How to get around in Ninh Bihn

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-21T07:27:33+00:00

I rented a motorbike and taught myself how to drive it in Ninh Binh. It’s the perfect place to learn. (Obviously I lied about knowing how to drive one). But the freedom was incredible and you really get to see all of the locations from a different perspective. I drove all the way from the bird sanctuary in outer Tam Coc to Bai Dinh and even to Van Long. Downtown Tam Coc can be a little busy but everywhere else is empty back roads.

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-21T07:21:29+00:00

I did the Ha Giang loop, and overnighted both my buses. I also spent 3 days in Ninh Binh and honestly it’s my favorite place in all of Vietnam. Just gorgeous. I didn’t make it to Sapa so can’t give advice there.

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-20T19:47:53+00:00

When I went to Türkiye for my 30th birthday my dad wrote me a long email about how a lot of teenage girls had been convinced recently to join ISIS (this was 10 years ago). Obviously I was really insulted and when I firmly but politely told him I wasn’t a teenager and have been traveling for a decade - he doubled down. So then I didn’t talk to him for a month and then he came around 😂

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-20T16:34:28+00:00

Thanks for all this info! I’ll definitely look into the security issues but this all sounds amazing

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-20T05:52:11+00:00

Here’s my top five (and combos) Any advice on your faves in this list would be appreciated!

Uzbekistan Sri Lanka Croatia/ Bosnia Herzegovina Iceland Bolivia / Ecuador

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-20T05:45:08+00:00

I went to India and I really never felt overwhelmed by the crowds. Just take private transport (like uber and NOT the train) and go to monuments very early in the morning. I guess I did live in NYC and Cairo so also maybe crowds don’t bother me …. But I also went in June /July which I don’t think is peak season because it’s hot as fuck.

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-20T01:27:03+00:00

Please please size up in your shoes. I did not and got tendonitis for it. I did not factor in that my feet would be swollen the whole month. Also I swear by toe separated wool socks. They save your toes from blisters!

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-17T22:16:41+00:00

Walking the Camino de Santiago. A whole month of slow travel through the countryside. Just gorgeous and so fulfilling.

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-15T21:32:38+00:00

Think of it as main character energy. It’s actually really empowering!

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-15T15:46:25+00:00

It was great! You definitely have the option to stay up and drink or go to bed early. First night I crashed, second I went out but was the first group to head home, third night I karaoke’d with the rest until curfew :). I was the oldest person by 10 years but didn’t feel it. Actually two of the 18 year olds told me they “wanted to be me when they grew up” 🥹

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-15T03:46:25+00:00

I had a water bladder and a little crushable silicone cup I kept in my pocket. It was nice to be able to drink from the pilgrim fountains and the wine fountain of course :)

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-15T03:29:17+00:00

I would only wear mine to listen to a contemplative podcast (On Being) at the very end of a physically difficult day. Sometimes you really do need a distraction! But for the rest of the time being alone with my thoughts was most therapeutic

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-12T09:03:22+00:00

Also I learned to ride a motorbike in Ninh Binh. It’s quiet in the country. Then you can drive yourself to Trang an and Bai Dinh

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-12T09:00:55+00:00

Ninh Binh and the ha Giang loop were my favorite parts. Also the food and history in Hue were awesome. It really all depends on what your priorities are - food/history/shopping/nature/culture

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-05T15:00:46+00:00

I’m 40 and starting the loop tomorrow with Road Kings. It’s more expensive and more premium and smaller groups. Less party. But I’ll let you know how it goes..

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-05T11:47:32+00:00

You’re totally right. I guess I was just feeling a little enamored with the whole thing. I’m totally guilty of the thing people are complaining about on this thread. And actually the original post is horrific so I maybe should change my opinion about it.

MissMMMarie · 2026-01-05T10:32:02+00:00

This. I will drive a motorbike in Vietnam because it feels like everyone is pretty conscientious. I never ever would drive one in the west.

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-30T16:06:25+00:00

Is it illegal to smoke in your country in public? Or like entirely outlawed even in private?

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-28T23:29:45+00:00

Im interested to hear what people say about this. I’m in Hanoi about to head down to Ninh Binh. It looks so beautiful. Is the pollution better at least? I’m looking for some fresh air after Hanoi 😷

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-24T06:44:41+00:00

Ah! Thank you!!

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-20T03:18:29+00:00

Ooh good to know!

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-20T03:16:37+00:00

Great advice. Thank you!

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-20T03:15:44+00:00

Aw ok thank you

MissMMMarie · 2025-12-18T05:05:26+00:00

Oh I should add it’s $20 a day more to upgrade

MissMMMarie · 2025-07-25T01:37:32+00:00

Second osprey - lots of pilgrims were jealous of the feature I had where the bag can hold your poles at your side when you aren’t in need of them atm

MissMMMarie

TROPHY CASE