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Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park (or Cuc Phuong Forest) is the first national park in Vietnam, located at the crossroads of the Northwest, Red River Delta, and North Central regions, spanning three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa.
This national park plays a vital role in conserving endangered species facing the threat of extinction. In Cuc Phuong Forest, you'll marvel at and explore the diverse ecosystem characteristic of tropical rainforests.
Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to engage in various eco-tourism activities, enjoy resorts, campfires, adventurous pursuits, or delve into cultural-historical research.
Ticket prices for Cuc Phuong National Park:
- Adults: 60,000 VND/visit
- Students: 20,000 VND/visit
- Children: 10,000 VND/visit
Cuc Phuong National Park - Ninh Binh
Ecotourism Area Trang An
Situated 7km west of Ninh Binh city center, Trang An is one of the notable tourist destinations in Ninh Binh that you must visit.
This ecotourism area is part of the Trang An World Heritage Complex, preserving diverse ecosystems including flooded forests, limestone mountain forests, archaeological sites, and historical-cultural relics. In 2014, Trang An Ecotourism Area was designated by the Vietnamese government as a particularly important national monument and recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site.
Referred to as a 'Halong Bay on land,' Trang An captivates tourists with its diverse limestone mountains and natural caves. Visitors here will marvel at the enchanting natural scenery, experiencing moments of tranquility and relaxation in a spiritually rich cultural space.
Trang An - 'Halong Bay on land'
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is located along National Highway 38B, in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 15km from the city center of Ninh Binh. It is a large temple complex known for various records in Asia and Vietnam.
The Bai Dinh temple complex consists of an ancient temple area and a new temple area built since 2003. More than just a sacred place, it impresses with its magnificent architecture and unique landscapes, including the Bao Thap tower, a 100m-high statue of Buddha, Bell Tower, Goddess Temple, and the Reincarnation Lake.
Therefore, this is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in the itinerary of places you need to explore.
Bai Dinh Pagoda - a famous spiritual destination in Ninh Binh (@anhmabell)
Temple of King Dinh and Temple of King Le
The Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang is a significant site in the specially protected area of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The temple is located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
The Temple of King Dinh, along with the Temple of King Le, is ranked among the 'Top 100 famous centennial structures in Vietnam.' Like other relics in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the Temple of King Dinh is part of the Trang An World Heritage Complex, recognized by UNESCO in 2014.
The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh is a national historical and cultural relic in the special heritage site of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province. The temple worships King Le Dai Hanh, Queen Duong Van Nga, Le Long Dinh, and also includes an altar to Princess Le Thi Phat Ngan and General Pham Cu Luong.
The temple is located 300 meters from the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, within the ancient East Capital of Hoa Lu, now in the Yen Thanh ancient village, Truong Yen commune, Ninh Binh.
The Temple of King Le Dai Hanh
Mua Cave
Mua Cave is located at the foot of Mua Mountain within the eco-tourism complex in Khe Dau Ha hamlet, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
The highlight of this tourist spot, aside from the breathtaking scenery, is the pathway leading to the top of Mua Mountain, designed to resemble the architecture of the Great Wall with nearly 500 stone steps.
From the summit of Mua Mountain, visitors can admire the entire beauty of Tam Coc, a famous scenic spot in Ninh Binh.
According to legend, King Tran, upon returning to the Hoa Lu region, established Am Thai Vi and often came here to listen to the enchanting performances of beautiful women and the royal court. Hence, this place was named Mua Cave.
Mua Cave - Ninh Binh (@chien.n95)
Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area
A prominent destination on the list of famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area. Tam Coc – Bich Dong, also known by famous names such as “Halong Bay on land” or “the second most beautiful cave in the South,” is a national key tourist area in Vietnam.
The entire region comprises a system of limestone caves and historical relics related to the Vu Lam royal step-over of the Tran dynasty, mostly located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. The scenic complex of Trang An – Tam Coc is classified as a special national monument and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
- The ticket price for visiting Tam Coc - Bich Dong is 120,000 VND/adult, 60,000 VND/child.
Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area
Vân Long Eco-tourism Area
Vân Long is the largest wetland nature conservation area in the northern delta region of North Vietnam, located in the northeast of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. In 1999, this area became a nature conservation area, listed in the wetland conservation areas and the system of special-use forest areas in Vietnam.
Not only a nature conservation area, but Vân Long's wetland is also known for its captivating landscape. Vân Long is dubbed the “waveless bay” because when boating on the lake, visitors will see the water surface as smooth as a giant mirror.
The picturesque scene reflects the rugged features of limestone mountains with distinct names like Cat Scratch Mountain, Rice Cake Mountain, Book-shaped Mountain, Table Mountain, Sloping Mountain, Orphan Mountain, Fairy Mountain, and more.
- Entrance fee for this attraction is 20,000 VND/person.
The beauty of Vân Long Eco-tourism Area - Ninh Binh
Phat Diem Stone Church
Phat Diem Stone Church, commonly known as Phat Diem Cathedral, is a complex of Catholic churches covering approximately 22 hectares, located in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district. It is a monumental structure and the main cathedral of the extensive Phat Diem diocese in northern Vietnam.
The church is constructed entirely of stone and wood. Phat Diem Church was initiated in 1875 and was essentially completed by 1898. What makes this structure unique is that, despite being a Catholic church, it is modeled after the traditional architectural features of Vietnamese temples and pagodas.
This architectural complex was gradually built under the leadership of Father Peter Tran Luc (also known as Cụ Sáu) – a priest in the Phat Diem diocese since 1865, along with Catholic followers over a span of more than 30 years.
Phat Diem Stone Church - a prominent tourist destination in Ninh Binh (@_llulaby)
Thạch Bích - Thung Nắng
Thung Nang is an enchanting destination in Ninh Binh that captivates visitors with ripe rice fields and meandering rivers with emerald green water.
Thung Nang, located in Dam Khe hamlet, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, lives up to its name, basking in sunlight that blankets everything, from the leaves to the simple thatched roofs along the banks, down to the bottom of the water, creating a vibrant and tranquil scene.
Thung Nang is divided into Thung Nang outer, spanning 3 hectares, and Thung Nang inner, which is over 5 hectares, interconnected by a system of caves weaving through the mountains, with low cave ceilings and various unique limestone formations hanging down.
The golden ripe rice fields at Thung Nang
Kenh Ga - Van Trinh Tourist Area
Kenh Ga - Van Trinh Tourist Area is one of the largest tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. This tourist area is located in the floodplain of the Hoang Long River, bordering the two districts of Gia Vien and Nho Quan, formed based on the investment and connection of two famous tourist spots: Kenh Ga hot spring and Van Trinh cave.
This natural ecological area harmoniously blends the landscape of rivers, mountains, lakes, and fields, making it very conducive to tourism development.
Kenh Ga Van Trinh
Dong Chuong Lake
Dong Chuong Lake is a natural freshwater lake located on the border between Phu Loc and Phu Long communes, Nho Quan district. The lake has a surface area.
The scenery around the lake is quite pristine and peaceful, with pine-covered hills creating a cool and romantic atmosphere amid the vast primeval forest. Near Dong Chuong Lake, there are Ba Tua waterfall and Chinh Suoi stream. Along the lake are pine hills and Ao Troi, a pond on a high hill with clear water that never dries up.
Since 2008, the Ninh Binh tourism industry has opened the Dong Chuong eco-tourism area, including various facilities: yacht area, entertainment zone, stilt house resort area, sports area, camping site.
Yen Quang Lake
Yen Quang Lake
Yen Quang Lake is a system of 4 large lakes named Lake 1, Lake 2, Lake 3, and Lake 4 arranged in a row and separated by a system of hydraulic dams. Three larger lakes are located in Yen Quang commune, while Lake 4 is almost within the territory of Van Phuong commune.
Yen Quang Lake is a scenic spot in the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park. In the middle of the lake, there is a small island with a temple, and the lake surface is a gathering place for many waterfowl.
On the clear blue water surface reflect the shadows of mountains, forests, and small fishing boats, creating a wild and tranquil scene. Yen Quang Lake is also a fishing lake for the people of Ninh Binh and tourists.
Non Nuoc Mountain
Non Nuoc Mountain (ancient name is Duc Thuy Son) is a mountain located right at the intersection of the Van River and the Day River, sandwiched between the Non Nuoc Bridge and the Ninh Binh Bridge.
The mountain is a fortress located at the eastern gateway to Ninh Binh city. The path to the top of Non Nuoc consists of 72 stone steps, divided into 5 levels. The mountain top is relatively flat, with lush greenery, providing a convenient resting and recreational spot for visitors.
At the foot of Non Nuoc Mountain lies the Non Nuoc Pagoda – an ancient temple built during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. In 2006, the pagoda was renovated to be more splendid while still retaining its sacred and serene atmosphere.
Non Nuoc Mountain - Ninh Binh
Thien Ha Cave
Thien Ha Cave is located in the Tương Mountain range, with a height of nearly 200m, forming part of the solid natural wall that protects the southwest of the capital Hoa Lu in the 10th century. It is closely associated with historical and cultural landmarks such as the Lê Boat Wharf, Buddha Head Mountain, and Battle Field Terrace…
Embarking from Muong Tho Ha village, Son Ha commune, you glide on a small canal approximately 1 km long nestled amidst rural fields. Shapes carved from the mountains, such as a Fox enjoying its prey, an Elephant in regalia, a Tiger waiting for its prey, a Monkey climbing a tree, and more, create a tapestry of curiosity and exploration for visitors. At a higher level, there is a sacred temple with images of the Buddha and Master Tang reciting prayers for disciples—all enticing the inquisitive spirit of tourists.
Thien Ha Cave
Ninh Binh Museum
Ninh Binh Museum is located south of Thuy Son Cultural Park at 25 Le Dai Hanh, Van Gia, Ninh Binh. Designed with three floors resembling a lotus emerging amidst green hills and blue water, each side adorned with the symbol of bronze drums—the emblem of ancient Vietnamese civilization.
The museum showcases vivid and diverse exhibits on the natural history, natural resources, and history of Ninh Binh from prehistoric times. The collection of animals is lively and varied (bears, leopards, tigers, deer, deer, pythons, snakes, squirrels, butterflies, birds), along with images of famous landscapes in Ninh Binh.
>> Explore more: Comprehensive Travel Guide to Ninh Binh
Here, Mytour has compiled the top 15 famous Ninh Binh tourist destinations that you cannot miss. So why hesitate? Book a Ninh Binh tour at Mytour today for an extraordinary exploration of this wonderful land. Contact 1900 2083 for the fastest advice and support.
Huyen Pham
Image Source: Internet, Instagram
