DU LỊCH NINH BÌNH 2025. Review Thung Nham , Tam Cốc , Phố Cổ Hoa Lư, Chùa Bái Đính . Vietnam travel

Key Concepts

Ninh Bình: A province in Vietnam known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural heritage.
Thung Nham: A tourist area in Ninh Bình famous for its bird garden and ecological attractions.
Tam Cốc: Another popular tourist destination in Ninh Bình, known for its three caves and scenic river tours.
Tràng An: A UNESCO World Heritage site in Ninh Bình, recognized for its karst landscape and cultural significance.
Aravinda Resort Thung Nham: A high-end resort located in the Thung Nham area.
Vườn chim Thung Nham (Thung Nham Bird Garden): A sanctuary home to over 40,000 birds of more than 40 species, including rare ones.
Cây đa ngàn năm (Thousand-year-old Banyan Tree): An ancient banyan tree with a unique legend of movement, located in Thung Nham.
Linh Thần Miếu: A temple dedicated to Việt Thắng Vương, a general who served under Đinh Bộ Lĩnh.
Đền Gối Đại: A temple within the Thung Nham complex, housing various deities.
Tam Vị Thánh Mẫu & Ngũ Vị Thánh Vương: Deities worshipped at Đền Gối Đại.
Lâm Cung Thánh Mẫu (Chúa Sơn Trang): A significant deity in Vietnamese folklore, considered one of the "Four Immortals."
Cờ Lau Hotel: A hotel in Ninh Bình with a design inspired by local culture and history.
Phố Cổ Hoa Lư: The ancient quarter of Ninh Bình, offering a glimpse into the region's history and culture.
Nhà hàng Phố Xưa: A restaurant in Ninh Bình known for its local specialties.
Chùa Bái Đính: A large and famous Buddhist pagoda complex in Ninh Bình.
DJI Mavic 3, Action Cam, Sony ZV10 Max 2, Insta360: Cameras used for vlogging and capturing diverse footage.
Urin Power Bank: Portable chargers for electronic devices.

Exploration of Ninh Bình: Thung Nham and Tam Cốc

This vlog details a trip to Ninh Bình, a province located at the southern gateway of the Red River Delta, renowned for its wild, peaceful, yet majestic beauty, unique cave systems, and rich cultural and historical heritage. The journey focuses on exploring Thung Nham and Tam Cốc, with a comprehensive guide on transportation, accommodation, dining, and activities.

Accommodation: Aravinda Resort Thung Nham

The trip begins with a visit to Aravinda Resort Thung Nham, described as the most luxurious resort in the Thung Nham area. The resort is characterized by its stunning location amidst limestone mountains, surrounded by lotus ponds and rice fields. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a spacious and beautiful environment, with the air filled with the scent of fruits like jackfruit.

The rooms, specifically the bungalows, are highlighted for their spacious bathrooms, elegant yet simple design, and thoughtful amenities like filtered water in glass bottles. A major draw is the breathtaking view from the bungalows, offering a panorama of lotus fields and distant limestone mountains, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Thung Nham Bird Garden: A Natural Spectacle

A significant part of the itinerary is a boat trip to the Thung Nham Bird Garden. The term "Thung" refers to a valley surrounded by mountains. Thung Nham is particularly famous for its bird sanctuary, estimated to be home to over 40,000 birds of more than 40 different species, including rare ones like the Great Hornbill and the Marabou Stork, which are listed in Vietnam's Red Book.

The creation of the bird garden involved the owner meticulously observing bird behavior and adapting the landscape by adding soil and planting specific trees like bamboo, eucalyptus, and cây xanh (green trees) that are suitable for the birds. The garden has a long history, but its development as a tourist attraction is more recent, with the owner actively creating habitats to encourage birds to nest and reproduce. The sheltered location of Thung Nham, protected from strong winds, contributes to its appeal for birds.

The vlog also mentions that the visit coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Thung Nham tourist area organized a lantern procession and other festive activities, including music and dance performances.

Cultural and Historical Sites in Thung Nham

The following morning, the exploration continues with a visit to the cultural and historical sites within Thung Nham.

The Thousand-Year-Old Banyan Tree: This ancient banyan tree is a prominent landmark. It is said to be over 1000 years old and has a unique legend of "moving." The explanation provided combines scientific observation with folklore: the tree's roots grow towards water sources, and as the main trunk ages and dies, new trunks emerge from these roots, creating the illusion of movement. Each "step" of movement is estimated to be 15 meters, and the tree is said to have moved three steps, totaling 45 meters. The tree's growth pattern is described as a cyclical process of renewal, with the main trunk dying and new ones emerging over approximately 300-year cycles. Interestingly, this particular banyan tree is observed to grow in a circular pattern around the Linh Thần Miếu, rather than directly towards a water source, which is attributed to its protective role for the temple.
Linh Thần Miếu: This temple is dedicated to Việt Thắng Vương, a significant general under Đinh Bộ Lĩnh who played a crucial role in unifying Vietnam by quelling the 12 Warlords. After his service, Việt Thắng Vương chose to reside in Thung Nham, dedicating himself to helping the local people develop agriculture and improve their lives. Upon his death, he was revered, and Đinh Bộ Lĩnh ordered the construction of this temple in his honor. The temple houses ancient artifacts, including stone slabs dating back to the Hậu Lê dynasty (16th century), over 500 years old.
Đền Gối Đại: Located behind the banyan tree and Linh Thần Miếu, this temple is named "Gối Đại," implying a transition from old to new. It houses various deities, including the Tam Vị Thánh Mẫu (Three Holy Mothers) at the front and the Ngũ Vị Thánh Vương (Five Holy Kings) at the rear. The temple features a unique cultural practice of using a kneeling step for prayer and also for "hào đồng" (a spiritual ritual). Inside, important deities like Bà Chúa Sơn Trang (Lâm Cung Thánh Mẫu) and various Thành Hoàng (local deities) are worshipped. Lâm Cung Thánh Mẫu is described as a significant figure in Vietnamese mythology, one of the "Four Immortals," and is believed to govern mountainous regions. The temple also features depictions of the "Thanh Xà" (Green Snake) and "Bạch Xà" (White Snake), which in Vietnamese tradition symbolize divine protection and are often associated with temples during major festivals.

Vlogging Gear and Power Banks

The vlog includes a segment detailing the vlogging equipment used by Toran:

DJI Mavic 3: For aerial shots, noted for its wind resistance and sharp video quality, though slightly bulky.
Action Cam: For underwater shots and durability.
Sony ZV10 Max 2: The primary camera for vlogging, recommended for its suitability for vloggers.
Insta360: For 360-degree shots, offering flexibility in editing.
DJI Microphone: For audio recording.
Urin Power Banks:
- Compact Power Bank: Features a sleek design, integrated charging cable, Qi2 wireless charging (up to 25W), and wired charging (up to 30W). A 10,000mAh capacity can charge an iPhone 16 from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes and can charge three devices simultaneously.
- 130W Power Bank: A larger 20,000mAh capacity with a 130W fast charging output and three fast-charging ports. It has a compact, square design with rubber grips for stability and an LED display showing charging parameters. It is compatible with over 10,000 electronic devices, including laptops and cameras, and maintains a cool temperature even during continuous use.

Tam Cốc: The "Three Caves"

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Tam Cốc, with a boat trip along the Ngô Đồng River. The ticket price is 250,000 VND per person, with a maximum of four people per boat. Tam Cốc, meaning "three caves," refers to the three main caves that are part of the tour: Hang Cả, Hang Nhì, and Hang Ba. Due to high water levels during the rainy season (the visit occurred during the flood season), only Hang Cả and Hang Nhì were accessible.

The water in the caves, despite the flood, is described as clear, with abundant fish. The vlog notes that the visit was during midday, missing the optimal time to see the lotus flowers bloom. The best time for viewing blooming lotuses is in the morning, while the rice fields are most beautiful in March and April.

Tam Cốc, along with Tràng An and Thung Nham, is part of the core area of the Tràng An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape is characterized by clear river water, surrounded by undulating limestone mountains, similar to Tràng An. Historically, this area was chosen by Đinh Bộ Lĩnh as a site for his capital. The scenery is further enhanced by moss-covered rocks and the presence of aquatic life.

Accommodation: CL Hotel

After exploring Tam Cốc, the group checks into CL Hotel, a beautifully designed hotel located near the pedestrian street, offering convenience for evening strolls and dining. The hotel is praised for its surprisingly affordable prices, starting from a few hundred thousand VND per night.

The hotel's design is inspired by local culture and history. The name "CL" is derived from the historical event of "Cờ Lau Tập Trận" (Flagpole Training) by Đinh Bộ Lĩnh. The hotel features artwork depicting this event and other scenes of Tràng An, rendered in oil paint with a texture resembling moss on rocks. The ceiling design is inspired by the roofs of traditional Vietnamese temples.

The hotel has 36 rooms, accommodating up to 120 guests. It features a central atrium with a skylight, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The lobby also showcases local products, including cơm cháy (burnt rice), local wines (Kim Sơn, Tràng An), and pottery from the Bầu Bát pottery village, known for its unique glazes and giftware. The hotel also displays traditional Vietnamese clothing (cổ phục), though these are currently for display rather than rental.

The rooms are described as having a simple yet harmonious design, with a striking red accent wall, white surroundings, and blue details on the bed. The bathrooms are spacious and well-equipped. The view from the rooms offers a panoramic vista of the river, the Tam Quan gate, and distant mountains, as well as the two "Tháp Bạc" (Silver Towers), which are beautifully illuminated at night. The hotel's location is also advantageous, being situated on a vibrant street with numerous dining and entertainment options.

Dining Experience: Nhà hàng Phố Xưa

For dinner, the group visits Nhà hàng Phố Xưa, a restaurant recommended for its delicious local cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance is noted for its spaciousness and construction primarily from treated bamboo and thatch, creating a natural and airy feel.

The menu features a variety of Ninh Bình specialties:

Bắp Bò Gỏi (Beef Shank Salad): A dish described as perfect for pairing with drinks, with a sweet and sour flavor.
Cá Lóc Chiên Giòn (Crispy Fried Snakehead Fish): The fish is noted for its chewy texture and aromatic flavor, with edible crispy bones.
Cải Chip Sốt Nấm Hương (Stir-fried Bok Choy with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce): A fresh and flavorful vegetable dish with a subtle mushroom aroma.
Gà Đồi Hấp Đông Trùng Hạ Thảo (Mountain Chicken Steamed with Cordyceps): A highly recommended dish, praised for its tender, sweet meat and the added health benefits of cordyceps. The chicken's skin is described as glossy and appealing.
Dê Hấp Chuối Rừng (Goat Steamed with Wild Banana): A tender and flavorful goat dish.
Ốc Bươu (River Snails): Prepared in a way that is not overly seasoned, allowing the natural flavor of the snails to shine.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, ensuring something for everyone. The presentation of the food is also highlighted, with intricate decorations.

Evening Exploration of Phố Cổ Hoa Lư

After dinner, the group takes a walk through the ancient quarter of Hoa Lư at night. The visit coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, making the streets lively with lantern processions. The area offers various evening activities, including music performances and a vibrant food street. A previous vlog by Toran provided a detailed review of Phố Cổ Hoa Lư, so this segment offers a brief overview.

Visit to Chùa Bái Đính

The next morning, the plan was to visit Chùa Bái Đính, a renowned Buddhist pagoda complex in Gia Sinh commune, Gia Viễn district, Ninh Bình. It is one of the largest and most prominent pagodas in Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors annually. The complex holds several Asian and Vietnamese records, including the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Beyond its spiritual significance, Chùa Bái Đính is also an attractive tourist destination with its majestic natural scenery and serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, heavy rain prevented a detailed review of the pagoda, prompting a promise to return and cover it in a future video.

The vlog concludes with a thank you to the viewers and a farewell.