Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes favorite destination during holidays

Ninh Binh has famous landscapes such as Trang An, Bai Dinh pagoda complex, and Tam Coc Bich Dong, which have become "hot" destinations for many people for the upcoming National Reunification Day (April 30), and May Day (May 1) holidays. In the photo is the 'masterpiece' sunset on top of Hang Mua, Hoa Lu district. Mua Cave is about 90km from Hanoi city and belongs to the cultural lands of Ninh Binh Mua cave is located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Together with Trang An ecological tourism complex, the majestic terrain of Mua cave reveals rolling mountains surrounded by a large delta like an embankment protecting the country inside. The name Mua cave originated from an ancient story, when King Tran came to Hoa Lu capital, he often stopped at Mua cave, and in his honor, there were dancing performances by imperial maids, thus people call the cave “Mua” (dancing). (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Far too few travellers make it to Ninh Binh, a mesmerising area known locally as “Ha Long bay on land” thanks to its magical riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains that rise up from the paddies. Just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam’s most striking destinations. The best way to get a sense of this UNESCO-protected site is by taking a paddleboat tour along its shimmering rivers, and climbing to the top of its fabled peaks. Breathtaking boat rides and lush countryside are just half of the appeal: the area is also rich in cultural treasures and is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The temperatures in Ninh Binh are ideal from March to May and September to November. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Situated near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys. These are formed by the dissolution of soft rock such as limestone, dolomite and gypsum, that create sinkholes and caves often permeated with water. Many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years. They illustrate the occupation of these mountains by seasonal hunter-gatherers and how they adapted to major climatic and environmental changes, especially the repeated inundation of the landscape by the sea after the last ice age. The story of human occupation continues through the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the historical era. Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Viet Nam, was strategically established here in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Trang An is of global significance as an outstanding humid tropical tower-karst landscape in the final stages of geomorphic evolution. It is composed of a variety of classical karst cones and towers and a network of enclosed depressions connected by an intricate system of subterranean waterways, some of which are navigable by small boats. The area is unique in having been invaded by the sea several times in the recent geological past but is now emergent on land. The blend of towering mountains draped in natural rain forest, with large internal basins and narrow cave passages containing quietly flowing waters, creates an extraordinarily beautiful and tranquil landscape. Archaeological deposits in caves reveal a regionally significant, continuous sequence of human occupation and utilization spanning more than 30,000 years. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

“The muse of Tam Coc,” or “The Great Wall of Vietnam” are all nicknames given to Mua Cave – a famous natural landscape in Ninh Binh. Mua Cave is a famous natural beauty located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, belonging to Trang An scenic complex. Although located right next to one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist complexes, for many years, the beauty of the Mua Cave has been overshadowed. Mua Cave attracts visitors to the majestic, pristine natural landscape created by limestone mountains that are millions of years old. The main highlight of this place is nearly 500 stairs leading to the top of the hill, built following the architecture of the Great Wall. Therefore, people still consider Mua Cave to be like a Great Wall of Ninh Binh. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Mua Cave attracts visitors to the majestic, pristine natural landscape created by millions of years old limestone mountains. The main highlight of this place is nearly 500 stairs leading to the top of the hill, built following the architecture of the Great Wall. Therefore, people still consider Mua Cave to be like a Great Wall of Ninh Binh. “The muse of Tam Coc,” or “The Great Wall of Vietnam” are all nicknames given to Mua Cave – a famous natural landscape in Ninh Binh. Mua Cave is a famous natural beauty located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, belonging to Trang An scenic complex. Although located right next to one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist complex, for many years, the beauty of the Mua Cave has been overshadowed. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

The most attractive point of Mua Cave is the pristine and majestic natural scenery with limestone mountains that form many shapes. Standing from the top of the Mua Mountain, visitors will have the opportunity to see the miracle of nature at Mua Cave. However, to reach the top of the Mua Mountain, visitors will have to conquer 486 steps. Along the two sides of the road are a lot of unique reliefs, but these are no less majestic and fierce. Standing from the top of the mountain, visitors can still see Tam Coc – Bich Dong located in the same area. Spread your arms, close your eyes, and take a deep breath, enjoy the feeling as all the chaos and worries of life dissolve away into the beautiful landscapes. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Located within Ninh Binh Province of North Vietnam near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An) is a mixed cultural and natural property contained mostly within three protected areas; the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest. The property covers 6,226 hectares within the Trang An limestone massif, and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 6,026 hectares, mostly rural land with rice paddy fields. There are about 14,000 residents, the majority of whom are farmers involved in subsistence agriculture, but much of the property is uninhabited and in a natural state. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

With lotus flowers in full bloom in the northern province of Ninh Binh, guests can enjoy a poetic scene amid stunning landscapes. The lotus pond can be found at the foot of Ngoa Long mountain, with the beautiful landscape serving as a hot check-in spot this summer. Lotus flowers throughout northern regions often enter full bloom in June, although flowers in Ninh Binh province are strangely still until they finally blossom in late July. The lotus provides a gentle, pure, and pleasant fragrance. Unlike the lotus flowers found in Hanoi, the lotuses in Ninh Binh province are of a Japanese variety and feature small petals, although they appear very beautiful and offer a great fragrance. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Apart from the valuable historic relics and charming natural landscapes, Ninh Binh also attracts travelers thanks to its unique gastronomy with delicious foods characteristic of the Northern rustic area. The limestone mountains of Ninh Binh are an advantage for raising goats for their delicious meat compared to those raised in other provinces. Furthermore, Ninh Binh locals have their own secret in processing goat meat into many special dishes. Besides, Com Chay is also one of the most fascinating specialties of Ninh Binh. After being cooled down, they soak the round slices into hot oil pan until they turn yellow. Eel vermicelli, mountain snails, fermented pork roll, Kim Son raw nhech fish salad, and Kim Son sticky wine are also Ninh Binh’s specialties. (Photo: Vietnamplus)