Familiar door welcoming passersby
Ngo Dong River is probably the most famous and lyrical river in Vietnam. About 100 km from Hanoi and about 7 km from Ninh Binh city, Ngo Dong River is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The river is clear and gentle all year round.
According to documents from the Ninh Binh province tourism industry, water from the lagoon area in the limestone mountain system of the Trang An world heritage complex, starting from the Suoi Tien temple area, flows through the cliffs and rice fields, then flows into the Vac river system near Vung Tram bridge.
The special thing is that Ngo Dong River has no banks, the rice fields on both sides are the banks that define the river, because in fact it is just a winding canal between the fields and immense valleys. However, on Ngo Dong River there are two beautiful landscapes: Tam Coc and Thai Vi Temple. In the last days of May, Ngo Dong River, which is already beautiful, becomes even more attractive to tourists because of the yellow color and aroma of rice.
It was sunny, the temperature was forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, but in the middle of the cool river, occasionally a light breeze blew by carrying the pure, fragrant scent of rice, making me feel like I was walking in the cool autumn weather and scenery.
The golden color of Tam Coc captivates the hearts of many tourists.
During the low water season, both sides of the river will reveal fertile alluvial soil. At that time, people will plant rice and the rice will grow day by day with the water until it is golden brown, then row boats to harvest.
After the excursion, which was only limited to a small river, we and our friends were left with many interesting things because of the lyrical and beautiful nature of a river in the Northern countryside, and especially the friendliness, hospitality, and awareness of preserving nature and the environment of the farmers in the poor land who participate in tourism. And perhaps, that is also the reason why the river welcomes thousands of international tourists every day to stroll and visit.
Ngo Dong River tourism activities
River cruise
This is the most popular activity when coming to Ngo Dong River. Visitors will sit on small boats, weave through majestic limestone cliffs and admire the beautiful scenery of the river.
At the foot of the majestic green limestone mountains, on both banks are lush green rice fields, small boats carrying passengers leisurely gliding on the river like fairy-tale boats, creating one of the most picturesque landscape paintings in Ninh Binh.
Take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, weaving through the smooth rice fields to enjoy the river scenery.
The slow flow of the stream makes time seem to stop here, letting people find a quiet place deep in their souls. At the bottom of the clear stream, you can clearly see the silhouettes of mountain ranges, fishing nets, shrimp and prawn catching nets nestled among the grass and green algae, rice fields hidden behind the steep cliffs, the sound of wind blowing through the mountain crevices mixed with the chirping of birds makes the scenery even more poetic.
Visit Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is located in O Lam forest, in the old Vu Lam commune, now in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The temple has been famous for a long time, and is a place to worship the kings of the Tran dynasty. In the past, Tam Coc mountain area was where the Tran dynasty came here to build Vu Lam palace during the resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol.
Thai Vi Temple is quiet in the middle of the forest.
You can walk to Thai Vi Temple from Tam Coc route or by road 2 km from Tam Coc wharf. Thai Vi Temple is located in O Lam forest, in the old Vu Lam commune, now Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The temple has been famous for a long time, worshiping the kings of the Tran dynasty. In the past, Tam Coc mountain area was where the Tran dynasty came here to build Vu Lam palace during the resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol. You can walk to Thai Vi Temple from Tam Coc route or by road 2 km from Tam Coc wharf.
Coming here, we not only feel the poetic beauty of a lush green mountain area, magical caves but also admire the architectural works of ancient art imbued with rich, unique cultural identity and great attraction for tourists.
Participate in traditional festivals
When coming here on the 18th day of the third lunar month every year, you can participate in the Trang An Festival at Tran Temple (Noi Lam Temple) in the Trang An Scenic Complex, Ninh Binh Province. The festival is to commemorate the merits of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong - who contributed to fighting foreign invaders and protecting the country.
Trang An Festival is a beautiful traditional cultural feature of Ninh Binh people. The festival expresses gratitude for the great contributions of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong and prays for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather and bountiful harvests.
Thai Vi Temple Festival becomes Village Festival, opened from March 14 to March 17 of the lunar calendar.
This is an occasion that attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world to attend. Tourists coming here not only participate in traditional ceremonies but also visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - a world natural and cultural heritage.
Ngo Dong River not only attracts tourists but also many photographers come here to admire and take beautiful photos of this place. Coming here, the natural atmosphere blends with the human soul, creating a quiet, gentle feeling that makes visitors not want to leave.
