GROUP TOURS OPERATED BY OUR PARTNER WHO HAS 7 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OPERATING NORTHERN VIETNAM TOURS

Here are all Ninh Binh tours for 2 Days 1 Night. Learn about Ninh Binh here

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WHAT TO BRING
Sunblock, sports shoes, cash for personal expenses, hats or umbrellas, passport (to check in 2D 1N)

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tam Coc Boating Combining With Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An – Cycling & Cooking Class (Overnight in Trang An Bungalow)

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Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An Boating – Cuc Phuong National Park (Overnight in Bungalow)

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Trang An – Mua Cave – Tuyet Tinh Coc – Cuc Phuong National Park (Overnight in Trang An Bungalow)

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Price: 165 USD/ Person

Single Supplement: USD 18 / Person

HOA LU ANCIENT CITADEL – MUA CAVE – LOCAL MARKET – TAM COC BOATING – COOKING CLASS – BICH DONG PAGODA (OVERNIGHT IN TAM COC BUNGALOW)

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Price: 135 USD/ Person

Single Supplement: USD 18 / Person

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Children Policy

The post The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Ninh Binh | Tour recommendations appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Regarded as “Ha Long on land”, Ninh Binh has made its appearance in some of the very famous films of Hollywood such as Pan and the Neverland or Kong: Skull Island. Now, let’s join us in Ninh Binh Tours for an insight into incredible natural landscapes, and such fascinating rural hidden gems where you can surely see the real Vietnam.

GROUP TOURS OPERATED BY OUR PARTNER WHO HAS 7 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OPERATING NORTHERN VIETNAM TOURS

Here are the most 3 popular Ninh Binh 1-Day tours. Learn about Ninh Binh here

Send your inquiry to Email: mazevietnam.info@gmail.com
or Message Facebook us: facebook.com/mazevietnam (24/7 Available)

WHAT TO BRING
Sunblock, sports shoes, cash for personal expenses, hats or umbrellas.

1 DAY HOA LU – TAM COC

WHEN: DAILY (But you are expected to book in advance due to the limited number of pax in the tour)

ITINERARY

08:00 Picking up from hotel/stay.

08:30 Starting drive to Ninh Binh Province

10:00 Arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

10:15 Visiting King Dinh and King Le’s temples.

11:30 Arriving in Tam Coc Wharf.

11:45 Having buffet lunch with Vietnamese Cuisine.

13:00 Getting on Sampan boats through caves and visiting countryside landscape

15:00 Back to Tam Coc Wharf to chill out.

15:15 Biking on country road around village

16:00 Getting on shuttle bus to go back to Hanoi

18:30 Saying goodbye to you at your hotel/stay. Trip ends

What to bring/prepare:

• Sun glasses, Sun cream
• Camera and film
• Pair of Shoes and short trousers for biking around country road.
• Seating on a bamboo boat in 1.5 hours with local rower to visit Tam Coc Cave.

INCLUSIONS
Pick up from hotel/stay in Hanoi Old Quarter to Hoa Lu – Tam Coc and Return
All entrance tickets to sites indicated in Itinerary
Complimentary bottles of water on the bus
Buffet lunch with Vietnamese Cuisine
English Speaking Tour guide during the trip

EXCLUSIONS
Biking (costs 3 USD/1 bike/ 45 minutes) BUT offered FREE from now to End of September 2018
Beverages, Tax, Insurance.
Pick up and drop off outside Hanoi Old Quarter
Tips, Personal Expenses & those not clearly mentioned above

1 DAY TRANG AN – BAI DINH

WHEN: DAILY (But you are expected to book in advance due to the limited number of pax in the tour)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Boat ride to explore outstanding natural sceneries of limestone karst landscapes
• Pay a visit to glimmering massive pagoda complex of  magnificent architecture ever built
• Go cycling on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages with backdrop of a maze of limestone mountain. 
• Depart everyday from Hanoi

ITINERARY

07:45 – 08:30 – Our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay and start  100km modern bus-journey through a verdant landscape of countryside. Short-break en route.

10:30 – Arrive Glimmering Bai Dinh pagoda complexes, the largest pagoda, not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast of Asia. Scenically set on the foothill of  Dinh Mountain surrounded by amazing views of the exquisite river valley below and dotted and the limestone karsts dotted around which will take your breath away.

This pagoda complexes stunningly boast an array of the most massive and magnificent architecture of Vietnamese tradition refined ever built that it takes a full day to explore all. So you will visit some of the highlights that owned the national:

• 500 stone statues of “La Han” (Arhats)
• 2 huge bronze bells, one weighs 27 tons, other weighs 36 tones
• Three bronze statues of Tam The (50 tons each)

With sacred atmospheres and intriguing Buddhism story which presented by The insider tour guide, you cannot fail to enchant.

The visit ends with a walk-up the summit mountain to see the 100 tones statue of Buddha Sakyamuni made of bronze and enjoy the panoramic view of picturesque landscape dotted with limestone mountains.

12:30 – Enjoy a fabulous buffet lunch in a Vietnamese restaurant with some special dishes such as goat meat, pork storage vessel….

13:30 -Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an out-standing natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields.

Deep into the linked chains of towering mountain are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle.

Embark on a traditional sampan gently roweddown the exquisite river through numerous  caves: Hang Toi ( Dack )  cave, 320 meter long, Sang  (light) cave, 90 meter long, and Hang Nau Ruou (Cooking wine) cave, 250 meter long…  Every passages bring new surprise of  mystery hidden inside isolated valleys of tranquility that likely transformed to the other world and time. The fauna and flora is rich and a scene of a goat jumping from one cliff to the other is a common sight.

15:30 – Leisure cycling on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages with the back drop of a maze of limestone mountains.

16:30 – Take the returns shuttle bus to Hanoi.

19:00 – Drop off at your hotel/ accommodation’s door steps in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Tour ends and we see you again!

Price: 55 USD/ Person

Check our other popular tours here

INCLUSIONS
Pick-up from hotel/ accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Transfer by A/C modern bus, Hanoi – Bai Dinh – Trang An – Hanoi
A fully escorted tour with professional, English speaking guide.
A lavish buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes.
2 bottles of water per person
All entrance fees indicated in our itinerary.
Electric car in Bai Dinh Pagoda
Boat trip in Trang An

EXCLUSIONS
Cycling in the countryside (Free of charge till End of September 2018)
Pick up from hotel/ stay outside the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Beverages & travel insurance
Tips for tour guide and personal expenses
All not indicated in our itinerary

WHAT TO BRING
Sunblock, sports shoes, cash for personal expenses, hats or umbrellas.

NOTES
Depart everyday from Hanoi
Cycling is optional
The itinerary is subject to change upon weather conditions
Doctor and Pharmacy are not available

1 DAY TRANG AN – MUA CAVE – TUYET TINH COC

WHEN: DAILY (But you are expected to book in advance due to the limited number of pax in the tour)

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The post Top Ninh Binh Tours 1 Day appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

This reboot of the King Kong franchise could not attract more attention: its cast includes well-known actors such as Tom Hiddlestone, Samuel L.Jackson, etc. and the enormous budget of $185 million. The film told the story of a group of scientists and US troops retreating from Vietnam after their 1973 defeat there. The Americans got lost on an unknown island and came up against horrible creatures, including the mighty Kong. Apart from high-quality actors and actresses, another appealing feature of Kong: Skull Island is its setting. Kong: Skull Island was filmed in Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Cat Ba Island in Quang Ninh (Northern Vietnam), and Quang Binh (Central Vietnam).

Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island

Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, consists of 1600 islands and islets formed in various shapes and sizes. Needless to say, Hạ Long Bay has been so popular that it is always the first destination that one can ever think of when deciding to take a trip to Quảng Ninh Province. Recognized twice as one of the world’s heritage sites in 1994 and 2000, Hạ Long Bay until this moment has been preserved and still retains its own unique and natural landscapes that will astonish every single visitor who seeks for true beauty that lies within the most ordinary place. Read more here

Van Long lake

About 80km from the capital city of Hanoi, this location takes visitors about 2 hours on motorbike or car to get to. It was not created by Mother Nature but by the process of constructing a dike to prevent the Day River from flooding the area. However, its beauty is still appreciated by visitors and locals alike. With an area of 3500 ha, it is also considered the largest aquatic natural reserve all over the Red River Delta.

The site can be accessed from the 1A National highway to Phu Ly, then Gian Khau fork and finally Gia Van commune, Gia Vien ward.

Van Long lake is known for its biodiversity as well as the picturesque scenery. The mountain ranges and caves, together with their reflections on the static water surface, take the visitors’ breath away.

This site is also home to lots of endangered species in Vietnam, including the langur.

Trang An Landscape Complex

Another famous site present in Kong- Skull Island is Trang An, a location of great archeological and cultural significance. The Trang An Landscape Complex’s caves are known to have been inhabited for over 30,000 years by seasonal hunter-gatherers, who adapted to great landscape changes, including those in late Pleistocene and Holocene times. Furthermore, Trang An is famous for its geological properties: having been invaded by sea several times but still is emergent on land. The complex consists of 3 protected areas: Hoa Lư citadel cultural- historical area; Trang An- Tam Coc—Bich Dong Scenic area and Hoa Lư Special- Use Primary Forest.

Another breathtaking feature of Trang An is the karst tower landscape. The cone-shaped rock towers approximately 200 metres in height make Trang An a unique site. Deep down the cavern system, tourists can take a boat tour for a close view of the grottoes, which were formed through a long process of erosion.

Tam Coc and Bich Dong, situated in Van Lam village, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh province. Tam Coc, which means “three caves” in Chinese, have cloud-like stalagmites and stalactites of great geological meaning. They suggest these caves were underwater millions of years ago and gradually emerged from the water surface.

Tu Lan cave system

Consisting of more than 10 caves, Tu Lan cave system was first discovered in the early 1990s. As it has yet to attract as much attention as Sơn Đoòng caves, Tu Lan still retains its natural, intact beauty. This is a perfect location for adventurous travelers, as getting to the cave really means quite a lot of trekking and swimming. Most tours require decent swimming skills from tourists. The journey through the cave system can be split up into 3 days. Day 1 is mainly about warming up, you won’t need too spend much energy except for walking through a wood, exploring the first cave and trekking the Lom Com and Xoai mountains. Day 2 is much more challenging as tourists start with Ken cave- the deepest one in Tu Lan system and swim 200 meters against the flow to Kim cave. On day 3, tourists again must go against the flow to Hung Ton cave. The last checkpoint is Bi Mat cave- 15 meters down and only accessible through a ladder. The thrill of climbing down a ladder in such mysterious surroundings is the last checkpoint of your journey.

Tu Lan cave system is approximately 70 kilometers away from Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park (Quang Binh Province) and next to Tan Hoa ethnic village. As it is surrounded by grass and corn fields, you may need instructions from locals our tourist help desks in the area.

Indochina (1992)

The Vietnamese film industry has yet to reach the level of its European counterparts, but our country’s sites have appeared in an Oscar-winning film: “Indochine” by the French director Regis Wargnier. The film tells the story of Eliane Devries, boss of a rubber plantation during her stay in Vietnam with her daughter. A large part of the film took the Imperial City of Huế as its setting.

Hue

Hue, together with its cultural values, has become a household name. Ask any foreigner traveling to Vietnam to list some Vietnamese cities, and there is no way Hue can go missing. Though probably not as well-known as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, Hue has always been among the most recommended places to visit throughout Vietnam.

Hue, once the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty, has a rich and diverse culture. From the most ordinary to the most luxurious, every piece of Hue has its own significance. Its food culture is unique: no one who plans to visit Hue would afford to miss out on banh beo, banh nam and other specialties, which are on offer in Dong Ba market, the most crowded and exciting site in the city.

Its ancient buildings and romantic scenery make up an irreplaceable part of Indochine’s setting. Foreign tourists, especially those who have watched this Oscar-winning masterpiece. Let’s check out some of this city’s must-visit sites:

Just as Da Nang has Han River, so Hue owns one of the most beautiful rivers throughout Vietnam. Perfume river got its name from the pleasant scent from the flowers that dropped into the water from upriver orchards.  Although its beauty and scent have been somewhat reduced by modernization and an increasing number of boats passing by, it remains one of Vietnam’s most interesting and romantic site where groups of youths gather and couples hang out

Thien Mu Pagoda, located on the northern bank of Perfume River, is another emblem of Vietnam, especially its religious culture. At 4 centuries of age, this building has never lost its significance to locals and tourists alike.  Khai Dinh and Tu Duc Mausoleums are other spots of interest for their historical meaning during the Nguyen Dynasty.

Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015)

Aside from famous, classic masterpieces, this list also includes a 100% Vietnamese film: Yellow flowers on green grass, adapted from Nguyen Nhat Anh’s similarly titled novel. The film tells the story of two brothers, Thieu and Tuong, who both have a liking for a young girl in the neighborhood and compete for her affection. Despite the simple setting, this story is an epitome of love, friendship, and brotherhood. This masterpiece by Victor Vũ made its debut at the Cannes film festival in 2015.

Phu Yen

The film was set in Phu Yen, a province in central Vietnam. Bãi Xép, the background for the scenes in which the kids fly their kites, is actually quite an attraction. The beach, approximately 500 meters in length, may not be popular for tourists, but this is a perfect place for childhood memories. The best way to reach Bai Xep is from Tuy Hoa city nearby. The path to Bai Xep is covered in vast rice fields, the iconic image of Vietnam countryside lifestyle. However, its appearance in Yellow flowers on green grass made Bai Xep much more well-known and the high numbers of tourists resulted in the beach’s pollution.

Another attraction in Phu Yen is Cu Mong lake. This is a perfect site for boat tours. Water surface remains still most of the time, coupled with the cool breezes, bring a sense of soundness to all people on board. Onshore, tourists can befriend fishermen and listen to their stories about the battles between Quang Trung and Tây Sơn dynasty taking place on the lake that was passed down from generation to generation.

The post Top Vietnam’s Famous Filming Locations That You Can Actually Visit appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

 

 

Words by Chi Le
Photos by Chi Le, Trang Nguyen, and Nguyen Hoang

READ NINH BINH FULL TRAVEL GUIDE HERE

NINH BINH TRAVEL GUIDE

Book Ninh Binh Tours with us HERE

The post Explore the Overlooked but Stunning Landscape of Ninh Binh Vietnam appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

SPECIALTIES
Rice Crust (Cơm Cháy)
Although rice crust has long been a familiar dish to many people both foreign visitors and Vietnamese, that offered by Ninh Binh will certainly astonish you from the very first bite. Rice crust has made its own brand in Ninh Bình and is regarded as one of the most impressive specialties in the area. Despite being a common dish and the presentation is not like that of a masterpiece, the taste is absolutely tempting and irresistible. The crispiness of the deep-fried rice and a little bit of spiciness from chilli in combination with the salted shredded meat as the topping are a perfect experience of taste that a dish of common food can create. In addition, the great advance of being used as both snack and the main course has made Ninh Binh rice crust more popular and of course, more worthwhile.

Kim Sơn Swarm Eel Spring Roll (Gỏi Cá Nhệch Kim Sơn)
In Ninh Binh, there is a province called Kim Sơn which is famous for a really special spring roll dish made of swarm eel. It may sound creepy because of the swarm eel which is quite like a kind of snake but to make a delicious swarm eel spring roll dish, it takes extreme practice and the knowledge of the chief for eel, which not all the chief except for Kim Son’s can do. The tempting sweetness of roasted rice, the light sourness of vinegar in association with the spiciness of chilli, ginger, garlic, pepper are just right to add up with the perfect sauce. All parts of the eel are thoroughly processed: the skin is deep-roasted to create the crispiness as an ingredient to eat with the roll, the bones are carefully smashed to mix with vinegar and the most important ingredient, the meat is very sophisticatedly cooked and mix with roasted rice to perfect the dish.

Undercooked Goat Meat With Lime (Dê Tái Chanh)
For its specialty, it is not coincident when goat meat is chosen as one special dish of so many places in the country and there is no exception when it becomes the main ingredient in the widely-known undercooked goat meat with lime of Ninh Binh province. Right after setting foot to Ninh Binh, brave yourself and be prepared because you will be astonished and surprised of how many goat meat restaurants there are in Ninh Binh. This only is enough to explain the excessive popularity of goat meat here. Making a dish of goat meat is not extremely hard but how to cook it well is a different story. The meat must be rightly stewed with citronella until it is fairly undercooked. The meat will then be sliced and citronella after being stewed will be cut to pieces with ginger, chilli, sesame and lime leaves to make spices for the meat. Only by hearing is it tempting enough; trying it therefore, must be a great experience.

Sweet and Sour Anabas Soup (Canh Chua Cá Rô)
Despite being a quite common dish, sweet and sour anabas soup or broth is still a special dish that you may try when going to Ninh Binh. Fish is carefully stewed in the broth made of sour tomatoes and dracontomelum.

Eel Rice Vermicelli (Miến Lươn)
It may sound funny but I guess Ninh Binh makes quite a reputation for eel. Eel rice vermicelli is rumored as an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh. Although there are various kinds of eel dishes around the country, eel rice vermicelli of Ninh Binh is particularly savory for the broth is specially made of stewed bones. The sweetness of the broth delivered from the bones in mixture with simmered eel meat made from the own area’s recipe is the greatest flavour that one can add to the dish. The price for a dish of eel vermicelli can vary from regions but it usually takes from 30.000vnd to 35.000vnd for a common dish.

Roasted Field Crab With Wild Betal Leaves (Cua Đồng Rang Lá Lốt)
In spite of trying once or trying none, roasted field crab with wild betal leaf is a must-eat dish when we travel to Ninh Binh. It will definitely be a great waste if you skip out this absolutely mouth-watering dish. The crispiness of field crabs melting in mouth after bites in the combination with the special sweetness of betal leaves is just right to melt even the coldest hearts. The dish is especially suitable to enjoy with rice but in general, you can try it with anything that you like because I can ensure it will not disappoint you in any case.

Nauclea Orientalis cooked with Sauce and Fish (Gáo Kho Cá)
Here comes another strange dish from Ninh Binh that you will hardly refrain from trying, nauclea orientalis cooked with sauce and fish. May the name nauclea orientalis sound a little bit sophisticated, it actually in relation with mistletoe and can be easily found near the foot of the hills or streamlets. For its unique combination of flavour between light sour and sweetness, nauclea is widely used as an ingredient in sweet and sour broth like tamarind and dracontomelum. However, its flavour is still considered as best fit to cook with sauce and fish. In the making process and preparation, nauclea will be put at the bottom of the pot to completely add up its sweet smelling flavour to the fish meat. The finishing dish will be presented with slices of delicious fish meat with some green vegetables as the topping to stimulate appetite.

Nho Quan Ant Egg Sticky Rice (Xôi trứng kiến Nho Quan)
Ant egg, though sound not so tasty but it has distributed greatly to the well-known Nho Quan ant egg sticky rice. If Kim Sơn is famous for eel spring roll and Hoa Lư is famous for goat meat then Nho Quan has made its own name for the illustrious ant egg sticky rice. Sticky rice may be a common dish in Vietnam that you can easily find in every street and the ingredients can vary from green beans, black beans to durian but there has never been any kind made of ant eggs so far, expect for that of Nho Quan. Strange yet absolutely delicious, ant egg sticky rice is definitely an unforgettable dish of Ninh Binh and is also very nutritious. This is also a rare dish because ant eggs only hatch in a specific season (usually in February according to the Lunar Calendar). Besides, processing and finding a strange ingredient like ant eggs are not easy. This explains why ant egg sticky rice is so unique and is “hunted” by many visitors both foreign and local in Ninh Binh.

RESTAURANTS
Đức Dê Restaurant (Specializes in goat dishes)
Address: #446 Nguyễn Huệ Street, Ninh Phong Ward, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 303 874 858
Opening hours: 8:30 – 22:30

Trâu Vàng Restaurant
Address: #283 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Tân Thành Ward, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 884 598
Opening hours: 8:00 – 22:00

Thanh Lợi Restaurant
Address: #12 Lê Hồng Phong Street, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 303 874 386

Chim Trời Bình Dũng Restaurant
https://dantri4.vcmedia.vn/k:2016/photo-3-1470877602170/nhahangbinhdungdacsanchimtodanchimtunhien.jpg
Address 1: Phố Mới, Me Town, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 983 868 161
Address 2: Ngô Gia Tự Street, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 982 800 621
Website: http://www.nhahangchimtroi.com

Vạn Hoa Restaurant (a part of Vạn Hoa Hotel)
Address: #171 Trần Phú Street, Nam Thành Ward, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 948 359 635
Website: http://khachsanninhbinh.com.vn/am-thuc-ninh-binh

Thăng Long Ninh Bình Restaurant
Address: Bái Đính, Tràng An, Hoa Lư, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: (+84) 975 155 458
Website: http://nhahangthanglong.ninhbinh.vn

The post What and where to eat in Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Camping

Camping is maybe one of the most popular kinds of activities in Ninh Binh because of its typical mountainous form of the area. Mention of Ninh Binh, there is no doubt that this will be an ideal destination for whom desires a thrilling experience such as camping or spending a night in the wood. This is also the reason why everyone going to Ninh Binh without exception, all spend a part of their itinerary, maybe one or two days staying overnight in places such as Cúc Phương National Park or Thung Nham Bird Garden. What can be more exciting and adventurous than living among spectacular nature and exploring wonderful wildlife?

“Hunting” for night snacks

Snacks, a tempting definition of food, have never been out of cuisine lovers’ target. Especially when you are a curious traveler who wants to try out as many kinds of food as you can in another country, participating in the hunt for night snacks is not a bad idea. Although Ninh Binh is not rated or usually mentioned as the land of snacks, its night streets and vendors filled with delicious snacks are just enough to draw your attention. You can easily choose from a wide range of foods from noodles, sticky rice to sweetened porridge (chè). The 8th Street is also a very popular location for snacks which is chosen by teenagers especially and of course, by Ninh Binh’s people disregard of age. Beside the 8th Street, which is an ideal place for a night snack, you can also wander around the grilled and hot pot section near the overpass and sporting event hall for a more fulfilled experience of taste.

The post Nightlife in Ninh Binh appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

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Cố Đô Hoa Lư

Hoa Lư is a must-visit destination in your trip to Ninh Bình. In fact, Hoa Lư is called “Cố Đô” as it is a  historical capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. “Cố” means old and “Đô” means capital. Hoa Lư is a part of the glorious yet painful and bravery past of the country from the time of construction and protection. The capital is a huge and extraordinary historical complex of more than 13 km2 with hundreds of pre-eminent heritage sites such as Đinh Tiên Hoàng Temple, Lê Đại Hành Temple, One-pillar Pagoda (Chùa Nhất Trụ), Bái Đính Pagoda, Am Tiên Cave and so on. For it is the most significant and wonderful heritage complex of Ninh Bình, it consists of most of the destinations that you will probably visit on your journey to the province.

The whole area is divided into three main sections from the center outwards: First, the inner section located in the central of the palace is the specially protected section whose total area is 3 km2. It comprises many invaluable relics. The second section is the 10 km2 buffer zone consisting of Tràng An and all the relics on the bank of Sào Khê River. the last section is the directedly related heritage complex owning the compulsory existential meaning in the history of Đinh Dynasty such as Thiên Tôn Cave, Hoa Lư Cave, Bái Đính Pagoda and so on. Not so surprising when Hoa Lư is such a unique multi-architectural site from an ancient temple to pagoda architecture.   

Address: Trường Yên, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province                                                                                                                                                                         

Tràng An

Tràng An, undoubtedly, is the most famous destination in Ninh Bình Province. Those words are no rumor or exaggeration. In fact, Tràng An was recognized by UNESCO as the cultural and natural heritage of the world from 2014 has been widely acknowledged.

Situated 3 km away from Hoa Lư Capital to the South, Tràng An is also a fantastic heritage complex with a total area of more than 12 hectares. It is the perfect combination, “the intersection” of the blue sky and the green water. What makes the name of Tràng An is definitely no others but the breath-taking mountain ranges in harmony with their poetic shapes and silhouettes. Each cave has its own unique features which make its own name. The special thing is all the gorgeous stalactites glittering in the dark and give the cave such heavenly look that can easily attempt all the bare eyes. Not to mention Trống, Bói, Mơ, Cò, Trâu Caves, Thung Bình Stone Roof and other relics are also recognized as the archaeological heritage sites of the world and have recently been studied by many scientists. Tràng An is so beautiful that not only its beauty is recognized until recent but also long, long time ago. The place once appeared in a poem of the great poet, Nguyễn Du. The poem can be simply understood: “Glittering as the sky reflects itself in the water. Stones build history, and nature builds glory”.

Bái Đính Pagoda

As a part of Hoa Lư Capital, Bái Đính Pagoda has made many of its own records from Vietnam throughout Asia and one of them is for possessing the biggest gold-inlaid Buddha statue. Sacredly and majestically, this is where both the magic and belief are worshiped and brought to a new extent. Owning the elegant architecture, Bái Đính is definitely the place for the Buddhism faithful who craves for the most magical and wonderful moments when both beauty and sacredness collide in the very moment when the Sun rules the sky and the place shines its light among the lush greenery on a beautiful island situated in the middle of the green water and trees.

Am Tiên Cave

Just like its name, Am Tiên is truly a heaven on Earth. If you are a big fan of ancient action films from China then I am sure you will be in love with this place right the moment you arrive here. The very first impression you will get is probably fantasy. Am Tiên is surrounded by the infinity of green palette from trees and rivers. The moment one may spend sailing and floating on the river never seems to end. So close yet so far, Am Tiên is a hidden secret lair that only the discoverer can see all its magnificent and magical beauties hiding behind ranges of trees and mountains. In the past, whoever wanted to conquer the cave would have to climb more than 200 stone stairs but at present, the entrance to the cave seems to be at hand when a secret tunnel has been built.

Am Tiên sometimes through the eyes of the most imaginative minds can be seen as the shape of a dragon head; therefore, it is also known as the Dragon Cave (Hang Rồng). However, it seems that there is still another name that provokes my interest and remembrance of an ancient Chinese action film called “The Return of the Condor Heroes”,  which is originated and remade from the novel version of the famous Chinese writer and novelist Jin Yong (known as Kim Dung in Vietnamese). In the film, there is this place called “End of love” Cave where all relationships, love, past and memories will be forgotten or in another way of thinking: end, once you eat the red flowers in the cave. The final end will come is not amnesia but death to oneself, the only way to leave and cut off all the relationships in the world. Now, we have the Vietnamese version of the cave right here in Ninh Bình, Am Tiên Cave also known as the “End of Love” Cave. Going here, you will never be disappointed.

Vân Long

Vân Long is the biggest natural Wetland Reserve in the Northern Delta of Vietnam. It is actually a huge swamp with water fills all over the top creating the impression of a small river. With the diversity of flora and fauna, Vân Long can also be regarded of a special natural preserve, the home of more than 40 kinds of Silvery Langur. Vân Long is beautiful in each step you take from the green and still water to the yellow withering grass in Fall. Sailing along the swamp and casting your eyes upon the poetic mountains have never been a bad idea, not to mention one of the best.

Cúc Phương National Park

 

Mentioning of Cúc Phương, most people in Vietnam will probably give no reaction since Cúc Phương has long been a so familiar destination and its popularity, as well as beauty, has soon reached across the country. Known as the first national preserve of Vietnam, Cúc Phương surely has all the best to offer from the diversity in organism floor to natural beauties. Lying to the Southeast of Tam Điệp Mountain Range, Cúc Phương also owns and is formed from the mountainous terrain with a spiral walkway from the bottom to the top. There is also a hot water stream in the national park. The flora and fauna in the reserve are all valuable and rare. This is absolutely where you must go if you want to open your mind or admiring some natural beauties.

Address: Cúc Phương, Nho Quan, Ninh Bình Province

Website: http://cucphuongtourism.com.vn/index.php/vi/introduction.html

Tam Cốc - Bích Động

 

Tam Cốc is such a beautiful and famous destination that it has even been favorably named “Halong Bay on land”. This is also one of the most significant preservative areas of the country with thousands of limestone caves and related relics. Tam means three, that’s why the place’s name is actually based on the total number of caves included in the complex: Cả, Hai and Ba Caves. Ngô Đồng (Cornfield) River is the only path leading through the caves. After getting off from the harbor, you can take a boat trip on Ngô Đồng River and have a look at this spectacular cave complex.

Bích Động (Bích Cave) or Emerald Cave and Tam Cốc are approximately 2 km apart. It was once in the past praised as the most beautiful cave of the South: “Nam thiên đệ nhất động”. Bích Động consists of an on land cave used for pagoda tower and an underwater tunnel.

Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham is an ecological tourist area located 12 km away from Ninh Bình City. Thung Nham is also a small complex of caves including Vái Giời, Ba Cô, Tiên Cá, Thủy Cung, Bụt, etc. Besides those caves, Thung Nam also owns different kinds and types of beauties and picturesque sites: from the 300-year-old moving banyan tree, thousands-year streblus to Miệt Garden with the total land area of more than 80000 m2. What makes Thung Nham special is, of course, the bird garden-home of thousands of rare and invaluable bird species listed in the Red Book. In the list, two birds must definitely be mentioned are flamingo and phoenix, two of four spiritual creatures according to the ancient regard of Vietnamese.

Address: Hải Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hải Commune – Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province

Website: http://vuonchimthungnham.com/tin-tuc/du-lich-sinh-thai-thung-nham-a186.html

The post Where to go in Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

Motorcycle or Car Roadtrip

Needless to say, this is definitely the most popular and common choice for any backpacking tourist. Since the way from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is an easy way with not so much of danger, motorcycle or car road trip is regarded as the best choice for this itinerary. If you take the right track, it will only take from 1 to 2 hours to get to Ninh Binh.

First of all, take highway Pháp Vân – Cầu Giẽ. Keep going straight from this highway to Highway Hanoi-Ninh Binh. Drive until you see the main intersection, turn right. And you will now be at Highway 38B. Keep going straight until you see Highway 1A on your left, take this highway and there you are in Ninh Binh Province.

Train

Traveling by train is always a wonderful experience even for a child or an adult. The distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh though not so far but a short trip by train is not a bad choice.

SE3: 22:00 – 00:10 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

SE7: 6:00 – 8:19 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

SE1: 19:30 – 21:45 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

SE5: 9:00 – 11:15 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

TN1: 13:00 – 15:00 (About 2 hours – passes through 3 stations)

SE17: 12:25 – 15:00 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

SE13: 10:00 – 12:00 (About 2 hours – passes through 2 stations)

Train fare:

SE3, SE1: 65.000vnd – 170.000vnd

SE5, SE7: 60.000vnd – 185.000vnd

TN1: 60.000vnd – 160.000vnd

SE13, SE17: 62.000vnd – 167.000vnd

Hà Nội Train Station

Address: #120 Lê Duẩn Street, Hà Nội

Tel: (+84) 439 423 697

(+84) 439 423 949 (buy online ticket)

Website: http://gahanoi.com.vn

You can also check out this website for more detailed information about Hanoi Train Station’s train journey as well as the ticket price for each train code.

Website: http://giotaugiave.vr.com.vn

Bus or Coach

It has never been a wrong choice when choosing to travel by bus and coach. In fact, this is the quite popular with travelers, especially in short trip when going in groups or even alone. Since the way is not so dangerous or hard to go so this may be the best solution to Hanoi – Ninh Binh trip.

Cường Thư Coach

3 trips per day

Pick-up point: Giáp Bát Bus Station

Departure time: 8:00, 14:00, 15:45

Tel: (+84) 919 415 541

         (+84) 986 083 883

Cường Hưng Coach

1 trip per day

Pick-up point: Giáp Bát Bus Station
Departure time: 13:00
Tel: (+84) 989 652 555

Hoàng Thìn Coach

3 trips per day

Pick-up point: Mỹ Đình Bus Station
Departure time: 9:30, 16:30, 17:30
Tel: (+84) 121 400 6688

       (+84) 949 225 656

Đông Chín Coach

1 trip per day

Pick-up point: Mỹ Đình Bus Station
Departure time: 15:30
Tel: (+84) 912 491 587

Anh Tuấn Coach

1 trip per day

Pick-up point: Giáp Bát Bus Station
Departure time: 12:20
Tel: (+84) 904 669 076

The post How to get to Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.

HOMESTAY

Homestay in a province like Ninh Binh seems to be a totally new breeze. Whether you may like or not or even compare it to other places where offer the finest kinds of homestay like Sapa for example, one thing cannot be denied is that homestay in Ninh Binh creates its own attractiveness to visitors of all kinds.

Ninh Binh Valley Homestay
Ninh Binh Valley Homestay – a friend of nature indeed is where you must stay if you are also a nature lover and seeking for a hidden escape surrounded by the lush greenery and the most mysterious natural silhouettes. As it is completely built in the heart of an unknown desolated valley which is situated in Hoa Lư, no wonder why it is just simply called Ninh Binh Valley Homestay – a quite easy-to-remember name. Covered by ranges of firm mountains and embraced by the still green water, Ninh Binh Valley Homestay is definitely worth staying. What can be more wonderful than hiking up by the water, living next to the trees and looking over the sunrise right on the skyline in your very own moderately designed bungalow?

Address: Đồng Cùng, Khê Hạ Village, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 618 666
        (+84) 975 368 665

Chezbeo Valley Bungalows
“Chezbeo brings home to mind”. This is probably an extreme self-determination or at least a personal opinion of mine when I speak of Chezbeo. May it seem not so significantly different from Ninh Binh Valley Homestay, Chezbeo brings its own kind of peaceful sensation to whoever once stopped here. Still the same shapes of mountains, the same sky and the same water but Chezbeo strangely and quietly brings all of that to ease your confusing mind in the wind that carries the smell of lotus along. Mentioning about the lotus and arriving at Chezbeo, you will easily be attracted at the very first sight by the elegant beauty of the lotus lake that lifts every single of your steps. Staying in Chezbeo, you will never regret.
A little reminder: You should bring along anti-insect sprayer to avoid being stung by mosquitoes at night.

Address: Khả Lương Village, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 502 678 (everyday from 7:00 – 22:00)
Website: http://www.chezbeohomestay.com
Price: From 360.000vnd per night

HOTELS

Hotel may not seem to be unfamiliar anymore. And hotel is now a so popular and common choice for travellers. Hotels in Ninh Binh are usually located in Ninh Binh City-the heart of Ninh Binh Province since it is the most crowded place and of course the industrial center of the province.

Hoanghai Hotel and Restaurant (2-star hotel)
This is a middle-class hotel which can basically meet with all your needs if you are finding a cheap accommodation.

Address: #36 Trương Hán Siêu Street, Phúc Thành Ward, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 944 757 329
         (+84) 302 210 631
         (+84) 303 875 177
Website: http://www.ninhbinhhotel.com.vn
Price: From $16 – $30 (Single, Double, Triple Bed Room)

Ngoc Anh Hotel Ninh Binh
Ngoc Anh Hotel is also a middle-class hotel that you can easily find in Ninh Binh. Everything is in the acceptable status but lots of convenient services are ready to serve. As it is in the process of expanding, Ngoc Anh until present has established in total of two locations.

Address 1: #36 Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình Province
Address 2: #26 Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 883 768
Website: http://www.ngocanhhotel.com

Hoa Lư 2 Hotel (Rated by TripAdvisor)
Hoa Lư 2 is the South-central hotel of Ninh Binh. From Hoa Lư 2, you can easily get to any destination that you like. A plus side for Hoa Lư 2 is its exquisiteness and luxury in architecture in combination with the wonderful view to the city. Believe me, it is worth staying in.

Address: #60 Đồng Thanh Street, Hoa Lư Suburban District, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 893 997
Website: http://www.hoalu2hotel.com
Price: From $27 – $40

The Vissai Hotel (High-class Hotel)
Vissai is truly a worth-staying hotel. Staying in Vissai means staying in the true luxury. From the most basic need and interesting entertainment, Vissai is always ready to serve with the finest services. Vissai also has from the most common type of room such as deluxe to the most interesting room like the dorm room and the most exquisite – the presidental suite.

Address: #848 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Tân Thành Ward, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 889 000
Website: http://www.vissaihotel.vn
Price: From $8/person/night (The lowest price range is applied for the dorm room)

The Vancouver Hotel (Rated by TripAdvisor)
Although not so luxurious like The Vissai, the Vancouver Hotel is still a good choice of accommodation in Ninh Binh if you are seeking for a more “foreign experience”.

Address: #1 Lane 75, Lương Văn Tụy Street, Ninh Bình City, Ninh Bình Province
Tel: (+84) 303 893 270
        (+84) 985 360 999 (Hotline)
Website: http://www.thevancouverhotel.com
Price: From $45 – $75 (Standard to Executive Family room)

The post Where to stay in Ninh Binh? appeared first on Maze Vietnam.