The perfect guide for visiting the scenic town of Ninh Binh

Outside of Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc is located. It is one of the best nature destinations in Vietnam. Tam Coc is known for its landscape, similar to Halong Bay, but scenic limestone hills amongst rice paddies make it different whereas Halong Bay has larger cliffs and is more crowded. If you want to get off the beaten track, Tam Coc is the place to come.

If you want to taste the local food, then head to D Luong Van Tuy where you will find a wealth of snail restaurants. These eateries are known for serving Oc Luoc Xa which is the Vietnamese for snails which are then cooked with a mix of aromatic lemongrass and hot chilies. If this doesn’t impress then you will find a number of bars here, although the snails are a delicacy in these parts and are well worth trying.

From the center of Ninh Binh, around 34 kilometers away, Phat Diem Cathedral is located, which sits in the middle of some scenic canals and rice paddies. This is the central place of worship for the commune of Phat Diem, also called the ‘Vatican of Vietnam’ during the colonial period. The cathedral dates from 1898 and was built using a mix of Vietnamese and Western styles which include two Gothic chapels and some massive ironwood columns. The scale and location of the cathedral are extremely impressive and this is one of the top sights not to miss in Ninh Binh district. Visit the Vatican of Vietnam with your partner by booking a Vietnam honeymoon package.

If you are keen on exploring outside of Ninh Binh then head to Van Long which is a wetland reserve, a place for keen birdwatchers. As this is a protected area of land, it is teeming with local flora and fauna, so if you are a nature and want to check out the Vietnamese wildlife then don’t miss it off the itinerary.

If you want to explore the local bites in Ninh Binh town, then head to Cho Bop Market, the central market in town. There are a number of carts and small cafes at the market serving Vietnamese dishes. They also sell delicious fresh fruit and vegetables if you want to try the local produce.

Van Lan is a small village close to Tam Coc which is famous for its handicrafts. The real cherry on the cake is the intricate embroidery which is famous in the region and you will find a number of artisans here tending to their craft. Just some of the items that you can pick up here include napkins, pillowcases, tablecloths, and even t-shirts. With that in mind make sure to bargain to get the best price for your souvenirs.

Just past Tam Coc, there is one of the most interesting pagodas in the region from the 15th century. The Bich Dong Pagoda is located on the side of a mountain and is made up of three levels called the Ha, Trung and Thuong Pagodas. The temples are also built so that they go back on to caves which you can also explore as part of a visit here. As you would expect from pagodas built into a cliff, the path to the top is steep but the views are well worth it.

Hoa Lu is yet another spot from Ninh Binh. In the 10th century, Hoa Lu would have been the ancient capital of Vietnam. There is a citadel here filled with scenic temples that can be explored.

Cuc Phuong National Park is one of the main national parks in Vietnam and was established in 1962. This is part of a huge swathe of protected land in Ninh Binh and was set up in order to take care of the wildlife in the region which has been in decline for many years as a result of poaching. The park now spans 222 square kilometers and is made up of tropical forest which is home to a plethora of wildlife. On a visit here you will find some 307 species of birds, 133 species of mammals, 122 species of reptiles, and over 2,000 different kinds of plants, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. Enjoy the park with your partner by booking a Vietnam Honeymoon Package.

Inside Cuc Phuong National Park you will find the Endangered Primate Rescue Center which is overseen by the Frankfurt Zoological Society. At the rescue center you will find 150 monkeys, 12 kinds of langur, and 3 species of gibbon. The focus is to educate visitors on how to protect wild animals in Vietnam. You can also visit the Turtle Conservation Center using the same ticket. 

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