Ninh Binh is not only a fairytale land hidden among verdant mountains and emerald waters, but also a vibrant symphony of captivating attractions that leave visitors spellbound. Like a living masterpiece, every scene here is infused with the breath of nature and the lingering echoes of countless wanderers’ journeys.
1. Thung Nham Bird Park
With over 45 species of birds and stunning landscapes that seem to have sprung from a fairy tale, Thung Nham Bird Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Source: Vinpearl.com
Located in Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh Province, about 2 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Thung Nham Bird Park is a natural paradise that draws visitors from all over the world. With its lush forests, tranquil lakes, and breathtaking karst landscapes, Thung Nham is a place of great natural beauty and biodiversity.
Thung Nham Bird Park is waiting for you on a journey through the park’s many attractions, from birdwatching and hiking to exploring its ancient caves.
2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc is a stunning natural landscape that attracts travelers from around the world. Known as the “Halong Bay on Land” thanks to its breathtaking limestone karsts and serene river winding through the valley, Tam Coc offers a peaceful and scenic escape that highlights Vietnam’s natural beauty.
Source: Vietnamairlines.com
Located in Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh Province, about 5 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Tam Coc is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
About 3 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Bich Dong is located at the base of a limestone mountain, and regarded as one of the most important historical and spiritual sites in the area. This ancient pagoda is a peaceful retreat for visitors and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Source: vietnamtourism.gov.vn
The pagoda consists of three main structures: the Lower Pagoda, the Middle Pagoda, and the Upper Pagoda. The architecture is traditional and beautifully integrated with the natural surroundings. The pagoda was built in the 15th century during the reign of the Le Dynasty and has a deep spiritual significance.
3. Mua Cave
About 10 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Mua cave is located inside Ngoa Long Mountain at Khe Dau Ha village, Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province.
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After climbing 500 stone steps to the scenic overlook atop Ngoa Long Mountain, travelers will be rewarded with a stunning panorama of Ngo Dong River and the paddy fields below. To add to the incredible 360-degree view, there are a few worship sites along the ascent, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s long-standing legacy of Buddhism.
4. Trang An Eco-Tourism Site
About 15km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Trang An Eco-Tourism Site at Truong An village, Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province is a popular tourist destination that has been featured in several blockbuster movies, such as Blood Letter, Tam Cam: The Untold Story, and Kong: Skull Island. Known for its stunning natural beauty with majestic mountains and tranquil waterways, this location is a must-visit in your Vietnam travel itinerary.
Source: vinpearl.com
Trang An Eco-Tourism Site is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, situated in Ninh Binh Province, 90 kilometers south of Hanoi. Covering over 2,000 hectares, the site comprises a network of waterways, limestone karsts, and caves.
Trang An Vietnam features a 250-million-year-old geological system of limestone mountains with diverse ecosystems, including flooded forests, limestone mountains, and archaeological and cultural relics. Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang chose Trang An as the southern protective barrier for the imperial capital of Hoa Lu in the 10th century. Later, during the resistance against the Yuan dynasty, the Tran Dynasty used it as the Vu Lam Palace. The site still retains many historical relics from the Dinh and Tran dynasties.
It is renowned for its striking natural beauty, including towering limestone cliffs, verdant forests, and pristine rivers. Moreover, Trang An caves enchants visitors with its beauty of magnificent stalactite formations. It attracts a considerable number of both domestic and international visitors.
5. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
About 20km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital at Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province is one of the most popular destinations for history and culture exploration in Vietnam. Hoa Lu is known as the first capital of Vietnam with a wide range of historical landmarks. In 968, King Dinh Tien Hoang constructed his capital in Hoa Lu and ruled until the year 980.
Afterwards, Hoa Lu also existed for almost 30 years of Early Le dynasty (980-1009) and 1 year of the Ly dynasty (1009-1010). In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved it to Thang Long (Ha Noi now) and since then, Hoa Lu became an ancient capital which maintained lots of ancient temples and relic sites of Vietnam.
Source: Collected.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is not only a valuable relic site but also a remarkable tourist attraction, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both stunning historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era.
6. Bai Dinh pagoda
About 28 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Bai Dinh Pagoda at Tay Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province spans over 539 hectares, with its back lying on Dinh Mountain. It holds many outstanding national and international records that no other pagoda in Vietnam has broken until now, such as the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in Asia, and so on.
Source: Collected.
7. Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is a stunningly beautiful example of Vietnam’s wilderness, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The reserve is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and has plenty of activities for visitors to engage in.
Source: Vinpearl.com
8. Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary
About 34 km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary at Phu Long commune, Ninh Binh province is a Four Paws-managed wildlife center for rescued bears from the illegal trade and the cruel farming industry in Vietnam.
Source: exploreninhbinh.com
The sanctuary spans over 5.5 hectares, providing shelter for bears, most of which are Asiatic black bears and sun bears. It provides large, natural enclosures where rescued bears can climb, forage, swim, and socialize. They also engage in play, rest in shaded areas, and explore their environment freely. This environment helps the bears regain their natural instincts and behaviors. It promotes their physical and mental health.
9. Cuc Phuong National Park
About 50km from Tam Coc Oasis Resort & Spa, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam.
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About 120 km southwest of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong boasts an engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Magnificent Limestone Mountains rise up majestically from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest, this landscape forms the habitat for some of Asia’s rarest animal and plant species. It is no wonder that researchers, naturalists, enthusiasts and conservationists alike are drawn to this corner of the world. The ancient forest harbours over 2234 vascular and non-vascular plants, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 135 species mammals, including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet and Asian Black Bear. There are also an incredible 336 documented bird species. Visitors in April and May should be blessed with the chance to see literally thousands of vibrant butterflies. Located on 2 limestone mountain ranges, the landscape of Cuc Phuong contains a wonderfully rich ecosystem. The rocky outcrops of Cuc Phuong form the site of valuable pale ontological and anthropological vestiges, including a fossilized sea reptile dated at 200 – 230 million years old, while the remains of prehistoric people who lived in the forest some 7500 years ago are also to be found in the numerous mountain caves. In earlier times, Cuc Phuong was home to the Muong minority people and to this day a few scattered villages around the park’s periphery still house these interesting people and their unique culture.
