Ninh Binh is synonymous with famous places such as Trang An, Hoa Lu ancient capital, Hang Mua, Bai Dinh pagoda or Tam Coc – Bich Dong but there are still many other tourist attractions in Ninh Binh you cannot miss.
Discovering Am Tien Cave – The Enchanting Tuyet Tinh Coc
Our first stop on the journey to explore Ninh Binh is Am Tien Cave, also known by the intriguing name “Tuyet Tinh Coc.” Located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, Am Tien Cave is part of the cultural heritage complex of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Upon parking at the spacious parking lot outside the cave, we can purchase tickets at the ticket counter opposite. If desired, you can also rent bicycles to explore the area. However, with ample time and comfort, walking is the best choice to fully appreciate the beauty of Am Tien Cave.
The first notable feature of the journey is the tunnel leading to Am Tien Cave. After a few minutes of walking through this tunnel, we will be amazed by the vast beauty of this place. Lush green trees, crystal-clear lakes with vibrant koi fish, and the limestone mountain ranges create a fairytale-like scenery, making us feel like stepping into a completely new and mysterious world.
Am Tien Cave is also famous for its dragon-like shape and is called Dragon Cave. Climbing over 200 stone steps, you will reach the stone pagoda dedicated to Buddha and the temple honoring the famous figures of the Dinh dynasty. Here, the legend of Queen Duong Van Nga’s retreat to practice Buddhism is also recounted.
In the space of Am Tien Cave, we will have the opportunity to experience a sense of peace and tranquility. Walking along the lakeside, through the stone gate, you will enjoy the fresh and serene atmosphere, a completely different feeling from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This is truly an experience not to be missed when visiting Ninh Binh.
Useful Information:
- Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Opening Hours: 06:00 – 18:30 (summer), 06:30 – 18:00 (winter)
- Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND/adult, 10,000 VND/child (4-10 years old)
- Parking Fee: 10,000 VND/motorbike, 20,000 VND/car
Exploring Thung Nham – Tranquil Natural Beauty
The next experience on our journey to explore Ninh Binh is the eco-tourism area of Thung Nham – a “precious gem” of the ancient land. Situated within the Thung Nham integrated farm economic zone, built from 1999 to 2003, Thung Nham has now become an eco-tourism destination spanning over 300 hectares, attracting many visitors to explore and experience.
Starting with a guide, we head to the first boat dock to explore But Cave. This cave is famous for its limestone formations resembling a Buddha, believed to bring luck to everyone. Venturing deeper into the cave, we will be amazed by the magical beauty of the limestone formations and the interesting stories told by the boatman.
Fairy Fish Cave is another captivating destination in Thung Nham. Although no boat is needed, we walk on a bridge over 700 meters long to admire the beauty of the rock formations inside the cave and enjoy the sound of the flowing water.
An unmissable experience at Thung Nham is exploring the natural bird garden. This is the habitat of over 40,000 birds belonging to 46 different species, including rare and precious bird species. Equipped with life jackets, we embark on this exciting journey, although we may not see flocks of birds flying overhead, it still provides us with memorable experiences.
On the way to the bird garden dock, you can visit the Thang Dai Vuong temple and even explore Hoa Island, where each season adorns itself with a new colorful appearance of various flowers. These are the wonderful experiences that Thung Nham offers to visitors.
Useful Information:
- Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00 (summer), 07:30 – 17:30 (winter)
- Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND/adult, 100,000 VND/child (including bird garden boat ticket and But Cave boat ticket)
Exploring Ancient Hoa Lu Town at Sunset
Continuing our journey to discover Ninh Binh, our next destination is the Ancient Town of Hoa Lu, a special place located within the precincts of Ky Lan Lake. Hoa Lu Ancient Town is capturing the attention of many young travelers, becoming one of the hottest check-in spots in Ninh Binh. When asked about the best time to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Town, the answer would be in the evening when the ancient town is illuminated.
As night falls and the sparkling lights begin to shine everywhere, we can take some time to stroll around the food stalls, admire the exquisite hand-painted artworks at various workshops, or even shop for unique handmade items. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments at the “Ninh Binh welcomes you” sign with multiple languages and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at a charming little café nestled in the ancient town.
Afterwards, we can visit Bạc Pagoda before concluding our exploration of the Ancient Town. Under the shimmering lights, Bạc Pagoda becomes more mystical and glittering than ever. Inside the pagoda, you will be able to admire numerous Buddha statues intricately carved with unique and impressive designs. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this special destination when you visit Ninh Binh.
- Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh Province.
- Opening Hours: From 08:00 to 23:00.
- Entrance Fee: Free.
Immerse in the Refreshing Countryside Atmosphere at a Homestay
Exploring Ninh Binh wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a stay at a homestay. In the gentle ambiance of autumn, we embarked on our journey to the homestay after a few directions from the host.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by houses made of bamboo, exuding the traditional beauty of Vietnam, named Quoc Khanh Bamboo Homestay. A picturesque landscape unfolded before us with lush green gardens harmoniously arranged and neatly trimmed flower beds. Especially, in front of the homestay, there was a wooden bridge, where small tables and chairs were set up along with SUP boards for those who wanted to try rowing on the river. This service was provided free of charge when booking a room here, which is truly unmissable.
There’s nothing more wonderful than sitting back and admiring the serene scenery of majestic nature, feeling the music of nature combined with the flavor of the countryside, along with the warmth and friendliness from the host. This will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience in our journey to explore Ninh Binh.
Exploring Ninh Binh Cuisine
Ninh Binh is not only a magnet for tourists due to its scenic spots and shopping opportunities but also an ideal destination for those with a penchant for diverse cuisine. In this Ninh Binh culinary escapade, we had the chance to indulge in the local specialties introduced by the natives. Here are some tantalizing suggestions for you:
- Goat meat served with crispy rice
- Pan-seared chicken
- Field crab hotpot
Every region boasts its own distinctive flavors, and Ninh Binh is no exception. It’s a superb choice, especially for nature enthusiasts. Concluding our Ninh Binh journey with numerous unforgettable experiences, we pledge to return for further exploration in the upcoming days.
