Best Hostels in Ninh Binh: Top Tam Coc Accommodation Guide
Nestled in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a breathtaking province that's often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land" due to its spectacular limestone karsts jutting dramatically from rice paddies rather than the sea. Despite having a population of around 1 million people, the city of Ninh Binh itself isn't where most travellers choose to base themselves. Instead, most head straight to Tam Coc, a small tourist hub just 7km outside of Ninh Binh city that offers stunning scenery and the best hostels in Ninh Binh.
With Ninh Binh province being just a 2-hour journey from Hanoi (costing around 100kVND (3.7€) by bus), it makes for a perfect addition to any northern Vietnam itinerary. If you're planning a trip to this incredible region, finding the right place to stay is essential for making the most of your adventure.
When I visited earlier this year, I was pleasantly surprised that our bus, despite being labelled for Ninh Binh, actually dropped us off directly in Tam Coc – a testament to how this smaller area has become the go-to spot for travellers.
Contents
- Which Areas to Stay in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Best Hostels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ninh Binh
Which Areas to Stay in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
If you're planning a trip to Ninh Binh province, there's really only one area I'd recommend staying in – Tam Coc. Despite what your bus ticket might say (mine said "Ninh Binh" but actually dropped us in Tam Coc!), this small village about 7km from Ninh Binh city is where you'll want to be.
During my visit, I took a brief trip into Ninh Binh city itself and was immediately glad I hadn't booked accommodation there. The city has quite an industrial feel, with little infrastructure for tourists and hardly any of the backpacker-friendly atmosphere you might be looking for. It's a working Vietnamese city, which is perfectly fine for a day visit, but not ideal as a base for exploring the region's natural beauty.
Tam Coc, on the other hand, has developed specifically to cater to travellers. The small village is surrounded by those iconic limestone karsts that make this region famous, and you'll find rice paddies, boat tours, and bicycle rentals right on your doorstep. Plus, it's got a decent selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy after a day of exploring.
If you're coming to this region to experience its natural wonders—which, let's be honest, is why most of us visit—then I can't recommend staying in Tam Coc enough. It puts you right in the heart of the scenery you came to see, rather than requiring a commute from the city each day.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: A Travel Guide to Ninh Binh
Best Hostels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
After spending time in Tam Coc and chatting with fellow travellers about their accommodation experiences, I've compiled this list of the best hostels in the area. These recommendations come from my personal stay as well as places my friends enjoyed during their visits.
Gecko Backpackers Hostel
Gecko Backpackers quickly became one of the most talked-about hostels among travellers I met in northern Vietnam. This hostel offers that perfect balance of social atmosphere without being overwhelmingly party-focused.
The hostel has clean dorm rooms with comfortable beds, each with privacy curtains, personal reading lights, and secure lockers. (Some of them are even double beds!) What really sets Gecko apart, though, is its beautiful outdoor area with hammocks overlooking stunning limestone karst views – ideal for that Instagram-worthy morning coffee shot.
Their free breakfast includes both Western and Vietnamese options, and the staff organise regular family dinners where you can try local specialties for around 80kVND (2.5€). They also offer bicycle rentals for just 30kVND (1.1€) per day, making it easy to explore the surrounding countryside.
Many travellers I met praised the helpful staff who provided excellent recommendations for boat tours and lesser-known temples in the area. With dorm beds starting from around 100kVND (4€) per night, it offers excellent value for the quality of the facilities and the social experience.
🛏 Book Gecko Backpackers Hostel here
City Garden Hostel
City Garden Hostel came highly recommended by a couple I met who had extended their stay there twice because they loved it so much. Despite its name suggesting a city location, it's actually perfectly positioned in Tam Coc.
The hostel is set in a more peaceful area, about a 10-minute walk from the main street, making it ideal for those who want a good night's sleep. The property is surrounded by a beautiful garden with views of the karst mountains, creating a tranquil atmosphere that many travellers seek after busy days of exploring.
Dorm rooms at City Garden are spacious and well-maintained, with good air conditioning (a must in Vietnam's humid climate). They offer a complimentary breakfast that includes fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs, which my friends raved about.
What seems to really make City Garden special is the friendly owner who often joins guests for evening chats and provides insider tips on exploring the region. They also organise free walking tours and can arrange boat tours at better prices than you'll find on the main street.
Dorm beds start at approximately 150kVND (5.6€) per night, offering excellent value considering the peaceful location and included benefits.
🛏 Book City Garden Hostel here
Hoa Luan Hostel
Hoa Luan Hostel offers a more authentic Vietnamese experience while still providing all the comforts that backpackers expect.
What I particularly loved about Hoa Luan was its rooftop terrace, where guests gather each evening to watch the sunset over the limestone karsts. The hostel offers a delicious free breakfast, and for an additional 70kVND (2.6€), you can join their family dinner.
Their location is ideal – just a 5-minute walk from the Tam Coc boat dock, but on a quieter side street away from the noise. The hostel also offers free bicycle use (a huge plus!) and can arrange motorbike rentals for around 100kVND (3.7€) per day.
Dorm beds at Hoa Luan start at about 160kVND (5.9€) per night, and based on my friends' experiences, it's money well spent.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
Frequently Asked Questions About Ninh Binh
Is it better to stay in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh?
It's definitely better to stay in Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh city. Tam Coc is surrounded by the natural beauty that brings people to the region in the first place, with limestone karsts, rice fields, and boat tours right on your doorstep. Ninh Binh city is more industrial with fewer tourist facilities and would require daily transportation to the sights. Based on my experience, Tam Coc offers a much better atmosphere for travellers with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and easy access to attractions.
How many days should I spend in Tam Coc?
I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Tam Coc to properly explore the area. With one day, you can do the iconic boat tour and perhaps visit one temple, but you'll miss a lot. Two days allows you to take in the major sights like Trang An or Tam Coc boat tours, Hang Mua peak for panoramic views, and Bich Dong Pagoda.
If you add a third day, you can explore further afield to places like Van Long Nature Reserve or Cuc Phuong National Park. I stayed for three days and felt it was the perfect amount of time without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh Backpacker?
For backpackers visiting Ninh Binh province, the best area to stay is definitely Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh city itself. The three hostels I've recommended above – Gecko Backpackers Hostel, City Garden Hostel, and Hoa Luan Hostel – all offer excellent value, great facilities, and helpful staff in the heart of Tam Coc. Most importantly, they put you within walking or cycling distance of the main attractions and provide a social atmosphere to meet other travellers.
Conclusion
When visiting Ninh Binh province, choosing to stay in Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh city makes all the difference to your experience. The stunning natural landscape, accessibility to major attractions, and traveller-friendly atmosphere make it the ideal base for exploring this remarkable region of northern Vietnam.
Whether you choose the social vibe of Gecko Backpackers, the peaceful garden setting of City Garden Hostel, or the authentic family experience at Hoa Luan Hostel, you'll be well-positioned to enjoy all that this incredible area has to offer. Each of these hostels provides not just a place to sleep, but a gateway to experiencing the magic of Tam Coc – from spectacular boat rides through limestone caves to breathtaking sunrise views from mountain peaks.
Remember that most hostels can help arrange tours and transportation, often at better rates than you'll find elsewhere, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations. And be sure to rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the countryside at your own pace – some of my best memories from Tam Coc came from simply getting lost among the rice fields and discovering secluded temples and viewpoints.
Ninh Binh may not be as famous as Halong Bay or Sapa, but for many travellers (myself included), it ends up being one of the highlights of northern Vietnam – and choosing the right hostel in Tam Coc will only enhance that experience.
