2024 Hoa Lu District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Serene Escapade: Island Tour and Boat Ride in Ninh Binh

#islandtour #100waysoftravel #hanoi #vietnam The island tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi was a breathtaking experience that I highly recommend. The journey began with a comfortable ride, where the guide shared fascinating insights about the region’s history and culture. The highlight was the boat ride along the serene rivers, surrounded by stunning limestone mountains. Gliding through the calm waters, we were treated to picturesque views of lush greenery and towering cliffs, creating a magical atmosphere. The boat crew was friendly and attentive, making sure we felt safe and comfortable throughout the ride. The visit to nearby caves further enriched our adventure, revealing fascinating rock formations and natural beauty. Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Ninh Binh’s landscapes are truly captivating, and the boat ride offers a unique perspective of this stunning region. It’s an unforgettable day trip for anyone visiting Hanoi! #holiday #travelling #trip #checklist #awesomepic

📌 Save this post for your trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh my fave destination in Vietnam alongside Ha Giang because of its stunning scenery 🤩 Did you know that the Kong: Skull Island was filmed at Photo Number 4? Do you remember seeing this mountain with Kong’s handprint on it? 🦍 To get to Ninh Binh from Hanoi it’s less than a 2 hour drive. You can catch a bus that will cost you around 6 USD if you book online on 12go.Asia 🚌 The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season, between end of August to end of October ☀️ 🛵 Scooter Rental: Hannah Bike Rental: 150,000 for a good bike per day (not 24 hours) or 120,000 for a not as good bike. There are parking fees everywhere in Ninh Binh especially at the tourist attractions (usually for 5,000 Dong - 10,000 Dong)💰 🍽️ Restaurant Recommendation: Tôm Bôp Bar 💎 Hidden Gem: Nam Coffee Beer Garden Places to Visit: ★ Mua Cave Viewpoint at sunrise or sunset ★ Trang An Boat tour (much better than Tam Coc) ★ Bich Dong ★ Hoa Lu Ancient Capital ★ Phố Cổ Hoa Lư at nighttime 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Aravinda Resort 📌 Save this post for your trip to Ninh Binh cr:alikainwanderlust

The capital of Vietnam's first dynasty, now only two broken temples remain

As the only World Cultural and Natural Heritage in Vietnam, although the Chang'an Scenic Area is more impressive for its karst landscape known as 'Land Dragon Bay' by the locals, similar to Guilin's landscape, its cultural history is also not to be underestimated, that is, the ancient capital of Hualu. Hualu was the capital of Vietnam from 970 to 1010 AD, and it has a history of more than a thousand years. In 1010 AD, Li Taizu of the Li Dynasty moved the capital to Shenglong (now Hanoi), changed Hualu to Chang'an Prefecture, and no longer used it as the capital. Although Hualu was the capital of Vietnam for only 40 years, its historical significance is very important because it was the capital of Vietnam's first unified dynasty, the Ding Dynasty, and the former Li Dynasty. During this period, Vietnam had its first era name, Taiping, and requested to be canonized by the Northern Song Dynasty. It was canonized as the King of Jiaozhi County, and from then on, Vietnam was no longer a directly ruled territory of China, but a 'vassal'. The ancient city of Hualu is the second stop of the Chang'an day tour. Nowadays, the main attractions are two temples built in the 17th century to commemorate this history in Hualu, which worship the founding emperors of the Ding Dynasty and the former Li Dynasty, respectively. Crossing a small bridge similar to a moat, is the east gate of the ancient city of Hualu. There are many Westerners wearing traditional Vietnamese conical hats, riding bicycles to visit. Surrounded by green peaks and hills, the ancient capital looks like it is built in a basin. After entering, there is a spacious square, where you can see some scattered stone foundations, which are said to be the palace area of the former Ding and Li dynasties. Continuing forward, there are two Chinese-style courtyards side by side. On the left is the ancestral hall of the first emperor of the Ding Dynasty, and on the right is the Li Huan Hall. The existing buildings were rebuilt in the 17th century and still retain ancient relics such as palace temples and dragon beds, especially the exquisite stone carved door lintels, which are the architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. The first to visit is the Ding Temple. Past the mountain gate, the vegetation is lush, there are several big trees in the courtyard, and there are some towers and steles scattered around, many of which are Chinese couplets. It feels familiar to us, but the Vietnamese guide who accompanied us said that he only recognized the character 'horse', and he didn't recognize other Chinese characters. He only knew this 'horse' character because he played chess, which is sighing. The hall of the Ding Temple is a five-bay Xieshan-style dragon ridge tile house, which is somewhat similar to the ancient buildings in Guangdong and Fujian in China, but slightly larger than the ordinary halls in China. The adjacent Li Temple is a bit larger, probably because it was later repaired. The main entrance is a three-bay two-story gatehouse with red pillars and tiles, and on both sides are white double stone pillar horse head walls connected, which seems to have the taste of Chinese Huizhou architecture. The second door is a three-door three-tiered red eave archway with four green stone pillars, and the hall is similar to the Ding Temple, with simple lines, slight decoration, and the eaves are wider and longer. 🏞️Name | Ancient Capital of Hualu Hoa Lu 🎫Ticket | 20,000 Vietnamese Dong ⛳Address | Ninh Hai, Hualu County, Ningping, Vietnam

Visit The Highest Peak In Ninh Binh🇻🇳

Are you looking for the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh City Vietnam? if yes, i recommend you to come to the Highest Peak in Ninh Binh City named: Hang Mua Caves & Viewpoint. Hang Mua Caves & Viewpoint also known as Mua Cave, this is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh. In Mua Caves there are 2 things you can do: the first one is hiking to the top, you can see the beautiful 360 views of the Ninh Binh area, the 2nd thing is explore the Lotus Garden (this thing is suitable for you guys who can’t hiking). The entrance fee for Mua Caves (Hang Mua viewpoints) is 100.000 VND you can bought the ticketat the ticket office right next to the parking lot at the entrance to Hang Mua Ecolodge. 🪷Mua Cave Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam #tripmomentschallenge #flowerlover #vietnam #lotus #ninhbinh #trip #travel #hiking

A Daytrip to Hang Mua Peak, Vietnam

Hang Mua Peak in Vietnam is an absolute stunner, guys! If you're up for an adventure and some mind-blowing views, this place is where it's at. Tucked away in the Ninh Binh province, Hang Mua Peak is a perfect mix of jaw-dropping nature and rich culture. Now, let's talk about the hike. It's no joke, my friends. You'll be tackling 500 steep steps that'll get your heart pumping. But trust me, it's all worth it when you reach the top. The view? Imagine rice fields, limestone karsts, and snaking rivers stretching out before your eyes. Picture-perfect, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sky puts on a show. Oh, and did I mention the badass stone dragon staircase? Yeah, that's a thing here. It adds an extra touch of awesomeness to the whole experience. Hang Mua Peak is a definite must-do in Vietnam. Get ready to have your mind blown and create memories that'll last a lifetime. So grab your hiking shoes (in my case, office shoes) and get ready to conquer those steps! #tripblazers #awesomepic #summervacation #vietnam #hangmua

Tram Coc Boat Ride

Tram Coc located at 5 minute from heart of Ninhh Binh. Easy access by motorbike, bicycle, taxi or travel pick up. Row boat ride at the beautiful cave, rice field and lotus flower. The boatman will help to take photo or video. Beautiful landscape. Some souvenir shop are available nearby the entrance ticketing office. Dont forget to bring your hat and camera. Please use sunscreen to avoid sunburn. #wecreate #urbanexplorer #mytripvlog #tripblazers

TAM COC BICH DONG - Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Getting There - From Hanoi you can take a bus to Ninh Binh Province. As part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh is located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, 100km south of Hanoi. Possessing a spacious area of 350.3 hectares, the scenic spot is a combination of limestone cave systems and peaceful village scenery. In addition, this tourist complex also owns a Bich Dong pagoda imbued with traditional architecture and historical relics related to Vu Lam palace of the Tran dynasty in the past. Attractions - Famous for the name 'Nam Thien De Nhi Dong', Tam Coc Bich Dong possesses a peaceful village scene and an impressive limestone cave system. As part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong is the perfect destination for those who want to fully explore the beauty of the river. More specifically, if you have the opportunity to come to Tam Coc Bich Dong in the last days of May and early June, you will surely be overwhelmed by the brilliant scenery of the rice fields in full bloom throughout the journey. At this time, the rice fields on both sides of the river are a harmonious combination between the green of young seedling and the bright yellow of ripe rice. This is a perfect picture of a river scene that makes everyone nervous and excited. Hotels - Tam Coc Garden Resort Food & Restaurants - Thung Sen Tam Coc Restaurant & Cafe #vietnam #mytripvlog

Tam Coc boat ride :)

Located about 90km from Hanoi, Ninh Bihn region is definitely must see place when visiting Vietnam. Beside Halong Bay this is the biggest tourist attraction. One of the places I really enjoyed is boat cruise on Ngo Dong river, where boats are driven by feet, which makes it super interesting cruise among beautiful scenery of limestone mountains and three stalactite caves. There will be a close look on Mua Cave from different point of view. At the turning point there will be small floating market where you can buy food, fruit, snacks, and drinks for yourself and also your boat driver as a gesture of appreciation. Whole tour is about 2 hours and costs around 10usd. Definitely a place to spend part of your day visiting this beautiful region. #tamcoc #vietnam #muacave #rivercruise

Tam Coc Tropical Homestay

If you are visiting Tam Coc, and you wish to stay for couple of nights, than this Tropical Homestay might be perfect place for you. Bungalows are big and cozy, owner is super nice and polite and helpful. It s beautiful and peaceful. Swimming pool in the yard is great place to sit and chill if you don t want to swim. This homestay is in city center. 2 min walk from Tam Coc boat ride and all restaurants around. Definitely every recommendation for this place as it s great value for the money :) #tamcoc #homestay #vietnam #vietnamtravel

Stunning Bungalow stay in Vietnam

We stayed in Ninh Binh during our Vietnam trip and couldn't have chosen a better place to lay our heads down. Address - Tam Coc Valley Bungalow Ambiance/Facilities - Small Bungalows in a stunning setting, rooms are clean, and they have a pool and a pool table. Highlights - The setting is stunning, surrounded by rocks and rice field, you can borrow a bike and take a 5 min ride into town. The best part was the homemade dinner, which was absolutely delicious. Avg. Price per person - $20 Rating - 5 stars #vietnam #ninhbinh

The pristine beauty in Ninh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone

Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone is located in the west of Ninh Binh city, in the core area of Trang An Landscape Complex, right next to Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist attraction. Covering an area of more than 300ha, Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone offers an ideal getaway from the strains of day-to-day life and the stress of work, with numerous activities including fishing, mountaineering, visiting orchards, swamp and virgin forests, caves, and a bird park with a great species diversity. Hope you like this post if you found this useful. Cheers :) #awesomepic #ecotourism #ninhbinh #vietnam

Tam Coc in Ninh Binh

When you travel to Ninh Binh by bus you will probably arrive in the Center if Tam Coc. There are many restaurants and shops offering great food and goods. From there you can take a beautiful boat tour. The view is amazing and the tour is very nice. The landscape is incredible with huge mountains and lakes. There are many attractions around this neighborhood #spooktaculartrip

Great Wall of Vietnam - Hang Mua Viewpoint (Mua Cave)

Hang Mua tourist area is a natural complex of more than 4 hectares including many caves and magnificent rocky mountains, located in Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. Located in the core area of ​​Trang An World Heritage complex, Mua Cave has typical geological and geomorphological features of the limestone mountains with millions of years old. With the only and famous natural observatory in Ninh Binh sitting on the top of Mua mountain at an altitude of 142m along with 486 steps leading to the top of the mountain, this is where visitors can enjoy the panoramic view of Tam Coc land, Trang An and the famous Ngo Dong River. Hope you like this post if you found this useful. Cheers :) #awesomepic #landscape #mountain #cave #ninhbinh #vietnam

Breathtaking Nature!

#celebratewithtrip Tam Coc literally means three grottos located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It's better to depart early morning to enjoy the cool fresh atmosphere as well as have a complete trip because the distance from the center of Hanoi is just 110 kilometers. The province is home to breathtaking limestone formations that shoot up out of rice paddies and broad rivers. The town of Tam Coc is surrounded by the mountains on three sides, with some homestays nestled right up against the stark cliffs. You can explore the region by car, bike, and boat. The boat ride takes an hour and half. And if you don't want to get scorched by the sun bring your own umbrella. It was a good experience. Don't miss it out. #celebratewithtrip #tripinspired #tripmoments #vietnam #tamcoc

One Foot in Front of the Other

#celebratewithtrip If you want to learn more about a place you're exploring, guided tours can be the most informative. Still, try to raise questions regarding what you see. It enriches a traveler further if you don't just visit an area but also pick up some knowledge about its history. Climbing up the Lying Dragon Mountain in Vietnam's Ninh Binh province, I tried to keep up with the lady who was sharing stories about the mountain. Learning about what she shared made the hike more special knowing the tales that the site holds. Have you been to this place? What secret do you know that took place here? Let's share fun facts and celebrate this trip!

After the rain, comes the hues

Water Temple at Trang An in Ninh Binh; This is definitely one of my top must visit sites for anyone who is looking for serenity on their path to enlightenment. The energy here reminds me of the vortex in Sedona. You leave here feeling full and rejuvenated. We took a tour from Hanoi for $33/each. The tour started at 830am and lasted until 8pm. It included a buffet meal, pickup and dropoff from hotel within Old town, a few water bottles, all entrance fees and a local guide. Bring some extra tips for the guides. It was pouring when we went on the tour and the boat captain pushed all 4 of us along the river without an umbrella. She still had a smile on her face and offered to take photos for us. #tours #vietnam #ninhbinh #trangan #visitvietnam #viet #meetlocals #travel #travelphotographer #travelphotography #tamcoc

beautiful river cruise in tam coc

Taking a boat tour in Tam Coc will lead you to the places where most of the photos from Ninh Binh area are taken. Have you seen that river surrounded by rice fields and mountains? Here you will have the chance to see it in real life. I absolutely loved this place and I recommend this boat tour as a must see if you are in the Ninh Binh Province. You can also easily link this trip to other nearby attractions such as the famous Hang Mua Peak, the Thai Vi Temple which are just 10 minutes away from the start of the Tam Coc boat tour or the Bich Dong Pagoda. Ninh Binh is well know for its spectacular views with mountains popping out of the rice fields. This boat tour will allow you to experience all that while taking a relaxing boat ride. At about the middle of the boat ride you will have the chance to admire the Hang Mua Peak from a different perspective. Also, if you are lucky enough you will see pigs swimming in the river. #passionpassport #staycation #mountainview

Stunning view of Ninh Binh

Hiking to the highest peak at Mua Cave (also known as Hang Mua) is one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh! The cave itself is not that spectacular but it’s the incredible 360-degree views from the Hang Mua viewpoint that make this a very popular place to visit. Mua Cave is located 5km north of Tam Coc village center in the Ninh Binh region. Getting around Tam Coc is really simple as you can do so on foot, on a bicycle, or rent a scooter from your choice of half a dozen rental shops in the center of town. It’s approximately a 10-minute ride on a scooter from the town center to reach the entrance to Mua Cave. Once there the entrance fee is 100k.

A must-see attraction in Ninh Binh, North Vietnam--Cố đô Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Hoa Lư was the capital of Vietnam's Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the former Le Dynasty (980-1009), located in Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam today. After Li Taizu moved the capital to Thang Long (today's Hanoi City) in 1010, Hua Lu no longer served as the capital of Vietnam. In addition to Lulong Bay, this scenic spot is also a popular photo and check-in spot. #local游

Must-see attractions in North Vietnam--Tam Coc

There is a winding river in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, that runs through the limestone rocks. Visitors can take a small boat to tour Tam Coc, which is arranged by the ticket office at the pier. The rowers here all use their feet to row, which is quite special. The bamboo raft trip takes about 2 hours and takes the same fixed route both ways. You will pass through several limestone caves during the rafting trip. In addition, during the rice ripening season in May and June every year, the scenery will be very beautiful, making it one of the tourist attractions.

Top 5-Day Vietnam Itinerary for New Year's

New Year trip! 5-day Vietnam itinerary! Experience exotic customs and welcome the new year. You can't miss this route! . 🎈Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, enjoy private airport transfer, and start your Vietnam trip. Day 2: Explore the picturesque Trang An. Day 3: Visit Ha Long Bay, the spectacular Thien Cung Cave, and the unique Fighting Cock Rock. Day 4: Visit Ba Dinh Square, the Temple of Literature, and the Imperial Academy to experience the cultural charm. Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the bustling Old Quarter. In the evening, you can choose to go to the Hanoi Opera House to enjoy a cultural performance. Day 5: End your wonderful Vietnam trip and take a flight/car back home. . Tips: - Specialty prices: Vietnam has many specialties at affordable prices, but remember to compare different stores before buying🛍️. - Airport transportation: Vietnam airports have convenient transportation. You can choose a taxi or bus to easily reach the city center🚖. - Exchange rate: The Vietnamese dong is the local currency, and the exchange rate is relatively stable. It's more convenient to know in advance for conversion💶. - RMB: Some stores accept RMB, but it's still recommended to exchange for Vietnamese dong for convenience💰. . 🎉Enjoy every moment of your Vietnam trip and leave unforgettable memories!

Hang Mua Ninh Binh

Hang Mua and its famous twin pinnacles is one of the top attractions in Ninh Binh province. Climbing approximately 500 stone steps carved into the rock to reach the summit is both a tiring and rewarding experience. Early Mornings and late afternoon are the recommended times - both for the panoramic sunset/sunrise views and for your general health. It can get very hot at midday on the mountain. #hangmua #ninhbinhtrip #travel #vietnam

Morning Magic by the lake of Tam Coc

The images of Vietnamese women washing clothes by the bank of Tam Coc Lake in front of the Esmeralda Resort capture a serene and picturesque scene. The women, dressed in daily Vietnamese attire, are often seen squatting beside the water, gently scrubbing their laundry with soap and water. The lush greenery surrounding the lake and the reflection of the mountains in the water create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. This activity is a common sight in rural Vietnam, where washing clothes by hand is still a traditional practice. It is often seen as a form of leisure and relaxation, as well as a way to connect with nature. For tourists, it is a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese daily life and culture. #travel #myitinerary #morning #tamcoc

My 2 Day 1 night Ninh Binh itinerary

#100WaysOfTravel Day 1: Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check-in to hotel. Rent a bike or motorbike. This is the most convenient way to explore the countryside. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore the ruins of the ancient capital, including the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Afternoon (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Tam Coc Boat Tour: Embark on a scenic boat ride through the Tam Coc caves, surrounded by stunning karst mountains and lush rice fields. Mua Cave: Hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley. Evening (3:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Relax by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment. Dinner at a local restaurant: Try local specialties like grilled fish, spring rolls, and noodle soup. Day 2: Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Bai Dinh Pagoda: Visit the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, featuring impressive pagodas, statues, and beautiful gardens. Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Trang An Boat Tour: Explore the Trang An landscape complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by boat. Admire the stunning scenery, including karst mountains, hidden caves, and peaceful lakes. Evening (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Check out of your hotel and head back to Hanoi.

Ninh Binh Trang An Mua Temple.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is the most famous tourist destination in Ninh Binh. You can experience the rich and vast nature by traveling between the strange rocks on a hand-rowed boat operated by a boatman. Located right next to the Trang An complex landscape, Mua Cave attracts tourists from both domestic and international locations. Climbing 486 steps to the top, you will reach the cave's peak, known as the most popular check-in spot recently. Moreover, from the top, you can see the stunning Ninh Binh with its mountains, rural landscapes, and rivers. The World Heritage Trang An is also known as the 'Halong Bay on land,' featuring a relatively new karst landscape of about 240 million years old. It was once underwater and has risen to form the current landscape. The scenery was also enjoyed in the movie 'Kong: Skull Island.'

Best sunrise and magical sunset, just at the MUA Caves Ecolodge

#roomwithaview MUA Cave Ecolodge offers a serene escape into nature, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. The breathtaking views from the rooms are simply mesmerizing, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation and contemplation. The eco-friendly approach of the lodge is commendable, creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal retreat for families seeking quality time together. A major perk for guests is the complimentary entrance to the iconic Dragon Hills, a must-visit attraction in Ninh Binh. This convenient access allows for easy exploration of the historical site and its panoramic vistas. Overall, MUA Cave Ecolodge is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate natural beauty and eco-conscious travel. It offers a comfortable and memorable stay in one of Vietnam's most picturesque regions.

A journey to the top of Mua Cave – where every step is a memory, and every view is a masterpiece. #travel #ninhbihn #vietnam #muacave

Beautiful place

#awesomepic #hanoi

Ha long bay with trip.com

Beautiful hanoi #awesomepic #travel_lover

Adventurous boat ride