Ninh Binh Tourist Attractions
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
In 1968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The country was then called Dai Co Viet and Hoa Lu was its capital for 41 years (968-1009). In 1010, Ly Thai To oved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.
 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |
 Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |
Hoa Lu is 13km frim Ninh Binh City, near the village of Truong Yen. Tourists visiting Hoa Lu can see two temples located 500m apart from each other on the ground of the ancient palaces. One is deficated to Kinh Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to Kinh Le Dai Hanh. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, a great number of pilgrims come to Hoa Lu to pay tribute to Kings Dinh and Le.
King Dinh and Le Temple
Dinh Temple is Located in Truong Yen Ha village , Hoa Lu District. It was built in the shape of a Chinese charater.
 King Le Temple |
 King Dinh Temple |
Le Temple is situated in Truong Yen Thuong Village, Hoa Lu District, 500m from Dinh Temple. In terms of architectural design , Le Temple is very similar to Dinh Temple, but smaller.
Bich Dong Cave
Bich Dong Cave is in the Ngu Nhac Son Mountains, in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Quater, Hoa Lu District.
 Bich Dong Cave |
 Bich Dong Cave |
In 1973, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the farther of the great write Nguyen Du) visited this cave. After viewing the whole scenery of the mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist, he gave the cave a very beautiful and comantic name, Bich Dong (which literally means “Green Pearl Cave”). Bich Cave is sail to be second most beautiful cave in Viet Nam.
Tam Coc Cave
 Tam Coc Cave |
 Tam Coc Cave |
Take a boat from Van Lam Wharf to reach the Tam Coc Caves, consisting of the Hang Ca, Hai Hai and Hang Ba caves. There caves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that aparkle like gemstones.
Tam Coc is 3km from Van Lam Wharf.
Cuc Phuong National Park
The Cuc Phuong National Park is about 120km southwest of Ha Noi and 60km far from the sea. The Park is located on the borders of three privinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. The Park coves an area of 22,000ha, three quaters of which are limestone mountain, averagely 300-600m above sea lever. The highest peak is called May Bac (Siver Cloud), 648.2m high.
 Cuc Phuong National Park |
 Cuc Phuong National Park |
There, the the climate is characterized by tropical monsoons, the average temperature during the year is around 24.7oc, the mean humidity ia 90%. The terrain of the Park is complicated and not easy for trekking through forest. However, this primitive forest with its unique landscape is attactive to tourists the most. The Park boasts wonderful caves with numerous mysteries. If you have time, you should explove the caves of Thang Khuyet, Chua, Thuy Tien, Nguoi Xua, Con Moong, San Ho, ect…
Access to Cuc Phuong National Park is quite easy. The strictly protected park offers tourists trpical primitive forest and bio-diversity and scientists have a great deal of subjects to research on.
The best time to visit the park is during the dry months from October to March.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral complex is located in Luu Phuong Commune, Kim Son Destrict, 130km south of Ha Noi, 29km from Ninh Binh City. It was built between 1875 and 1899. It is an ensemble of constructions in the Oriental architectural style. They are divied into two sections: the worshipping section and the sections for residence and teaching of religious doctrines.
 Phat Diem Cathedral |
 Phat Diem Cathedral – Ninh Binh |
Phat Diem Cathedral ia a solem and interesting archtectural complex, reflecting the skilful and excellent stone carving art of the Vietnamese workers. This place is attacting many visitors.
Fairy Cave (Dong Tien)
Fairy Cave, also known as Moc Cave (Dong Moc), is located in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Commune. The cave is about 1km from Bich Dong and can be reached by boat or by foot.
 Fairy Cave |
 Fairy Cave |
The grotto is divided into three big and dreep caves that are reached via an uneven narrow path. The cave ceiling is decorated with rainbow coloured stalactiles, some of which reach down from the ceiling to the floor, similar to the roots of an old Banyan-tree. Some stalactites bear names related to their appearance, such as silver Tree, Bouddha, Fairy light, the cave looks like a splendid palace from a fairy tale.
Dich Long Cave
Dich long Cave was found in 1739 in Gia Thanh Commune, Gia Vien District. It is as large as a ten-room house. Because, there is a stone inside that looks like a buddha statue, an Buddhist alltar was built and, in 1740, the cave became a Buddhist Pagoda. It shlters ctatue, a Buddha, arhats and a guarding colossus standing on stone pedestals. In particular, there are two beautiful statues carved from one block of blue stone.
 Dich Long Cave |
 Dich Long Cave |
The shadowy beauty of the cave has been complimented in many poems. Kinh Minh Mang himself called it Nam thien de tam dong (the third most beautiful cave in Viet Nam.
