Adrian Anh Tuấn and Sơn Đoàn enchanted by the winter charm of Ninh Bình

Despite being only 80 km away from Hanoi, Ninh Bình continues to hold numerous untamed beauties, captivating the famous couple.

Adrian Anh Tuấn and Sơn Đoàn captivated by the allure of Ninh Bình in winter

Continuing their global adventures together, Adrian Anh Tuấn and Sơn Đoàn recently chose traveling to Ninh Bình as their latest destination, driven by their love for the untamed beauty of this place. Just like in previous instances, the couple eagerly shares their travel experiences, dining recommendations, and leisure activities.

Means of transportation:

From Hanoi, you can embark on a journey to Ninh Bình by motorbike (starting from 150,000 VND/day depending on the type), high-quality passenger buses (around 200,000 VND/person/one-way trip), trains (starting from 70,000 VND/person/one-way trip depending on the route). Alternatively, you can rent a private car if traveling with a large group for convenience and flexibility in managing time (around 2 million VND/16-seater car/one-way trip).

Embarking on a journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2 hours, provided there are no roadblocks. Once in Ninh Binh, you can opt to rent a motorbike or a bicycle based on your preferred destinations. Cycling during the winter is exceptionally pleasant and fatigue-free.

Optimal Time for Ninh Binh Exploration:

A designer shares, 'Ninh Binh is captivating at all times, each season presenting a unique charm. Those picturesque images of lush Ninh Binh, with high skies and azure waters, are often captured during the surreal Northern summer. Those willing to endure the heat should visit in summer; however, the true splendor unfolds in autumn, with its vibrant hues and golden honey-like landscapes, though, admittedly, not quite as magically filtered!' Expanding further, he reveals experiencing disappointment when reality didn't mirror the winter pictures of green hills, blue waters, high skies, and mystique.

Visiting during winter or spring may not yield postcard-perfect snapshots, but it offers the most pleasant weather. Spending a few leisurely hours on a boat ride becomes refreshing, and mountain climbing is less arduous compared to the scorching season. 'During this time, Ninh Binh is cloaked in the serene shades of green foliage, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. All our photos were taken on our recent trip, portraying Ninh Binh in its early winter days, rich in color and pleasantly rustic,' the couple emphasizes.

Culinary Delights in Ninh Binh:

When mentioning Ninh Binh's specialties, one cannot overlook the mountain goat meat, particularly the free-range variety (or even mountain-climbing goats). The meat is tender and robust, offering diverse preparations from the usual stir-fries to goat hotpot, goat sauce, and a distinctive dipping sauce. These dishes are typically served with crispy rice crackers, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.

A steaming pot of goat hotpot, brimming with a variety of fresh vegetables and an abundance of flavorful broth, comes at a reasonable price of around 500,000 VND for a pot serving four. Gathering with friends on a chilly day and ordering a pot that billows with aromatic steam is an absolute delight. Additionally, you can indulge in pan-seared goat, a renowned dish following closely behind the goat hotpot. According to Adrian Anh Tuấn, simply break a piece of crispy rice, place it on a slice of goat, add a dash of sauce (also made from goat meat), and experience pure bliss.

Where to Find It?

Ninh Binh offers a plethora of hotels and homestays, though high-end resorts with comprehensive amenities are a bit scarce. The couple opted for Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort and fell in love with the place: 'Every step into the garden feels like stepping back in time, returning to our homeland. In the morning, the gentle chirping of birds surrounds the leafy branches. At noon, the rustling sound of bamboo leaves fills the air. In the evening, the melodious chirping of crickets echoes. The garden is always refreshingly fragrant with pomelo blossoms.'

Must-See Attractions in Ninh Binh:

Van Long Lagoon

-Van Long Lagoon boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem with both terrestrial and aquatic species. Towards the end of the year, visiting Van Long after 4 pm reveals a mystical beauty in the evening mist. Flocks of migratory birds gracefully soar, escaping the chill. Each boat ride on the lagoon costs around 100,000 VND per boat, accommodating 2-3 passengers. The boatmen are friendly, both paddling and narrating interesting facts about this enchanting space.

Tràng An

When in Ninh Binh, a visit to Tràng An is an absolute must. Adrian Anh Tuấn and Sơn Đoàn were truly mesmerized by the majestic and lush scenery. Notably, Tràng An is exceptionally clean, avoiding the clutter often found in other tourist spots.

There are two types of tours in Tràng An, lasting 2 hours or 4 hours. Ticket prices are 200,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 140cm.

Mua Cave

Adrian Anh Tuấn writes, 'If Tràng An feels too tranquil, head to Mua Cave. Climb 500 steps, pause to catch your breath 800 times (because the climb seems endless), and when you finally arrive, words escape you in front of Ninh Binh's beauty!' From the summit of Mua Cave, you overlook the path leading to Tam Coc Bich Dong. During the ripe rice season, a golden hue blankets the landscape, while towards the end of the year, everything turns lush green. Standing here, you'll witness boat processions heading towards the distant Bich Dong, but caution is advised when climbing to this highest point. Entrance fee to Mua Cave: 100,000 VND per person.

Vu Lam Pagoda

During your boat journey in Ninh Binh, a definite stopover should be the Vu Lam Pagoda, formerly a military base during the Tran dynasty, nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Trang An mountains and forests. The lush green landscape, meticulously cared for, exudes tranquility, providing visitors with a sense of detachment from the mundane.

Currently, Vu Lam Pagoda houses altars dedicated to the Tran dynasty kings, presenting an immaculate and carefully curated space that always welcomes guests. The quaint huts in front of the entrance are well-loved by many visitors, allowing you to paddle over for a photo session. The friendly and easy-going boatmen are more than happy to pause for pictures, making the experience pleasant. Compared to Bai Dinh, there are fewer crowds here, making it a more peaceful retreat.

Kong Film Set

When passing Vu Lam Pagoda, you'll be guided to walk to the Kong Skull Island film set. The journey is just under a kilometer and quite enjoyable, especially in cool weather. As the trip can be quite long, bringing some snacks to enjoy on the boat is advisable, but remember not to litter. The preserved huts from the filming are accessible for photo sessions without an entrance fee. The actors, dressed as indigenous people from the film, share that they do their own makeup and coordinate to welcome visitors. The management provides costumes for everyone, and they are stationed on the island every day.

Here, the preserved huts from the filming are accessible for photo sessions without an entrance fee. The actors, dressed as indigenous people from the film, share that they do their own makeup and coordinate to welcome visitors. The management provides costumes for everyone, and they are stationed on the island every day.

Continue exploring the snapshots from the couple's Ninh Binh journey

As per Celebrity Insights

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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour