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"I want to explore beautiful landscapes but also participate in adventurous activities like mountain climbing, cave exploration, and boat trips on the river. Besides that, Ninh Binh also has many historical and cultural sites such as ancient temples and pagodas, along with the unique cuisine of this region, which is well worth experiencing." That's why Mr. Tran Minh Thien, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, chose to explore Ninh Binh and fell in love with the place the first time he saw it.
The ancient capital region viewed from above.
Considered a treasure of the North Central region, Ninh Binh attracts tourists with its dreamy landscapes and unique historical landmarks. From majestic mountain peaks and mysterious caves to tranquil rivers with peaceful boats, Ninh Binh captivates visitors with unforgettable adventurous experiences. Beyond satisfying a passion for adventure, Ninh Binh also brings visitors closer to ancient times through its stunning historical architecture and ancient temples steeped in Vietnamese culture.
With limited time during his trip to Ninh Binh, Minh Thien chose unique destinations that showcased the region's rich culture and natural beauty. Although he couldn't explore all the famous landmarks, he was extremely satisfied with the wonderful experiences he had there.
"My favorite place is Hang Mua Cave. Although it's not as famous as other attractions, I have a special affection for this place. My first impression upon arriving was a huge lotus pond at the foot of the limestone mountains. Further inside, you'll find long staircases leading to the summit, like a miniature Great Wall of China. At the top, you can admire the winding rivers flowing through the limestone mountains, and boats with oars gently gliding across the water," Minh Thien shared about the unique impression Hang Mua Cave offers.
Viewed from above, Hang Mua cave is as beautiful as a mural.
Conquering 500 steps and standing on top of Mua Cave to witness the breathtaking sunset in Ninh Binh is an unforgettable experience.
As someone passionate about conquering nature, it's no surprise that his most memorable experiences have revolved around the majestic beauty bestowed by nature. His most unforgettable experience was taking a boat tour to explore the underground cave system within the Trang An historical site.
Sharing with Travellive, he said: "I had the opportunity to take a boat into Dot Cave, the longest cave in Trang An. Although it doesn't receive sunlight all year round, the cave has a modern lighting system so people can still admire the mysterious beauty of the wondrous stalactites. The width of Dot Cave changes unexpectedly, and in some sections, the ceiling is so low that I had to bend down close to the boat's surface."
The Trang An scenic area is considered one of Vietnam's most beautiful "wonders." Here, visitors will experience wonderful moments cruising on a boat amidst the vast expanse of water. The boat will take visitors to explore all the wonders of the Trang An landscape. There's nothing better than sitting on a boat and passing through 12 mysterious caves, admiring the majestic scenery of the Ninh Binh mountain range – a breathtaking sight.
Sitting on a boat drifting along the Sao Khe River, one can take in the breathtaking scenery of Trang An, with its lush green mountains and crystal-clear waters.
The best time to visit Trang An, Ninh Binh is from January to March in the lunar calendar. This is springtime, with warm and pleasant weather, attracting many people to the temples and pagodas to pray for good fortune. In addition, this is also an opportunity for visitors to fully participate in traditional festivals of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, such as the Co Lau Festival from the 8th to the 10th of March in the lunar calendar. If you want to enjoy the beautiful rice fields and lotus ponds, visiting Trang An from June to August would be an excellent choice.
With each season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—Trang An dons a new coat of colors. And at every time of year, visitors will find something worth discovering here.
A memorable trip is not only defined by the natural scenery or the layers of cultural space, but also by the presence of the most ordinary people that Thien met in the ancient capital city.
"The locals here are very friendly and warmly welcome tourists. They are always ready to help and guide visitors in exploring this area. Regarding tourism in Ninh Binh, I feel that this region has retained its unique characteristics thanks to its natural beauty. The system is well-organized and consistent, tourist attractions are not crowded, and I noticed that all restaurants have menus and prices displayed in front, which you can check before deciding to use the services," Mr. Thien shared.
Ninh Binh captivates tourists with its memorable adventure experiences.
In terms of transportation, visitors can easily rent motorbikes or bicycles to freely explore the scenery in Ninh Binh. With many attractive local specialties such as crispy rice, grilled spring rolls, and unique dishes made from goat meat, Ninh Binh's cuisine promises to offer a wonderful experience. With such attractions, Ninh Binh deserves to be one of the "hot spots" on the Vietnamese tourism map.
