Ninh Binh, not only renowned for its majestic natural beauty but also for offering unique travel experiences that you shouldn’t miss. From kayaking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An to immersing yourself in the local culture at Van Long – Cuc Phuong, or embarking on outdoor adventures and learning about bears at the Bear Conservation Center, these are all novel and distinctive experiences found only in Ninh Binh.
Kayaking Adventure to Explore Trang An Heritage
A new experience has been introduced at the Trang An Ecotourism Area as the Management Board officially launched kayak paddling services. This offers a distinct alternative to the traditional method of sightseeing by local boatmen. Now, visitors can paddle their own kayaks to experience the unique beauty of the Trang An Landscape Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both cultural and natural.
Starting from the Trang An pier, visitors immerse themselves in the pristine environment, marveling at the magnificent natural landscape of Trang An as they paddle along the winding river amidst towering limestone mountains and visit the famous attractions of the tourist area.
There are two exploration routes: the first route passes through the Trinh Temple, Three Gate Entrance, Dark Cave, Quy Hau Cave, and Ngoc Mountain; the second route passes through Kong Island pier to Thuong Temple, Vu Lam Palace. These two routes are 8km and 5km long respectively.
Kayaking at Trang An does not require visitors to have professional skills. Just grasping some basic paddling skills is enough to participate. All participants in this activity will be provided with standard life jackets and a rescue team with motorboats always on standby.
Experience “A Day of Bear Care” at Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center
The Ninh Binh Bear Conservation Center (in Ky Phu commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province) is under the management of FOUR PAWS Viet, a member of FOUR PAWS International – an international organization for Animal Welfare (based in Austria). Here, nearly 40 bears that have been rescued from bile farming or illegal wildlife trafficking are currently being cared for and protected.
In addition to professional activities, the center also welcomes visitors for tours and educational purposes, particularly targeting school and university students.
Various experiential programs are designed to suit different age groups and backgrounds of visitors. Among the favorite activities are:
Food Preparation and Bear Enclosure Care: Visitors will participate in the food preparation process for the bears and experience daily care tasks including cleaning the bear enclosures.
Food Processing and Enrichment Tools Challenge for Bears: Visitors will be instructed on how to prepare food suitable for the nutritional needs and preferences of different bear species, along with making enrichment tools for the bears.
Tree Planting at the Bear Sanctuary: A nature-immersive experience where visitors will participate in tree planting, contributing to creating a better living environment for the bears.
Group Games and Handicraft Activities: Visitors will engage in group games and handicraft activities with diverse themes related to biology, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare.
These are meaningful experiences that not only help visitors understand more about the lives and needs of bears but also actively contribute to conservation and protection efforts for wild animals.
Exploring Tourism in Van Long – Cuc Phuong
In the Van Long – Cuc Phuong region, tourists can engage in a variety of activities, including ecotourism, trekking, and exploring local culture and cuisine. The trekking routes through Cuc Phuong forest are designed with different themes and durations, catering to various types of tourists, and are guided by experienced tour guides. There are routes such as camping and overnight stays in the forest, full-day trekking to Ngoc Son Reserve and Pu Luong Reserve, attracting the interest of many tourists.
For those who love community ecotourism, staying in a Muong village for one or two nights will provide unforgettable experiences. This also contributes to generating income for local people and supporting environmental conservation efforts. With the friendliness, warmth, and hospitality of the local people, tourists will feel comfortable and have the opportunity to learn about and explore the unique culture of the region.
One of the special experiences in Van Long is observing the Delacour’s langur. This endangered species is only found in Vietnam with fewer than 200 individuals remaining, mainly conserved in the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park.
While paddling on the Van Long lagoon, tourists can observe these langurs playing on the cliffs or admire the beautiful scenery of the surrounding nature. This creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for tourists, allowing them to capture memorable moments during their trip to Ninh Binh with its fresh air and majestic mountainscapes.
