Wonderful memories

Ninh Binh is a famous destination, just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi. Coming here, we had a chance to explore both historical and natural sites.

Day 1: welcome to Ninh Binh

we drove from Hanoi capital to Ninh Binh which is renowned for lots of historical and stunning natural sites. After almost 2-hour drive, we stopped to visit Dich Long Pagoda. It is a nice temple and it is not touristy at all. Afterward, we headed to Van Long Nature Reserve where we took a sampan to explore the spectacular scenery of Limestone Mountains rising from green water.

We then traveled to Hoa Lu which was the national capital from 968 to 1010. Here we visited 2 royal temples built in 11th century and climbed up over 265 steps to the top of Yen Ma Mountain where we had a great panorama of the countryside and this ancient capital.
In the afternoon, we cycle through scenic routes. We stopped in Thung Nham to visit But Cave, Galaxy Grotto and Bird Sanctuary on foot and by rowing boat. Victoria and her daughter really enjoyed fantastic sightseeing here.

Day 2: Enjoy Ninh Binh landscape and return to Hanoi

Right after breakfast, we drove to visit Bich Dong Pagoda. It is very impressive with three sections: Lower, middle and upper pagodas. To get to upper one, we had to go through the natural cave. We then traveled to Hang Mua where we walked over 486 stone steps. We had a fantastic view point from the top of Mua Mountain. Then drive to Trang An World Heritage Site, a magnificent landscape complex where we spend time to explore stunning scenery by sampan through several tunnels.

In the afternoon, after lunch at a local restaurant we traveled to explore the Buddhist temple complex of Bai Dinh which is well-known not only for its great size but also for its beautiful situation. Bai Dinh pagoda complex is holding several records such as Largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia 100 tons, Largest bronze bell in Vietnam 36 tons, Largest corridor of Arhats about 3 kilometers.

We returned to Hanoi in late afternoon. It was very busy, but we all enjoyed the trip very much.