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Getting Around Nam Dinh

Getting Around Nam Dinh

Ninh Binh Vietnam Travel Guide

Public Transportation

"ha Long bay on land" and Nam Dinh offer limited public transportation compared to major metropolitan areas. Their public transit mainly consists of local public bus networks serving within Ninh Binh City and Nam Dinh City. Inter-province buses also connect these cities to smaller towns and neighboring provinces.

Local bus routes are generally less tourist-oriented and may require some understanding of Vietnamese to navigate. Fares are low-cost, paid directly to the driver in Vietnamese Dong. Typical fares range from VND 10,000 to 20,000 per trip. Buses generally operate from early morning until late evening, with varying frequency. Public buses typically have steps and are not designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Navigation & Accessibility Tips

  • Ninh Binh City Bus Station and Nam Dinh City Bus Station serve as main hubs.
  • Utilize Google Maps for bus routes. Local names and stops might challenge identification.
  • Ask hotel staff or locals for direction on specific routes.
  • Have small denominations of VND ready for fares.

Ticketing & Fares

Fares are low-cost, paid directly to the driver. Cash in VND is needed. Typical fares range from VND 10,0FROM 12 to 20,000.

Operating Hours

Buses generally operate from early morning (5:30-6:00 AM) until late evening (8:00-9:00 PM). Frequency varies, with less services that run often than in major cities.

Accessibility

Public buses are not designed for wheelchair accessibility. Travelers with mobility challenges may find these options difficult to use independently.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis
  • Look for reputable companies like Mai Linh (green cars) or Vinasun (white cars).
  • Licensed taxis display meters. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fixed price beforehand.
  • Payment is mainly in cash (VND). Some larger companies might take credit cards, but rely on cash.
Ride-Sharing Apps
  • Grab is widely available and highly recommended for both car (GrabCar) and motorbike (GrabBike) services.
  • Prices are fixed and displayed in the app before confirmation, providing transparency.
  • Grab offers safety characteristics such as rider/driver tracking. Verify driver/vehicle specifics in the app.

Safety & Station Arrangements

Taxi Safety

Use legitimate, metered taxis. Avoid unmarked cars. Demand the meter or agree on fare beforehand.

Grab Safety

Generally safe due to tracking. Always confirm driver's name and license plate match the app.

Motorbike Taxis

For traditional Xe Om, agree on price beforehand. Use GrabBike for better safety.

Station Transfers

Taxis and Grab drivers wait outside "ha Long bay on land" and Nam Dinh train stations.

Rental Options

Renting a vehicle offers flexibility, especially for exploring scenic rural areas.

Car & Scooter Rentals

  • Self-driving car rentals are not commonly chosen by foreign tourists and are generally not recommended due to traffic complexities and legal requirements.
  • Car rentals With a driver are convenient to find and recommended. Local tour operators and some bigger hotels arrange these.
  • Motorcycle/scooter hires are commonly available from guesthouses, hotels, and shops in Ninh Binh (Three Caves, "ha Long bay on land" City). Less common in Nam Dinh.
  • Scooter price: approx. VND 120,000 - 200,000 per day. Fuel extra.

Requirements & Safety

  • Rental shops often require a passport (left as deposit or photocopy taken). Legally, an IDP for motorcycles is required.
  • Helmets are mandatory and usually provided with the rental.
  • Traffic is challenging. Experience riding in similar conditions is highly recommended. Police may fine without a valid Vietnamese license.
  • Bicycle rentals are usual at guesthouses in scenic areas. Prices: approx. VND 30,000 - 50,000 per day.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Driving Laws

Drive on the right side of the road. Helmets are mandatory for motorbikes. Speed limits vary.

  • Often lower in urban areas.
  • Traffic laws are often loosely observed.
  • Defensive driving is .
Road Conditions

Range from well-maintained highways to narrow, congested neighborhood streets. Roads outside of town can be unpaved.

  • Motorbikes dominate urban roads.
  • Be aware of potholes and surfaces that are not flat.
  • Traffic can be chaotic.
Parking Information

Marked parking spaces areas are is available at the main attractions, usually for a little fee (VND 10,000-20,000).

  • On streets, park where others do.
  • Be mindful of blocking traffic.
  • Always secure your rental vehicle.

No-Go Areas & Safety

Areas to Avoid
  • Major highways (Quyết Thắng, Quốc lộ 1A) are dangerous for walkers and cyclists due to high-speed traffic.
  • Avoid walking or cycling in very congested city areas during peak hours.
  • Exercise extreme caution when sharing roads with motorbikes and cars.
Pedestrian/Cyclist Safety
  • Strolling in city centers can be challenging due to heavy motorbike traffic and inconsistent sidewalks.
  • Not many dedicated bike lanes exist; cyclists share roads.
  • Bright clothing and lights are recommended, especially in low light conditions.

Specialized Transportation

Certain sights provide unique transport experiences, enhancing your exploration.

Tour Buses & Water Transport

  • No dedicated hop-on-hop-off services operate. Tour buses are available as part of structured day trips from Hanoi or within Ninh Binh.
  • In Ninh Binh, boat tours are essential for accessing attractions like Trang An (2-3 hours), Tam Coc-Bich Dong (1.5-2 hours), and Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve (1-1.5 hours).
  • These provide a convenient way to see several sites without managing individual transport.
  • Van Long tours are notably popular for bird watching.

Unique Local & Accessibility

  • A cable car operates at Bái Đính Pagoda, connecting the lower and upper parts of the vast complex, offering convenient navigation.
  • You may find "Xe Lôi" (rickshaw/pedicab) in some smaller towns, but these are not a main mode of tourist transport.
  • Accessibility services are generally limited. Nearly all attractions involve stairs, uneven paths, or boat transfers.
  • Planning with a specific tour operator might support travelers with particular mobility requirements.

Walking Routes

Tam Coc provides pleasant walking routes along the river and through rice paddies. Trang An and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital are pedestrian-friendly within their complexes.

Self-Guided Tours

Easy to do in places such as Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and around specific pagodas. Maps or smartphone navigation support self-guided exploration.

Cycling Experience

Bicycles are commonly available for rent. This has an excellent way to explore the flat, picturesque landscapes. Exercise caution, as dedicated bicycle lanes are limited.

Guided Tour Advantages

Convenience
  • Often includes transportation, simplifying logistics between sites.
  • Local insights from knowledgeable guides enrich historical and cultural understanding.
  • Organized tours cover multiple attractions efficiently.
Enhanced Experience
  • Bridges language barriers, facilitating interactions and local experiences.
  • Support and assistance for any travel-related issues.
  • Pre-arranged itineraries maximize your time at each destination.

Local Travel Tip

For a truly immersive experience, rent a bicycle in Three Caverns and explore the rice paddies and villages at your own pace. This allows for a bond with the serene landscape.

Always carry a a powered phone with finding your way apps and local connections. Maintain awareness of your surroundings.