In recent years, Ninh Binh’s picturesque landscapes and natural beauty have captured the attention of the entertainment industry, featuring in music and cinema such as the movie *Tam Cam: The Untold Story*, music videos “Banh Troi Nuoc” by Hoang Thuy Linh and “Bao Gio Lay Chong” by Bich Phuong. Additionally, Ninh Binh left a remarkable impression by appearing in the Hollywood blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island” and “Pan and Neverland.”
Ninh Binh captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery and delectable cuisine.
Ninh Binh boasts stunning landscapes and delectable delicacies that enchant visitors.
Even a brief glimpse of Ninh Binh in films is enough to captivate audiences.
This showcases how Vietnam is gradually leaving its mark on the international stage, captivating filmmakers and artists. Ninh Binh’s unique natural beauty has played a significant role in boosting the local economy through tourism, spreading the allure of this enchanting region worldwide.
Here are some of Ninh Binh’s most memorable destinations for international visitors, must-visit locations when exploring this ancient capital.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural significance, Trang An enchants with its picturesque mountains and rivers. In September 2024, the Hello Cosmo from Vietnam fashion show, held during the Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant, transformed this site into a fashion runway, leaving a powerful impression on the audience.
In 2024, the Miss Cosmo beauty pageant also chose Ninh Binh as one of the locations for its Fashion Show, impressing audiences with its grand scale.
Trang An stands out for its perfect blend of majestic limestone mountains, enchanting caves, and meandering rivers, creating a captivating ink painting.
What sets Trang An apart are the small rivers that wind their way through the valleys, guiding boats through the stone passages to witness the masterpieces crafted by Mother Nature. Along the journey, visitors are treated to a serene landscape with ancient temples like Den Trinh and Den Tran, preserving profound cultural and spiritual values.
Notably, in 2017, the Hollywood blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island,” directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, chose this location for its filming backdrop.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Renowned as the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in Vietnam,” Tam Coc – Bich Dong captivates with its peaceful rural scenery and impressive limestone caves.
Tam Coc is a complex of three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, all formed by the Ngo Dong River, which flows through the mountains. A boat ride through Tam Coc takes visitors on a journey along the river, through stone passages and rice fields, before reaching the entrance of Hang Ca. The reflection of the majestic mountains in the emerald waters creates a tranquil and poetic atmosphere, earning Tam Coc the reputation of a captivating landscape painting.
Not far from Tam Coc lies Bich Dong, an ancient temple built during the Le Dynasty and classified as a historical and cultural relic. Designed in a classical architectural style, the temple seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. Stone steps wind their way up to the temple through lush greenery and majestic mountains, creating a serene and sacred space. From the upper temple, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast plains and mountains.
Bich Dong also features a dark cave with a mysterious and cool atmosphere, where unique stalactites form intriguing shapes.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a captivating destination that offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and profound cultural and historical values.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Perched on Bai Dinh Mountain in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, renowned for its grand and ancient architecture seamlessly integrated into the majestic natural landscape. It is a significant spiritual and cultural destination, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Construction of the new Bai Dinh Pagoda began in 2003, complementing the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda, which dates back to the Dinh Dynasty and houses valuable historical relics, including a Buddha shrine, a Mother Goddess shrine, and a shrine dedicated to Saint Nguyen.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is not just an architectural marvel but also a site for major Buddhist festivals, attracting countless Buddhists and visitors seeking peace and good fortune. During the Lunar New Year, the pagoda buzzes with thousands of pilgrims, creating a vibrant atmosphere steeped in traditional cultural values.
With its awe-inspiring mountain scenery and architectural grandeur, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a must-visit destination in Ninh Binh, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Bai Dinh Pagoda served as a backdrop in Bich Phuong’s music video “Bao Gio Lay Chong.”
Am Tien Cave
Dubbed the “Tuyet Tinh Coc” of Vietnam, Am Tien Cave captivates visitors with its serene and poetic natural scenery. To reach the cave, one must climb nearly 200 stone steps along the mountainside, experiencing a winding path amidst breathtaking landscapes. Inside, the cave reveals a mystical world of naturally formed stalactites with unique shapes, illuminated by ethereal lighting, creating an intriguing ambiance.
Outside the cave lies a calm, emerald lake surrounded by lush greenery, painting a peaceful picture. Visitors often enjoy strolling around the lake, soaking in the fresh air and admiring the natural beauty. Am Tien Cave’s pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity, romance, and a deep connection with nature.
With its mystical charm and peaceful surroundings, Am Tien Cave offers a chance to admire natural wonders and delve into the history of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.
Thung Nham Bird Park
For those seeking immersion in nature and the thrill of witnessing thousands of birds in flight, Thung Nham Bird Park, located about 30 minutes by motorbike from the center of Ninh Binh city, is a must-visit destination.
Thung Nham stands out for its bird garden, home to numerous rare bird species, including cranes, herons, lapwings, and ibises listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. The sight of flocks of birds foraging and returning to their nests at dusk paints a vibrant and serene picture. Especially at sunset, the park comes alive as thousands of birds return to their nests, offering visitors an unforgettable spectacle.
In addition to the bird garden, Thung Nham boasts other attractions such as Hang But, Hang Vai Troi, and Hang Ghe caves, which house unique and mysterious stalactites.
Thung Nham Bird Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking relaxation and those captivated by Ninh Binh’s understated yet captivating beauty.