1. Bus / Minivan to Tam Coc
2. Taxi / Car to Ninh Binh
3. Train – Ha Long to Ninh Binh
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🎫 Book Ticket to Tam Coc
From Hanoi to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh you can get by bus, train, taxi.
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- From Halong Bay to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh spans approximately 180 km by bus. Opting for a tourist bus or minivan provides the quickest route from Halong Bay (Ha Long town) to Tam Coc. Traveling by tourist bus typically takes about 3-4.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $7 to $20 per person. Buses depart from various locations, including Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay bus station, or Hon Gai, and arrive at various sites in Ninh Binh, such as Tam Coc, Trang An, Hoa Lu, or Ninh Binh town. For those considering train travel, the recommended option is to take a train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and then from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
- While there is a train from Ha Long town to Hanoi, it only operates via Kep and takes approximately 7 hours. But it is also possible to travel by train via Hai Phong and Hanoi, there is no diret railway from Ha Long to Ninh Binh. Alternatively, travelers can arrange for a private taxi or car from Halong Bay or Tuan Chau to Trang An or Ninh Binh town, with the option to book a private minivan online. Private car transportation from Halong to Ninh Binh is the most expensive option, costing approximately $70 to $175 per vehicle. From Tam Coc, travelers can catch a bus to central Vietnam destinations, such as Phong Nha. Learn more about traveling to Phong Nha-Ke Bang in Dong Hoi here.
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- Tam Coc – Bich Dong, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural treasures, comprises a series of karst formations nestled in Ninh Binh and recognized by UNESCO. Among these stunning formations lies Tam Coc, a picturesque landscape in Ninh Binh province adorned with rice fields and limestone towers reminiscent of Ha Long Bay. The most convenient means of exploration in this area, often referred to as the „inland Ha Long Bay,“ is by bicycle or motorbike.
- With Tam Coc, the nearby Trang An landscape complex, and the remnants of the UNESCO-listed royal city of Hoa Lu experiencing a surge in tourism, Tam Coc has gained popularity. Since there is no airport in Ninh Binh, air travel is not an option. Travelers have three primary options for reaching Tam Coc in Ninh Binh from Halong Bay: tourist bus/minivan, train (via Hanoi), or private taxi/car. However, there are no direct flights from Ha Long to Ninh Binh.
| Transfer Mode – Halong Bay to Tam Coc: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Minivan | 3-4.5 hours | $7-20/pp |
| Train by Vietnam Railways (via Hanoi) | 6 hours | $6-12/pp |
| Private Taxi / Van | 3-4 hours | $70-175 (vehicle) |
How do I get from Halong Bay to Tam Coc?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Halong Bay to Tam Coc
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Ha Long to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is by bus or minivan, minibus. This option is especially suitable for solo low-cost travelers and it can be said that it is sometimes very fast, depending on where you depart from. There are many private companies operating bus services and various minivans between the Ha Long Bay and Tam Coc areas.
Some of these companies include The Long Travel, Sapa Discovery Travel, Quang Muoi, Techubs VN, Duy Khanh, Grouptour, Duc Duong, Ha Long Bus Travel, Luxury Van Limousine, VietNam Travel Bus, To Vietnam Travel, Ninh Binh Excursion, New Way Travel, Ninh Binh Footprint and Full Moon Party Tour.
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These buses and minivans depart from various locations in Ha Long, such as Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Hon Gai or Ha Long International Cruise Port. In the menu, you will mainly find buses with seats and comfortable and convenient minivans for more people. You can also take buses and a short boat transfer from Cat Ba Island.
The journey by bus or minivan from Ha Long to Tam Coc takes approximately 3-4.5 hours, although this time may vary slightly. Sometimes the departure and arrival of the bus can be delayed, unfortunately this happens in Vietnam. As it is a low-cost transport option, bus and minivan tickets from Ha Long to Tam Coc range from $7-20/pp.
If you would not like to go to Tam Coc, some of these connections also go to nearby areas such as Trang An Scenic Complex, Hang Mua Viewpoint, Hoa Lu ancient city or Ninh Binh city center. You can search and book bus tickets from Ha Long to Tam Coc easily online and in advance. Always read all instructions and conditions of these transfers, some buses also accept mobile tickets, you will see all this information when ordering tickets.
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Halong Bay to Tam Coc
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time the most expensive option of transportation from Ha Long to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is by private car / taxi and with a driver. If you are looking for a private transfer and do not have a financial budget for the trip, this is the right way for you. The advantage is that you will also have an experienced driver who knows the local route well and has driving skills.
Probably not suitable for solo low-cost travelers due to the higher price. Between the city of Ha Long and Tam Coc, there are some private taxi companies that offer you modern cars, SUVs, Jeeps or minivans, even for groups of travelers. Private cars from Ha Long to Tam Coc are operated by Saigon DMC, Ouros Travel, Halong Transportation, Grouptour, Taxi with VTS. Most of these private companies are also well rated by other travelers.
A private transfer by car or taxi from Ha Long to Tam Coc takes approximately 3-4 hours and costs between $70-175 (vehicle), depending on the type of car. Smaller cars are the cheapest, minivans for more travelers are usually more expensive, but they can be worth it if you are traveling in a group at once. Private cars are mostly operated from the Bai Cha, Tuan Chau and Ha Long areas and usually arrive at the center of the Tam Coc area or your hotel of choice.
You can also use them to transfer to the Trang An area, which is a short distance from Tam Coc. You can search and book your suitable private cars with driver from Ha Long to Tam Coc easily online. Always read the instructions and conditions of this private transfer carefully to avoid complications.
3. TRAIN from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi)
If you would like to travel by train from Ha Long to Tam Coc, you can take the train via Hanoi, this option has 2 steps and takes more time than a bus or private transfer. There is no railway from Ha Long to Ninh Binh, the alternative is to travel by train from the city of Hai Phong to Hanoi and from Hanoi by another train to Ninh Binh.
There is also a train from Ha Long to Hanoi, but it goes via Kep Railway Station and the journey then takes almost 7 hours. So it is better to go by train from Hai Phong city, it takes about 2.5 hours by train from this city. You can get to Hai Phong, for example, from Cat Ba Island by bus and a short boat transfer.
So the first step is to travel by Vietnam Railways train from Hai Phong to Hanoi, it takes approximately 2.5 hours and train tickets are cheap, costing between $3-6 (seats). Hai Phong train station is in the center of the city and is therefore easily accessible. You only need to use a train with seats on this route.
However, the train schedule is a bit limited and there are approximately 4 trains between Hai Phong and Hanoi each day. You can take these trains to Hanoi Railway Station (120 Le Duan), Hanoi’s main railway station, and from there you can immediately take another train to Ninh Binh.
The second step is to travel by another Vietnam Railways train from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh. This is a trip that takes approximately 2.5-3 hours by train, depending on the type of train, and the ticket costs approximately the same, i.e. in the range of $3-6 (seats).
Again, this is a shorter route, so comfortable seats will be enough for you, there are also sleeping beds on the trains, but these are more suitable for those who go, for example, to central Vietnam. After arriving at Ninh Binh train station, you can take a private taxi to Tam Coc, this area is only about 6 km from the station.
As for the total transfer time from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh even with a transfer in Hanoi, it will be approximately 7-8 hours, depending on the transfer in Hanoi. So this is more of an alternative transport option, it is rather better to use the bus connection. Train tickets from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh via Hanoi can again be easily searched online, there is no need to print them, they are also accepted on mobile phones.
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❓ FAQ – Travel route from Halong Bay to Tam Coc:
1. How to book tickets from Halong Bay to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh?
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- You can book tickets from Halong Bay to Tam Coc online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also book another tickets, e.g. Hai Phong > Hanoi, Hanoi > Ninh Binh…
2. What is the travel time from Halong Bay to Tam Coc?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Halong Bay to Tam Coc takes about 3-4.5 hours.
- Travel by train of VR from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi) takes about 6 hours.
- Travel by private taxi / car from Halong Bay to Trang An takes about 3-4 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Halong Bay to Tam Coc?
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- Travel distance from Halong Bay to Tam Coc is about 100 km by combination of train/bus.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Halong Bay to Tam Coc?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Halong Bay to Tam Coc costs about $7-20/pp.
- Travel by train of VR from Hai Phong to Ninh Binh (via Hanoi) costs about $6-12/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/minivan from Halong Bay to Trang An / Ninh Binh costs about $70-175 (vehicle).
5. What is the best way of travel from Halong Bay to Tam Coc?
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- The best way is to travel by tourist bus or minivan. There are a few buses to Tam Coc from Ha Long (Bai Chay, Hong Gai or Tuan Chau Island). This option is also the fastest way how to reach Tam Coc from Halong Bay in Quang Ninh province. You can also travel by boat+bus from Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh.
6. Where the buses from Halong Bay to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) arrive?
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- Tourist buses and minivans from Ha Long (Bai Chay or Tuan Chau) arrive to various places in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh. There are stops in Trang An Complex, Tam Coc Wharf, Mua Caves, Hoa Lu or Ninh Binh town. Read carefully these informations before you book bus tickets.
- Tourist buses and minivans from Ha Long (Bai Chay or Tuan Chau) arrive to various places in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh. There are stops in Trang An Complex, Tam Coc Wharf, Mua Caves, Hoa Lu or Ninh Binh town. Read carefully these informations before you book bus tickets.
7. Is there a direct train from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
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- There is no direct train to Ninh Binh from Ha Long town. But there is a train of Vietnam Railways from Ha Long town to Hanoi, but via Kep Railway Station and travel time is about 7 hours. The better option is to take a train of VR from Hai Phong to Hanoi (2.5 hours) and from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (2.5 hours).
8. Is there a flight from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?
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- There is no flight from Ha Long or Hai Phong to Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh has no airport, you have to travel by tourist bus, car or train via Hanoi.
9. Where to stay in Ninh Binh?
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- You can stay in Tam Coc, Trang An Complex, Mua Caves or Hoa Lu. There are various tourist homestays or bungalows.
- Read this article and book your accommodation online: 15 best homestays in Ninh Binh
10. What to visit if you are already in Tam Coc?
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- You should visit Trang An Scenic Complex (boat rides), about 10 km north of Tam Coc and Mua Caves + viewpoint – about 5 km from Tam Coc. These 2 amazing karst sites are the most visited places in Ninh Binh.
11. Where to travel from Ninh Binh?
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- Ninh Binh has no airport, but you can travel by train or bus to central Vietnam. There are various seat or sleeper trains and sleeper buses from Ninh Binh to Da Nang + Hoi An. Da Nang is the biggest city of central Vietnam and an important transport hub. From Da Nang you can travel to southern Vietnam. From Ninh Binh you can also travel to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam, there are trains, tourist buses or private cars and taxi.
12. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
13. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?
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- Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.
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🚍 Bus from Halong Bay to Tam Coc – Schedule + Bus Tickets:
Bus Schedule - Ha Long to Tam Coc | Departs in Ha Long | Arrival in Tam Coc | Bus Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
Sapa Discovery | 06:00 | 09:30 | From $12.00 |
Sapa Discovery | 12:00 | 15:30 | From $9.00 |
To Vietnam Travel | 09:15 | 13:45 | From $11.00 |
To Vietnam Travel | 12:15 | 16:45 | From $11.00 |
To Vietnam Travel | 15:45 | 20:15 | From $11.00 |
Quong Muoi | 07:50 | 12:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 08:50 | 13:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 09:50 | 14:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 10:50 | 15:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 11:50 | 16:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 12:50 | 17:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 13:50 | 18:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 14:50 | 19:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 15:50 | 20:20 | From $10.00 |
Quong Muoi | 16:50 | 21:20 | From $10.00 |
Techbus VN | 05:45 | 09:45 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 06:45 | 10:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 07:45 | 11:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 08:45 | 12:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 09:45 | 13:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 10:45 | 14:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 11:45 | 15:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 12:45 | 16:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 13:45 | 17:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 14:45 | 18:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 15:45 | 19:55 | From $13.00 |
Techbus VN | 16:45 | 20:55 | From $13.00 |
Duy Khanh | 05:00 | 09:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 06:00 | 10:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 07:00 | 11:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 08:00 | 12:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 09:00 | 13:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 10:00 | 14:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 11:00 | 15:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 12:00 | 16:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 13:00 | 17:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 14:00 | 18:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 15:00 | 19:02 | From $16.00 |
Duy Khanh | 16:00 | 20:02 | From $16.00 |
Grouptour | 05:45 | 09:55 | From $12.00 |
Grouptour | 06:44 | 10:54 | From $12.00 |
Grouptour | 08:25 | 12:35 | From $12.00 |
Grouptour | 09:40 | 13:50 | From $12.00 |
Grouptour | 10:50 | 14:55 | From $12.00 |
Grouptour | 11:40 | 15:55 | From $12.00 |
Quong Muoi | 06:50 | 11:20 | From $10.00 |
Duc Duong | 05:45 | 09:45 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 06:45 | 10:30 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 08:00 | 11:15 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 10:30 | 14:15 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 11:30 | 15:15 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 12:30 | 15:45 | From $13.00 |
Duc Duong | 14:30 | 18:15 | From $10.00 |
Duc Duong | 15:30 | 18:45 | From $10.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 06:00 | 09:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 07:00 | 10:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 09:00 | 12:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 11:00 | 14:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 12:00 | 15:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 13:00 | 16:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 15:00 | 18:45 | From $12.00 |
Ha Long Bus Travel | 18:00 | 21:45 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 07:20 | 10:10 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 08:20 | 11:10 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 09:20 | 12:10 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 10:50 | 13:40 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 13:30 | 17:00 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 15:30 | 19:00 | From $12.00 |
VietNam Travel Bus | 17:30 | 21:00 | From $12.00 |
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