Venturing into the majestic mountains and forests of the ancient capital Ninh Binh.

The historic land not only captivates with its stunning scenery but also possesses a glorious history carved through a millennium-old cultural heritage.

Exploring the grandeur of the mountains and forests in the ancient capital Ninh Binh.

Here, no images of towering buildings piercing the azure sky. Naturally absent is the sound of honking cars congesting the streets every evening. Instead, a palette of 'green-brown-yellow' from the earth, rocks, and vegetation. Perhaps only the calls of buffalo in the fields during the farming season or the quacking of plump ducks swimming on the emerald green lake.

I arrived in Ninh Binh on an early June day, the most picturesque time when the rice fields are at their ripest. In the months of June and October, Ninh Binh adorns itself with a new attire, covered in the shimmering, gentle yellow of ripe rice plants swaying in the breeze.

Ninh Binh is only about 100 kilometers from Hanoi, so I opted for a motorcycle to fully immerse myself in the journey. One cannot forget the winding dirt roads leading to small villages, traversing fragrant lotus fields in full bloom, stretching across the entire horizon.

The first destination I chose to explore in this region is Mua Cave. It's a place that has already made waves on the most sought-after travel pages by the younger generation today. Mua Cave is located at the foot of Mua Mountain, often referred to as a miniature version of Vietnam's Great Wall, thanks to its ancient and majestic beauty.

From a distance, Mua Cave rises proudly amidst vast rice fields, with storks gracefully soaring in the sky. The surroundings are covered by a mossy lake hidden under the lush green canopy. Especially, 486 primitive stone steps are carefully arranged, leading the way to the summit. Each step, though tiring, does not diminish the excitement and anticipation for the vibrant scenes unfolding before your eyes.

At the mountain's peak stands the statue of Quan The Am Bodhisattva, gazing down at the ancient land, accompanied by dragons coiling themselves along the mountain slope, making Mua Cave even more majestic and sacred.

The moment of conquering the peak of Mua Cave is overwhelmingly breathtaking due to the vast and expansive scenery. Only when you come here once will you realize how small we are in the face of the magnificence of the land and sky.

Casting your gaze from the summit of Mua Cave reveals the stunning panorama of Tam Coc. Rows of overlapping mountains embrace your sight. The ripe golden rice fields meander along with the gentle flow of water. Somewhere, small boats leisurely drift, unhurried and serene.

The beauty of Ninh Binh would not reach its pinnacle without the remarkable Trang An scenic complex. Often dubbed as 'Halong Bay on land,' it has left many world-renowned travel bloggers and Hollywood filmmakers in awe and admiration.

Trang An is recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage site for the pristine beauty of the myriad limestone mountains standing proudly amidst a picturesque river region. Alongside, historical relics are cherished and preserved year after year, creating a stunning aquatic painting that captivates the soul.

Visit Trang An in the dreamy early morning light, as the dawn sun gently illuminates, allowing you to float on a small boat, smoothly gliding through layers of green moss shimmering beneath the crystal-clear water. For a moment, you might think you've stumbled upon a mythical paradise.

Here, you'll experience the sensation of slowly drifting through each cave, traversing majestic mountains and forests. Each stop will unveil a fascinating story of the heroic history protecting the imperial capital of Hoa Lu, including landmarks like the Thái Vi Temple, Trần Temple, and the Vũ Lâm Palace.

In addition to Trang An and Mua Cave, Ninh Binh boasts an extensive list of tourist attractions, such as the largest Bái Đính Pagoda in Southeast Asia, the enchanting Tuyet Tinh Coc, and the vast and mesmerizing Thung Nham Bird Garden.

According to Thùy Dung/Tuổi trẻ

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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour