If you happen to be based in Hanoi and been wanting to take a quick breather over the weekend, Ninh Binh would be an ideal place to go. From the capital, it only takes less than two hours to get to this paradise. If you're a fan of amazing natural landscapes and underground rivers, this is the perfect getaway for you. 

awesome view at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Places to see

TRANG AN

another mandatory shot when taking the boat tour in Trang An

Ninh Binh is known for its karsts formation amid rivers and plains. This unique beauty garnered much attention as the iconic film Kong: Skull Island was shot here. So you'd know that the itinerary would include the Kong Island shooting locations but the only way to see them is by boat. 

COST

This tour costs 200k VND with different choices based on durations and locations. Each boat must carry at least 3 passengers so if you happen to go alone, you'd have to wait for the slots to be filled in or you can pay for the rest of the seats. 

DURATION

Since I didn't have much time, I chose the 4-hour tour which highlights boating through the underground rivers and caves and passing by the famous Kong Island. Several temples were also part of the tour by which time local tourists would pray or light some candles.

SITES

At each stopover, refreshments and snacks are sold but there are no restaurants where you could sit down and enjoy a full course meal but you do have ample time to grab some snacks and walk around. 

There were some parts of the tour when I just chose to stay in the boat because there wasn't really so much to see and do. Instead, I enjoyed a chat with the boatwoman who spoke Vietnamese all throughout our conversation. I mostly used translator app to respond to her but luckily I picked up some of the words she said. Most locals are really friendly and accommodating. 

Here's some relaxing shots of my boat tour in Trang An.

TIPPING

Don't forget to tip your boatman/woman before ending the tour. Tipping is considered polite and a manifestation of gratitude and appreciation.  

HANG MUA 

This is also a must-see! It's like a vast mountain resort with an overlooking view and an easy hiking trail. I was even wearing my platform sandals going up to the peak. 

It only costs 100k VND for the entrance fee. You could also enjoy local food served in the restaurants and cafes within the place. 

Hang Mua Peak

There are 2 peaks with a small viewing deck that could get crowded during peak seasons. Summer seasons in Vietnam tend to be really hot and humid and most of the trails are not shaded so be ready with some sun gears. 

panoramic view | Hang Mua

Also, before leaving don't forget to drop by the lake with huge water lilies. This place is panoramically amazing. 

a conversation with the frogs | Hang Mua

Getting there

The cheapest way to go if you're on a DIY tour is either by bus or by train. Unless there's a national holiday, it would be convenient and cheaper to buy tickets at the bus or train stations but this might be a little challenging if you don't know basic Vietnamese. 

In this case, booking tickets online might be a better alternative. As for me, I also find it convenient to book a train ticket on the website because I can pick a seat and pay using my card. 

Another popular option is the limousine because it could take you directly to Trang An where the major attraction is located. You can also book for this online.

If you're on a tour package, the transportation is the last thing you'll worry about. That's pretty much covered with your package most of the time. There are many travel agencies in Hanoi that offer great deals for a day trip in Ninh Binh. 

Where to stay

Again, booking websites could be your bestfriend in finding a great accommodation. There's a good range of options from boutique to luxury hotels in Ninh Binh but should you want to stay near the main attractions, pick a place somewhere in Trang An or Tam Coc. 

I had an awesome stay at Trang An Valley Bungalow. I loved how the cliffs are also your bathroom walls so you're literally sleeping at the foot of enormous rock formations. 

loving these cliffs at Trang An Valley Bungalow

Check out some random videos I took during this trip 

One of the most visited tourist spots in Sapa is the Fansipan Peak which is accessible by cable car and train. Adventure buffs could also go on a hike to and fro the peak but this requires 1-4 days of walking and camping with a guide. On this note, not everyone could qualify to do this adventure as this require much stamina to endure the physical demands of this activity as the trail could be difficult. There is also a need to get a permit for executing such activity and to hire a guide to keep you on track safe and sound. Many companies offer this service and they would often process all necessary documents for you along with hiking necessities included in your tour package. 

Fansipan Peak

If you're not a fan of strenuous activities, there is also an option available even to kids and elderly. The peak can be reaached through two train rides, one being optional, and a cable car ride. The cable car ride would probably take a chunk of your travel budget as it costs VND750,000 /$32. The first train that connects the cable car station and the Sun Plaza costs VND 100,000 / $3 to and fro. 

The topmost part of Fansipan Mountain can either be reached by a short train ride for VND 75,000 / $3 or by climbing up the stairs. The staircase can be tough and exhausting especially for those with health conditions. The sea of clouds can also be seen as you go out of the cable car station but the iconic Fansipan obelisk can only be found at the peak. 

Note that you couldn't get on the train down to the cable car station from the peak so there's no other way down but through the stairs which can be steep. 

Buying tickets to Fansipan doesn't really require advanced booking. Access to Fansipan peak includes cable car tickets, lunch buffet and a train ticket as add-on. Tickets can be bought at your hotel or at Sun Plaza building, the famous landmark of Sapa town. You also embark your five-minute train ride at the same building then transfer to the cable car station  for the exciting 20-minute drift. You will be listening to a recording of how the resort came to be whilst your vehicle is hovering over amazing landscapes and thick foliages. 

the only coffee shop around the area | Fansipan

The whole Fansipan can be done in less than half a day. You may kick start your summit exploration with a one-time lunch buffet at the Sun Plaza or vice versa. The restaurant is open from 10AM to 2PM. This is already included as you purchase a cable car ticket. If you feel a little famished as you explore the place, there is one coffee shop near the peak and a snack area with limited options at the cable car station. Bringing your own drink won't hurt and would even be recommended since the air could get very dry at the top. 

the sea of clouds at the Fansipan Peak

The best time to go there would be during the dry months, October to May. These months would have bearable weather conditions both for hiking and exploration. However, you still have to check for the weather forecast. Rainy days may spoil the view. Also, extremely cold days in December could cause too much fog around the peak that you may experience zero visibility. 

You may also check out other information about getting to Sapa town and attractions nearby Click here.