Ninh Binh to Mai Chau : The complete transfer guide 2026

Ninh Binh to Mai Chau transfer guide

This Ninh Binh to Mai Chau transfer guide provides all the detailed information you need to get from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau Valley. We also show you some ways to travel from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau using taxi, shuttle bus, private car, motorbike, local bus, and more, written by a local expert

Table of Contents

About Mai Chau

Mai Chau is a stunning valley with lush green rice paddies field, majestic karst mountains, located in the Northwest of Vietnam, and is home to the White Thai ethnic group. Mai Chau is an ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy natural beauty and meet friendly local but way less touristy than Sapa.

Ninh Binh to Mai Chau distance

The distance from Ninh Binh (Tam Coc town) to Mai Chau is 139 kilometers (87 miles).

Frequently asked questions about Ninh Binh to Mai Chau Transfer

How long does it take from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau?
Three and a half hour drive, including a stopover along the way

When is the best time to see Mai Chau

September and October are the rice field season, and the weather is cool.

Is a day trip to Mai Chau from Ninh Binh possible?

Yes. It is possible, but not worth it. Since you will be spending 7 hours round-trip on the road. You’d better finish Ninh Binh, take a one-way transfer to Mai Chau, and spend a couple of nights there.

Is there any alternative to Mai Chau?

Mai Hich village, Xam Khoe village, and the Bao La area, which is less touristy than Mai Chau town.

How long does it take from Mai Chau to Noi Bai airport?

Four hours and 20 minutes, including a stopover along the way

How to get from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau: Transports, Advices and Tips

Most travellers who visit Mai Chau from Ninh Binh plan to finish their stay in Ninh Binh and then head to Mai Chau. I hardly find anyone who takes a day trip to Mai Chau from Ninh Binh.

Please see the travel options between Ninh Binh and Mai Chau: private transfer, taxi, shuttle bus, local bus, and motorbike.

Ninh Binh to Mai Chau bus/limousine Dcar (Tourist-friendly option)

For your convenience, a transfer from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau, with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, is the best choice. Or you will be dropped off close to your accommodation in Mai Chau

Ninh Binh Express Bus Company

They offer a Dcar Limousine bus from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau.

Route

Departure time

Transfer time

Ticket fare

Type of bus

Tam Coc– Mai Chau

From Ninh Binh: from 7.30 to 8.15am (Tam Coc, Trang An, Mua Cave and so on

From Mai Chau: 8.30am,

3.5 hours

15 USD/pax

Xseat (12 seats)

Pick up in Ninh Binh : Tam Coc, Trang An and Mua cave area

Pick up in Mai Chau : Around Mai Chau town and nearby villages like Lac, Poom Coong, Naphon, Nathia etc.

The Long bus

Route

Departure time

Transfer time

Ticket fare

Type of bus

Tam Coc– Mai Chau

From Ninh Binh: 7.30am or 1.30pm

From Mai Chau: 8.00am, 1.30pm

3.5 hours

300.000VND/pax

Ford transit(16 seats)

How to take the local bus from Ninh Binh to Pu Luong?

Most local buses depart from the Ninh Binh bus terminal, which is 7 kilometres from Tam Coc town. You can also try your luck by standing at Bung Binh Tam Coc (Tam Coc roundabout) to catch a bus to Mai Chau, as most buses from the Central and South of Vietnam have to pass through the roundabout.

You can also take a bus to Son La and get off at Nga Ba Toong Dau, aka Tong Dau T-junction

It isn’t a good option, since you need to take a taxi from Tam Coc to the city of Ninh Binh, then another taxi from Toong Dau T-junction (not all buses) to your accommodation in Mai Chau. So you may consider using this option

How to book a tourist shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau

Support a local business called Vexere by buying a ticket from them.

There are platforms for booking bus tickets from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau

Bookaway
12Go
BaoLau
Checkmybus

Pro Tips for booking a Limousine Dcar/shuttle bus from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau

Ask the hotel staff to check the bus schedule for any changes
You may arrive in Mai Chau later than expected.
We offer a drop-off in Mai Chau town. area.
Bring local currency, the Dong, to pay for the bus ticket
You can encounter an unsafe driver who may use the phone while driving
I don’t recommend taking a local bus unless you want to experience. I know it’s affordable, but the driving experience might not be great.

Ninh Binh to Mai Chau private transfer: 4 seaters, 7 seaters – SUV car, minivan

If you are travelling in a party from 3 people above, this option is the best

Route	4 seaters car (2 people with luggage	7 seaters cars (family of four with luggage)	16-seater minivan (up to 8 people with luggage)
Ninh Binh to Mai Chau	76	79	108

Driver language skill : Basic English

Pick up and drop off : Door to Door

Type of vehicles: 4-seater car (Sedan) for 2 adults and 01 kid with luggage, 7-seater car (maximum 4 adults and 01 kid with luggage), 16-seater minibus (maximum for 10 adults with luggage)

Travel duration : Three and a half hours, including a stopover for a coffee break along the way

Efficient route : Ninh Binh – Nho Quan – National Road 12B – Lac Son – Man Duc – Thung Khe pass – Tong Dau J-Junction – Mai Chau

For booking a private transfer/car to Mai Chau, kindly contact us via: WhatsApp: +84.974.313.104

Included: Fuel, toll road, parking fee, car and driver

Excluded: Personal expenses, meals, snacks, other items not mentioned above

Why private transfer from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau?

Fast, convenient and flexible
Stop at the viewpoint for photos without extra charge
Flexible departure time
Pick up and drop off door-to-door
Faster than taking a Limousine bus (Around 45 minutes to 1 hour since it includes pick up and drop off time)

What to do and see along the way from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau

Cuc Phuong National Park.

An additional fee applies if you visit the tourist attractions listed above.

The popular area we serve

Mai Chau town, Lac village, Lac 2 village, Na Phon, Na Thia, Mai Hich village, Hang village, Avana Retreat, Mai Chau hideaway resort

Good news, we also offer a private car from Ninh Binh directly to Avana Retreat (30 kilometres or Approx 19 miles from Mai Chau)

Ninh Binh to Mai Chau motorbike

Experienced riders are welcome because the traffic is busy and you may encounter big trucks along the road. You may also ride along the slope, which is not easy for beginners.

Be prepared with a full-head helmet and a valid international driving license.

Duration: 3.5 hours, including toilet break

Route: From Tam Coc, travel to the national road no 12B, then the national road no 6

Please see the route map below