Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa how many km: Travel information 2025

1. Overview of the journey from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa

1.1 Geographical location and distance

Bac Ninh belongs to the Red River Delta region, located about 30 km northeast of Hanoi center and possesses a convenient transportation system connecting to northern provinces. Meanwhile, Thanh Hoa is a large province in the North Central Coast region, serving as a bridge between the North and the Central regions, and an important intersection on the North-South axis.

The center of Bac Ninh is about 200 km from Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

The distance from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa varies depending on the travel route. If choosing the North-South expressway route, the distance ranges from 200-210 km, significantly shorter than the traditional National Highway 1A route with a length of about 215-225 km. This difference makes the journey more flexible, suitable for various travel needs of tourists.

1.2 Average travel time

The modern expressway system helps shorten travel time between Bac Ninh and Thanh Hoa. For private cars or passenger buses, the journey usually takes about 3.5-4.5 hours, creating favorable conditions for day trips or short-term journeys.

If traveling by motorbike, the total time is about 5-6 hours, however, it is advisable to avoid traveling at night and prioritize departing when the weather is favorable to ensure safety.

2. Popular travel routes

2.1 The fastest route: Phap Van - Cau Gie - Thanh Hoa Expressway

This modern expressway route is the optimal choice for those who want to shorten the distance and save time when traveling from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa. The route starts from Bac Ninh, travels along CT01 expressway, enters Hanoi Ring Road 3, then goes straight along the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Ninh Binh route, and finally continues along the Nghi Son - Dien Chau expressway to reach the center of Thanh Hoa.

Expressway route connecting Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa. (Source: Compiled)

The total distance is only about 200 km, with travel time ranging from 3.5 to 4 hours under favorable traffic conditions. The expressway features a road surface with 4 lanes, a designed speed of 90-120 km/h, ensuring smooth flow and minimizing congestion. Especially, the route has no cross-intersections or traffic lights, making the journey seamless, suitable for both private vehicles and long-distance passenger buses.

2.2 National Highway 38 Route - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Thanh Hoa Expressway

This is a traditional route chosen by many experienced drivers due to its familiarity and flexibility during travel. The journey passes through localities such as Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, with a total length of approximately 220 km.

Average travel time is about 4.5-5 hours, longer than the expressway, but in return, the route passes through many residential areas, convenient for stopping for food, rest, vehicle checks, or refueling. Road costs, including tolls and fuel, are usually significantly lower compared to the expressway, very suitable for travelers who prioritize maximizing cost savings for their journey.

3. Suggested modes of transport

3.1 Passenger bus / Limousine

Passenger bus services on the Bac Ninh - Thanh Hoa route are currently abundant, operate continuously throughout the day, and are suitable for various groups of travelers. Average travel time ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the route the bus chooses and the number of pick-up/drop-off points along the journey. This is a convenient option for those who prioritize stability and do not want to drive themselves.

Dong Ly Bus Company operates the Bac Ninh - Thanh Hoa route. (Source: Compilation)

Standard bus ticket prices are usually between 100,000 - 200,000 VND/trip, suitable for short journeys. For premium limousine buses, prices range from 350,000 - 400,000 VND/trip, offering a more comfortable experience with deep reclining seats, spacious interiors, air conditioning, and various supporting amenities. Familiar bus companies such as Tien Phuong, Dong Ly, Tuan Anh, Tho Muoi all have stable schedules, making it easy to book tickets online.

Popular departure points are usually at Bac Ninh bus station, the city's six-way intersection area, or the offices of major bus companies. Upon arrival in Thanh Hoa, buses drop off passengers at the South Bus Station, North Bus Station, or central locations. Some limousine routes also offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off services, convenient for tourists carrying a lot of luggage or needing to travel to their hotel without changing vehicles.

3.2 Private Cars / Motorcycles

Traveling by private vehicle is the optimal choice for those who want to be proactive about their schedule, easily stopping at attractions or eateries along the way. The journey from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa by car is quite convenient thanks to the Phap Van - Cau Gie - Ninh Binh - Thanh Hoa expressway, which shortens travel time and ensures higher safety compared to national roads.

When choosing to drive yourself, you should carefully check the brakes, tires, lights, oil level, and fuel, especially for long journeys or when carrying many passengers. Additionally, activating an automatic toll collection account (ETC) helps the process of passing through toll stations to be quick, avoiding congestion on weekends or holidays.

Many tourists choose cars for the journey from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

For motorcycles, the journey of about 200 km requires the rider to have good health and be accustomed to long distances. You should prepare raincoats, gloves, drinking water, and ride at a stable speed. The ideal departure time is in the morning to ensure arrival before dark and minimize risks when traveling through congested sections or bad weather.

4. Experience and Notes

To ensure the journey from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa is smooth and complete, you should prepare carefully and be aware of the following important notes:

Prioritize booking bus tickets early to ensure suitable seats, especially on weekends or holidays.

Choose an early morning slot if traveling by bus to arrive in Thanh Hoa before noon, convenient for check-in or continuing your sightseeing itinerary.

Check your automatic toll account when driving a car and prepare all vehicle documents to ensure a quick passage through toll stations.

Monitor traffic conditions via Google Maps to proactively avoid congested, under repair, or heavily trafficked road sections.

Equip yourself with adequate protective gear if traveling by motorcycle, including a light armor jacket, gloves, a full-face or 3/4 helmet; carry drinking water and avoid riding at night for safety.

Perform a comprehensive vehicle check before departure: brakes, tires, lights, and fuel level.

5. Combining Tourism in Thanh Hoa

5.1 Nui Chua - Am Tien

The Nui Chua - Am Tien relic area is a destination harmonizing historical elements and natural landscapes, suitable for tourists who love exploring spiritual culture. This place is associated with the legend of Lady Trieu and the remnants of ancient citadels, creating a sacred atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.

The "Huyen Tich Am Tien" project is anticipated in Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collection)

Not only rich in historical value, Nua Mountain also possesses lush green mountain scenery and winding stone staircases. The area is currently being focused on in the development orientation of the "Huyen Tich Am Tien" project, expected to become a large-scale spiritual tourism center in the future. This promises to be an attractive destination, enhancing the experience for tourists visiting Thanh Hoa.

5.2 May Waterfall

May Waterfall boasts a pristine beauty with high water streams cascading down multiple rock tiers, creating a cool mist and a babbling sound that brings the space to life. In the summer, the waterfall is an excellent choice for stream bathing, immersing oneself in the cool water, or taking photos with the captivating wild natural scenery.

May Waterfall is Thanh Hoa's leading natural destination. (Source: Collected)

The area around the waterfall also has small trails leading into the forest, very suitable for groups of friends who love exploring nature. Many tourists choose to bring light snacks to have picnics by the stream, enjoying the fresh air of Thanh Hoa's highlands.

5.3 Hai Tien Beach

Hai Tien Beach is one of the beaches with rapidly developing tourism infrastructure, attracting tourists with its modern beauty while retaining its rustic charm. The wide, gentle, and long sandy shore allows visitors to easily find space to relax, watch the sunrise, or participate in beach sports activities.

The coastal area has many resorts, hotels, and restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it very convenient for weekend getaways. Hai Tien is also an ideal destination to combine in a journey to explore Thanh Hoa thanks to its moderate travel distance and increasingly improved services.

The journey from Bac Ninh to Thanh Hoa in 2025 is more convenient than ever thanks to the modern highway system and diverse means of transport. In just 3.5-4 hours, you can reach the Thanh Hoa region, rich in tourism potential. Plan now to discover the wonderful things awaiting you!