Thung Nắng Ninh Binh is one of the most wonderful destinations for those who love the untouched beauty of nature, combined with the richness of culture and history. With its majestic landscape of mountains, rivers, and numerous exciting activities, Thung Nắng is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore this amazing place more through this article.
Where is Thung Nắng Ninh Binh?
Thung Nắng is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is likened to a magnificent natural painting, with towering limestone mountains, lush green rice fields, and the gentle meandering Ngo Dong River. About 10 kilometers southwest of Ninh Binh city center, Thung Nắng has become an ideal stop for short trips.
Convenience in transportation is one of Thung Nắng’s significant advantages. If you depart from Ninh Binh city, it only takes about 20-30 minutes by motorbike or taxi to reach this paradise. Additionally, many travel companies offer all-inclusive tours to Thung Nắng, helping you save time and ensure the best experience.
What’s attractive about Thung Nắng Ninh Binh?
Thung Nắng Ninh Binh possesses many appealing highlights, from its natural beauty to its rich cultural activities. The following experiences will help you understand more about this place:
Boat trip on the river
Taking a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River is one of the activities you cannot miss when visiting Thung Nắng. As you sit on the boat, you’ll immerse yourself in the poetic natural scenery, where the green limestone mountains and golden rice fields stretch out to the horizon. As the boat gently glides on the water, you’ll feel the breeze, hear the sound of the oars paddling, and experience a profound sense of peace. The surroundings become even more magical when the sunlight reflects off the water, creating shimmering images.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore mysterious caves along the river. The towering cliffs, with their unique limestone formations, rise amidst the vast space, creating incredibly spectacular scenes. This is the perfect time to capture the most beautiful photos of your adventure.
Explore mysterious caves
Thung Nắng is blessed with a system of mysterious caves, each with its own unique beauty, attracting many visitors. You cannot miss the following notable caves:
Hang Nau Ruou (Wine Brewing Cave)
Hang Nau Ruou is one of the most famous caves in Thung Nắng. With its strange structure and countless stalactites in various shapes, the cave creates a magical and shimmering space. According to legend, locals once used this cave for brewing wine, hence the name.
As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the mystical beauty of the rock formations, echoing with sounds that resonate with every heartbeat. Here, you can not only admire the beauty of nature but also uncover historical stories and legends associated with this place.
Thien Ha – Thien Thanh Caves
The twin caves, Thien Ha and Thien Thanh are almost adjacent to each other, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a fairyland. The water inside the cave is crystal clear, reflecting light to create a shimmering, mystical beauty. Especially, Thien Ha Cave has many stalactites that resemble milk streams, which is why people call it “Milk Cave.” Meanwhile, Thien Thanh Cave has a pure, serene beauty, stirring the hearts of visitors.
Exploring the caves will offer you beautiful moments of relaxation. You can sit back, enjoy the fresh air, and let your mind wander with the sounds of nature. It feels like entering another world where all the worries of life seem to fade away.
Hang Sang – Hang Toi (Bright Cave – Dark Cave)
These two caves are located side by side, adding a unique feature to Thung Nắng. Hang Sang is naturally lit, creating an open and airy space, while Hang Toi is shrouded in darkness, offering a mysterious and exploratory feeling. As you explore these two caves, you’ll experience the contrast between light and shadow. This not only makes your journey more exciting but also stimulates your imagination, helping you appreciate the beauty of nature more deeply.
Discover the bird garden at Thung Nham
Near Thung Nắng, you can visit the Thung Nham ecological tourism area – home to thousands of rare bird species. Here, you’ll witness flocks of birds flying in the sky, hear their cheerful chirping, and enjoy a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere.
Thung Nham is not only famous for its pristine natural landscape but also an ideal place for activities like boating on the lake, enjoying local delicacies, or visiting historical and cultural relics. The quiet and spacious environment of Thung Nham will surely bring you wonderful moments of relaxation. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to capture beautiful photos with a backdrop of birds joyfully flying around. This will be an unforgettable moment in your journey of exploring Ninh Binh.
Pilgrimage to ancient temples and pagodas
Thung Nắng not only boasts natural beauty but also preserves long-standing cultural and historical values, reflected in its ancient temples and pagodas. Notable sites you should visit include:
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most significant pagodas in Southeast Asia, attracting many pilgrims and visitors. The pagoda is built in a traditional Buddhist architectural style, with giant Buddha statues and intricate bas-reliefs.
As you step into the pagoda, you’ll feel the sacred and solemn atmosphere. Every corner of the pagoda holds rich historical stories and legends, making your visit a meaningful exploration journey.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Bich Dong Pagoda is dubbed “The second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.” This complex consists of three caves: Hang Cua Vong, Hang Dai, and Hang Tien, each offering a distinct beauty, combined with picturesque natural surroundings.
Bich Dong Pagoda is not only a sightseeing spot but also a spiritual destination attracting many locals who come to pray for peace. The legends and stories of this place will make your exploration both interesting and exciting.
Duyen Ninh Pagoda
Duyen Ninh Pagoda is an ancient pagoda situated on a high hill, surrounded by majestic mountains. The pagoda features traditional architecture with intricate patterns and decorations, exuding an ancient and elegant beauty.
Visiting the pagoda, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals and learn more about the local cultural values. It’s also an ideal place to relax your soul and find peace after busy days.
Vang Pagoda
Also known as An Lac Pagoda, Vang Pagoda stands out with its vibrant golden color. It’s a spiritual destination attracting many tourists, showcasing traditional Buddhist architecture and preserving valuable local cultural and historical values. Many spiritual devotees come here to pray for peace and blessings for their families and themselves. At this sacred place, you’ll feel a sense of peace and serenity.
When is the best time to visit Thung Nắng Ninh Binh?
The beauty of Thung Nắng is always captivating, but it’s at its best during the spring and ripening rice seasons (April to September). Each season offers its own unique charm, creating a diverse and rich natural painting.
Spring is the time when the weather is pleasant, plants sprout, and flowers bloom, creating a romantic and dreamy landscape. It’s also the ideal time for relaxing vacations and exploring the incredible beauty of Thung Nắng. You’ll feel the freshness of the earth and sky and the vitality of the vegetation and can participate in traditional local festivals.
The ripening rice season gives Thung Nắng a completely different look. As the terraced fields begin to wear a bright yellow coat, they create a vibrant and impressive natural scene. The lively and cheerful atmosphere of the harvest season brings along many cultural activities, attracting numerous visitors.
Especially during festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Hoa Lu Festival, Thung Nắng becomes more bustling than ever. Visitors can join in fun activities, enjoy traditional culture, and savor famous local specialties.
Unmissable experiences when visiting Thung Nang Ninh Binh
To make your trip to Thung Nắng complete and memorable, keep in mind these exciting experiences:
Boat tours to explore caves: Join a boat journey to discover the mysterious caves and admire the shimmering beauty of the stalactites. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the tranquility of the scenery and the mystical allure of nature.
Kayaking: Experience the thrill of paddling a kayak and explore the peaceful corners of Thung Nắng, admiring the stunning beauty of the mountains and rivers. Kayaking not only helps you stay fit but also brings an exhilarating feeling when facing nature.
Join experiential activities: Mountain climbing, fishing, trekking, and camping will provide you with lively and exciting experiences. You can immerse yourself in nature, discover untrodden paths, and learn about the local way of life.
Savor local cuisine: Don’t forget to try famous specialties such as Ninh Binh mountain goat, crispy rice, and blood pudding. These dishes are not only delicious but also imbued with the flavor of the homeland.
Shopping for local specialties: Lastly, spend some time shopping for souvenirs and regional specialties such as canned wine, Ninh Binh fermented pork, and rolled cake as gifts for your loved ones.
Important notes: Book accommodations and tickets in advance, especially during holidays, to avoid running out of rooms or tickets. Prepare appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Also, remember to bring necessary medicines, especially mosquito and insect repellents. Research thoroughly about the tourist spots and recreational activities before visiting Thung Nắng to ensure you make the most of your trip.
