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NINH BINH


Is a province in northern Vietnam, known for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. It is often called the “Ha Long Bay on Land” because of its limestone mountains and rivers that resemble the famous bay. Ninh Binh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as paddleboat tours, hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) was the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, and it still preserves many historical and religious sites, such as the Ancient Village (Hoa Lu), the Bich Dong Pagoda, and the Bai Dinh Temple. These places showcase the ancient architecture and art of Vietnam, as well as the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the people.

Ninh Binh has a tropical monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the rice fields are green or golden. Ninh Binh is famous for its local cuisine, especially com chay (crispy rice crust), de tai chanh (goat meat cured in lemon juice), and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls with pork and mushrooms). You can enjoy these dishes at the many restaurants and street stalls in Ninh Binh, or try to make them yourself at a cooking class.

HOA LU
DÔNG AM TIÊN
BÁI ĐÍNH TEMPLE
TRANG AN
PHỐ CỔ HOA LƯ
CHÙA VÀNG
MUA CAVE
THUNG NẮNG
CHÙA BÍCH ĐỘNG
VÂN LONG NATURE RESERVE
CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK
HOA LU

Known as the “Dinh-Le” capital, it served as the political and economic hub of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.

The ancient capital is divided into two main areas: the Inner Citadel, known as the “Dinh Citadel,” was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang in 968 AD. It served as the primary residence and administrative center of the ruling Dinh dynasty. Its architectural grandeur is evident in the massive stone walls, intricately carved gateways, and towering watchtowers that still stand today.

Just a short distance away lies the Outer Citadel, or the “Le Citadel,” which was constructed by King Le Dai Hanh in 1010 AD. This section of the ancient capital served as the seat of power for the subsequent Le dynasty. The Outer Citadel boasts similar architectural marvels, with ornate palaces, pagodas, and ceremonial halls that reflect the opulence and refinement of the era.

It was first constructed in 1010 after the capital was moved to Thang Long, now Hanoi. It was re-constructed from 1600-1606 and has been well maintained. The temple still holds the precious pieces of ancient sculpture on rock and wood, reflecting a period of prosperity in Vietnamese history.

The temple is dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, who fought courageously, protecting the country from the threat of invasion from the Chinese in the North. Before occupying the throne and becoming the first King of the Le Dynasty, Le Hoan was an excellent general under King Dinh Tien Hoang. After the death of King Dinh, Le Hoan received support from the king’s wife and other military men, taking the throne and leading the fight against the army of the Song dynasty of China and began the southward expansion process against the kingdom of Champa.

The entrance is shaped like the word “Vuong” (King). The temple has sophisticated wood and stone sculptures colored in golden and crimson and dated from the 16th and 17th century, which help bring a sacred atmosphere into the interior area. Tourists have to pass the temples of the subordinates in order to see the final parts of the construction, the temple where there are statues of the King and his family. Meanwhile, the temple only serves worship practices towards the king, his wife, and his elder son, who succeeded him in power. The real tomb of King Le is isolated one kilometer from the frequently-visited temple.

Is a temple dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty. The temple was built in the 17th century and carries the exclusive architectural style of the Dinh dynasty.

King Dinh Tien Hoang, also known as Dinh Bo Linh, was the founder and first ruler of the Dinh Dynasty, which lasted from 968 to 980 AD. During the 10th century, Vietnam was divided into several feudal states, each ruled by a different warlord. The country was in a state of constant conflict and lacked a centralized authority. In this context, Dinh Bo Linh emerged as a military leader and strategist who aimed to unify the country under his rule. He successfully defeated and overthrew the last ruler of the 12 warlords, Ngo Quyen. After establishing his authority, King Dinh Tien Hoang implemented various reforms to strengthen his rule and consolidate the power of the central government.

Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital because it was located in a strategic position, surrounded by mountains and rivers, which made it easy to defend against invaders. The city was also the birthplace of King Dinh Tien Hoang, and he had many fond memories of the place.

Dai Co Viet was the name of Vietnam during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang, who named the country after he became the king in 968. The name Dai Co Viet is composed of three Chinese characters: “Dai” means “great,” “Co” means “ancient,” and “Viet” means “Vietnamese people”. Therefore, the name Dai Co Viet can be translated as “Great Viet of the ancient Vietnamese people”.

It was built in the 10th century by Emperor Lê Hoàn of the Đinh dynasty to house a large “sutra pillar” (Lăng Nghiêm) that would engrave the sutras of the Buddha’s teachings. The pagoda is also known as “One Pillar Pagoda”. Later, in 1010, when Emperor Lý Thái Tông of the Lý dynasty moved the capital to Thăng Long (Hanoi), he ordered the construction of a replica of the pagoda to be built.

The stone Buddhist sutra pillar at Nhất Trụ Pagoda is a designated national treasure and the Pagoda itself proposed as an addition to the UNESCO World’s cultural heritage list. The pillar is actually a composite of eight separate pieces of stone, intricately fitted together without mortar or adhesives and topped with an unopened lotus bud. The eight faces of the pillar are engraved with an estimated 2500 words copied from the Buddhist scriptures, including the Shurangama Sutra.

Is a tomb complex that serves as the final resting place of King Dinh Tien Hoang.

To reach the tomb, visitors must climb 265 stone steps to the top of Ma Yen mountain, which is about 80 meters above sea level. The climb can be challenging due to the steep incline, but the view from the top is worth it.

It houses a stele (a tall, vertical stone slab) that was erected in 1430 to commemorate the founder of the Ly Dynasty, Ly Thai To. The stele is inscribed with a poem that praises the king’s virtues and achievements, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Vietnamese literature from the 15th century.

The stele house is a single-story building with a tiled roof and wooden pillars. It is situated on a raised platform and has a rectangular shape. The stele itself is made of blue stone and stands 2.6 meters tall. It is decorated with intricate carvings of dragons, clouds, and other motifs.

DÔNG AM TIÊN

Is a national monument which is part of the Hoa Lư Ancient Capital.

The cave is surrounded by rocky mountains and a crystal-clear lake that creates a picturesque view . The entrance of the cave is shaped like a dragon’s mouth and is also known as the Dragon Cave . The cave is accessible through a tunnel that passes through the mountain.

Historically, Động Am Tiên was used as a prison for criminals during the reign of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng. Later, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple by the monk Trương Ma Ni and his son Trương Quán Sơn. The cave also served as a courtroom to help the king govern the country.

The cave has a stone altar that is dedicated to the Buddha and Thiền sư Nguyễn Minh Không. There is also a plaque that dates back to the reign of King Đồng Khánh, which describes the restoration of the temple and the cave.

BÁI ĐÍNH TEMPLE

Is a historic Buddhist temple complex, known as the largest pagoda in Vietnam and one of the most important religious sites in the country.

It is situated on the slopes of Dinh Mountain and covers an area of approximately 539 hectares. The construction of Bái Đính Pagoda began in 2003 and was completed in 2010. It was built to honor the contributions of Buddhism to Vietnamese culture and spirituality.

The ancient Bái Dính Pagoda is now located about 800m south of Tam The Hall of the new pagoda. Up to 300-step stairway access, this quiet shrine houses a main prayer hall and natural caves, where locals pray to Buddha and mountain spirits such as Genie Cao Son and Saint Nguyen . In 1997, the ancient pagoda was recognized as a national historical – cultural – revolutionary relic.

TRANG AN

The Trang An boat ride is a wonderful way to explore the stunning scenery of Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. You will board a rowing boat and glide along the Ngo Dong River, passing by towering limestone mountains, impressive caves, and magnificent temples. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Trang An.

You can explore the complex by traditional sampan boat, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the intricate rock formations.

  • Route 1: This is the longest and most northerly route, lasting about 2-3 hours. It covers 9 caves and 3 temples, including some of the most impressive ones such as Ba Giot Cave, Son Duong Cave, and Khong Cave. You will see stunning rock formations, ancient statues, and colorful paintings inside the caves. You will also visit some temples that have historical and cultural significance, such as Tran Temple, Bao Hieu Temple, and Khong Palace.
  • Route 2: This is a medium-length route that takes about 1.5 hours. It covers 4 caves and 3 temples, including Lam Cave, Thanh Cao Son Temple, Vang Cave, and Dai Cave. You will see some of the most beautiful caves in Trang An, such as Lam Cave with its intricate carvings and paintings on the walls. You will also visit some temples that have unique architecture and decorations, such as Thanh Cao Son Temple with its wooden dragon statue.
  • Route 3: This is a short route that takes about an hour. It covers 3 caves and 3 temples, including Toi Cave, Sang Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Tran Temple, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Palace, Bao Hieu Temple, Khong Cave. You will see some of the most popular caves in Trang An that are easy to access by boat. You will also visit some temples that have interesting stories and legends behind them.
  • Toi Cave: It is the only cave in Vietnam that operates a mud-bathing service inside the cave. The cave has a length of 5,558 meters, a width of 50 meters, and a height of 80 meters. It has many kinds of stalactites with different colors and shapes, some rare ones with parasitic ferns. The cave also has an underground river and a natural freshwater lake named Thuy Tien. The name Toi means “dark” in Vietnamese.
  • Sang Cave: It is a small cave with a length of about 100 meters. It has a bright and spacious interior, with many stalactites and stalagmites that create a stunning contrast with the sunlight that enters through an opening in the ceiling. The name Sang means “light” in Vietnamese.
  • Nau Ruou Cave: It is a long and narrow cave with a length of about 250 meters. It has thousands of jars and vases that were used to store liquor by ancient people who lived here centuries ago. The water inside the cave is cool and clear, and it flows from an underground spring to a well at the end of the cave. The name Nau Ruou means “liquor” or “wine” in Vietnamese.
  • Ba Giot Cave: This cave is one of the most popular caves in Ninh Binh. It has a length of about 150 meters and a width of about 20 meters. It has many stalactites that resemble bats hanging from the ceiling or walls. The name Ba Giot means “bat” or “bats” in Vietnamese.
  • Seo Cave: This cave is another gem in Ninh Binh. It has a length of about 100 meters and a width of about 10 meters. It has many stalactites that form various shapes such as flowers, stars, hearts, or animals.
  • Son Duong Cave: This cave is one of the most impressive caves in Ninh Binh. It has a length of about 200 meters and a width of about 15 meters. It has many stalactites that are very tall and thick, some are even taller than trees! The name Son Duong means “big mountain” or “big hill” in Vietnamese. The most remarkable feature of Son Duong Cave is its huge stalactite that resembles a dragon’s head! It measures about 30 meters high and weighs about two tons! It looks like a guardian statue of this ancient wonderland.
  • Lam Cave: It has a length of about 300 meters and a width of about 50 meters. It has many stalactites and stalagmites that form various shapes such as flowers, animals, or Buddha statues. The name Lam means “forest” in Vietnamese.
  • Vang Cave: It has a length of about 350 meters and a width of about 50 meters. It has many stalactites and stalagmites that resemble a dragon, a phoenix, or a lotus flower. The name Vang means “gold” in Vietnamese.
  • May Cave: It has a length of about 200 meters and a width of about 20 meters. It has many stalactites and stalagmites that form various shapes such as a dragon, a lion, or a Buddha statue. The name May means “cloud” in Vietnamese.
  • Dia Linh Cave: It has a length of about 1,500 meters and a width of about 10 meters. It has many stalactites and stalagmites that form various shapes such as a dragon, a lion, or a Buddha statue. The name Dia Linh means “blossom stone” in Vietnamese.
  • Trinh Temple: This is a Taoist temple built in the 17th century on a hill overlooking the river. It is dedicated to an important figure from the Nguyen Dynasty, Trinh Hoang, who served as a scholar to the royal court. The temple has a unique architectural style which combines elements from both traditional Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. It is one of the most important temples in Hue, Vietnam, and is recognized as an important cultural and historical relic of Vietnam.
  • Tran Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Tran Hung Dao, a famous general who fought against the Mongols in the 13th century. It is the cluster of three temples, where Tran Dynasty’s Kings and royal family members and their meritorious mandarins are worshipped. The structure of Tran Temple Complex has three main and separate buildings. They are of the Thien Truong Temple, Co Trach Temple, and Trung Hoa Temple. The temple complex is considered as the most invaluable property because this southern Red River Delta province is the sacred land of the Viet people, Tran Kings and national hero Tran Hung Dao, the spirit of the Tran Dynasty.
  • Khong Palace: This is a palace built by King Vu Lam in the 18th century on an island in the river. It was used as a place for the king to rest and enjoy the scenery. It is recognized as an important cultural and historical relic of Vietnam.
  • Bao Hieu Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Bao Hieu, the goddess of love and beauty. The temple is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, and is a part of many tours that visit Hue City.
  • Thanh Cao Son Temple: This is the oldest temple in Trang An, dating back to the 12th century. It has three towers representing heaven, earth, and human realms. It is a sacred religious site in the outskirt of Hanoi.
  • The cost of a boat ride in Trang An is around 250,000 VND (approximately $11 USD) per person for adults.
  • Children under 1 meter have free entrance, and for the ones under 1.3 meters, the ticket is 120,000 VND (approximately $5 USD).
  • Private boat tickets cost 1,250,000 VND per boat, which can carry 4-5 people.
PHỐ CỔ HOA LƯ

Is a new attraction that showcases the traditional culture and architecture of Vietnam in the 10th century. The attraction consists of two areas: one for introducing the handicraft products of various villages in Ninh Binh and nearby provinces, and another for enjoying the local cuisine and specialties. You can see many beautiful and unique items made by local artisans, such as stone sculptures, pottery, embroidery, lacquerware, paintings, bamboo art, etc. You can also taste some delicious dishes from different regions of Vietnam.

It was opened for the first time in early 2022. It is part of a larger tourism project called Quang Trung Tourism Complex. It aims to promote sustainable development and cultural preservation in Ninh Binh. The opening hours of Phố cổ Hoa Lư are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for children. 

There are also some special events during the day that you can enjoy, such as traditional performances by local artists and workshops to make your own handicrafts. 

Is a Buddhist temple complex located on a small island in the middle of Trang An river. The temple is also known as Ky Lan Son Tu, because the island has the shape of a mythical creature called Ky Lan, which is similar to a unicorn or a qilin. The temple was built in the Ly dynasty and expanded in the Tran dynasty, and it is associated with the worship of eight local kings who ruled over 12 provinces in the past.

The temple is composed of three small pagodas, surrounded by green trees and flowers. The temple is also connected to two stone bridges, one of which leads to the Bao Thap Tay Phuong, a tower that houses a large bronze bell. The other bridge leads to the Thap Tu An, a tower that contains four statues of Buddha.

CHÙA VÀNG

Is a beautiful and peaceful temple located in the middle of a lake (Cá Voi Lake). It is built on the old foundation of Chùa Bát Long, a temple that dates back to more than 1000 years ago, under the reign of King Le Dai Hanh. The temple has a unique architecture that resembles a lotus flower, with eight sides facing eight directions. The temple is dedicated to eight kings of the 12th century Quan Xuan dynasty, who are considered as the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The temple is also known for its golden color.

Chùa Vàng Ninh Bình was built in 2018 by Xuân Trường, a businessman who wanted to create a spiritual and cultural destination in Ninh Bình. 

It is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entrance fee is 10.000 VND for adults and 5.000 VND for children. You can also enjoy other activities near the temple such as boating on the lake.

MUA CAVE

The cave: The cave was once used as a place for entertainment by the Tran Dynasty kings, who enjoyed watching dancing performances by their maids. The name Mua Cave means “dancing cave” in Vietnamese. The cave has a simple structure, with a large entrance and a spacious chamber inside.

The dragon statue: To reach the top of Mua Mountain, you have to climb 486 stone steps. Along the way, there are carved statues of dragons and phoenixes that reflect the artistic spirit of the Tran Dynasty. At the summit, there is a large white dragon statue that overlooks the valley below.

The small pagoda: Below the dragon statue, there is a small pagoda that offers a place for worship and meditation. The pagoda is built in a traditional Vietnamese style, with a tiled roof and wooden pillars. The pagoda has a simple altar with a statue of Buddha and some incense sticks.

The entrance fee is 100,000 VND.

THUNG NẮNG

Also known as the Sunshine Valley, is a captivating new tourist destination, offering a more quiet and pristine experience compared to the bustling excitement of Tam Coc.

Thung Nang is surrounded by high limestone mountains and features an immense green lake. The valley is well-known for its tranquil, untouched natural beauty, attracting tourists who are seeking a peaceful retreat. It offers various types of tourism, including ecotourism, religion tourism, grottoes discovery, sightseeing, and mountain climbing.

One of the highlights of visiting Thung Nang is the boat ride. You can take a boat ride of about 3.5 km to reach the holy Voi temple, which was built in the Le dynasty.

For the more adventurous, there are opportunities for mountain climbing. From the top of the mountains, you can enjoy panoramic views of endless green fields, beautiful landscapes, and amazing sunshine.

CHÙA BÍCH ĐỘNG

Is an ancient temple that was built in the 10th century during the Trần and early Lê periods and comprises three large, adjacent caves: Hạ (Lower), Trung (Middle), and Thượng (Upper). Each cave houses a separate temple, ascending the mountainside. Chùa Bích Động is also known as “Bạch Ngọc Thạch Sơn Đồng”, meaning a beautiful and pure white jade temple.

The journey to the top of the mountain at Chùa Bích Động is a spiritual adventure that begins at the foot of the mountain with the Hạ Pagoda. This pagoda is used as a shrine for worshiping the Buddha. From the Hạ Pagoda, you will climb up 120 steps to the halfway of the mountain where the Trung Pagoda is located. This second pagoda is divided into two areas: half of the pagoda is situated outside and another half is situated inside the cave. The final ascent leads to the Thượng Pagoda, the smallest and highest pagoda which is part of a cave, with two shrines.

 The temple’s history dates back to 1428, with significant renovations made in 1705 by two monks, Trí Kiên and Trí Thể. They cast a large bell, which still hangs in the Dark Cave. The inscription on the bell serves as the temple’s stele.

The pagodas are mainly built with wood and stone, a material that was mainly used in the 18th century to build pagodas and palaces or temples. The cave, which is part of Trung Pagoda, is also called the “Dark Cave” (Hang Toi).

CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK

Is the first national park in the country and the largest nature reserve. It covers an area of 25,000 hectares and borders three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The park was established in 1962 by President Ho Chi Minh and is one of the most important sites for biodiversity in Vietnam. The park has a rich history and culture, as it was inhabited by humans for thousands of years before its creation. The park also has many caves, waterfalls, mountains, and temples that attract visitors from all over the world.

One of the most fascinating features of Cuc Phuong National Park are its numerous caves. Some of these caves are open to the public for exploration and education purposes. For example, the Cuc Phuong Cave is a large cave system that contains many stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, and paintings. The cave also has a natural pool that can be used for swimming or relaxing. Another cave that is worth visiting is the May Bac Cave, which is named after its silver clouds that appear on sunny days. The cave has a spacious chamber with a wooden ceiling and a waterfall inside.

One of the most notable caves is the Con Moong Cave, which is located in the park’s southern region. The cave is named after the prehistoric tools and bones found inside, which suggest evidence of human habitation thousands of years ago. The cave is wide and long, with two connecting doors

 

Another attraction of Cuc Phuong National Park are its stunning waterfalls. These waterfalls are formed by streams that flow through the karst mountains and valleys of the park. Some of the most popular waterfalls are Thien Mu Waterfall, which is located near the entrance of the park and has a height of 30 meters; Thien Yen Waterfall, which is surrounded by lush greenery and has a height of 25 meters; and Thien Long Waterfall, which is located near Quen Voi village and has a height of 40 meters.

 

Cuc Phuong National Park also boasts some impressive peaks that offer scenic views and challenging hikes for adventurous travelers. The highest peak in the park is May Bac Mountain or Silver Cloud Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 656 meters above sea level. This mountain has several trails that lead to different viewpoints and attractions on top of it. Another peak that is worth visiting is May Dinh Mountain or Golden Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 600 meters above sea level. This mountain has a temple complex on its summit that dates back to the 17th century.

 

Cuc Phuong National Park also has some historical and cultural temples that reflect the influence of different religions and civilizations on Vietnam’s history. One of these temples is Thien Mu Temple or Golden Temple Complex, which was built in 1912 by King Dang Van Kiem as a tribute to his mother who died there. The temple complex consists of several buildings such as pagodas, statues, halls, gardens, and ponds.

Another temple that is worth visiting is Thien Yen Temple or Silver Temple Complex, which was built in 1938 by King Dang Van Minh as a memorial to his father who died there. The temple complex consists of several buildings such as pagodas, statues, halls, and gardens.

Cuc Phuong National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many endangered species. The park is particularly known for its primates, which include macaques, gibbons, François’s leaf monkey, and slow loris. Other mammals found in the park include bats, porcupines, flying squirrels, small striped squirrels, belly-banded squirrels, and the rare black giant squirrel. The park is also home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. The park’s rich biodiversity is a testament to its importance as a conservation area.

 

Cuc Phuong National Park is also home to many ancient trees that are considered to be cultural and historical treasures. One of the most famous trees in the park is the Thousand-Year-Old Tree, which is a Terminalia myriocarpa tree that is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The tree is located near the park’s center.

The park is also home to many other ancient trees, including the Parashorea chinensis tree, which is over 45 meters tall and is one of the tallest trees in Vietnam. These trees are a testament to the park’s rich history and cultural significance.