The journey from the peaceful Mai Chau valley to the majestic Ninh Binh offers a blend of ethnic culture and majestic karst landscapes. This route attracts visitors with its unique combination of nature and history.
Overview Of Mai Chau To Ninh Binh
The trip from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is a wonderful experience. You can meet the White Thai community in Mai Chau as well as explore the Hoa Lu historical site in Ninh Binh. This journey is ideal for backpackers and families or eco-tourists, offering another option that is less popular than Mai Chau to Sapa or Ha Giang.
How Far Is It From Mai Chau To Ninh Binh
According to travel information, the road distance from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is between 150 – 160 km. The shortest distance, which is comparable via the route of QL15 and QL12B to Tam Diep, is 150 km. Trips made via the Hanoi road, which is primarily for tourist sightseeing, are about 190km. The distance as the crow flies is 159 km, but again, the road distance travels down and around through the Hoa Binh Hills and the Ninh Binh Plain area.
How To Travel From Mai Chau To Ninh Binh?
To travel from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, visitors have many transportation options to suit their budget, group size, and preferences. To make the selection process easier, Seni World has compiled the 4 most popular transportation methods with detailed information for each type.
Travel Routes from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh:
| Aspect | Option 1 (QL6 → QL15, Direct Rural Route) | Option 2 (QL6 → CT01 via Hanoi, Urban Route) | Option 3 (Mixed Route: QL6 → QL12B → QL15) |
| Route | Mai Chau → Hoa Binh → Tan Lac → Tam Diep → Ninh Binh (Tam Coc/Trang An) | Mai Chau → Hoa Binh → Hanoi (southern suburbs) → CT01 → Ninh Binh | Mai Chau → Hoa Binh → Mai Chau Valley → Nho Quan → Ninh Binh |
| Distance | Approximately 150km | Approximately 190km | Approximately 165km |
| Travel Time | 3.5-4.5 hours | 4-5.5 hours | 4-5 hours |
By Motorbike
For people who want to enjoy freedom and outdoor scenery, renting a motorbike from shops in Mai Chau is the optimal method for getting from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. The main ride from Mai Chau town to the valleys takes on a separate route, which takes on different routes each, depending on which segments you decide to verify on your way (look at the table developed in the earlier section).
You’ll be able to enjoy the ride through villages like Ban Lac or traveling through majestic Thung Khe Pass with many winding, climbing hairpin turns and high views of the lush green bottom valleys. The stopping point would ultimately be completed past Tam Coc or Trang An (at the Ninh Binh base).
Travel Time: Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours on average.
Advantages: If choosing to travel by motorbike, you will have the flexibility to take a break for viewing or for pictures at scenic spots like Thung Khe Pass (Routes 1 and 3), or at the numerous riverbank stalls around the Da River. Additionally, you will feel the fresh air surrounding you, smell the rice paddies, and listen to the sounds of the countryside.
Disadvantages: Although moving by motorbike brings fresh air and freedom, it still has some drawbacks. The first one is that Thung Khe Pass (Routes 1 and 3) is steep and has dangerous curves that will be especially slippery in the rain. Secondly, Route 2 through Hanoi can be congested during rush hours. Moreover, luggage is limited to small backpacks, not suitable for large pieces of luggage.
Safety Notes: To ensure your safety, you must wear a standard helmet when driving at the permitted speed. Besides, you should not travel at night to avoid fog or poor visibility. Do not forget to check the weather forecast to avoid rare landslides on Routes 1 and 3.
By Bus Or Minivan
Buses and minibuses are affordable and convenient modes of transportation, departing from either Mai Chau Bus Station or your homestay (if applicable). You can choose between the two routes listed above. Route 1 is a direct route, taking you through some rural areas. Route 2 goes through Hanoi, which is better suited for connecting trips. The bus will drop you and passengers off at the central terminal in Ninh Binh, which is a short taxi ride to Tam Coc.
Reference Prices (one-way/person):
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Amenities |
| Standard Bus | 150,000-200,000 | Have basic seating. Have fan |
| Premium Bus | 200,000-300,000 | Have air conditioning, reclining seats, and USB ports |
| Limousine Minivan | 300,000-400,000 | Have Spacious leather seats, WiFi, water, and wet wipes |
Time: 3.5 – 4.5 hours (Route 1), 4-5.5 hours (Route 2), 4-5 hours (Route 3) with 1-2 rest stops.
Advantages: Inexpensive. You can meet local people on the same route, too.
Disadvantages: Fixed times and may be overcrowded during holidays.
By Private Car
The maximum comfort and flexibility may be obtained from private cars with drivers arranged through your hotel or an agent. If you choose to travel by private car from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, the routes can be adjusted. Route 1 is the fastest option, but you will miss a chance to visit traditional hamlets, etc. Route 3 takes you through traditional hamlets, while Route 2 brings you back to the urban stimulation of Hanoi.
Reference Prices (one-way/vehicle):
| Vehicle Type | Price (VND) | Capacity |
| 4-Seater Sedan | 1,300,000 | Up to 4 people + small luggage |
| 7-Seater SUV | 1,500,000 | Up to 6 people + large luggage |
| 16-Seater Minibus | 2,300,000 | Groups of 10+, ample luggage |
Duration: Approximately 3.5-4 hours (Route 1), 4-5.5 hours (Route 2), 4-5 hours (Route 3)
Advantages: Door-to-door service; a better option for groups. Drivers who speak English and will share local knowledge.
Disadvantages: More expensive for solo travelers.
By Rented Cars
If you’re a traveler who is already comfortable driving in Hanoi or Mai Chau, then a self-driving car can be a good option for you. Car rental rates depend on what kind of car you want to rent (500,000 VND – 2.1 million VND/day).
Who is it suitable for? Travelers with a Vietnamese license who are comfortable driving in Asia.
Preparation:
- Documents: International license, passport, and Vietnamese License.
- Equipment: GPS offline, cash for toll fees, and a roadside repair kit.
- Recommendations: Look out for potholes if it recently rained; refill the tank in Hoa Binh, the next gas station is about 50 km away.
Advantages: Freedom, you can take more luggage.
Disadvantages: Traffic can be complicated; it can also be tiring to drive for many hours.
Tips For Traveling From Mai Chau To Ninh Binh
To help you prepare for a convenient, safe, happy, and memorable journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, Seni World has some essential travel tips for you:
- When to leave: You should leave Mai Chau between 7 AM to 9 AM to avoid the heat if you are visiting in the summertime or chill if you are visiting in the wintertime in Ninh Binh. This also means enjoying the sunrise at the Thung Khe Pass at that time of day.
- Thung Khe Pass in Mai Chau Valley
- How to be safe: Use low gear on the Pass; wear a raincoat if it rains. Make sure to signal when passing. In the countryside, women will want to wear less revealing clothing.
- The best weather: It may be best if you visit in March – April or September – October (20-28°C is the temperature, the view is beautiful).
- What to bring: Light shirt, sunscreen, mosquito spray, reusable water bottle, and some snacks too.
Recommended Stops Along The Way From Mai Chau To Ninh Binh
You can extend your trip by visiting several stops, which would require an additional 2-4 hours, to enjoy your trip completely. Below are the stops with extended information to include activities, local dishes, and reasons to stop there:
Thung Khe Pass
- Location: About 30km from Mai Chau, on Highway 6.
- Stop Duration: 20 – 40 minutes.
Thung Khe Pass is an excellent stop to capture the untouched beauty of the Northwest region, during the ripe rice season, and serves as a stop to rejuvenate and take in the fresh air and beauty to forget your travel fatigue!
You can take in the valley with majestic karst mountains and expansive rice fields. At the rice harvest (September-October), the color is bright yellow with the natural landscape as your backdrop. You can stop at small shops along the roadway and enjoy strong filter coffee or fresh grilled corn; there are shops that sell wild “honey” and specialty dried bamboo addressed.
Hoa Binh Hydroelectric Dam
- Location: Approximately 70km from Mai Chau on the way to Ninh Binh in Hoa Binh province.
- Stop Duration: 45 – 60 minutes.
Hoa Binh Dam not only presents an impressive engineering structure but also provides the opportunity to take a look at Vietnam’s industrial history. The quiet lake views and fresh air will not be forgotten.
You can go on a boat trip around the lake to enjoy the sightseeing views and take photos. You can also take mini tours for a fee that lets you discover the brief account of the dam’s construction. Do not forget to eat some local food at nearby restaurants, such as grilled Muong pork, or grilled river fish, and don’t forget to try che lam, the local sweet cake.
Cuc Phuong National Park
- Location: About 10km off Highway 1A, near Ninh Binh, 150km from Mai Chau.
- Stop Duration: 1-2 hours.
Cuc Phuong National Park is a great in-between the beauty of wild Mai Chau and the cultural heritage of Ninh Binh. It is a great space to fall in love with nature, learn about different ecosystems, and relax before moving to the next main stop.
You can take short walks (1-2km) into Vietnam’s first National Park and see spectacular trees up to thousands of years old or rare primates (e.g., Delacour’s langur, Black-shanked douc) at the Primate Rescue Center. If you have time, check out the Ancient People’s Cave, which has evidence of where prehistoric Man settled.
Final Thoughts
With a distance of about 150 – 160 km of rural beauty and natural sights alongside, a journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh cannot be neglected. Whether you drive a motorbike, a minivan, or a private car, you will identify local culture and enjoy the scenery. The question is… Are you ready for the journey to Mai Chau and Ninh Binh? Get tour guidelines to consider packages from Seni World!
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