My Ninh Binh Lotus Adventure: A Million VND Budget Trip!

Between May and July, the lotus ponds at Hang Múa burst into a breathtaking display of full bloom. This makes it an absolutely ideal time for travelers to visit and soak in the beautiful blossoms, perhaps combining it with an exploration of Ninh Bình, and all on a wonderfully budget-friendly trip.
Two wonderful times to visit Ninh Binh are during holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), and the summer months. From May to July, the lotus flowers at Mua Cave (Hang Múa) burst into bloom, transforming the pond into a breathtaking sea of pink. This beautiful spectacle draws many visitors from across the country, particularly from Hanoi and other northern provinces, who come to capture stunning photos with the iconic lotuses.
Ninh Binh's blooming lotus season draws many visitors eager to take beautiful photos. Photo: Bùi Thị Lan. |
Ninh Binh is a region rich in stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Trang An, and Bai Dinh Pagoda, among others.
Nguyen Lich, a traveler from Hanoi, recently embarked on a two-day, one-night adventure in Ninh Binh, spending approximately 1.3 million VND per person. She enthusiastically shared, "Ninh Binh is already gorgeous, but it truly shines during the lotus season. Plus, it's quite affordable, making it an ideal spot for a summer getaway!"
Getting Around & Where to Stay
If you're starting from Hanoi, you have several convenient options for reaching Ninh Binh, which is only about 95 km away. You can choose to travel by motorbike, car, or bus.
For those traveling by motorbike, fuel costs roughly 50,000 VND per person for a one-way trip. Bus tickets typically range from 70,000 to 170,000 VND per person for a single journey. You'll find several reputable bus operators like Quang Thang, Dong Chi, Minh Dung, and Trang An limousine services. Buses usually depart from major hubs such as My Dinh Bus Station, Giap Bat Bus Station, and Cau Giay Park.
If you're journeying from Ho Chi Minh City or other southern provinces, your best bet is to fly into Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa), and then arrange ground transportation to Ninh Binh. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, renting a motorbike from your hotel or homestay is easy and usually costs around 100,000 VND per day.

Ninh Binh offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler. Photo: Hang Múa Homestay. |
Most attractions in Ninh Binh are conveniently located close to each other, so a one-night stay is often sufficient. Consider Hang Mua Homestay, which offers rooms for around 500,000 VND per person.
According to Nguyen Lich, the homestay hosts are incredibly enthusiastic and attentive. The rooms are spotless, fully equipped, boast beautiful views, and there's even a swimming pool! Plus, a delicious breakfast with a variety of tasty dishes is served complimentary.
Beyond that, you'll find plenty of other hotels and homestays to match your budget, with prices generally ranging from 160,000 to 900,000 VND per night. Popular choices include Tam Coc Summer, Tuan Ngoc, Trang An Village, and The Banana Tree, to name a few.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Exploring the Sights
On your first day, dedicate your time to exploring Ninh Binh's three most iconic destinations: Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu Ancient Town.
Your morning adventure begins at Trang An. This magnificent scenic complex boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with a serene green river gracefully winding its way through towering limestone karsts, revealing numerous mysterious natural caves along the way.
Here, you'll embark on a tranquil boat tour along the river, soaking in the fresh, natural air while marveling at Trang An's stunning vistas. If you opt for route 3 (going) and route 2 (returning), you'll also have the chance to visit three significant spiritual sites: Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Tu Tru Temple. Entrance to Trang An is 250,000 VND per person, with an additional 20,000 VND for parking.
"The scenery at Trang An is absolutely beautiful, and visitors should aim to arrive between 7-8 AM when it's still cool. I got there at 9 AM and ended up on the boat until 11:30 AM, which was quite sunny!" Lich advises.


A boat tour through Trang An is an absolute must-do experience. Photo: @galsgoglobal_, Phàng Nhật Vân Anh. |
For lunch, treat yourself to Ninh Binh's celebrated specialties: crispy rice (cơm cháy) and mountain goat (dê núi) at Thanh Cao Restaurant in Hoa Lu district. Their extensive menu offers something for every palate, with a typical meal costing between 150,000-200,000 VND.
The ideal time to explore the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area is around 4 PM. This stunning landscape perfectly captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese countryside, featuring a picturesque system of caves and limestone mountains alongside vibrant rice paddies that line both banks of the Ngo Dong River.
By late June, the golden rice fields will have been harvested. However, as you glide through Tam Coc - Bich Dong on your boat, you'll still be treated to captivating performances by traditional art troupes.
Entrance to Tam Coc costs 120,000 VND per person, with boat rental at 150,000 VND per person. If your visit includes Bich Dong Pagoda, there's an extra 10,000 VND parking fee.


Tam Coc and Hoa Lu Ancient Town are popular stops for many visitors. Photo: Minh Thu, @louisdiep_. |
In the evening, you have the option of dining at your accommodation or exploring nearby eateries like Thuy Linh Restaurant, Minh Khoi Restaurant, or Tam Coc Lantern.
Your last stop for the day is Hoa Lu Ancient Town. This charming street is designed with traditional architecture, showcasing artisanal products from local craft villages like pottery, paintings, and traditional sweets. Here, you can release beautiful floating lanterns, enjoy a boat ride on Ky Lan Lake, and admire Bac Pagoda illuminated at night. Currently, Hoa Lu Ancient Town has no entrance fee; you only pay a modest 10,000 VND for parking.
Day 2 - Marveling at the Lotuses in Van Long Lagoon
On your second morning, after enjoying breakfast at your accommodation, make your way to Mua Cave (Hang Múa) between 5-6 AM. This early start allows you to both admire the beautiful lotuses and catch a breathtaking sunrise.

During summer, the lotuses blanket the entire surface of Van Long Lagoon in full bloom. Photo: Bùi Quang Thụy. |
Mua Cave (Hang Múa) tourist area, situated in Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, is just about 7 km from Ninh Binh city. After ascending 500 stone steps, you'll reach the summit of Mua Cave and be rewarded with panoramic views of expansive fields interspersed with dramatic limestone mountains. Entrance to Mua Cave costs 100,000 VND per person, with a 10,000 VND parking fee.
Lich recommends, "Climbing early in the morning means less sun and less fatigue. You'll even make it to the peak in time to witness the sunrise! Remember to bring water, a mini fan, and apply plenty of sunscreen".
The stunning Van Long lotus pond, spanning a full hectare, is also nestled within the Mua Cave tourist area. Here, you'll find Japanese lotus varieties with pointed petals that transition beautifully from white to pink. The lotuses begin to bloom, blanketing the pond, in early May and gradually fade by the end of July. Catching them when the dew is still on their petals means you'll be treated to a pure, delicate fragrance perfuming the air.


Many travelers flock to Ninh Binh to capture stunning photos during the lotus season. Photo: Huong Nguyen, Luyện Thanh Dung. |
For lunch, savor the flavors of Bún Chả Quạt Tinh Mai, located on Pham Hong Thai street. Ninh Binh's Bún Chả features delicious charcoal-grilled square pork patties and fresh rice vermicelli, all served with a uniquely distinct sweet and sour dipping sauce. Each generous serving costs just 35,000 VND.
You can spend your afternoon exploring more local spots or begin your journey back to Hanoi.
Tips for Photographing Lotuses
- The absolute best times for photography are between 5-8 AM and 4:30-5:30 PM. In the mornings, the lotus blossoms are at their largest and most vibrant. In the late afternoon, the softer light is perfect for striking beautiful poses.
- The lotus season aligns with summer holidays, making it a popular and sometimes crowded period. If you plan to visit on a weekend, aim for the earliest possible time slot to avoid having too many people in your background.

Travelers are advised to visit in the morning for the best photos. Photo: Mai San. |
- Opt for bright-colored attire such as white, yellow, or orange. It's best to avoid dark colors, pink, or green, as they can blend in with the vibrant hues of the lotus flowers and leaves. Traditional Vietnamese garments like a 'ba ba' outfit, Ao Dai, 'ao yem' (a traditional bodice), or a elegant long dress are excellent choices. You'll find costume rental services right outside Mua Cave (Hang Múa) for a reasonable price, typically ranging from 100,000-150,000 VND per outfit.
- Think twice about using a drone (flycam). When photographed from an aerial perspective, the lotus blossoms are often hidden by their large leaves, which can detract from the overall beauty of your shot.
- For ultimate convenience, consider staying at Hang Múa Ecolodge, just 40 meters from the lotus pond. A stay here grants you complimentary admission to Mua Cave (Hang Múa), making it perfect for early morning photo sessions.
Ninh Binh 5568 view
Update day : 05/07/2023
Source : Zing News Affiliate links
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