Endowed with spectacular nature and magical landscape, Ninh Binh is an ideal place to experience eco-tour for environmentally-mindful travelers.
Located in northern Vietnam, only 100km from Ha Noi, Ninh Binh is a popular choice to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. This majestic land is also called as “Ha Long Bay on land” because of the similarity in dramatic structure. The landscape appears breathtakingly like a movie set, with limestone cliffs emerging from charming rivers and golden rice fields. This province offers many natural attractions worth exploring as well as a glimpse of rural life in Vietnam.
Several travel agencies are providing numerous ecotourism experiences. However, you should be informed about some of the must-try ecotourism activities so that you can wisely choose the best package.
Mua Cave in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Nature has crafted its best form in Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh. The place has been granted with a spectacular landscape which has made to appear in the Hollywood blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island.” Boating around Tam Coc is alluring; however, the best view of Tam Coc – Bich Dong can only be seen from the peak of Mua Cave.
However, it is not easy to get this epic view as you will have to take the 500-step spiral stone staircase to the top of the mountain. This might be a tiring and challenging process, but definitely worth your effort. The stairs are not blatant stone but carved beautifully with dragon and phoenix image, which resembles The Great Wall of China.
A wonderful view from above
After conquering the staircase, a full breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc might leave you speechless. The peaceful river is bending around limestone mountains which are embraced by endless stretches of paddy fields. If you visit Ninh Binh in harvest season (May to June or August to September), the golden rice fields even add more charm to the picturesque scenery. Breathing the cold and fresh air, you will feel utmost calm admiring the landscape. There is a grand ornate stone dragon that you may want to take pictures with at sunset.
It is recommended that you stay at Tam Coc for a night if you decide to spend two days exploring Ninh Binh. There are many ecolodges that you can choose to experience local life and fully immerse into nature.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park is listed among the best trekking paths in Vietnam, which is 45km from Ninh Binh city. It is known as one of the most outstanding destinations for ecotourism as it preserves lots of precious natural spectacles. The forest resembles a massive natural museum preserving a diverse flora and fauna system in Vietnam.
Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park
There are various trekking routes offered in Cuc Phuong National Park that suit different types of travelers. You can choose a self-guided trek or more adventurous ones which must be guided by a local scout. A trekking trip that lasts at least two days will be perfect for discovering the jungle fully. Moreover, you can explore the unique traditional custom of Muong village – a minority group village with great hospitality – by spending one night there. Otherwise, renting a tent to camp overnight is not a bad idea.
If you don’t like trekking, cycling around the jungle is another exciting way to enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere and observing wildlife.
Discovering wildlife and butterfly watching
Cuc Phuong National Park is home to an abundance of species. There are thousands of kinds of tropical plants, hundred types of birds, reptiles, and mammals living in the forest. Each year, a significant number of visitors flock to Cuc Phuong National Park for either leisure observation or scientific research purpose.
The best time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park is around April to May, which begins butterfly season. At this time of the year, you will have a chance to witness a magical scene of thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering in the beautiful sun rays.
Thung Nham Bird Park
Surrounded by mountains, tropical forest and valley, Thung Nham has become a big nest for many kinds of birds. Thung Nham Bird Park is located inside of Trang An Scenic Complex, 4km from Tam Coc Bich Dong. This place is home to more than 40 species of birds with more than 40,000 individual including storks, herons, shama, silver teals, etc. Many species are listed in the Red Book. The poetic scenery when every herd of white storks residing in the wetland is hard to be found anywhere.
The best time to visit Thung Nham Bird Park is during sunset when the birds return to its nest after hunting for foods. Please note that you should visit the bird sanctuary in the summer or autumn when the sky is clear and the sunbeams making the sight even more shimmering. You can rent a bicycle or taking a boat trip around the wetland to catch this epic moment!
Van Long Nature Reserve
Van Long Nature Reserve is less popular tourist attractions. However, this place will excite every nature lovers. The wetland is absolute intact without the harm of the crowd. You will experience rowing in a local sampan made of bamboo gliding through the pristine natural marsh. Faraway is peaceful scenery of mountains, villages, and herds of white stork flying.
Explore the intact nature reserve and spot the endangered langurs
An important thing to note is Van Long Nature Reserve is the habitat of the Red-book recorded Delacour’s langurs. The chance of observing this endangered species is quite unexpectable. You should be guided with an experienced tour guide who knows when and where the langurs will come out. This place also attracts lots of professional animal photographers desiring to capture the image of the rare creature.
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