5 reviewed party hostels · from €4.05/night · Hostelworld rated
Ninh Binh isn’t just about limestone karsts and river caves: it’s also where backpackers gather for a mix of outdoor adventure and late-night socialising. Tam Coc, the main hub, packs most of the hostels, bars, and budget eats into a small area, so you’re never more than a five-minute walk from a cold beer or a group boat tour. The stretch near Ninh Binh Train Station feels like a mini backpacker village, with travel agencies, street-food stalls, and a handful of bars that stay lively until midnight. Hostels here lean into the nature theme: think bamboo bunks, riverside hammocks, and pools tucked between rice paddies: while still keeping the Wi-Fi strong and the breakfast buffet stocked with pho and fresh fruit.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Ninh Binh Buffalo Hostel delivers Vietnam's signature party energy in Tam Coc's centre, where daily activities and lively atmosphere create perfect opportunities for connecting with fellow adventurers. With the bar open until 23:00, on-site restaurant and pool, plus enthusiastic 24-hour reception organizing tours and adventures, this hostel chain guarantees Buffalo's famous social vibe throughout Vietnam.
The Banana Tree transforms into Ninh Binh's social hub where the Sunset Bar serves cocktails beside the swimming pool overlooking stunning Tam Coc river and limestone mountains. As travellers, expats, and locals gather to watch rowing boats pass and sunsets paint the karst landscape, this licensed tour operator creates natural connections through shared adventures and memorable riverside evenings.
Gecko Backpackers Hostel in Tam Coc is a party haven with a cracking pool bar and vibrant social vibe. Daily family dinners and pool table games spark electric gatherings, while downtown nightlife is steps away. Friendly staff fuel the fun with events, making it a gem for an epic, party-packed adventure in Ninh Binh’s heart.
Fun party hostel with plenty of group activities available like fishing, hiking, bamboo rafting, cooking classes, etc. The hostel features a nice swimming pool where you can enjoy daily parties with nice food and cheap drinks. The sun terrace and on-site bar are also great social spots for backpackers.
The hostel features an amazing vibrant bar always crowded with locals and travellers. You can hang out at the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, enjoy parties and BBQ events. There are water sports facilities available to all guests. Group activities are perfect for bonding with other backpackers so feel free to go for fishing, cycling, hiking and bamboo rafting.
How Ninh Binh's nightlife zones break down
Tam Coc is the backpacker heart of Ninh Binh, where most hostels, bars, and tour agencies cluster along Highway 1A. The area is walkable, with rice paddies and limestone cliffs just minutes from your dorm. At night, the strip lights up with street food stalls and small bars, though it quiets down by midnight.
Trang An is quieter, with fewer bars but stunning scenery: think boat rides through caves and temples perched on cliffs. Hostels here are spread out, so you’ll need a bicycle or motorbike to get around. It’s ideal if you want to escape crowds but still have easy access to nature.
The provincial capital sits 7 km north of Tam Coc and feels more local than touristy. It’s home to Ninh Binh Train Station and a handful of expat bars, but nightlife is limited. Stay here if you prefer quick transport links over backpacker social scenes.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
The closest thing Tam Coc has to a backpacker pub. Chookie’s serves cold beer, cheap cocktails (50,000–80,000 VND), and Western food like burgers and nachos. It’s open from 4 PM until midnight, with live music or DJs most weekends. The garden seating fills up by 9 PM, so arrive early if you want a table.
A small bar run by a British expat, offering pints of imported beer (60,000–90,000 VND) and pub grub. It’s a quieter spot, but the owner organises impromptu quiz nights and film screenings. Happy hour runs from 5–7 PM. Walk-ins only: no reservations.
Set in a lush garden with fairy lights, this bar is a 10-minute walk from Highway 1A. Cocktails cost 60,000–90,000 VND, and the menu includes Vietnamese snacks like spring rolls. It’s busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, when a local band plays acoustic covers from 8 PM.
A no-frills spot for cheap beer (10,000–15,000 VND) and pool tables. Locals and backpackers mix here, especially after 10 PM when the hostel crowds spill over. It’s cash-only and stays open until 1 AM on weekends.
A social bar attached to Downtown Backpacker Hostel, with happy hour from 6–8 PM (two-for-one cocktails at 70,000 VND). The vibe is friendly and low-key, with board games and a small dance floor that gets busy after 11 PM. Entry is free for hostel guests.
Right on the Ngo Dong River, this bar offers sunset views and cheap drinks (beer from 15,000 VND). It’s a great spot to unwind after a boat tour, with plastic chairs and tables set along the water. Live music on Thursdays.
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