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There are so many aspects of Vietnam encapsulated in Ninh Binh – it’s like the essence of the whole country is contained in this one area. Being Ninh Binh’s capital province, this small city in Northern Vietnam has breathtaking karst peaks that that rise out of from land. The peaks are encompassed by curved, glassy rivers and flat, flowing rice paddies. Though it is small, the scenery is vast. Situated on the edge of the Red River Delta Region, Ninh Binh is full of streams and rivers spilling out to pools and lakes. The unmoving waters reflect the intimidating peaks and dazzling skies. Ninh Binh is a serene-yet-strong place away from the hustle and bustle of the big city (however, Hanoi is only about 120 minutes away by car).
At one time, Ninh Binh was the country’s capital. Hoa Lu was an economic, cultural, and political forum during the 10th and 11th centuries. It housed a massive citadel encompassed by colossal mountains. Even though not much of it is there today, there are temples honoring the leaders of that era. Their stories are told throughout the area’s historical sites.
While Ninh Binh is often frequented by Vietnamese vacationers, the archaic capital is becoming more popular among international vacationers, as of late. Guest homes in this relaxing and inviting area act as a decent starting point to venture through the lush and enchanting countryside. The otherworldly caves and cascading sights are a reminder of how intense nature’s beauty is.
The summer season in Ninh Binh starts in May and runs all the way until September. This period is humid and hot. 85% of the annual rainfall happens between these months. In comparison, the winter seasons are dry and cool, starting in October before ending in April. The beauty of Ninh Binh changes with the weather transitions. For instance, rice paddies go from gleaming green to pale yellow before transitioning to green again. While you can experience Ninh Binh in every season, the most optimal time to vacation there is during the drier months (between November and April).
Taking in the peacefulness of nature is the most significant aspect of vacationing in Ninh Binh. You can get up close and personal with the elements on a boat ride into Trang An Grottoes. In 2014, the river complex and cave had the distinction of being labeled as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance. A sampan trip will take you into the gentle waterways of Ninh Binh, which are surrounded by waterlily and lotus flowers. When the boats get close to a rock’s vertical surface, they fade into small entryways in the battered caves penetrating the rock. During the ride, you’ll come across spiritual temples, caves, and rivers. You will feel ethereal as you drift alongside the midday sun.
In Tam Coc, you will fall in love with the habitat’s elements and fertile paddy fields. The Ngo Dong river falls over towering peaks and between shallow caves. The river is encompassed by rice paddies full of vegetation. The boats meandering through the sleek river look small, and the skyline – ridden with tremendous peaks – reverberates over the landscape.
It is worth journeying into Ninh Binh’s landscape by sampan. Adjacent to the Van Long Nature Reserve, the vast open waters are bordered in by palatal mountains, which are home to plenty of wildlife. The surrounding forests, caves, and waters are resources for catfish, Bengal slow loris, Asian black bears, and white shorts langurs, among other species. In the dry season, you’ll notice multitudes of migrating birds covering the sky with a flurry of wings. The melody of singing birds will be music to your ears. There are 32 individual grottos to discover in the reserve, all of which are marvelous in their own way.
As far as scenery goes, Hang Mua is another seductive cave in Ninh Binh to visit. People come here to take in the perspective from the mountaintop. Beside the cave is a series of stairs that ascend to the clouds, curving around the peak’s edge. Climbing the long stone stairway is worthwhile for the view from the top. From one side, you will notice a hodgepodge of paddy fields. From another direction, you’ll see hovering karst peaks that disappear into the horizon. Sunset is the best time to see the skyline, as natural artistry is highlighted by the sun’s radiance. A grandiose dragon looks like it is protecting the peak – once the sun slips past the mountains, a glorious silhouette emerges, contrasting the alternating sky’s hues.
Vietnam’s timeworn capital, Hoa Lu, has a remarkable backstory. Ninh Binh played host to an old Vietnamese palace called Dai Co Viet in the 10thcentury. At one point in time, it was a magnificent citadel. The area has been vulnerable to weather over the years, though, and not much of the original building is there today. Tourists can have fun visiting temples that are maintained to homage the leaders of the old capital. In addition to providing insight into Ninh Vinh’s extraordinary past, the temples also have conventional architecture on display.
There is so much to explore in Ninh Binh. You can spend hours cycling down curved roads, appreciating the sights of the mountains and rivers along your route. There are a number of modest pools to take a break at, which tend to allure goat herds who are just as thirsty as you might be. Since Ninh Binh isn’t as developed as some of Vietnam’s other tourist destinations, you’ll be at one with nature there – take your time breathing in the crisp mountain air. If you prefer to take in the sights by vehicle, Ninh Binh is motorcycle-friendly.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a structure comprised of a few buildings emanating from the front of the cliff. Situated into a mountain’s edge, the area is said to have been selected by a pair of monks named Thich Tri and Thich Tri Kieu. In English, the name means “Pagoda of the Emerald Grotto.” Some say it was named by a Vietnamese poet’s father, Nguyen Nghiem. A bevy of plants hug the mountain, which is mirrored the reflective waters, stimulating an emerald glare around the pagodas.
Bai Dinh temple is a modern example of extravagant contemporary Buddhist structures. Several contemporary buildings were constructed from 2003 to 2010. These complexes that have been expertly built with quality natural materials are comprised of woodwork, bronze work, and stone carvings. The structures are observed by a colossal bronze Buddha sitting on Phap Chu Hall.
In addition to numerous divine Buddhist temples, Ninh Binh is also home to notable cathedral. The Phat Diem Cathedral started to get built in 1875, with construction completing almost a quarter of a century later. Orthodox cathedral architecture blended well with a Vietnamese cultural style, the result of which is a luxurious but intimidating structure. In 1954, the cathedral was shut down after the communists overtook Vietnam, forcing Catholics to migrate south. Further damage ensued after a 1972 bombing, but restoration has since taken effect. The cathedral’s history, in conjunction with the medieval aspects of its architecture, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in the country. Tourists can take in the placid habitat when touring the stone church, lake, and cathedral.
Every year, Ninh Binh hosts a large festival celebrating its history as the capital. On the lunar calendar, from March 10thto 13th, the Truong Yen Festival is held to memorialize the kings Le Dai and Dinh Tien Hoang, who launched the capital. The event starts with a water succession involving a liturgical bamboo decorated with wishes, which is paddled along the river in conventional dragon boats. Once they reach the center of the river, ceremonies are held before worshipping rituals at the temples start. From there, the observances go on with heritage-centric music, dancing, and games.
From the first to third months of the lunar year, the Bai Dinh Temple becomes incandescent with colors of the festivities as patrons come to the New Year’s festival. Over several months, the temple’s air thickens with smoke from burning incense. Songs and instruments echo within the temples. It is a wonderful time to experience the real essence of the temple as individuals come together here to share their beliefs.
On the third lunar month’s 18thday, there is a festival commemorating Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong. It takes place in the lovely backdrop of the Trang An building. During the festival, natives pray for prosperity and health. Trang An’s waters are livened up by musical performances and vibrant floating processions honoring the saint who protected Ninh Binh during the era of the 18thHung King.
Ninh Binh’s terrain makes it the perfect area to cultivate goats, which has turned into a local feast. Side dishes accompanying the seasoned meat include fries. Also worth tasting is eel vermicelli. Meticulously primed eels are primed with fish sauce (nuoc mam) and seasoning before being mixed with vermicelli and banana flower, producing a tasty, flaky dish. The food is sometimes served with some lemon juice and ginger to enhance flavor.
Com Chay is a basic but filling dish consumed throughout Ninh Binh. Dried rice patties are deep-fried, producing a tasty, crunchy pancake that can be served with a number of fried toppings like vegetables, beef, and pigs heart.
These delicacies can be consumed with a glass of Kim Son wine, a popular local drink. This liqueur is created with viscous wine, which is fermented once sun-dried. The beverage’s alcohol content is quite high, and is said to have health-beneficial properties, particularly when integrated with other ingredients.
This tour is specially designed to take you through some of the aesthetically pleasing sights of the country, starting from the illustrious capital city of Hanoi to the sandy beaches and thick jungles of Phu Quoc Island.
A city of outstanding natural beauty, it is unspoiled by modern-day developments. It is clear to see why Hoa Lu & Tam Coc are often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on land: the natural limestone peaks jutting out of the land create a rugged landscape which fades into the horizon.
Northeast Vietnam is home to numerous, amazing holiday destinations and tourist attractions. However, each of these exquisite locations has it’s own distinguishing features which set it apart from the rest. This 4-day tour takes you through a magnetic landscape rife with and bristling with adventure, surrounded by the mountainous terrain and wild vegetation made for nature and adventure lovers.
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