Last year, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to Ninh Binh to participate in the competition for good teachers, so I also took advantage of a few days to visit some of the most unique tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. The first destination I visited was Tam Coc (meaning 3 caves). There had just been some heavy rain and floods in this area so the rice fields on both sides of the river were still in full of water. That morning, I rented a motorbike at the hotel and took my student to Tam Coc. There were only a few guests when we came. At this time Vietnam had just experienced the second outbreak of Covid-19 epidemic, so tourists were almost absent. Moreover, it isn’t the most beautiful season here.
Tam Coc
A Cave in Tam Coc
According to the locals here, the best time to travel in Ninh Binh is from the end of April to June. At this time in Tam Coc the rice fields on both sides of the river are in harvest time, dyeing the whole sky yellow. The scenery will probably be the only one, awesome in Tam Coc. You can see a photo that somebody took in the best season and one that I did during the flood season. Honestly, I think that every season has its own charm. Although the time I come is not the most beautiful season of the year, for me it is a whole paradise, enjoying the fresh air, no harsh sun, no noise, no jostling and spectacular and peaceful scenery. When the boatman rowed the boat downstream of the river, the scene appeared as beautiful as a painting. Sometimes you will see the Le Le birds (Dendrocygna javanica) chasing each other above the water. It is known that this kind of bird used to be a speciality here, but now this cute bird has been preserved and banned from hunting. I think the government made a right decision. I feel happy to hear about this.
This photo is referenced from Dulich today
For accommodation, on my business trip, my school arranged for a hotel room about 2 km away from Tam Coc. The surroundings are quite sparse. Let me give you a piece of advice on choosing a place to stay. You should choose a hotel or a bungalow near Tam Coc. It’s because there are a lot of beautiful hotels and restaurants to choose from. And it is also very convenient for dining and other entertainment activities. And if you spend time visiting Tam Coc, you should also visit Bich Dong, Mua Cave, ancient Vietnamese villages. All these tourist attractions are quite close to each other and you will have more chances for taking a lot of beautiful pictures.
A Cave in Tam Coc
The next day, I invited my colleagues to visit Trang An Landscape Complex. It is admitted that Trang An scenic spot is a unique natural masterpiece (It has been recognized by UNESCO as a "Dual World Heritage Site" for natural and cultural values since 2014). Trang An is so beautiful that I went there twice in the morning and in the afternoon (I have a tour guide card so I can check in without fee). In the morning, I just enjoyed the scenery and took pictures. In the afternoon, I didn't take photos anymore, just immersed myself in the natural scenery and enjoyed every moment there.
Trang An
A Cave in Trang An
Cave in Trang An
The last day in Ninh Binh, before going back to Hanoi to take a flight to Danang city, I was taken by the Competition organizers to visit Bai Dinh Temple. This is a famous spiritual tourist attraction and it is also the huge and monumental architectural construction in Vietnam. One regretful thing is that the tourist service around the temple is poor. That makes me feel unhappy so I don't want to mention much.
The cuisine here is not as various as Hanoi or some other places, there are goat meat dishes here. Goats are raised freely on the hills, so the meat is quite fresh and delicious. Making dishes from goat meat aren’t smelly like other regions do. If you want to enjoy various and different style of cooking, you should return to Hanoi. The last night in Hanoi before flying back to Da Nang the following morning, I almost didn't eat a single grain of rice, I ate lot of street food in Hanoi's Old Quarters and my stomach was full. In the evening, I walked around Hoan Kiem Lake enjoying street music, the violins and saxophones from street artists and the chilly autumn air will leave you a good impression and unforgettable memory.
Thank you for reading my post.
