We visited both Halong Bay and Ninh Binh during our trip to Vietnam, and let me start by saying this: they’re both absolutely worth visiting. These two stunning destinations are often compared because they offer similar dramatic limestone landscapes, but in different settings – Halong Bay on the water and Ninh Binh on land. In fact, Ninh Binh is often called the “terrestrial Halong Bay”, and it’s easy to see why.
If you only have time for one, this comparison will help you decide based on your travel style and interests.
Quick comparison: Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh
| Criteria | Bai Tu Long Bay (Halong Bay) | Ninh Binh |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Limestone karsts rising from the sea | Limestone karsts, rice paddies, rivers and towns |
| Atmosphere | Peaceful on the water | Crowded in the most famous spots, but still scenic |
| Top activities | Overnight cruise, kayaking, swimming, visiting caves | Boat rides (river), cycling, visiting temples, caves and historic sites, hiking |
| Tourism style | Cruise-based, guided; no flexibility with scheduled activities and meal times | More flexible; possible to explore independently or with a guide |
| Budget | Higher – cruises often cost USD 150–300+ pp | More affordable – budget to mid-range options (depending on tours or DIY and your negotiation skills) |
| Ease of access | 2.5-3.5 hours from Hanoi by road, plus add time to check-in at the marina. Many tours* leaving from Hanoi | 1.5-2 hours from Hanoi by train or road Many day tours* and overnight tours* from Hanoi |
| Accommodation | Onboard cruise, luxury to mid-range | Homestays, boutique lodges, mid-range hotels |
| UNESCO status | UNESCO World Heritage Site | Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Ideal stay | 1-2 night cruise but day trips are possible* | 2 days, but day trips are possible*. |
Have you thought about travel insurance?
We never go overseas without it, especially to cover medical expenses. In Vietnam, motorbike travel is common (for example, for the Ha Giang Loop or on city tours in Ho Chi Minh City), so we made sure our policy covered that. It’s something worth checking, as it’s not always included. Some providers, like Cover-More*, offer options to easily include motorbike coverage if that’s relevant to your trip.
Our experience in Halong Bay
We chose a 24-hour cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay (Swan Cruises Halong*), a quieter alternative to the main Halong Bay route. Although it was a short trip – boarding around lunchtime and disembarking after brunch – and we wished we had more time there, it was still a highlight of our Vietnam itinerary. Cruising and kayaking past the limestone islands and relaxing on the deck while watching the colours change throughout the day were peaceful and memorable experiences. Waking up on the water surrounded by karsts was something special. The size of the bay and the sheer number of limestone formations are just unbelievable.
Our experience in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh was actually our first destination in Vietnam (after Hanoi), and the landscapes really blew us away. We joined a day tour from Hanoi that packed a lot into one day.
We found Mua Cave way too crowded, but our highlight was hands down the boat tour in Trang An. Even though there are many boats following each other, it never felt too busy as there are three different routes, and the cave system helps spread people out. The visit of the historic site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital wasn’t as interesting as we expected.
We spent the night at Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Villa* but preferred Hoa Lu in the evening, with its charming old town lit by lanterns and its imposing temples. We liked having the freedom to explore at our own pace.
Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh: the winner is…
We genuinely loved both, but Halong Bay – more precisely Bai Tu Long Bay – would be our pick. The scale of the place is just fascinating, and being on the water always feels special.
That said, a couple we met on the cruise told us it felt too polished and relaxing for them, and they missed the sense of adventure. They preferred Ninh Binh for its versatility, the freedom to move around at their own pace, and to have more activities.
In the end, it depends on your travel style – and even where you are in your trip. While we love being active on holidays, we were quite happy to slow down in Halong Bay after feeling tired from the Ha Giang Loop.
Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
Choose Halong Bay if:
- You want a seamless, all-inclusive, easy experience with a touch of luxury
- You like the idea of sleeping on a boat, waking up to a stunning view of limestone karsts
- You enjoy cruising, kayaking and ocean views
- You’re travelling during the hot season and want to avoid long days outdoors
- You’re happy to slow down and relax with a flexible, low-effort schedule – all activities are planned, but easy to skip
- You have limited mobility
Choose Ninh Binh if:
- You’re on a budget and looking for more affordable options
- You dislike being in a group and want to explore independently (e.g. hiring a scooter and doing things your own way)
- If you join a tour, you don’t mind that it can feel a bit crowded or rushed, with time spent commuting between places
- You don’t like being stuck in one place and want to pack in more diverse sights
- You enjoy being active and don’t mind staying in the sun or climbing stairs for the best views
Have you been to Halong Bay or Ninh Binh? Share your experience in the comments below!
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Where are Halong Bay and Ninh Binh?
Both destinations are located in northern Vietnam and are easily accessible from Hanoi. Halong Bay lies northeast of the capital, whereas Ninh Binh is south. You can easily visit both on the same trip over a few days, I definitely recommend doing so!
Trying to choose between Halong Bay vs Ninh Binh? Save this comparison on Pinterest to find it easily later!
