Deciding where to stay in Ninh BinhVisitors to Ninh Binh have three options when choosing where to stay: Ninh Binh City (AKA Thanh Pho Ninh Binh, the capital of Ninh Binh Province and the main transport hub), Tam Coc (a small village roughly 7km from Ninh Binh City), or further afield.  NINH BINH CITYThis is where most buses leave from Hanoi and all trains arrive and depart. Staying in the city is a good option if you arrive late at night or depart early.Ninh Binh isn’t the nicest of cities and honestly doesn’t have much to offer tourists aside from local food options. Staying in the concrete jungle, you’ll feel about as far away from nature as possible –and that’s not what Ninh Binh is about. TAM COCAbout 15 minutes by car from Ninh Binh City, Tam Coc is located on the doorstep of Tam Coc-Bich Dong, one of two popular boat rides in Ninh Binh, and close to other tourist attractions such as Mua Caves. Choosing accommodation where you can envelop yourself in Tam Coc’s most stunning landscapes will make your experience more special.There are dozens of businesses in Tam Coc village that cater exclusively to tourists, and there is a crop of accommodations within walking distance of these. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to bars and tourist-friendly food options.The biggest downside to staying in Tam Coc is the backpacker vibe. Depending on your travel style, the drinking culture and touristy feel may not jive with you.All things considered; I firmly believe that Tam Coc is the best place to base your stay in Ninh Binh. Tam Coc offers a good balance of convenience and nature, and I think there are enough semi-secluded options in the Tam Coc area to overcome the over-touristy feel of the main street. FURTHER AFIELDThere are also accommodations sprinkled north towards Trang An and Hoa Lu. Embedded in Ninh Binh’s rice fields, these hotels feel truly secluded and usually have a higher price tag as a result.How to get to your hotel from Ninh Binh bus or train stationMost tourists arrive in Ninh Binh city at either the bus stop or train station. For detailed instructions on how to get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi and other cities in Vietnam, refer to the beginning of this post.Your accommodation in Tam Coc can easily organize a car transfer for you. A cheaper option is to take a taxi from the station (just make sure they use their meter).Heading from Ninh Binh to Hanoi or elsewhere, I highly recommend the limousine bus. It includes pick up from your accommodation in Tam Coc, eliminating the need to have to travel back to the city first. Again, this is something your accommodation in Tam Coc can organize on your behalf. What to look for in a Tam Coc hotel1. A nice view and a balcony: You’ve come to Ninh Binh to admire the gorgeous landscapes, so why would you want to box yourself in? Look out for a Tam Coc hotel with large windows and water or mountain (i.e. karst) views. Many accommodations closer to the center of Tam Coc have garden views instead. Choose a place with a private deck or a communal terrace at the very least. Bonus points if there’s a hammock involved.2. Bike hire: Because Ninh Binh’s attractions are spread out, hiring your own bicycle or motorcycle is necessary to get yourself around. Choosing a hotel that offers a rental service will save you time having to go into town to pick up and drop off a bike. Plus, you have a better chance of negotiating a price and reserving a bike ahead of time. Most accommodations in Tam Coc offer this service – some on this list even provide free bicycles for guests.3. An on-site restaurant/bar: An easy meal and a few cold beers can be just the thing after a long day exploring Ninh Binh. Look for a hotel with an on-site restaurant/bar to sample home cooking and have that easy option to fall back on.4. Locally owned: I always recommend supporting businesses that are locally owned and offer a source of income to families, especially in Vietnam where foreign ownership is common. This can be difficult to gauge face value, but if it’s important to you, ask the property what the situation is before you book. Homestays where the family lives on the property are generally a safe bet.5. AC & mosquito nets: Mosquito nets over the beds are standard in Ninh Binh. You should definitely bring your own bug spray as well. Bungalows are generally open and fitted with pedestal fans, while hotel rooms will have air conditioning. Either is fine in summer – but note that Ninh Binh can get chilly in winter. If you’re traveling in the cooler months and you’re sensitive to the cold, you might want to choose a place with reverse-cycle air conditioning rather than a bungalow. 12 Fantastic Ninh Binh hotels for every budgetThis curated list of Tam Coc hotels includes options for all tastes and budgets. The properties included here have been chosen based on my own experiences traveling to Ninh Binh, recommendations gathered from my friends and colleagues in Hanoi, as well as other traveler’s reviews. Tam Coc Hotels mapUse this map to get oriented. The center of Tam Coc is located where the main cluster of accommodations is. This is where you’ll find most restaurants and bars.Tam Coc dock, the departure point for Tam Coc-Bich Dong boat trips, is located a little to the west.