Best places to visit in Ninh Binh

Several scenes of the American famous movie Kong: Skull Island were filmed in the natural places of Ninh Binh, namely Trang An, Van Long and Tam Coc, which proves the extraordinary attraction of this pretty land. Despite being relatively small in size, Ninh Binh is supposed to hold all the scenic quintessence of the whole country.  Here are some best places to explore in Ninh Binh, which you can’t miss. Remember to take Vietnam package tour to get more information about how to travel to Vietnam.

Trang An scenic landscape complex

Being listed in the World Heritage list in 2014 and Vietnam’s first site to be recognized as the mixed natural and cultural heritage by UNESCO, Trang An complex which has over 10,000 ha in the area consists of Trang An eco-tourism area, Tam Coc- Bich Dong landscape and Hoa Lu ancient citadel.

Best places to visit in Ninh Binh

Being called “Halong Bay on land”, Trang An eco-tourist site is a complex of 48 grottos and caves which lie alternately the large and small valleys. Being hemmed by the shaped limestone mountain ranges on a delta area, the eco-site is the home to 500 species of flora, 73 species of birds and 41 species of other animals. As a result, Trang An owns a diverse ecosystem. Being “Hoa Lu ancient bay” formerly, Trang An includes the karst tectonics which has formed here after 250 million years are weathered and eroded by water to have the present appearance. In the “core area” of Trang An, sinkholes and karst islands with the hallmarks of the ocean have been found. All the above things prove that Trang An deserves completely to be called “The outdoor geological museum”. In Sinh and Moi cave, the imprints of animal and human, tombs, kitchen and working tools have been noticeable, which shows that the ancient Vietnamese people settled here around 10,000-20,000 years ago. To explore Trang An ecological site, visitors must take a boat tour from the Trang An wharf. The scenery is truly picturesque with the heaving mountains on two sides of the river and the blue water which is so clear that you can see the weeds at the bottom of the river.

Being considered “The second nicest grotto in Vietnam”, Tam Coc- Bich Dong still keeps its primitive natural beauty. Sitting on the boat running along Ngo Dong river, you will have a chance to contemplate the beautiful mountainous natural landscape; seemingly, you are heading to the magic-land. On both sides of the river, especially in June, the yellow paddy fields which evoke the sense of property and peace will impress you at first sight.  Moreover, let’s visit the unique caves that alternate with the impressive pagodas.

Over 1000 years ago, Trang An used to be the old capital of the Vietnamese first independent state. After unifying the nation, Dinh Bo Linh was on the throne with the title Dinh Tien Hoang. He established the capital in Hoa Lu and named the nation Dai Co Viet. Being a national historic relic attached to three Vietnamese feudal dynasties including Dinh, Le, and Ly in the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu ancient citadel includes defense walls, palaces, temples, and shrines; all of which result in spectacular fairy scenery.

Bai Dinh pagoda

Best places to visit in Ninh Binh

Being the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, Bai Dinh pagoda consists of both the old part and the new one. The old pagoda is situated on the slope of Dinh mountain and hides in the quiet forest. There is a house to worship ancestor in the center and the small temple worshipping Genie Cao Son. On the right side of the pagoda is Bright Cave worshiping Buddha while on the left side is a temple worshiping Saint Nguyen. Next to this is Dark cave worshiping the Fairy. Covering an 80-hectare area, the renovated pagoda includes Tam The temple, Phap Chu temple, Bodhisattva temple, Bao Thap, Bell Tower and dormitory site for Buddha monks. However, the two most remarkable religious constructions may be Tam The temple and Phap Chu temple. With the height of 22 meters and five partitions, Phap Chu temple owns several national records such as the biggest statue of Buddha in Vietnam, three largest hoanh phi (horizontal lacquered boards) and three largest cua vong ( a kind of door with sophisticated sculptures and engraving). Because of the unique architecture, precious cultural and historical values, Bai Dinh is certainly the pride of Vietnamese citizen.

Van Long nature reserve

Situated in Gia Vien district, Van Long nature reserve is renowned not only for its magnificent sceneries of mountains and grottos but also for being the home to many species of fauna and flora. Van Long is the only living place of Delacour Langur that is a rare monkey inscribed on the Vietnamese Red Book. In the winter time, there are thousands of birds migrating here from the North and flying around, creating the superb scene like the one in the movie Kong: Skull Island that was filmed in Van Long. Having the nickname “A bay without wave”, Van Long nature reserve owns the massive collection of majestic mountains and glorious grottos. To explore Van Long, you will take a bamboo boat ride, through the wild high reeds, along small streams to sightsee the stunning sceneries with the impressive grottos and the spectacular mountains whose names are related to the amazing things and the romantic love story.

Cuc Phuong national park

Best places to visit in Ninh Binh

Being the biggest and well-preserved national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong is the home to rich fauna and flora. Many giant trees and endangered animals are found here. For bird lovers, Cuc Phuong is a must-visit place since several rare birds inhabit here. Having 43 biodiversity hotspots, Cuc Phuong gives the visitors the chance to see and study various species of tropical plants. The travelers can also take the tour of wildlife night-spotting to explore the mammal species in the primary forest. Cuc Phuong national park is perfectly suitable for trekking or biking. The visitors can home-stay with the local Muong tribes and enjoy their fantastic traditional music performances.

With the famous historical, natural and cultural sites, Ninh Binh is always put on the list of destinations of the authentic travelers. Let’s explore Trang An scenic landscape, Bai Dinh pagoda, Van Long Nature Reserve, Cuc Phuong national park. They will surely leave a strong impression on you. Why don’t you take the best Asia tour packages right now? Vietnam is waiting for you. Share the post if you find it helpful.