Ninh Binh – one of the “must visit” places when traveling to Vietnam, not only because nature has blessed this place with majestic and poetic beauty, but also is a place to store the beauty of Vietnamese culture during the feudal period. thousands of years of history with the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
Introduction to Ninh Binh
Geographical location of Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Located in the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh Province Vietnam possesses a prime geographical location between majestic mountains and a vast emerald river. The natural beauty here has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, gathering many famous domestic and international attractions.
Not only that, Ninh Binh is also a province located in the center of the Northern Delta of Vietnam, about 90 km south of Hanoi capital and bordering the provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa. Hoa, creating a unique trade and cultural area as well as being very convenient for travel and tourism.
The history of the formation of Ninh Binh land with natural and cultural diversity
Diversity of natural forms and creatures
Ninh Binh is located in the transition area between the Northern Delta and the western mountainous region, creating a diversity of terrain and climate in this land:
- To the east is the coastal plain with rich alluvial soil, favorable for agricultural production.
- The west is a primeval limestone mountain area, rich in terrain with caves, valleys, and rolling hills and mountains.
This diverse distribution of terrain types creates different habitats, suitable for many different types of creatures from plains to mountain forests. At the same time, in the process of complex geological formation, Ninh Binh has gone through many stages of sea encroachment and withdrawal from the continent. Limestone layers hundreds of meters thick, cave systems, and dry valleys are evidence of this process. This is an ideal condition for the development of many endemic species found only in Ninh Binh and a few other similar typical areas.
Diversity of culture and life
Ninh Binh is known as the “Land of the Ancient Capital” and the “Kingdom of the Rocky Mountains” with its amazing natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. To better understand the cultural diversity of this land, let’s learn about its history:
The land of Ninh Binh originated from the kingdom of Lam Ap, an ancient country that existed from the 7th to the 9th century. This is a prosperous kingdom with wet rice civilization and many impressive architectural works. Archaeological relics such as Bai Dinh temple, Bich Dong pagoda, Trang An cave,… are vivid evidence of the development of the Lam Ap kingdom.
After the Lam Ap kingdom, this land went through many ups and downs of history with the coming and going of feudal dynasties. This left a profound impact on Ninh Binh culture with the convergence of many different cultures such as Champa, Khmer, ancient Vietnamese,…
During the Tran and Le dynasties, Ninh Binh was considered an important political and economic center of the country. This was also the period when Ninh Binh developed strongly in culture and art with famous heritages such as Phat Diem pagoda, Phuong Hoang battle station, Tran Dynasty mausoleum as well as communal areas, gates, and village yards with unique features. The architecture is very typical of Vietnamese feudal dynasties.
By the Nguyen Dynasty, although no longer the capital, Ninh Binh still played an important role with many outstanding architectural works such as Cam Mountain, Do Luong Cung, Quynh Lam Pagoda,… reflecting the interference between culture and history. royal and folk culture.
So it can be seen that, with a thousand-year history and an important strategic location, Ninh Binh has become a land of diverse cultures, creating a unique and attractive colorful picture. guide. Ninh Binh’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage is a priceless treasure that needs to be preserved and promoted.
Are you ready to explore the beauty of Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh City – cultural and economic center
Ninh Binh city originated from a small town formed during the Northern colonial period, with the original name Ninh Giang. During the Ly – Tran dynasties, this town gradually developed into an important urban area in the region with many communal houses, pagodas, and traditional craft villages.
In 1831, under the reign of Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty, the town was upgraded to Ninh Giang district and became the administrative center of the ancient capital. By 1962, Ninh Giang government was officially upgraded to Ninh Binh city as it is today.
With its central location, Ninh Binh city plays an important role in maintaining and promoting the cultural and historical values of the entire land. Many ancient architectural relics and traditional craft villages are preserved and developed to this day.
Although the area is not too large, Ninh Binh city is also one of the leading developed cities in Vietnam. When visiting Ninh Binh, you definitely should not miss visiting the city with unique destinations such as:
Ninh Binh ancient town
Ninh Binh Old Town is one of the most attractive destinations of the city. This is an old town with architecture rich in traditional culture and the old village lifestyle is still preserved. Visitors can visit ancient houses and pagodas as well as learn about the traditional occupations of local people.
Ninh Van Pottery Village
Ninh Van Pottery Village is a famous traditional craft village of Ninh Binh city specializing in producing ceramic products. Visitors can visit the traditional pottery making process and shop for ceramic products as souvenirs.
Truong Thi historical relic site
This relic includes the communal house and tomb of the famous Confucianist – Truong Han Sieu (1275 – 1354) of the Ly Dynasty. This is an interesting historical attraction as well as a place where you can learn more about Vietnamese Confucianism during the feudal period.
Discover the unique culinary beauty of Ninh Binh
As a land rich in cultural tradition, Ninh Binh is not only famous for its scenic spots but also possesses a diverse and attractive cuisine. Let’s explore the specialties that make up the unique culinary beauty of this ancient capital.
Specialties from quintessential rice grains – Ninh Binh scorched rice
Ninh Binh scorched rice with golden rice grains, sweet aroma and rich taste of fragrant cotton flowers is irresistible. This is not only a Ninh Binh specialty but also one of the attractive dishes in Northern cuisine that you should definitely try. Not only that, Ninh Binh scorched rice today is also beautifully packaged, making it an extremely valuable choice to buy as a gift!
Nem chua Yen Mac
Nem chua Yen Mac has a sweet and sour flavor thanks to fermentation in the unique way of Ninh Binh people. The meat is richly sour, served with raw vegetables and a delicious, crunchy dipping sauce.
Ninh Binh mountain goat – diverse ways of processing
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat has a delicious, chewy texture and the typical flavor of the Ninh Binh mountains and forests. Mountain goats can be processed into many dishes such as grilled, steamed, spring rolls, or stewed in hot pot, which is also excellent.
Kim Son noodle soup
Kim Son commune’s famous noodle soup with soft and chewy vermicelli noodles made from pureed rice flour, served with delicious broth from dried bones and fragrant wild vegetables. A rustic vermicelli dish with an attractive mountain and forest flavor.
Grilled banana fish
Grilled banana fish is meticulously prepared with spices marinated according to a family recipe, so when grilled, the fish has an irresistible aroma and sweet, rich meat that is very attractive.
Gia Vien shrimp paste
Gia Vien shrimp paste is famous thanks to the unique brewing recipe of local people. This type of fish sauce has a sweet taste and a unique aroma that makes many diners want to eat it. However, it should also be noted that this is a rather “picky” dish because of its relatively strong flavor that not all tourists coming to Vietnam can enjoy.
Ant egg sticky rice
Ant egg sticky rice is made from delicious sticky rice and filled with fatty eggs. Delicious sticky rice grains and the rich taste of eggs are the special highlights of this folk dish.
Specialty drink – Nho Quan “Cần” Wine
Nho Quan “Cần” wine is soaked according to the local people’s own recipe. The wine has a dark color and a distinct, very attractive taste. The wine is very smooth, not strong, easy to drink for many people, but you should also consider your alcohol tolerance before enjoying this typical drink of Ninh Binh!
Discover more fully the delicious dishes of Ninh Binh and the best places to enjoy them!
The excellent natural beauty of Ninh Binh
The natural beauty of Ninh Binh is a special combination of Forests – Mountains – Rivers and Caves that you will hardly find anywhere in the world:
Ha Long Bay on land – World natural heritage site
Ninh Binh is famous for its rolling limestone mountains, creating breathtaking and majestic scenery. In 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex as a World Natural Heritage Site.
Trang An scenic complex includes thousands of limestone mountains undulating on the water, creating an interesting and attractive natural landscape. Visitors can take a boat to admire the wild and mysterious beauty of the winding, bumpy limestone mountains like a “Ha Long Bay on land” while participating in exciting outdoor activities such as cycling. pedal or yourself paddle Kayak and explore Trang An in your own way.
See more: Trang An Ninh Binh – a pearl waiting for you to discover!
Magnificent caves and unique underground systems
Ninh Binh is not only famous for its limestone mountain landscape but is also home to a unique cave system and underground system with a length of up to 5km. Visitors can explore famous caves in Ninh Binh such as: Tam Coc Bich Dong; Cloud Cave, Dance Cave, Thien Ha – Thien Thanh Cave, Am Tien Cave… Each cave has its own beauty and extremely unique features of limestone caves such as Stalactites and Stalagmites. , … with all diverse shapes.
Stunningly beautiful landscapes attract tourists
In addition to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh also brings together many other famous landscapes such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Phuoc Tich Ancient Village, Phat Diem Stone Church, Van Lam Ecotourism Area,… Do you have You can arrange your schedule to best suit you or consult professional tour organizers to make the most of your itinerary for the most complete trip!
Explore more:
- Ninh Binh 2 Days – 1 Night Tour: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave – Bich Dong – Thai Vi – Thung Nham
- Ninh Binh 3 Days – 2 Nights Tour: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave – Bai Dinh – Trang An – Bich Dong – Thai Vi
Festivals and cultural activities in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is not only famous for its wonderful natural beauty but also one of the localities rich in cultural identity with many traditional festivals and diverse and attractive cultural activities. If you choose the right occasion, you can combine your trip to explore the unique ceremonies and cultural activities here!
Festival in Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh has more than 200 festivals held annually, of which 2 festivals are recognized as national intangible cultural heritages: Hoa Lu Festival and Binh Hai Village Festival.
Hoa Lu Festival
The festival is held in the fourth lunar month every year at Hoa Lu ancient capital relic site, Ninh Binh city. The festival commemorates kings Dinh Tien Hoang, Dinh Phe De and Le Dai Hanh – the first kings of the Dinh – Le dynasty. The festival has many unique cultural activities such as palanquin processions, ceremonies, traditional sports competitions, folk art performances,…
Binh Hai village festival
The festival is held in the 8th lunar month every year in Binh Hai commune, Kim Son district. The festival aims to commemorate the merits of Saint Nguyen Minh Khong – the founder of the Vietnamese medical profession. The festival has many unique cultural activities such as palanquin processions, ceremonies, cooking competitions, traditional sports competitions, folk art performances,…
In addition, there are many other festivals that also attract tourists such as: Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, Thai Vi Temple Festival, Tran Temple Festival,…
Traditional cultural activities in Ninh Binh
“Xẩm” singing
Xam singing is a traditional Vietnamese folk art form, originating from the Northern provinces. Hát Xam is often performed by artists traveling everywhere, with poignant and sad lyrics.
“Chèo” singing
Cheo singing is a traditional Vietnamese theater art form, originating from the Northern Delta region. Cheo singing is often performed during festivals, festivals, etc. with folk tales and historical tales expressed through lyrics, singing and dance.
Water Puppet
Water puppetry is a unique traditional art form of Vietnam. The puppets are controlled by strings from underwater, showing folk tales, historical stories, etc. Water puppetry is often performed during festivals, festivals, etc., and attracts attention. tourists because of its uniqueness and sophistication.
Conclusion: Ninh Binh Vietnam – natural and cultural masterpiece
If you are planning a memorable trip in Vietnam, Ninh Binh will definitely be a valuable destination for you to choose. With a variety of beauty from nature to cuisine, culture, festivals,… you can freely choose the most suitable route for yourself. If you need more guidance on Ninh Binh tourism, please accompany us right Join Pioneer Sail in our articles exploring throughout Vietnam!
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