People may or may not know that the ancient land of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) was once the capital of Vietnam, that’s the reason why this land holds an invisible and incredible role in the north of Vietnam.

Having been through all the ups and downs of the country, Ninh Binh today is not only a historical land reminding of the glory past but also the land of ethereal nature sceneries, including the Trang An Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Grotto, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Van Long Nature Reserve, etc.

Visitors can enjoy the best of Ninh Binh at any time of the year since the land is characterised by the tropical monsoon climate of North Vietnam. This wonderland has four full seasons: winter (dry season), summer (rainy season), spring and autumn.

Photo: TITC

No matter which type of means you ride to Ninh Binh, enjoying the “specialty” paddle boat riding, exploring the landscapes or paying a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is the best way to get a sense of this UNESCO heritage site. Especially, travelling to Ninh Binh during late May and early June, visitors would be awed by the golden rice paddies. Let’s take a boat tour along the Ngo Dong River and enjoy the picturesque views.

Exciting activities that visitors can enjoy in Ninh Binh include:

Visiting the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

There are 47 grottos and caves, 31 valleys and the hallowed cultural area of Bai Dinh Pagoda inside the Trang An scenic landscape complex. The very first impression when visitors arrive at Trang An should be the scene of dozens of boats anchoring in lines and welcoming tourists on board to start the journey. Trang An Eco-tourism complex is being charmed by stunning and majestic karst sceneries. A boat ride will take you to explore caves connecting 31 wetlands and 2 km of waterborne caves like Dark and Light caves, Sinh Duoc, Dia Linh or May Cave in this complex.

Cruising Tam Coc and Exploring Bich Dong Pagoda

Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a famous tourist area in Ninh Binh, consisting of Bich Dong Pagoda and Tam Coc Grotto. It captures every hearts of visitors by its poetic, awe-inspiring views and inspirational natural scenery. Tam Coc means 3 caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba); “Tam” means 3, “Coc” means cave. Tam Coc or “Three Caves” portion is of great enchanting charm and mystery fairy site. Get on a boat from Van Lam Wharf to reach Tam Coc Grotto. On the way, visitors will pass through Ngo Dong River, beautiful rice paddies, unique limestone karsts and pass underneath three caves.

Photo: TITC

Bich Dong, which literally means “Green Pearl Grotto”, is a beautiful pagoda on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain dated to 1428 under the Le Dynasty, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. Visitors can take leisure biking from Tam Coc to Bich Dong to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful countryside landscape along the way.

Hiking Mua Cave – Hang Mua

There is a saying, “A change of latitude can change your attitude towards life”. Hiking to the top of Hang Mua may not change your attitude but surely does change your view. From the top of the Cave, the whole 360-degree view of Tam Coc valley appears magnificently in your eyes, the patchwork quilt of green rice fields below and snaking rivers weaving in, out, and around the ancient karsts.

Mind meditating in Bai Dinh Pagoda

Located behind a range of limestone mountains in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, the back leans against the Bai Dinh Mountain with the height of 200m, Bai Dinh pagoda is famous for its great size and imposingness. It is also the owner of the most Arhat statues in ASEAN with 500 Arhat statues made of stone and standing higher than a human’s head. Bai Dinh Pagoda Mountain was recognised as a cultural and historical heritage site in 1997. As a great historical relic, Bai Dinh Pagoda cherishes both enchanting scenery and deep history. Why not give yourself a chance to enjoy the beauty, tranquillity of this place…

Watching birds in Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden is a biodiversity landscape, surrounded by tropical forests on limestone mountains, with many caves and valleys blending with the nature of trees and flowers. Visitors can explore the life of nearly 40 species of birds with a population of up to 50,000 birds. Every sunset, you will see flocks of white storks flying all over the wetland, creating an amazing wild beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Hiking in Cuc Phuong Primary Forest

Cuc Phuong National Park is the first and oldest national park in Vietnam. This natural park is home to the vast number of local plants and animals which represent a crucial source of biodiversity. Cuc Phuong Park offers plenty of jungle routes for hiking and trekking.