Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is a trip that weaves together disparate landscapes to offer a glimpse into the heart of rural Vietnam. From Ninh Binh’s famous limestone karsts, the trip unfolds into Pu Luong’s rich, terraced rice paddies. More than a change of landscape, this is a trip through diverse cultural and natural sights. No matter if you’re an independent traveler or a family seeking tranquility, the trip from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong provides a fulfilling and memorable experience of Vietnam’s nature.
How to travel from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong?
There are 4 popular ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong, including limousine bus, private car, motorbike, and taxi.
Limousine bus from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong
For people who enjoy group travel with added comfort, a limousine bus is an excellent choice for traveling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong. Several well-known transport operators provide limousine bus services with fixed schedules.
Recommended limousine bus operators:
- Pu Luong Express Bus: This operator has daily departures from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong with clean buses and spacious and comfortable seating.
- The Long Travel: Previously provided the transfer between these stops but has temporarily discontinued the route.
- Thai Travel Bus: This bus company runs only between Ninh Binh and Mai Chau. If you use this service, you will need to take a taxi from Mai Chau to Pu Luong, which costs approximately $35 in either direction. This might be an option if you are unable to catch other limousine bus departures.
Recommended itinerary with Pu Luong Express:
- 7:30 – 8:15 a.m.: Hotel pick-up
- 8:30 a.m.: Van Long ferry terminal departure
- 11:30 a.m.: Arrival in Pu Luong
- Daily departures: 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Ninh Binh
Schedule & pricing:
Departure times differ depending on the company, but the majority of limousine buses operate in the morning and afternoon. Ticket fares typically range between $20 per person for a one-way trip.
Pros of limousine bus travel:
- Reclining seats and air conditioning for comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi on select buses for added convenience
- Well-experienced drivers familiar with the route
Limousine bus travel drawbacks:
- Pre-set schedules, which do not offer much flexibility
- Baggage policies vary, so check in advance before booking
Traveling via a limousine bus is an easy and cozy experience to travel from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong. Advance booking of tickets is recommended to secure your seat for a hassle-free and comfortable journey.
Private car transfer from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong
For a more intimate and flexible journey, a private car transfer is an excellent choice to travel between Ninh Binh and Pu Luong. The option provides maximum comfort and allows you to personalize your trip based on your own timing and preference.
Depending on your group size and volume of luggage, you can choose from a range of vehicle types:
- 4-seater car: Great for couples or small groups of people with minimal baggage.
- 7-seater car: Best suited for families or larger groups of people with additional luggage.
- 16-seater minibus: Fantastic for large parties or group traveling, offering plenty of room for both passengers and suitcases.
Private transfer cost varies according to car size and journey length. Generally:
- A 4-seater car starts from $80
- A 7-seater car costs around $90
- A 16-seater minivan costs around $120
Reservation in advance is highly recommended to ensure car availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
If you’d like to include a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park on your way to Pu Luong, some private transport services offer customized packages. This detour typically incurs an additional fee of $30–$40, depending on the vehicle type.
To guarantee a safe and hassle-free trip:
- Book with a reputable agency that ensures vehicle maintenance and provides insurance coverage.
- Check for safety measures such as seat belts, driver ability, and vehicle state.
- Comply with road rules and wear your seat belt throughout the journey.
Private car transfer is a comfortable, relaxed, and sightseeing alternative to visit at your own convenience, making it a smooth journey from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong.
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong by motorbike
For experienced motorbike drivers seeking an exciting drive, a motorbike journey from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is a fantastic option. Motorbike travel gives you the chance to be thoroughly immersed in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes with the freedom of an open road.
Before you leave, ensure your motorbike is in top condition and that you have a valid international motorcycle license. Plan your route on Google Maps, selecting roads that are safe and scenic. Also, ensure you check the weather forecast, as riding in the rain is dangerous.
Safety Measures:
- Use a full-face helmet and safety gear for maximum safety.
- Follow traffic regulations and be observant of the movement of other vehicles.
- Plan to stop every now and then to rest, hydrate, and avoid fatigue while traveling.
The motorbike journey from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on your pace and the halt. Allocate more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit popular destinations along the route.
Pro tip: Stop by viewpoints and interact with locals for an enhanced travel experience!
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong by taxi
For a convenient and stress-free transfer, a taxi ride from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is an ideal choice. This point-to-point transport guarantees a smooth ride without having to drive or navigate yourself.
There are various taxi firms in Ninh Binh, including:
- Mai Linh Taxi
- Thanh Nga Taxi
- Ninh Binh Taxi
These taxis are available in tourist hotspots or seek help from your accommodation to reserve one.
Pricing & booking tips
- One-way taxi from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is normally $40–$50, depending on the road conditions and distance.
- Negotiate the fare with the driver in advance or use the meter to avoid high fares.
- Taxi drivers do not speak much English, so it’s a good idea to have your destination written in Vietnamese or use a translation app to communicate clearly.
To ensure you have a secure and comfortable trip, opt for a licensed cab operator. Your hotel can offer recommendations or take a ride using an app to ensure more safety and clarity regarding fares. Travelling in a taxi is a convenient and comfortable means of transport from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong, and hence it is the best choice for those who require convenience and simplicity.
Advantages of taking a taxi:
- Convenience: Straight ride with no transfers.
- Comfort: No driving required; just relax and look at the scenery.
- Speed: One of the quickest means of getting to Pu Luong.
Disadvantages of taxing taxi to Pu Luong
- More expensive than buses or motorbikes, particularly for single travelers.
Best route from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong
The best route to follow while traveling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is Highway 217, which offers a nice scenic drive through northern Vietnam’s breathtaking topography.
Why Highway 217?
- Scenic views: The highway goes through beautiful valleys, limestone mountains, and green pastures.
- Smooth road: Compared to other routes, Highway 217 is a smoother and nicer road surface, hence easier and more secure to traverse.
- Direct route: This route directly heads towards Pu Luong Nature Reserve, avoiding unnecessary detours.
Estimated travel times
- By car or taxi: 3–3.5 hours (most appropriate for comfort)
- By motorbike: 3.5–4 hours (most appropriate for adventure seekers)
- By limousine bus: 3.5–4 hours (ideal combination of cost and comfort)
For the most convenient and enjoyable trip, Highway 217 is the most suitable route for driving from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong, where you can enjoy a secure, effective, and stunning ride.
What to see on the way from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong?
The drive from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is full of the potential to see the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Northern Vietnam. Leaving Ninh Binh, tourists get to see the landscape of the limestone karsts, which is typical of the region. As you enter Thanh Hoa province, the landscape gradually changes to rolling hills and fields. Along the way, you might stop at local markets to experience the vibrant ambiance and sample local cuisine.
Small villages dot the landscape, giving a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. The transition from plains to mountains provides stunning panorama views. When in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the landscape is even more stunning, with rice terracing rolling down the hills and green forests blanketing the mountains.
Tourists usually capture the scene and soak in the peacefulness of the locale. Trips to nearby villages to view the unique culture of Vietnam’s Thai minority people are strongly recommended. Travel to Pu Luong from Ninh Binh is a varied parade of experiences and, therefore, is an enrichment worthy of any itinerary to Vietnam.
Tips for a smooth trip from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong
Traveling from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong offers a journey through some of Vietnam’s most picturesque landscapes. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, consider the following detailed tips:
Route suggestions:
- Route 217: It is suggested for its scenery and comparatively good road conditions, which directly reach Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Tips for accommodation:
- Booking: Pu Luong’s accommodations vary from homestays to eco-lodges. Booking ahead, particularly during peak season, is recommended to guarantee availability.
- Location: Accommodation in villages such as Don or Hieu provides immersive cultural immersion and convenient access to trekking trails.
Things to do in Pu Luong:
- Trekking: Hike alternative trails that divide rice terraces, forests, and villages. Guided trekking is recommended for a richer understanding and protection.
- Local Experiences: Engage in activities involving bamboo rafting, observations on traditional waterwheels, and observations on the local farm undertakings.
- Cultural Interactions: Spare time to be in a homestay to live like locals and taste the local cuisine.
The best time to visit
- The best seasons are March to May and late July to October. These seasons are pleasant and occur during the planting and harvest times of rice, with scenic beauty.
Additional tips:
- Cash: ATMs are scarce in Pu Luong. It’s advisable to draw sufficient cash in Ninh Binh before your trip.
- Connectivity: Phone reception could be weak in areas of Pu Luong. Inform someone of your itinerary and likely times of arrival.
- Health & safety: Carry a light first aid kit, hydrate yourself, and protect yourself against insects, especially on treks.
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Ninh Binh to Pu Luong is not only a trip; it’s an experience of the rural beauty of Vietnam. From Ninh Binh’s limestone wonders to Pu Luong’s peaceful rice fields, every step of this journey reveals the region’s unique beauty. With proper knowledge and an adventurous mind, visitors can comfortably drive on this route and discover lovely secrets and unforgettable experiences. In short, traveling between Ninh Binh and Pu Luong is a mix of adventure and rest, offering the true essence of Vietnamese life.
Read more: Mai Chau or Pu Luong: Which is Your Perfect Escape?
