Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: Tam Coc, Trang An & Countryside

With sleepy rice fields and rugged limestone peaks stretching to the sky, you’d think that Ninh Binh would be a small town—but it isn’t at all! Ninh Binh is serene, rural, and beautiful, but the area is actually quite spread out, and home to several small villages that each have something different to offer.

To make it easier to figure out where to stay in Ninh Binh, I’m comparing the main areas—the popular Tam Coc and more rustic Trang An, along with some more secluded stays that are both beautiful and conveniently located!

Photos via Trang An Lamia Bungalow, Tam Coc Windy Fields, and TamCoc Golden Mountain Homestay

Tam Coc vs Trang An

Tam Coc and Trang An are the two most popular areas to stay in Ninh Binh, and when I was planning a visit, I really couldn’t find a lot of information about what makes them so popular! But after staying here, I have some thoughts and I hope this helps you plan your trip:

Tam Coc is Ninh Binh’s budget traveler hub—a small, walkable, and buzzy area of restaurants, bars, hotels, and homestays along dusty roads and a small lake. You can certainly walk out of Tam Coc into the surrounding rice fields, but while you’re here, it feels more like being in a city than being in a rural area of Vietnam. Out of all the places to stay in Tam Coc, the modern TamCoc Golden Mountain Homestay and scenic Tam Coc Windy Fields on the edge of town are my favorites.

Left: Bich Dong Pagoda just outside of Tam Coc town, and a boat ride through Trang An (both are must-do!)

Trang An, meanwhile, is a spread-out and dominated by its rural landscapes. There are restaurants, but depending on where you stay, you’ll have to walk a little further to them. To me, the Trang An area more perfectly embodies what drew me to Ninh Binh in the first place—quiet, serene landscapes where you actually see locals at work! You may want access to a bike if you stay here, but it’s also really easy to order a Grab taxi to anywhere you go. Trang An is home to Ninh Binh’s most luxurious resort, Trang An Ecolodge (only $60/night!) and a variety of more secluded homestays I’ll share later in the article.

Of course, there are plenty more places to stay in Ninh Binh, including Ninh Binh city itself, and more secluded parts of the countryside. In this article I’m sharing my favorite hotels and homestays throughout the area!

Tam Coc Tropical Homestay, where we stayed in Ninh Binh – looks more like a mini resort than a homestay, right?!

Ninh Binh Homestays vs Hotels

Ninh Binh is full of small, family-run homestays, as well as hotels at a variety of price points. At first, I thought a homestay was just staying in an extra bedroom of a local’s house, but in Vietnam, homestay usually refers to a small boutique hotel run by a local family.

I lean towards always choosing homestays because they’re run by locals, affordable, and in my experience, can be even cleaner and nicer than hotels!

Best Homestays & Hotels in Ninh Binh

Photos via Trang An Lamia Bungalow

Trang An Lamia Bungalow ($20+/night)

📍 Trang An Countryside | 9.5/10 on Booking.com | $20+/night | Check current nightly rates

This just might be the most beautiful property in Ninh Binh, with constant views of the foliage-covered rolling mountain peaks and rice fields. There are a variety of different bamboo bungalows you can book, but my choice would be one of the deluxe bungalows with private soaking pools which go for about $40/night depending on the time of year!

A delicious breakfast is included daily, and you also get access to bikes here, which helps given the location is quite secluded. Even with the bike, I’d still recommend joining a local tour like this because Ninh Binh’s most beautiful temples and the must-do Trang An boat ride are quite far.

Also See: 7 EPIC Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Photos via Tam Coc Golden Fields

Tam Coc Golden Fields ($60+/night)

📍 Tam Coc Countryside | 9.5/10 on Booking.com | $60+/night | Check current nightly rates

The best of both worlds, Tam Coc Golden Fields is a GORGEOUS retreat tucked up against verdant cliffs and surrounded by tropical foliage, but it’s only a 10-15 minute walk into Tam Coc town. Many of the rooms are built right up against the cliffside, with an eco-luxury design that highlights exposed limestone rock, and serene soaking tubs. There are a few rooms with private pools, too.

Along with Trang An Ecolodge, Tam Coc Golden Fields is one of the higher-end stays in Ninh Binh—but these luxurious rooms go for as little as $60/night! A delicious breakfast is included everyday, plus a cafe and bar that’s open later. Then there’s a beautiful pool where you can relax and take in the views!

Photos via Xuan Son Lakeside

Xuan Son Lakeside Bungalow ($30+/night)

📍 Trang An | 9.2/10 on Booking.com | $30+/night | Check current nightly rates

We almost stayed here after seeing it on a YouTube video—and we immediately knew we NEEDED to stay in these gorgeous budget-friendly riverside bungalows. But unfortunately, Xuan Son was sold out for our dates—let this be your sign to book your Ninh Binh hotel now if it’s available (you can easily cancel for free with most Booking.com hotels)!!

Xuan Son is out in the countryside, about a 20-25 minute walk to a strip of restaurants in Trang An—or you can rent a bike or scooter to get around. Breakfast is complimentary and the restaurant is open throughout the day if you want to eat here in the evenings!

Also See: The PERFECT Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi & Hidden Gems

Photos via TamCoc Golden Mountain Homestay

TamCoc Golden Mountain Homestay ($15+/night)

📍 Tam Coc Town | 9.9/10 on Booking.com | $15+/night | Check current nightly rates

The brand new (as of 2026) TamCoc Golden Mountain Homestay is perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck with clean, modern rooms for as little $15/night—and three homemade meals a day included in the cost!!

The homestay feels more like a hotel with a riverside pool and a larger selection of rooms—but with the warmth of a homestay. It’s located inside Tam Coc town, but tucked away from the bars and restaurants in a quieter area of town.

Photos via Trang An Ecolodge

Trang An Ecolodge

📍 Trang An Village | 9.5/10 on Booking.com | $50+/night | Check current nightly rates

This 4-star ecolodge overlooking the river is perhaps the most luxurious stay in all of Ninh Binh–with exceptional hospitality, and the most serene riverside rooms. Depending on what room you book, you can get your own private river patio.

The location is in the heart of sleepy Trang An, serene and surrounded by nature, but walkable to a variety of local restaurants—you have to check out the traditional set menu (veggie-friendly) at Chef Dung Restaurant if you stay here, it’s a 10 minute walk away!

In addition to the beautiful pool and delicious breakfast, you can access scooter rentals and a full spa (with exceptional massages!), plus the onsite coffeeshop, bar and restaurant.

Photo via Tam Coc Windy Fields

Tam Coc Windy Fields ($60+/night)

📍 Tam Coc Town | 9/10 on Booking.com | $60+/night | Check current nightly rates

Conveniently situated right on the edge of Tam Coc town, Tam Coc Windy Fields overlooks the surrounding rice fields and limestone peaks. You’re also only a 20-minute walk from the cliffside Bich Dong Pagoda, which was one of my favorite places we visited in Ninh Binh.

The property includes a beautiful pool with panoramic views, an onsite restaurant with complimentary breakfast, and comfortable bamboo rooms.

Also See: Trang An Boat Tour: My Experience in 2026 (Ninh Binh)

Photos via Amy House

Amy House ($4+/night)

📍 Ninh Binh City | 9.5/10 on Booking.com | $4+/night | Check current nightly rates

If you’re on a really tight budget and want to stay in a dorm, Amy House in Ninh Binh City is a wonderful option—this highly rated homestay has dorm beds for as little as $4 a night! The property is serene, with a tropical garden and hot tub. They also have adorable thatched-roof private bungalows for $20+/night, too.

A traditional breakfast made by the family is available for $2, and they can also help you rent bikes and mopeds. Keep in mind, Amy House is in the city part of Ninh Binh, so while it’s centrally located, you’re a little further from the rice fields. You’ll definitely want to join a local tour to get to the temples, Mua Cave, and Trang An landscape complex from here.

I hope my article helped you narrow down where to stay in Ninh Binh! Wishing you the absolute most magical travels in Vietnam! xo Annie

More Vietnam Travel Guides:

• 7 EPIC Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
• The PERFECT Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi & Hidden Gems
• Trang An Boat Tour: My Experience in 2026 (Ninh Binh)
• The PERFECT 3 Day Hanoi Itinerary: Coffee, Culture & FUN
• A First Timer’s Guide to Pu Luong (My FAVORITE Place in Vietnam)
• Where to Stay in Hanoi for First Timers: Old Quarter & Beyond