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Leaving the limestone karsts and winding rivers of Ninh Binh for the stilt-house villages of Mai Chau is a move between two of Northern Vietnam's most soulful landscapes. Ninh Binh is "Ha Long Bay on land", while Mai Chau offers a quieter encounter with rural life and the culture of the White Thai people, in a valley ringed by the highlands of Hoa Binh. The route is popular with travelers who want to skip Hanoi and move straight between nature hubs. You can book your transport on GoAsia.cc.
Ninh Binh to Mai Chau by Bus
The bus is the most common and cheapest way to travel between the two. Services run from Ninh Binh and from Tam Coc, from standard local buses to tourist shuttles, and most leave in the morning (about 07:30 to 08:30) or the early afternoon (about 13:30 to 14:30). On booking platforms, tickets start at about $13 (November 2026).[1]
Standard and Express Buses
Most services use 15- or 16-seat vehicles, sold as Express 16 or Seater 15. They are faster than big coaches on the winding mountain roads. The trip takes from about 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes from Ninh Binh, and from about 3 hours 35 minutes from Tam Coc. A VIP 15 gives you a roomier seat for a slightly higher price.[1]
Sleeper Bus
One sleeper bus leaves in the evening at 18:30, which suits travelers who want to arrive late and sleep in a fully reclining seat.[1]
Ninh Binh to Mai Chau by Van
Tourist vans are a middle ground between the public bus and a private car. They cater to international travelers and often pick up near popular hotels. They leave at 08:30 and 14:00, the journey takes about 4 hours, and on booking platforms a seat starts at about $12 (November 2026).[1]
Ninh Binh to Mai Chau by Private Transfer
For families, small groups or anyone who values privacy and comfort, a private transfer gives you door-to-door service from your accommodation in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc to your homestay in the Mai Chau valley. It is the fastest option, taking from about 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes. On booking platforms, private cars start at about $68 and go up to about $153 (November 2026), depending on the car. Options include sedans for 3, SUVs for 4 to 5 and minibuses or vans for 9 to 14 passengers.[1] Split between four or five people, it becomes a reasonable investment.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 3h 30min - 3h 50min | Morning and early afternoon departures[1] |
| Sleeper Bus | Under 4h | Evening departure at 18:30[1] |
| Tourist Van | About 4h | Departures at 08:30 and 14:00[1] |
| Private Transfer | 3h 10min - 3h 30min | Door to door[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau
- Book in advance: Morning departures fill up fast in the dry season. Book a day or two ahead.
- Dress for the cool valley: Mai Chau sits in the hills and evenings can be cool. Keep a light layer in your day bag.
- Arrival: Tell your homestay your arrival time. Many buses drop you in the town center, and homestays are a short walk or ride away.
- Snacks and water: The road winds through the hills, so carry water and a snack.
Timetable
| Bus Ninh Binh - Mai Chau $ 13.04–25.04 3h 30m – 3h 50m | |
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| Taxi Ninh Binh - Mai Chau $ 67.66–152.81 3h 10m – 3h 30m | |
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| Van Ninh Binh - Mai Chau $ 12.08 4h | |
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| Bus Ninh Binh - Hoa Binh $ 12.99–16.66 3h 10m – 4h 15m | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Mai Chau $ 13.04–14.37 3h 35m – 3h 40m | |
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| Taxi Tam Coc - Mai Chau $ 56.61–104.36 3h 10m – 3h 30m | |
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| Bus Quang Tri - Hoa Binh $ 14.64 4h | |
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| Bus Tam Coc - Hoa Binh $ 12.99 3h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau, including current prices and schedules.
The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets starting at about $13 on booking platforms (November 2026). Tourist vans start at about $12.
A private transfer is the fastest option, taking from about 3 hours 10 minutes. Express 16 buses take from about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The journey takes about 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the vehicle. Buses and private cars take under 4 hours, and tourist vans take about 4 hours.
One sleeper bus leaves in the evening at 18:30. Most other services leave in the morning or early afternoon.
Yes. Buses and private cars also run from Tam Coc, and the bus takes from about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Book a day or two ahead, especially in the dry season, to get your preferred departure time.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable Ninh Binh - Mai Chau. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.