Where to Stay in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc): Best Areas & Accommodation Options
Nestled in northern Vietnam, just 100km south of Hanoi, Ninh Binh is often referred to as "Halong Bay on land" thanks to its dramatic limestone karsts jutting from emerald rice paddies instead of turquoise waters. While the city of Ninh Binh itself is home to around 130,000 people, most travellers (myself included) opt to stay in the much more picturesque Tam Coc area just 7km away. You can reach Ninh Binh from Hanoi in about 2 hours by train or bus, making it perfect for a quick escape from the capital's hustle and bustle.
I was actually quite surprised when our bus, which clearly stated "Ninh Binh" as the destination, dropped us off in Tam Coc instead! But after spending a few days exploring the area, I quickly realized this was a blessing in disguise. Tam Coc offers stunning views, a relaxed atmosphere, and puts you right in the heart of some of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes – all while being just a short ride away from Ninh Binh city if you need anything specific.
Contents
- Which Areas to Stay in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Best Hostels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Best Hotels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
Which Areas to Stay in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
When it comes to where to stay in Ninh Binh, I can't stress this enough – choose Tam Coc! While Ninh Binh city is the provincial capital with all the infrastructure you'd expect, it's quite industrial and lacks the charm that draws visitors to this region in the first place.
Tam Coc (which translates to "three caves") is a small village area just outside Ninh Binh city, and it's become so popular with travellers that even buses labeled for Ninh Binh often drop passengers off here instead – exactly what happened to us!
In Ninh Binh city itself, there aren't many accommodation options geared toward travellers. It's more of a working Vietnamese city with a distinct industrial feel – definitely not the backpacker-friendly vibe you're probably looking for. I spent an afternoon exploring the city centre and while it has its own authentic charm, I was so grateful to return to our peaceful Tam Coc guesthouse for the evening.
If you're visiting this region to experience the natural beauty that makes it famous – the boat rides through Tam Coc or Trang An, exploring Bich Dong Pagoda, climbing Hang Mua for panoramic views, or making day trips to Bai Dinh Pagoda or Cuc Phuong National Park – then 10/10 I recommend staying in Tam Coc. It puts you right at the heart of everything while offering a much more relaxed, scenic base.
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: Things to Do in Ninh Binh
Best Hostels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
Based on my experience and where my friends stayed during our trip to Ninh Binh, here are the best hostels in the Tam Coc area:
Gecko Backpackers Hostel
This was my home during my stay in Tam Coc, and I couldn't have chosen better! Just a short walk from the main street, Gecko offers both dorms and private rooms at reasonable prices. The staff can arrange motorbike rentals and pedal bike rentals (essential for exploring the area), and they served delicious, affordable food every dinner time. Prices start from 100kVND (5.5€) for a dorm bed, making it excellent value for budget travellers who don't want to sacrifice comfort.
City Garden Hostel
A couple of my friends stayed here and raved about the peaceful garden setting. City Garden is slightly removed from the main street but within easy walking distance of all the key amenities. They offer free breakfast, which my friends said was substantial and delicious – definitely a plus when you're planning full days of exploration. Their rooftop area provides amazing views of the surrounding karst landscape, especially at sunset.
Hoa Luan Hostel
This smaller, family-run hostel came highly recommended by other travellers we met on our boat tour. What makes Hoa Luan special is its warm, homely atmosphere – the owners treat guests like family and go out of their way to help with travel arrangements. The location is excellent too, just steps away from where the Tam Coc boat rides depart, meaning you can easily be first in line for the early morning tours (which I'd definitely recommend to avoid the crowds).
🇻🇳 Recommended Reading: The Best Hostels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
Best Hotels in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
If you're looking for a bit more privacy and comfort during your stay in Ninh Binh, here are some excellent hotel options in the Tam Coc area:
Tam Coc Catalina Hotel
Located right in the heart of Tam Coc, this boutique hotel offers stunning views of the karst mountains from many of its rooms. The hotel features a lovely garden area where you can relax with a drink after a day of exploring. What really sets Catalina apart is their helpful staff who can arrange tours, transport, and even cooking classes. Their rooms are spacious and beautifully designed with traditional Vietnamese elements mixed with modern comforts.
Della Luna
This eco-friendly hotel is set slightly away from the main tourist area, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The rooms at Della Luna blend perfectly with the environment, featuring natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the stunning landscape. Their infinity pool overlooks rice fields and karst mountains – I had serious envy when I walked past this place!
Tamcoc Memories Homestay
For a more authentic experience, this family-run homestay offers comfortable rooms in a traditional setting. Despite the "homestay" name, the rooms are private and well-appointed, many with balconies overlooking the rice fields. The hosts can arrange boat tours directly from their private dock, allowing you to skip the queues at the main tourist pier.
Tam Coc Marina Villa
If you're looking to splurge a little, Marina Villa offers luxury accommodations with private balconies overlooking the Ngo Dong River. The hotel is designed to blend with the natural surroundings, using local materials and traditional architecture. They have a fantastic restaurant serving both Vietnamese and Western cuisine, and their spa offers treatments using local herbs and techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Ninh Binh
What part of Ninh Binh to stay in?
The best area to stay in Ninh Binh province is definitely Tam Coc. It offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, proximity to attractions, and tourist infrastructure. Staying in Tam Coc puts you close to boat rides, Bich Dong Pagoda, Hang Mua, and numerous restaurants and cafes, while still being just a short drive from Ninh Binh city if needed.
Is it better to stay in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc?
It's definitely better to stay in Tam Coc rather than Ninh Binh city. Tam Coc is more scenic, peaceful, and geared toward tourists with plenty of accommodation options ranging from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. Ninh Binh city is more industrial and lacks the charm and natural beauty that most visitors come to the region to experience.
Where to stay in Ninh Binh Backpacker?
For backpackers visiting Ninh Binh, I'd recommend Gecko Backpackers Hostel or City Garden Hostel in Tam Coc. Both offer affordable dorm beds, social atmospheres, and helpful staff who can arrange tours and activities. These hostels also provide free bicycles, which are perfect for exploring the local area at your own pace.
Where to sleep in Ninh Binh?
The best place to sleep in Ninh Binh province is in the Tam Coc area, which offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From backpacker hostels like Gecko and Hoa Luan to mid-range options like Tam Coc Catalina and luxury stays like Tam Coc Marina Villa, there's something for everyone. Staying in Tam Coc puts you close to the region's main attractions while offering beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Conclusion
When planning your trip to Ninh Binh, choosing where to stay can significantly impact your experience of this magical region of Vietnam. While Ninh Binh city has its merits as a transport hub, Tam Coc is undoubtedly the best base for exploring the area's natural and cultural attractions.
Whether you're a backpacker looking for budget-friendly options with a social atmosphere, a couple seeking a romantic boutique hotel with stunning views, or a family needing space and convenience, Tam Coc has accommodation to suit your needs and budget.
During my time in Ninh Binh, staying in Tam Coc allowed me to easily access boat rides through the karst landscapes, visit beautiful pagodas, climb Hang Mua for panoramic views, and make day trips to further attractions like Bai Dinh Pagoda and Cuc Phuong National Park. The convenience of having restaurants, tour operators, and bike rentals right on the doorstep made the whole experience wonderfully stress-free.
So when you're planning your Vietnam itinerary, be sure to include a few days in Ninh Binh – and trust me when I say that Tam Coc is where you want to lay your head after a day of adventures in this breathtaking part of Southeast Asia.
