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The familiar door welcomes passersby.
The Ngo Dong River is perhaps the most famous and picturesque river in Vietnam. Located about 100 km from Hanoi and about 7 km from Ninh Binh city, the Ngo Dong River is 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 provincial tourism department, water from the wetlands within the limestone mountain system of the Trang An World Heritage site, starting from the Suoi Tien Temple area, flows through the cliffs and rice fields, then empties into the Vac River system near the Vung Tram bridge.
What's special about the Ngo Dong River is that it has no banks; the rice fields on either side serve as its dividing lines, as it's essentially just a winding stream flowing through vast fields and valleys. Yet, the Ngo Dong River boasts two stunning scenic spots: Tam Coc and Thai Vi Temple. In late May, the already beautiful Ngo Dong River becomes even more captivating to visitors with its golden hues and the fragrant aroma of the rice paddies.
The sun was shining, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius, but amidst the cool, green river, a gentle breeze occasionally swept through, carrying the pure, fragrant scent of rice, making me feel as if I were walking through the refreshing weather and scenery of autumn.
The golden hues of Tam Coc captivate the hearts of many tourists.
During the dry season, fertile alluvial soil is revealed on both sides of the river. At that time, people will sow rice, and the rice will grow day by day with the rising water until it ripens to a golden yellow, at which point they will row boats to harvest it.
After a short trip along a small river, we and our friends were left with many interesting memories. The river's charm and beauty in the Northern Vietnamese countryside were captivating, and even more impressive was the friendliness, hospitality, and environmental awareness of the farmers in this impoverished area who participated in tourism. Perhaps that's why the river attracts thousands of international tourists every day.
Tourism activities on Ngo Dong River
River cruise
This is the most popular activity when visiting the Ngo Dong River. Tourists can sit in small boats, weaving through majestic limestone cliffs and admiring the beautiful scenery of the river.
At the foot of the majestic, verdant limestone mountains, with lush green rice paddies lining both banks, small boats carrying tourists glide leisurely along the river, resembling fairytale vessels, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in Ninh Binh.
Take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, weaving through lush rice fields to admire the river scenery.
The gentle flow of the water makes time seem to stand still, allowing people to find profound tranquility within their souls. Beneath the crystal-clear water, one can clearly see the reflections of mountain ranges, fishing nets nestled among the grass and green algae, and rice paddies peeking out from behind the steep cliffs. The sound of the wind rustling through the mountain crevices blends with the birdsong, making the scene even more poetic.
Visiting Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is located in the O Lam forest, formerly part of Vu Lam commune, now Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The temple has a long-standing reputation for its sacredness, as a place of worship for the kings of the Tran dynasty. In the past, the Tam Coc mountain area was where the Tran dynasty established the Vu Lam royal palace during the resistance against the Mongol invaders.
Thai Vi Temple stands peacefully amidst the vast forest.
Thai Vi Temple can be reached on foot from the Tam Coc route or by road 2 km from the Tam Coc boat dock. Located in the O Lam forest, formerly part of Vu Lam commune, now Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, Thai Vi Temple is a long-standing and sacred place of worship for the kings of the Tran dynasty. In the past, the Tam Coc mountain area was where the Tran dynasty established the Vu Lam royal palace during the resistance against the Mongol invaders.
Here, one can not only appreciate the poetic beauty of a lush green landscape and mystical caves, but also admire the architectural works of the past, imbued with a rich and unique cultural identity that is highly attractive to tourists.
Participate in traditional festivals.
If you visit on the 18th day of the 3rd lunar month each year, you can participate in the Trang An Festival at Tran Temple (Noi Lam Temple) within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province. The festival commemorates the merits of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, who played a significant role in repelling foreign invaders and protecting the country.
The Trang An Festival is a beautiful traditional cultural event of the people of Ninh Binh. The festival expresses gratitude for the great contributions of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong and prays for national peace and prosperity, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.
The Thai Vi Temple Festival has become a village festival, held from the 14th to the 17th of March according to the lunar calendar.
This is an event that attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. Visitors not only get to participate in traditional ceremonies but also get to visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - a world natural and cultural heritage site.
The Ngo Dong River not only attracts tourists but also many photographers who come here to admire and take beautiful photos of the area. Here, the natural atmosphere blends with the human spirit, creating a sense of tranquility and serenity that makes visitors reluctant to leave.
