Exploring the Fascinating Records of the Sacred Land Ninh Binh

The scenic beauty of Tràng An, covering over 12 thousand hectares, makes it a comprehensive cultural and natural tourist destination in Ninh Binh. The site is home to numerous historic landmarks, recognized by the Vietnamese Government as nationally significant, such as the ecological tourist area of Tràng An, the ancient capital Hoa Lư, Tam Cốc - Bích Động tourist area, Bái Đính Pagoda,...

Tràng An is acclaimed for its stunning karst towers and captivating landscapes, considered among the most picturesque in the world. The panoramic view is adorned with lush green forests and majestic cone-shaped towers reaching nearly 200 meters, surrounded by interconnected mountain ranges and interconnected lagoons through an extensive underground stream system stretching up to 1 km. The harmony of rock formations, rivers, forests, and the sky at Tràng An creates a vibrant and enchanting natural world. It is truly a unique place where culture meets the wonders, mysteries, and grandeur of the natural world.

Meeting the outstanding global values of aesthetics, landscape, geology, topography, and prehistoric settlement traditions, the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex was officially recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site in June 2014, becoming the first mixed heritage site in Vietnam.

Bái Đính Pagoda is recognized as the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia and ranks among the Top 10 most spiritually captivating pilgrimage destinations. It encompasses an expansive 700-hectare complex, featuring both ancient and modern sections, renowned for various records such as the largest area among Vietnamese pagodas, the longest corridor of 500 Arhat statues in Asia, the largest bronze-coated Buddha statue in Asia, and more.

Bái Đính Pagoda also hosted the Grand Offering Ceremony of the relics of Lord Buddha from India to Vietnam in 2010. Situated near the ancient capital Hoa Lư, approximately 15 km from Ninh Binh city, and 95 km from Hanoi, the pagoda offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and spiritual architecture, creating a mystical ambiance. During the early spring, Bái Đính Pagoda becomes the most sought-after spiritual destination in Vietnam, welcoming millions of visitors from all around.

With its unique and imposing architectural style influenced by East Asian culture, the pagoda stands out with large, majestic structures built using premium materials such as Ninh Vân green stone, Tứ Thiết wood, Tràng An enamel tiles, and more. The distinctive feature lies in the dark brown arched roof, resembling the tail of a phoenix. Additionally, the intricate decorations showcase the distinctive characteristics of Vietnam's renowned traditional craftsmanship.

Hoa Lư was the first capital of Vietnam after nearly 1000 years of Northern rule and is also among the Top 10 historically significant heritage sites widely recognized. Covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, it existed for 42 years, with the initial 12 years being the Đinh dynasty (968-980), followed by 29 years of the Early Lê dynasty (980-1009), and the final year (1009-1010) under the Lý dynasty.

Currently, the Hoa Lư Ancient Capital area still preserves 678 artifacts, historical, cultural, and scientific relics, with the two most important being the temples of King Đinh and King Lê, built around the 17th century with impressive stone and wood carvings. These temples also house many precious artifacts such as inscribed Phan language columns, bricks from the royal palace inscribed with Đại Việt Quốc characters, commemorative tablets, and are featured in the Top 100 famous centennial constructions in Vietnam. Additionally, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital boasts other historical sites like the Sào Khê River, Princess Phất Kim's shrine, and Cột Cờ Mountain. This place holds a historically significant value not only for Ninh Binh but for the entire nation.

Approximately 120 km southwest of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong National Park is situated in Ninh Binh province. Covering an area of 25,000 hectares, Cuc Phuong National Park shares borders with three provinces: Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, and Hoa Binh, making it easily accessible.

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam's first nature reserve and ranks among the Top 5 largest national parks attracting tourists. It captivates both domestic and international tourists with its diverse ecosystem, harmoniously blending with unparalleled natural landscapes, along with historical and cultural values of the Muong ethnic group - the indigenous people.

Visitors to Cuc Phuong can explore and learn about various research projects and conservation achievements, such as the botanical garden, the rescue center for primates, and more. This destination offers the chance to encounter rare and precious animal species. Additionally, visitors can discover enchanting caves resembling paradise, such as Pho Ma Giang Cave, Son Cung Cave,...

Trang An Eco-tourism Area is a captivating tourist destination, a place full of potential in Ninh Binh province, also making its mark in the Top 10 most renowned eco-tourism destinations. Covering an area of nearly 2000 hectares, Trang An lies entirely within the Hoa Lu limestone mountains, divided into three main functional zones: the Central Zone, welcoming tourists and hosting festivals; the cave area with 31 water caves, 48 dry caves, and the spiritual zone of Bai Dinh Pagoda Mountain. The entire area features 47 historical sites with numerous hidden caves within limestone mountains and nearly 100 caves stretching about 20 km from north to south.

Moreover, the caves here are intertwined with fascinating legends from the early history of the Dinh dynasty. Trang An Eco-tourism Area is also known as an open-air nature museum with countless rare animal and plant species. The mountains, clouds, and the symphony of birds and trees together create a picturesque and poetic landscape, providing visitors with moments of utmost relaxation.

Kenh Ga Hot Spring is located approximately 25 km northwest of Ninh Binh city and ranks among the Top 5 hot spring tourist destinations attracting the most visitors. This place is considered a fascinating and unique eco-resort. The hot water flows from the mountain, releasing bubbles of gas in successive bursts like boiling, creating a thick mist. Moreover, this water source contains a relatively high concentration of salts such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and bicarbonate salts. The temperature remains stable at 53°C, providing health benefits, rapid recovery, and stimulating digestion through immersion baths combined with physical therapy.

With its picturesque and charming scenery, this is undoubtedly an intriguing weekend retreat for tourists. It also offers insights into the life of fishermen in the floating village of Kenh Ga, allowing visitors to savor various local specialties of Ninh Binh such as goat meat, burnt rice, and especially the unique shrimp paste from Gia Vien - a rustic dish well-known to many.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong is a vast and remarkable landscape area with limestone caves, beautiful rural scenery, and the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda. The Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist site is located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 100 km south of Hanoi.

Tam Coc - Bich Dong is originally a famous scenic complex nationwide and is featured in the Top 5 mystical caves that travelers should explore. The journey to explore Tam Coc begins from the Dinh Cac boat dock, along the Ngô Dong River. This is the moment when you can admire the fascinating rocky mountain ranges or observe the rich aquatic life bustling beneath the clear water, and marvel at the storks gracefully flapping their wings, creating the most abundant inspirations, especially for photography enthusiasts. Additionally, you will be captivated by the image of the large and glamorous Fairy Cave with its seven-color rainbow, or the beauty of the Second Cave with elongated and smooth stalactites, along with the rustic charm of the Third Cave.

On May 10, 2012, the Prime Minister decided to rank the Scenic Complex: Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong as a special national monument due to its exceptional historical, cultural, scientific, and aesthetic values.

The Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve is a World Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam on December 2, 2004, for two areas in the southern part of the North Bộ coastal region at the mouths of the Red River and Đáy River. It also made it to the Top 5 renowned world biosphere reserves in Vietnam. This area spans three provinces in the Red River Delta: Thái Bình, Nam Định, and Ninh Bình. It holds significant potential for developing eco-tourism, rural tourism, and beach activities.

According to scientific evaluations, the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve is a place that is preserving diverse and globally outstanding biological values. This area covers over 105,000 hectares with a population of more than 128,000 residents. UNESCO has recognized it as the habitat for numerous rare water birds and migratory birds, constituting a typical wetland ecosystem at the northern coastal estuaries of Vietnam.

The world biosphere reserve in the Red River Delta has enormous potential for eco-tourism, sightseeing, and understanding the natural world. Assessing the biodiversity of important wetland bird areas in the North Bộ Delta region, the International BirdLife Conservation Organization in Vietnam identified 6 priority wetland bird areas for conservation in the comprehensive survey of the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (11/2005-3/2006). This area is of vital importance for the conservation of biodiversity in Indochina and is extremely significant for migratory water birds traveling from Northeast Asia and Siberia to the Pacific. Hence, maintaining the integrity and quality of the landscape in the Red River Delta is considered an international obligation. According to the Friends of the Earth organization, protecting these natural buffer zones is the only solution to safeguard coastal communities against tidal waves and other future threats.

Constructed over nearly 30 years (1875 – 1899) by Father Peter Tran Luc (Bishop of Phat Diem Diocese since 1865), modeled after the traditional architecture of Vietnamese temples, Phat Diem Cathedral is considered a unique architectural masterpiece not only in Vietnam but also globally. It is also featured in the Top 5 ancient churches over 100 years old that many people know about.

Situated on an area of over 20 hectares, the cathedral complex includes 11 well-designed structures, creating a splendid and ancient landscape. The most outstanding structure in this area is the Stone Heart of Virgin Mary Cathedral, entirely built with marble stone, commonly known as the Stone Cathedral. This is considered the most exceptional stone sculpture in Vietnam and is rare worldwide.

Existing for over 100 years, Phat Diem Cathedral becomes increasingly ancient and solemn with moss-covered stone layers. However, it seems that the components are still intact, preserving the inherent beauty. When you visit, you will undoubtedly feel the utmost tranquility and serenity.

Among the wild animals one can encounter in the Truong Yen mountains of Ninh Binh, mountain goats are the most populous. Almost every local household raises goats without the need for pens or farms. The goats are marked by painting or numbering, then released into the wild on the mountains. They are only captured when someone wishes to slaughter them, using methods similar to trapping wild animals. Living on the mountains, these goats feed on various natural grasses, giving their meat a fragrant herbal aroma and a rich mountainous flavor. Truong Yen mountain goats weigh between 15 kg and 25 kg, resulting in meat that is neither too tough nor too tender.

Specialty dishes made from goat meat are diverse, such as rare goat, steamed goat, stir-fried goat with lemongrass and chili, pan-fried goat, traditional herbal stewed goat, goat spring rolls, etc. These dishes have long been an integral part of the culinary culture in daily life, during festivals, and popular events in Ninh Binh. Truong Yen mountain goats are also among the top 50 famous Vietnamese specialty dishes, so don't miss the chance to savor this delicious cuisine!

Within the Tam Coc Bich Dong tourist area lies the Văn Lâm Lace Embroidery Village. Its origins date back thousands of years, as recounted by the village's elders. According to folklore, during the Tran Dynasty, the queen, Tran Thi Dung, established the first lace embroidery class, a tradition that has endured through the ages.

Amidst modern life, it's surprising to find that in Văn Lâm Lace Embroidery Village, artisans meticulously work with each needle and thread, preserving the traditional beauty passed down from their ancestors. They embroider not only to uphold the heritage but also to offer friends from all corners of the world completed masterpieces made from seemingly delicate lace. As time weaves its own path, they persist, steadfast and meticulous through the months and years, mainly to ensure that the younger generation recognizes that their homeland still harbors unique traditional crafts...

Văn Lâm Lace Embroidery Village is among the Top 20 famous traditional craft villages in Vietnam, renowned for its unique and exquisite products. The art of lace embroidery has existed for thousands of years, producing a variety of items such as scenic paintings, curtains, bedspreads, pillows, tablecloths, and more. These will undoubtedly be impressive souvenirs for tourists visiting Ninh Binh.

Dong Giao Pineapple is the agricultural brand of the Tam Diep region in Ninh Binh. The Dong Giao pineapple is listed in the Top 50 most famous fruits in Vietnam and has been granted geographical indication protection by the Intellectual Property Office. Dong Giao Pineapple, along with Tổng Trường carp, mountain goats, and Ninh Binh scorched rice, is considered the representative culinary specialty of Ninh Binh.

The pineapple trees were brought to Dong Giao for cultivation in 1972, with two main varieties, Cayen and Queen. Dong Giao Pineapple is known for its delicious taste, sweet and non-fibrous. The renowned aroma of this fruit comes from the unique natural conditions in Tam Diep, an area with a diverse topography, high clay content, soft and porous soil, significant day-night temperature differences, high radiation levels, and the farming expertise of the locals.

Dong Giao Pineapple has two main varieties: Cayen, exported with a cultivation area of about 3000 ha, and Queen Victoria with 500 ha. Today, pineapple trees occupy 60% of the area for fruit trees in Tam Diep. Thanks to the application of various advanced techniques in production, pineapple yield has rapidly increased from over 5,700 tons of fruit in 2000 to over 22,800 tons in 2005, and in recent years, it has reached over 30,000 tons annually.

The Dong Giao pineapple tree has a short trunk, long and stiff leaves with thorns on the edges, and the fruit has many eyes, with a cluster of leaves on top. Pineapples are available throughout the year, with the peak season from March to July. The average time from planting to harvest is 18 months. Before harvesting, pineapples are tested to estimate the sugar content. Dong Giao Cayene Pineapple is cylindrical, pale orange-yellow, with a fragrant smell and a rich sweet taste, non-fibrous. The weight of the fruit ranges from 1.53 to 1.78 kg. The diameter of the fruit ranges from 12.90 to 13.90 cm. The length of the fruit ranges from 19.45 to 20.39 cm. The number of pineapple eyes ranges from 111 to 115. The edible portion rate ranges from 72 to 75%.

Dong Giao Queen Pineapple is cylindrical, straw-yellow, with a fragrant smell and a sweet, non-fibrous taste. The weight of the fruit ranges from 0.54 to 0.61 kg. The diameter of the fruit ranges from 7.71 to 8.49 cm. The length of the fruit ranges from 10.46 to 11.27 cm. The number of pineapple eyes ranges from 92 to 94. The edible portion rate ranges from 60 to 74%.

Alongside the farming expertise of the locals, these characteristics are attained due to the unique natural conditions of the region: an area with a diverse topography, less geographical cutting, ensuring even climatic conditions, good water drainage, suitable for pineapple cultivation. The soil here has a high clay content, and the surface layer is soft and porous, fitting the characteristics of pineapples, which have weak roots, require fertile soil, and high water content. Additionally, this region experiences significant day-night temperature differences (4 – 6oC) and high radiation levels, creating distinctive characteristics for Dong Giao Pineapple products.

According to tradition, Ninh Binh Crispy Rice has been crafted for over 100 years and swiftly became a local delicacy in the ancient capital. Not only that, this delectable dish has been recognized as having “Asian Culinary Value” and ranks among the Top 50 famous Vietnamese specialties.

To achieve a delicious plate of crispy rice, the rice cooking process is crucial. The water quantity must be precisely balanced to achieve the perfect tenderness for a delightful crispiness. Once the rice is cooked, quickly remove it, leaving a thin layer at the bottom of the pot. Then, continue heating while stirring the pot to ensure even cooking. Additionally, use a large, thick pot (preferably cast iron) for a crispy, golden finish. Dry the rice under the sun for two to three days and store it in a dry place. When ready to serve, fry the crispy rice for a crunchy delight, savoring the enticing flavors of the accompanying dishes, combining heat and richness.

Known as a fairyland on Earth, Ninh Binh tourism captivates visitors with its enchanting landscapes. Those who have set foot in this sacred land carry unforgettable memories, not just of the mesmerizing natural beauty but also the warm hospitality of the locals. Exploring this promised land, visitors are treated to a feast of local specialties such as Goat Meat – Burnt Rice, Nem Chua Yen Mac, and the particularly famous Kim Son Rice Wine.

Included in the Top 10 most famous rice wines in Vietnam, Kim Son Rice Wine is a unique product found only in Ninh Binh. Distilled from glutinous rice, traditional herbs, and natural well water, it follows the secret recipe of the locals.

Kim Son Rice Wine is characterized by its high alcohol content, clarity, and a delightful aroma with a smooth taste. Additionally, the longer it is aged, the better it becomes, and it is believed to have health benefits when infused with ingredients like snake, seahorse, sea star, and medicinal herbs.

If you visit Ninh Binh, make sure to savor Kim Son Rice Wine or bring it as a gift for your loved ones. A reputable and quality local specialty gift from Ninh Binh is truly unmatched.

Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll is a specialty of the Ancient Capital Ninh Binh. Not only beloved by locals but this product also leaves a lasting impression on every visitor who sets foot here. Most tourists choose this product as a gift and indulge in its unique flavor.

For a long time, Yen Mac Commune in Yen Mo District has been famous for making fermented pork rolls. Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll is meticulously crafted, with small, pink, distinct, and fresh sausage threads marinated with preservatives weekly. Therefore, during the Tet holiday, not only in Ninh Binh but also many people from neighboring provinces come to buy and treat their honored guests. The best way to enjoy Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll is with various types of leaves such as fig leaves, Gnetum gnemon leaves, and bauhinia leaves.

All of these elements come together to create a uniquely harmonious taste, truly reminiscent of the homeland. This excellent nem chua is also featured in the Top 10 famous fermented pork rolls in Vietnam and Top 50 gift specialties of Vietnam. If you have the opportunity to visit the charming landscapes of Ninh Binh, don't forget to buy Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll - a Ninh Binh specialty!

Gia Vien - Ninh Binh, a land characterized by its vast and perpetually flooded fields, possesses a unique freshwater seafood source not found in every region - the river shrimp.

Derived from the challenging rural life, the locals have ingeniously devised a way to preserve river shrimp for year-round use, passing down through generations to create unique secrets in processing river shrimp into shrimp paste - a renowned delicacy with a rich rural flavor. When in Ninh Binh, don't miss the opportunity to savor the local specialty, Gia Vien Shrimp Paste – a rustic delicacy deeply rooted in the soul of the Ancient Capital's residents.

Gia Vien Shrimp Paste - a Ninh Binh specialty, is known for its distinctive and delightful aroma. It is an indispensable delicacy at gatherings and feasts among the people of Ninh Binh and neighboring provinces. Made from the finest river shrimp, carefully selected from the delta district of Gia Vien, this shrimp paste has been a favorite and regular dish for Ninh Binh residents since ancient times.

Today, it has become a renowned specialty known to tourists far and wide, securing its place in the Top 50 famous Vietnamese specialties. Moreover, this unique dish can be prepared in various ways, offering an unforgettable and enticing taste for those who have had the pleasure of experiencing it.