Ninh Binh

Located around 90km south of the capital city Hanoi and belonged to the Northern Delta of Vietnam, Ninh Binh province used to be the capital of the country from the end of the 10th century to the early 11th century during the rule of Dinh and Early Le Dynasty. Endowed with the typical and beautiful natural setting, sometimes called miniature of Vietnam, Ninh Binh offers visitors a chance to see rural Vietnam at its best.

Come to Ninh Binh, visitors will have a chance to see Tam Coc – Bich Dong, dubbed as Halong bay inland, a very beautiful place. Here, river snakes through limestone mountain caves make their way along with water land with rice paddies and lotus lakes. It is obviously a very peaceful place that combines great natural beauty and a colorful painting of local daily life.

Its sister, Trang An Ecotourist area, with a system of caves, lakes, forest, and ancient vestiges dotted along is being prepared for its name to be on the list of World natural heritage.

Bai Dinh Pagoda, built on the basis of an ancient pagoda from the 11th century and boasted the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia with a collection of huge bronze statues and bells is a worth visiting place.

Hoa Lu ancient capital, which was built at the end of the 10th century as the royal capital of the country still remains lots the vestiges with temples, pagoda, and tombs of kings of the two dynasties: Dinh and Early Le.

Phat Diem Cathedral, a Catholic church built of stone with a typical architectural style that harmoniously reflects the combination of the West and the East.

Apart from those well-known places, Ninh Binh is home to some famous natural reserves, of which, Cuc Phuong National Park, Van Long Biosphere Reserve, Mua Cave (hang Mua) are among the most attractive destinations.

Sitting on a little bamboo boat, row upstream along marvelous rural scenery in Tam Coc or Van Long; visiting the ancient temple in Hoa Lu and cycling along country paths that crisscross paddy fields; trekking to explore Cuc Phuong National Park... All are fascinating experiences. You can visit Ninh Binh just during a day trip, but two days or more would be nicer to unearth this intriguing and charming area.