Ninh Bình, a province located in the Red River Delta of Vietnam, is renowned not only for its majestic natural landscapes but also for its rich historical significance. Once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh dynasty in the late 10th century, Ninh Bình today is a captivating destination for those eager to explore the marks of Vietnamese history and culture.

Historical Overview

The history of Ninh Bình is closely tied to significant events in Vietnamese history, including the periods of the Dinh, Early Le, and Tran dynasties at the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries. Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of Ninh Bình, was the political center of the country during these three dynasties. Under the Dinh dynasty, Hoa Lư was chosen as the capital due to its strategic location – a place where the rugged mountains could easily defend against invasions.

Nature and Culture

Ninh Bình harbors many important historical relics such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lư, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and the temples of the Dinh and Le kings. Bai Dinh Pagoda is now one of the largest in Southeast Asia and is famous for holding several records such as the largest bronze Buddha statue, the heaviest bell, and other valuable treasures.

Ninh Bình is also known as the "Halong Bay on land" for its landscape of towering mountains and intricate river systems forming a stunningly beautiful tourist complex. The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, with its natural cave systems and meandering rivers, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, Tam Coc-Bich Dong with its three water caves through the mountains offers a picturesque scene ideal for those who enjoy exploring and boating.

Local Cuisine

The cuisine of Ninh Bình is equally rich, famous for dishes like crispy rice (com chay) and mountain goat meat. The goat meat is prepared in various dishes such as grilled goat, stir-fried goat, providing a distinctive and unforgettable flavor. Another interesting dish is the Day River eel, typically cooked in dishes like eel soup, rich and flavorful.

Destinations

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural cave systems and winding rivers among the limestone mountains. Visitors can join boat tours to explore the caves and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the reigns of the first Dinh and Le kings, still preserves many historical relics with ancient architecture, including temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, attracting visitors from all around to explore and learn about the glorious history of the nation.

As the largest pagoda in Vietnam, Bai Dinh Pagoda is famous for many records such as the largest bronze Buddha statue and the heaviest bell. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a significant spiritual destination, drawing millions of Buddhists and tourists each year.

Known as the "Halong Bay on land," Tam Coc-Bich Dong is one of the most famous tourist spots in Ninh Bình. The area includes a system of three water caves and surrounding limestone mountains. Visitors can take boat trips along the Ngo Dong River to admire the terraced rice fields and the tranquil beauty of the landscape.

Thung Nham is a nature reserve with a majestic mountainous landscape and biological diversity. It is also home to hundreds of bird species. Visitors can tour the bird garden, explore caves, and enjoy the fresh, peaceful natural atmosphere.

Hang Múa, often described as the "Great Wall" of Vietnam, is famous for its stone staircase leading up to a mountain peak where one can view the entire Tam Coc area. At the summit, visitors will be treated to a spectacular view of rice fields and rivers.

Vân Long is not only a nature reserve but also the largest wetland in Ninh Bình province. It is a habitat for many animal and plant species, including the rare Delacour's langur. Visitors can take boat rides to explore the pristine beauty and tranquility of the area.

Cúc Phương National Park is located in a limestone mountain area, with diverse terrain from gently sloping hills to steep cliffs. This setting allows for the development of a rich array of endemic plants and animals. Cúc Phương is home to over 2,000 plant species, 110 mammal species, over 300 bird species, and many reptiles and amphibians.

With its poetic beauty and heroic history, Ninh Bình is an ideal place for visitors to feel and explore a part of Vietnam's historical flow. From historical relics to natural landscapes, from cuisine to culture, every aspect of Ninh Bình opens a new page for those who wish to learn and deeply experience a Vietnam rich in identity and tradition.