Why should you definitely travel to Ninh Binh?

Why should you definitely travel to Ninh Binh?

With the picturesque natural landscapes and the stunning cultural places, Ninh Binh takes an important position on the Vietnamese tourist map. In case of setting foot on Vietnam, you can’t miss this spectacular destination. Here are the reasons why you must definitely put Ninh Binh in your list of destinations. Do not forget to take  Vietnam tour packages to get more information about how to travel around the countryside in Vietnam.

The magnificent natural landscape

Ninh Binh is supposed to be offered many invaluable gifts by Mother Nature. You can just understand this if you explore Trang An eco-tourist site, Tam Coc- Bich Dong landscape, Thien Ha Cave and Van Long Nature Reserve.

Why should you definitely travel to Ninh Binh?

Trang An eco-tourism site & Tam Coc- Bich Dong

Belonging to Trang An scenic landscape complex, Trang An eco-tourist site, and Tam Coc- Bich Dong seem to be the most popular tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Being known as “Halong Bay on land”, Trang An owns hundreds of separated and large limestone scattering with the river flowing through them and hidden caves in them. The best way to explore Trang An eco-tourist area is to take a bamboo boat ride. You will be taken along the river to contemplate the beautiful limestone mountains that are dotted by the floral carpet, the alternated small valleys that are full of grass, reeds, and algae or the greenish forests. The blue water is so clear that you can see weeds at the bottom quivering in the rhythm of brandishing water flow. There is a collection of unique pretty caves that you can only sightsee in Trang An. Sneaking slowly through several long hidden caves including Dia Linh cave, Dark cave, Bright cave, Wine brewing cave, Seo cave, etc you will have a chance to witness colorful stalactites and stalagmites that have formed for millions of year. Entering Trang An more deeply, you will feel like you are heading to a dream-land that is totally isolated from the outside world. Only you mingle with the extraordinary beauty of Trang An – the true heaven on earth.

Being the second nicest cave in Vietnam, Tam Coc- Bich Dong which is a part of Hoa Lu limestone mountain ranges still keeps its primitive beauty. Visitors will take a boat along Ngo Dong river and explore 3 beautiful caves including Ca cave, Hai cave and Ba cave; all of which are named after the appearance order. This is also the reason why it is called “Tam Coc” since “Tam” means “three” and “Coc” means “cave” in the local dialect. Besides, the name of “Bich Dong” was named by Nguyen Nghiem – the father of the great poet Nguyen Du in 1773 with the implication that “Bich Dong” means literally “Green Pearl Grotto”. On both sides of the river is the lush paddy fields that look even more superb in the season of ripe rice when the rice fields turn to the color of bright yellow, evoking the sense of property and peace. At the end of 2-hour journey, let’s visit Bich Dong pagoda where you can get a panoramic view of the charming Tam Coc- Bich Dong.

Van Long nature reserve

Why should you definitely travel to Ninh Binh?

Not only being renowned for the spectacular landscapes of mountains and grottos, Van Long nature reserve is also the home to the diverse fauna and flora. This is the living place of the largest volume of Delacour’s langurs which is one of the most endangered animals in the world. Being over 30,000 hectares in area, Van Long nature reserve steals the hearts of the visitors by collections of majestic mountains and fantastic grottos. The name “Van Long” tells us partly about the extraordinary beauty of this land since “Van” means “clouds” and “Long” means “sparkling” in Vietnamese. Being called “A bay without waves”, Van Long has the calm water that resembles a giant mirror reflecting all the picturesque natural landscapes around. Visitors will take a boat ride through high reeds, along the small streams to contemplate the beautiful mountains and the glorious caves. Especially, Van Long is the gathering place of various birds migrating from the North. If you come here from November to April, you will have an opportunity to sightsee thousands of birds flying around, creating a lovely scene like the one that appeared in the movie Kong: Skull Island that was filmed in Van Long.

Thien Ha cave

If you like to explore Ninh Binh but have limited time, Thien Ha (Galaxy) cave is for you. Thien Ha cave is supposed to have the blended beauty of Trang An, Tam Coc and Van Long with the picturesque sceneries of rice fields and mountains like Tam Coc, the mysterious grottos with the unique beauty like Trang An; wild nature and the natural inhabitance of birds like Van Long. Because of the small-sized entrance and its hidden position in the forest, Thien Ha cave owns the untouched beauty with stalagmites & stalactites having shimmering colors and the unique shapes. Being in Thien Ha cave, you will feel like you are getting lost in a real paradise. Being the least touristy site in Ninh Binh, Thien Ha cave deserves to be the highlight on your trip to Ninh Binh.

The meaningful historical relic

Over 1000 years ago, Trang An used to be the old capital of the Vietnamese first independent feudal state. After unifying the nation, Dinh Bo Linh was on the throne and chose Hoa Lu to be the capital of the nation “Dai Co Viet”. From 968 to 1009, six emperors of Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties propped up the capital in Hoa Lu. Until 1010, Hoa Lu became the former capital since King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi). Being a national historic relic attached to three Vietnamese feudal dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries, Hoa Lu ancient citadel includes defense walls, palaces, temples and shrines; all of which result in magnificent fairy scenery.

Why should you definitely travel to Ninh Binh?

The remarkable religious constructions

Bai Dinh pagoda

Breaking several records in Vietnam as well as Southeast Asia is certainly the pride of Vietnamese citizen. 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. Covering 80ha area, the renovated pagoda which hold various new national record such as such as the biggest bronze 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), the longest corridor with 500 Arhat statues.  With the unique architecture, precious cultural and historical values, Bai Dinh pagoda is certainly the must-visit religious place.

Phat Diem cathedral

Located in the largest Catholic area in Northern Vietnam, Phat Diem cathedral is supposed to be one of the most unique architecture churches in the whole country. A remarkable feature of Phat Diem cathedral is the perfect combination of Eastern and Western architectural style. In Phat Diem cathedral, Gothic architecture blends beautifully with the design of Vietnamese traditional pagoda. It’s not difficult to find the hallmarks of Vietnamese traditional culture in Phat Diem cathedral. The roofs were designed as that of the traditional pagoda with the imposing Holy Crosses.  In the interior, the pictures of angles in the vaulted ceiling were painted in Vietnamese style while the interior walls have paintings of Eastern symbols such as unicorns, dragons, tortoises, and phoenixes.

With the magnificent natural landscapes as well as the glorious cultural places, Ninh Binh is always an attractive destination that the authentic travelers can’t pass. Now you know why you must explore this extraordinary land as soon as. Let’s discover Trang An, Tam Coc- Bich Dong, Van Long nature reserve, Hoa Lu ancient citadel, Bai Dinh pagoda, and Phat Diem cathedral and have the unforgettable trip. Why don’t you stand up and take the best Asia tours packages right now? Vietnam is waiting for you. Share the post if you find it helpful.