If Ha Long Bay is the majesty of the sea, then Ninh Binh is the gentle ballad of mountains and rivers. It’s just over an hour and a half drive from Hanoi, but it feels like you’ve stepped through a magic portal into a completely different land.
They call Ninh Binh “Ha Long Bay on Land,” and that name isn’t wrong. But for me, Ninh Binh has its own unique “vibe,” a rustic tranquility that’s hard to find anywhere else.
A “Healing” Experience in Trang An
I chose Trang An over Tam Coc for my first visit, and it was a fantastic decision.
The feeling of sitting on a small sampan boat, gliding silently on the crystal-clear water… it’s hard to describe. It was so clear I could see the clusters of moss growing on the riverbed. Our boat rower (a strong local woman) gently stroked the oars, taking us from one surprise to the next.
The highlight of Trang An is the caves. We had to duck our heads low as the boat passed through dark, low-ceilinged limestone caves. It was a thrilling and exciting feeling as the light appeared at the end of the tunnel. And then “BOOM!”… the boat emerged from the cave, and a lush green valley, surrounded by limestone mountains, suddenly appeared before us. This scene repeated 9 times (we took the 9-cave route), but it made me say “oh!” in amazement every single time.
There were no engine noises. Only the sound of the oars, the chirping of birds, and occasionally the “baa” of goats somewhere on the cliffs. It was a true “healing” dose for the soul.
The “Worthwhile” Climb at Mua Cave (Hang Mua)
If Trang An is for “chilling,” then Mua Cave is for “challenging.”
“It’s just 500 steps, what’s the big deal!” – I thought. But I was wrong to climb it at 2 PM!
The 500 almost-vertical stone steps under the summer sun left me breathless. But you know, the reward is always worth the effort.
When I set foot on the summit, where the stone dragon winds its way along the ridge, an entire world opened up beneath me. The whole of Tam Coc, with its river winding like a soft silk ribbon through the rice fields (sadly, I didn’t go during the harvest season), appeared in spectacular fashion. You could see the tiny sampan boats from above. This is the “million-dollar” view you see on Instagram.
Feelings about the Ancient Capital Land
Ninh Binh isn’t just about nature. It’s also the land of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Although the historical site isn’t overly grand, strolling through the grounds of King Dinh’s and King Le’s temples brought a very solemn and nostalgic feeling.
I also spent time cycling around Tam Coc village. Biking on a small village road, with rice fields on one side and limestone mountains on the other… that’s the image of a peaceful Vietnam I’m always searching for.
A Few “Insider Tips” from My Experience:
- Golden time: The ripe rice season (around May-June or September-October) is the most beautiful. The fields will be a vibrant yellow.
- Climbing Mua Cave: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon (around 4 PM) to avoid the sun and catch the sunset. Remember to bring water!
- Trang An/Tam Coc boats: Please tip your boat rower. They work incredibly hard to give you a wonderful experience.
- Specialties: Don’t forget to try cơm cháy (scorched rice) and goat meat.
Conclusion:
One day in Ninh Binh is not enough, but it’s enough to “recharge” the soul. There’s no hustle and bustle here, only a heart-stirring peace. If you need a place to “escape” the city, to slow down, and to be embraced by nature, Ninh Binh is definitely the answer.
