Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: Best Hotels, Homestays & Areas

If you're planning a trip to northern Vietnam and wondering where to stay in Ninh Binh, you're in the right place. Known as “Vietnam’s inland Halong Bay,” Ninh Binh offers dramatic landscapes, peaceful countryside, and a range of accommodation for every traveler. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or looking for a romantic escape in a luxury resort, this guide will show you exactly where to stay in Ninh Binh, sorted by area and price—from affordable homestays to high-end retreats.

1. Tam Coc – Best for Scenic Views & First-Time Visitors

Tam Coc is a favorite spot for travelers deciding where to stay in Ninh Binh. With limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and easy access to boat rides and viewpoints, it's perfect for nature lovers and first-timers.

Budget: Tam Coc Rice Fields Homestay A quiet and charming homestay run by a local family. Rooms are simple but clean, with bamboo decor and rice field views. Free bikes and homemade meals add to the value, making it ideal for budget travelers wanting an authentic local stay.

Mid-range: Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow This cozy stay offers bungalows built from natural wood, set along a small stream with stunning views of the karst landscape. The hosts are known for their warm hospitality and offer homemade breakfasts and local guidance. Perfect for couples and solo travelers.

Luxury: Tam Coc Garden Resort Surrounded by lotus ponds and rice terraces, this boutique resort features elegant rooms with traditional architecture, a saltwater pool, and tranquil gardens. The restaurant serves high-quality Vietnamese cuisine. Ideal for honeymooners and luxury seekers.

2. Trang An – Best for Nature, Seclusion & Relaxation

Trang An is quieter than Tam Coc and located within the UNESCO-listed heritage area. If you're wondering where to stay in Ninh Binh for peace and green surroundings, this is the place.

Budget: Trang An Green View Homestay This homestay offers clean, bright rooms with garden views. It's very affordable yet provides free bicycles, home-cooked meals, and friendly local hosts. Great for travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy a serene environment.

Mid-range: Trang An Retreat A beautiful eco-lodge with stone bungalows, a small swimming pool, and peaceful views of rice fields and mountains. The bungalows are modern yet rustic, and guests love the fresh air, privacy, and relaxing atmosphere.

Luxury: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh A full-service 5-star resort designed in traditional Vietnamese village style. It features lush gardens, spacious rooms with wooden interiors, an on-site spa, multiple pools, and fine dining. Great for families or couples wanting a peaceful luxury retreat with nature on their doorstep.

3. Ninh Binh City – Best for Budget Travelers & Convenience

For those who prioritize convenience or are transiting by train or bus, Ninh Binh City is a practical place to stay. It's not as scenic as Tam Coc or Trang An, but offers great prices and easy access to transportation.

Budget: Ngoc Anh Hotel A simple, clean hotel with excellent value. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff speak English and can arrange tours or transfers. It's perfect for budget-conscious travelers or short overnight stays.

Mid-range: Nam Hoa Hotel Offers spacious rooms, friendly service, and a rooftop restaurant with views of the city. A good choice if you want comfort and convenience without paying luxury prices. Many attractions are just a short drive away.

Luxury: The Vancouver Hotel This small boutique hotel is owned by a Canadian-Vietnamese couple and praised for its cleanliness, personal attention, and Western-style bathrooms. It’s a top pick among international travelers looking for a comfortable, well-run stay close to the train station.

4. Hoa Lu – Best for History & Cultural Immersion

If you want to stay close to Vietnam’s ancient capital and immerse yourself in its past, Hoa Lu is ideal. It’s less crowded and offers a more local, cultural experience.

Budget: Chez Beo Homestay Set beside a peaceful lotus pond, this basic yet atmospheric homestay features bamboo huts with open views of the mountains. It’s rustic and unplugged, perfect for travelers seeking nature and simplicity.

Mid-range: Trang An Valley Bungalow Located between Hoa Lu and Trang An, this stay offers private bungalows in a quiet valley. Rooms have large windows facing the cliffs, and guests love the homemade meals, natural surroundings, and helpful hosts.

Luxury: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort A resort-style hotel near both Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, with elegant rooms, a pool, spa, and full modern amenities. Ideal for travelers wanting to explore cultural landmarks without giving up comfort and luxury.

5. Mua Cave Area – Best for Sunrise Hikes & Iconic Views

Mua Cave (Hang Múa) is famous for its 500-step viewpoint overlooking the rice fields of Tam Coc. Staying nearby means you can reach the summit early for sunrise before the crowds arrive.

Budget: Lotus Field Homestay Simple but lovely rooms surrounded by blooming lotus ponds. It’s quiet, clean, and very close to the Mua Cave entrance, making it ideal for hikers or early risers who want to avoid the mid-morning heat.

Mid-range: Hang Mua Valley Homestay Rustic rooms with wooden decor, mountain views, and a garden full of flowers. The family offers traditional meals and free bicycles. A peaceful base for exploring the area with great local hospitality.

Luxury: Mua Caves Ecolodge (Hang Múa) The most well-known property near the cave, offering traditional-style villas, landscaped gardens, and an on-site restaurant. The location is unbeatable for hikers and photographers looking to experience the best sunrise views in Ninh Binh.

Choosing where to stay in Ninh Binh depends on your goals. If you want dramatic scenery and vibrant tourist energy, Tam Coc is your best bet. If you prefer peace and heritage, Trang An or Hoa Lu are perfect. For early morning views, stay near Mua Cave. And if budget and transport are your focus, Ninh Binh City is the most practical.

From rustic bamboo huts to upscale riverside resorts, Ninh Binh has a stay for every budget and travel style. Wherever you stay, you’ll be surrounded by one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking landscapes, and your choice of accommodation can help turn your visit from memorable to unforgettable.