have time for major attractions, cultural sites, and hidden gems without rushing.
What’s better: Tam Coc or Trang An?
- Both are stunning. Tam Coc is more open and rice-field oriented; Trang An is more cave-filled and quiet.
Can I do this itinerary without a tour?
- Yes — but a guided tour saves time, includes transfers, and enriches the experience.
Is there internet/Wi-Fi in Ninh Binh?
- Yes, most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile data works in most places except deep inside caves.
Can this be customized?
- Absolutely. Just tell us your travel style, and we’ll tailor the 3-day itinerary for you.
Compare Other Ninh Binh Itineraries
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- Full packages with transfers, meals, guide & accommodation
- Customized routes for nature lovers, couples, families
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💬 Request Your Custom Itinerary
We really hope that our recommended schedule of the trip will be useful in arranging a good Ninh Binh 3 days 2 nights itinerary for you. Apart from mentioned destinations, you totally can exchange or replace them by other places/spots that you’re interested. To save cost and your budget, we suggest that you should contact us or leave comments, we will help you create the best itinerary with cost-effectiveness and time saving.
