If you are wondering whether you should come to Ninh Binh. Then remember there must be a reason why Hollywood chose Ninh Binh to be a place to filming their blockbuster movie namely Kong.

Kong movie poster 2018

Right after I got back from my Indonesia trip, two days later, I flew to Hanoi and began my Northern Vietnam trip. To be honest, at that time, my heart and soul still craved Mt. Bromo and Bali. Thought no place in the North can defeat these two superb travel destinations but that just what I got in my mind when I hadn’t been to Ninh Binh. Once I was in, I knew I made a mistake underestimating this region.

Ninh Binh has 6 districts and one of them (Hoa Lư) was once chosen to be served as the capital of Vietnam, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. It’s little wonder there are many historical sites located here.

And nothing is confusing that former Kings were in love with this province. Its wonderful scenery and well-situated geographical location explain a lot I think. Foreigners very much love this place, their eyes and facial expression can’t hide anything. I myself even very like Ninh Binh too, the province makes me feel really proud about my Vietnam. I was amazed by the natural beauty here the most. It’s peaceful, a bit quiet, landscapes and historical sites stay almost the same they did in the ancient time yet facilities and infrastructure in city side are all well-equipped, making it convenient for travelers to discover the place.

Bai Dinh’s Stupa – The highest stupa in Asia (13 floors – 100m height)

I visited Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave Ecolodge, and Trang An scenic landscape complex. Those are all worth-visiting attractions, having said that, Ninh Binh still has a lot more to explore. But my friend and I just spent a day trip there so we decided to skip other tourist spots.

Bai Dinh Pagoda is known as the largest pagoda in Vietnam and the stupa inside it is the highest one in Asia with 100m height (13 floors). You have to pay the fee if you want to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and its stupa. 30.000 VND for the whole pagoda (there will be a tramcar taking you into the pagoda, the fee is actually for the tramcar) and 50.000 VND for the stupa.

Bai Dinh is so big that the pagoda even offers some tours just for a few spots, not all. If you want to discover the whole Pagoda, it may take you a whole day. In case you want to dig deeper into the history of Bai Dinh, you can hire a private tour guide. There are a hundred statues inside Bai Dinh, I don’t why but people always touch the statues while they are passing by.

Bai Dinh massive view from the Stupa

Ninh Binh is said that it’s famous for a high density of natural and cultural attractions and Mua Cave Ecolodge is one of them. To get a fantastic view, you have no choice but to climb up to 500 steps, but the view truly worths it. From the top of  Mua Cave Ecolodge, you can see another natural attraction namely Tam Coc – Bich Dong. The entrance fee is 100.000 VND/person. Along the way up to the cave, the scenery is very nice too. It’s believed that the stairs to Mua Cave Ecolodge are inspired by the Great Wall of China.

A nice view in Mua Cave, look pretty much like Japan @@

Me posing at Mua Cave

We visited Bai Dinh and Mua Cave Ecolodge but it will mean nothing if you leave Ninh Binh without visiting Trang An scenic landscape complex. Before I got to Trang An, I hadn’t known why people were so crazy about this place until I came, I understand why and then it’s my turn to get crazy about it lol. Its beautiful nature can make a cold heart race I bet. You have to pay 200.000 VND for the ticket but I think it’s a fine price for a boat trip. Usually, it takes half of a day to visit Trang An and morning is the best time to do it.

Nature’s beauty of Trang An

Life at Trang An

You will be taken on a boat and the boatman will row you around. It’s a hard job, you can give them tips if you want to, it’s up to you. There are a lot of nice spots in Trang An, prepare to wow if you come hehe. The last stop is Kong Island, previously Hollywood came here to filming Kong movie so the local government keeps the spot remaining un-change and uses it as a travel attraction. But that’s not my most favourite spot in Trang An, my most fav one is the place where a few guys are playing traditional music. It creates a very nice vibe for me.

Peaceful vibes

If you are living in Hanoi or somewhere near the current Vietnam Capital then Ninh Binh is a good weekend gate-away for you, you can do a day trip to the province, it’s possible. There are a lot of limousines to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. 190.000 VND/person (one way) as I remember. Hope you have a great trip discovering Ninh Binh!!!

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