Ninh Binh- the land of ancient capital

Ninh Binh has all the typical topography of northern Vietnam-mountain areas, foothills, coastal areas and low-lying plains. Its diverse natural conditions favor countless plant and animal species, many of which are in the Red Book of Vietnam. There are four large forests: Cuc Phuong, Van Long, Hoa Lu and Kim Son which together form a large biosphere reserve.

Ninh Binh is surrounded by mountains of limestone as strong as a fortress wall. It is probably for this reason that the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties choose Ninh Binh for their capitals from 968 to 1010. Hoa Lu, the capital was called "the capital built of stone" by local people. Located at the center, Hoa Lu holds the remnants of wars against foreign invaders and a multitude of temples, shrines, and pagodas. More than a thousand years ago, in these valleys covered by reeds Dinh Bo Linh led a popular uprising that wiped out 12 army troops. In 968, he ascended the throne and set his capital at Hoa Lu. Six kings succeeded each other from 968 to 1009 in Hoa Lu. In 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital to Thang Long, which today is called Hanoi. Do Ngoc Anh is a tour guide:"The temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings have architectural and sculptural features of the 17th century. The display objects dating from a thousand years ago. There are pieces of earthenware bowls which were used at banquets given by the kings of the Dinh dynasty in honor of their victorious troops. "

In the Trang An complex are the Trang An ecological site which has been named a World Heritage site, and Tam Coc-Bich Dong which is often called "Ha Long Bay on land." The Sao Khe River, which winds through the mountains, is the only thoroughfare in this area and the only means of transportation is a boat. Limestone hills, valleys and streams alternate, creating a picturesque landscape. Caves mesmerize tourists with their stalactites and stalagmites.

Bai Dinh pagoda, also in The rang An complex, is like a book of Buddhist architecture which holds several national records. It is actually two pagodas: the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda and Bai Dinh pagoda complex- the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. The pagoda is built on a historic site where more than one thousand years ago, Dinh Bo Linh's insurgent troops gathered before and after each battle. Do Ngoc Anh again:"Spring time between the first and third lunar month is the best time to visit Trang An. Then, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. This is the season of pilgrimage. In Trang An, tourists and pilgrims can enjoy the scenery and visit the pagoda to pray for good luck".

In Ninh Binh province, many villages have retained their traditional crafts: Van Lam embroidery, Kim Son mat weaving, Ninh Van stone carving, Phuc Loc carpentry and Van Long basketry. A visit to Ninh Binh province will provide you with many unforgettable memories.

Le Xuan