Exploring Ninh Binh: A Land of Stirring Landmarks for Travel Devotees

When mentioning Ninh Binh, one might initially think of the land of the 'four Bs' (sadness, anger, dust, and dirt), but few know of the mesmerizing beauty hidden within. Since 2014, Ninh Binh has gained global recognition with the Trang An Landscape Complex, acknowledged by UNESCO as the only mixed cultural and natural heritage site in Vietnam. Since then, Ninh Binh tourism has become a hot spot for travel enthusiasts not only in Vietnam but worldwide. So what exactly does Ninh Binh have to offer? Let's find out with Mytour right now!

What does Ninh Binh offer? Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - The Capital of Three Dynasties

1. Where is Ninh Binh located? What is its terrain like?

Ninh Binh is a province located in the Red River Delta region, bordering provinces such as Nam Dinh, Hoa Binh, Ha Nam, and Thanh Hoa. It also serves as the boundary between three regions: Northwest, Red River Delta, and North Central Coast. Due to its intersection of regions, the terrain of Ninh Binh is incredibly diverse, featuring both high mountainous areas and flat plains, with valleys nestled between hills and plains.

All these factors contribute to the extraordinary beauty of Ninh Binh, making it one of the most unique geological regions in the country. So what makes Ninh Binh so special? Let's continue exploring with Mytour!

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2. Against the Current of History

In 968, after quelling the rebellion of the 12 feudal lords, Dinh Bo Linh ascended the throne as Emperor with the reign title of Dinh Tien Hoang, establishing the nation of Dai Co Viet. Recognizing the strategic terrain of Hoa Lu with mountains behind and rivers ahead, which greatly facilitated military defense, he chose Hoa Lu as the capital.

In 1010, Ly Thai To ascended the throne and relocated the capital to Thang Long, making Hoa Lu the former capital. Throughout history, Hoa Lu served as the capital for 3 dynasties with 6 kings from the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Despite experiencing numerous ups and downs throughout history, to this day, Hoa Lu still retains the ancient marks of a golden era in history. The former capital of Hoa Lu, which we have mentioned, is now located in Ninh Binh province.

Today, Ninh Binh still preserves its ancient beauty and holds great potential for tourism development in the future. So let's explore Ninh Binh with Mytour! Why has it become a destination for travelers from all over the world?

3. What does the present-day Hoa Lu ancient capital offer?

• Architectural Complex

From the past, Hoa Lu was once a splendid and majestic capital. The surrounding mountains rose like sturdy walls around the capital city. The Hoang Long River winding through and the vast fields of Nho Quan and Gia Vien created incredibly favorable natural conditions.

Hoa Lu ancient capital in Ninh Binh holds a special significance. It comprises an architectural complex, with each structure possessing its own unique characteristics, collectively creating the ancient and majestic appearance of historical relics. Historical traces are still evident in the diverse and rich heritage site, including fortress structures, imperial citadels, caves, temples, tombs, and various other architectural works of high historical and cultural value.

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• Ancient Temple Ruins

Most notably, two relics still exist here: the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple. These two relics were built around the 17th century with exquisite stone and wood carvings. The path to the Dinh King Temple leads tourists under the shade of towering phoenix trees lining the road.

Hoa Lu is often referred to as the stone citadel, and as such, the temples here predominantly use stone as construction material. For instance, upon entering the temple courtyard, visitors will immediately notice the stone pavement and two stone-carved mythical lions guarding the entrance. Inside the inner sanctum, there are bronze statues of kings placed on green stone pedestals.

• Traditional Festival in Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

What's there to do when visiting Ninh Binh in spring? Every year from March 8th to 10th marks the traditional festival in the ancient capital Hoa Lu, honoring the kings and national heroes who built and developed the capital of Hoa Lu, establishing the Dai Co Viet state in the 10th century. The Hoa Lu festival consists of two parts: the ceremony and the fair. Alongside the ceremonial aspect, the fair features traditional games like boat racing, wrestling, and folk singing, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Among the festivals held here, the Truong Yen Festival, also known as the flag ceremony festival, is the largest and is poised to become a national festival. The Truong Yen Festival is held in memory of King Dinh Tien Hoang, who from a young age “used flags to repel invaders” and later established the capital of Hoa Lu. So besides the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, what else is there to do when visiting Ninh Binh? Let's continue exploring with Mytour!

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: The Magnificent Beauty of Nature

What to do in Ninh Binh? If you want to experience the sensation of passing through sudden limestone pillars, navigating twists and turns that make your heart race, water trickling down walls, and not caring about getting a little wet... then you must visit Trang An.

1. What is a mixed world heritage?

Mixed world heritage (or cultural landscape) is a type of dual world heritage that meets both outstanding criteria in culture and nature. A site recognized as a mixed world heritage must fulfill at least one criterion for cultural heritage and one criterion for natural heritage. As of 2019, there are a total of 39 sites worldwide recognized as mixed world heritage. So what's there to do in Ninh Binh? Well, there's the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, one of the Ninh Binh tourist attractions you should visit at least once in your lifetime.

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2. What's in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh?

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a comprehensive tourist area comprising UNESCO-recognized world cultural and natural heritage sites in Ninh Binh. It offers unique natural landscapes from forests, vegetation carpets, rice fields to lakes, and mountains. When visiting Trang An, you'll not only admire stunning caves like Thien Ha Cave, Thuy Cung Cave, Tam Co Cave, Trang An Cave, but also learn about history through relics associated with Vietnam's famous dynasties: Dinh, Le, Ly, Tran.

3. Exploring the caves in Trang An

• Sunshine Cave: True to its name, it dazzles with glittering stalactites and stalagmites.
• Dark Cave: Surprisingly spacious and narrow at times, it's full of surprises.
• Wine-making Cave or Rice Cave: According to legend, people used to come here to collect water for brewing wine to offer to the king, so many utensils for making wine in the past are still preserved here.

4. River in Trang An

Ninh Binh captivates tourists with different charms in each season. Ngo Dong River – the name itself evokes a sense of wanderlust and dreaminess in the hearts of travelers.

What to do in Ninh Binh during autumn? According to Mytour's Ninh Binh travel tips, you should visit in autumn when the ripe golden rice fields along the riverbanks ensure an unforgettable experience for you!

The water in Trang An is so clear and clean that it makes you feel like you can easily pick moss or peel every pebble and fish with just your hand, as effortlessly as in your own fish pond.

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5. Discover the two oldest ancient temples in Trang An

• Tran Temple (Ngoi Lam Temple)

Tran Temple (Ngoi Lam Temple) mainly constructed of solid blue stones with intricate raised patterns is an unmissable stop. From Tran Temple, gazing deep into the primeval forest, it's the former stronghold of the ancient Dinh dynasty.

• Trinh Temple

Located at the foot of the mountain according to the principle of “Y mountain, water surface”, over a thousand years ago. The temple is built in the shape of a nail, within the palace of worshiping the Four Guardian Deities of the Dinh dynasty: External Armies Dinh Dien, Establishing the Country Duke Nguyen Bac, Guardian Minister Luu Co, and Trinh Tu. These are the four guardian deities who, along with King Dinh Tien Hoang, suppressed the 12 warlords, unified the country, and established Great Viet.

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The golden land of the film village

What to Do in Ninh Binh? Ninh Binh offers a plethora of attractions from mountains, rivers, caves, historical relics, temples, ecotourism areas, man-made structures... Thus, it not only attracts tourists but also many domestic and international film crews have come here to use it as a backdrop for their movies.

1. Kong: Skull Island

One of the most famous Hollywood blockbusters. Kong was the perfect leap that brought Vietnam's landscapes closer to international friends. Thanks to this movie, destinations like Ninh Binh, Quang Binh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh,... have become attractive tourist destinations for both domestic and international tourists.

This is the largest Hollywood film project ever filmed in Vietnam in general and Ninh Binh in particular. The three locations featured in the movie are Van Long Nature Reserve, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and Trang An Ecotourism Complex.

What's There to Do in Ninh Binh? Through Kong, Ninh Binh shines with grandeur and magnificence. But if you've ever set foot in Ninh Binh, you'll surely be amazed by its majestic beauty multiplied many times over.

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2. The Untold Story of Tấm and Cám

This was the blockbuster during the Lunar New Year of 2016. What's special is that many people discovered the backdrop of the movie to be at Mua Cave and Trang An Ecotourism Complex.

Tràng An as depicted in the film is a harmonious complex of majestic limestone mountains, lush green forests veiled in mist, interspersed with serene rivers flowing amidst the valleys.

Additionally, there are many other scenes such as: the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda,... creating a picturesque Vietnamese feudal setting that is both beautiful and majestic yet remarkably peaceful.

So Mytour has helped you explore what's there to do in Ninh Binh that attracts so many tourists! What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go discover the exquisite beauty of Ninh Binh right now!

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