OVERVIEW OF NINH BÌNH PROVINCE

Geographical Location

Ninh Bình is a province located in the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. The province is situated in the center of the country, approximately 100 km south of the capital, Hanoi. To the north, it borders Hà Nam Province; to the east, it borders Hà Nội and Hòa Bình Provinces; to the south, it borders Thanh Hóa Province; and to the west, it borders both Hòa Bình and Thanh Hóa Provinces.

Topography

Ninh Bình has a diverse topography, including plains, hills, and midlands. The plains occupy most of the province's area, primarily along the Hoàng Long River and Đáy River. The hills are concentrated in the eastern and western parts of the province, with mountain ranges such as Ba Vì, Tam Điệp, and Nưa. The midlands are located in the southern part of the province, gradually sloping down towards the sea.

Climate

Ninh Bình has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Summer begins from April to September, characterized by hot and humid weather, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius. Winter starts from October to March, with cold weather and average temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees Celsius.

History

Ninh Bình is a land with a long history, home to many famous historical and cultural relics. It was once the capital of several dynasties in feudal Vietnam, including the Đinh, Tiền Lê, Lý, Trần, and Lê Dynasties.

Economy

Ninh Bình is a province with a fairly comprehensive economic development, with key economic sectors being agriculture, industry, and tourism. Agriculture in Ninh Bình primarily focuses on crops such as rice, corn, and sugarcane. The industry in Ninh Bình is growing strongly, with key industries including processing and mining industries. Tourism is a leading economic sector in the province, with many famous landmarks such as Hạ Long Bay, Tràng An, and Bái Đính Pagoda.

Culture

Ninh Bình is a province with a rich and diverse culture, featuring many unique traditional festivals. Some of the famous traditional festivals in Ninh Bình include the Tràng An Festival, Bái Đính Pagoda Festival, and the Rain Prayer Festival. 

1. Tam Cốc - Bích Động

Tam Cốc - Bích Động is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Ninh Bình. This place is often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land" or "The Second Best Cave in the South." It is a region with a unique topography, featuring towering limestone mountains surrounded by lush green rice fields.

2. Tràng An

Tràng An is a renowned scenic complex in Ninh Bình, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. Tràng An boasts a diverse topography, including mountains, caves, rivers, and waterways, creating a majestic and poetic natural landscape.

3. Bái Đính Pagoda

Bái Đính Pagoda is one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam, holding several records, such as the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia and the largest bronze bell in Southeast Asia. Bái Đính Pagoda is located on Bái Đính Mountain, in Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Viễn District, Ninh Bình Province.

4. Hoa Lư Ancient Capital (Cố đô Hoa Lư)

Hoa Lư Ancient Capital was the capital of three dynasties in Vietnamese history: the Đinh, Tiền Lê, and Lý Dynasties. Hoa Lư Ancient Capital is located in Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province.

5. Múa Cave (Hang múa)

Múa Cave is a natural cave located within the Tràng An scenic complex. The cave rises approximately 100 meters and is surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs. From the top of Múa Cave, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Tràng An area.

6. Thung Nham

Thung Nham is a famous eco-tourism area in Ninh Bình, featuring numerous caves, limestone mountains, and primeval forests. Thung Nham is located in Ninh Hải Commune, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình Province.

7. Vân Long Wetland

Vân Long Wetland is a famous nature reserve in Ninh Bình, covering an area of approximately 3,000 hectares. Vân Long Wetland is home to many rare species of flora and fauna, including the Hoàn Kiếm turtle. It is located in Gia Viễn District, Ninh Bình Province.

8. Cúc Phương National Park

Cúc Phương National Park is a renowned national forest in Ninh Bình, covering an area of approximately 22,000 hectares. Cúc Phương National Park is home to many rare species of flora and fauna, including the Black-White Langur. It is located in Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình Province.

9. Kim Sơn Beach

Kim Sơn Beach is a beautiful beach in Ninh Bình, with a coastline approximately 12 kilometers long. Kim Sơn Beach is located in Kim Sơn District, Ninh Bình Province.

Other Attractions

In addition to the above sites, visitors can explore many other attractions:

• Historical Sites: Đền Vua Đinh (Dinh King Temple), Đền Vua Lê (Le King Temple), Đền Trần (Tran Temple), Đền Lý (Ly Temple), Đền thờ Thánh Nguyễn (Saint Nguyen Temple), Chùa Tiên (Tien Pagoda), Chùa Duyên Ninh (Duyen Ninh Pagoda), Chùa Bích Động (Bich Dong Pagoda), Chùa Hoa Lư (Hoa Lu Pagoda)

• Eco-Tourism Areas: Hang Múa (Múa Cave), Thung Nham (Thung Nham), Đầm Vân Long (Vân Long Wetland), Vườn quốc gia Cúc Phương (Cúc Phương National Park), Khu du lịch sinh thái hồ Đồng Chương (Dong Chuong Lake Ecotourism Area), Khu du lịch sinh thái Tràng An Ecopark (Tràng An Ecopark)

• Mountains and Rivers: Núi Kỳ Quan San (Ky Quan San Mountain), Núi Non Nước (Non Nuoc Mountain), Núi Múa (Múa Mountain), Núi Ngăm (Ngam Mountain), Sông Đáy (Day River), Sông Hoàng Long (Hoang Long River), Biển Kim Sơn (Kim Sơn Beach)

• Traditional Festivals: Lễ hội Tràng An (Tràng An Festival), Lễ hội chùa Bái Đính (Bái Đính Pagoda Festival), Lễ hội cầu mưa (Rain Prayer Festival), Lễ hội Hoa Lư (Hoa Lu Festival), Lễ hội Đền Trần (Tran Temple Festival)

1. Ninh Bình Crispy Rice (Cơm cháy Ninh Bình)

This dish is made from roasted sticky rice, served with sweet and sour fish sauce and crispy pork fat. Ninh Bình crispy rice has a crunchy texture, rich flavor, and is highly stimulating to the taste buds.

2. Mountain goat meat from Ninh Bình (Dê núi Ninh Bình)

Mountain goat meat from Ninh Bình is raised on limestone mountain slopes, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Ninh Bình mountain goat can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as grilled goat, goat salad with lime, and lemongrass stew.

3. Vietnamese Rice Paddy Eel Salad (Gỏi Cá Nhệch)

This dish is made from raw rice paddy eel, sliced thinly and mixed with toasted rice powder, roasted peanuts, fresh herbs, and other seasonings. Vietnamese rice paddy eel salad has a tangy, spicy, salty, and sweet flavor, and it is both crunchy and chewy.

4. Mountain snails (Ốc núi Ninh Bình)

Mountain snails are a type of snail that lives in limestone caves in Ninh Bình. Mountain snails have a crunchy, chewy texture with a sweet and rich flavor. They can be prepared in various delicious dishes such as steamed mountain snails, tamarind stir-fried mountain snails, and grilled mountain snails.

5. Gia Viễn Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tép Gia Viễn) 

Gia Viễn Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mắm Tép Gia Viễn) is made from sea shrimp and has a salty, aromatic, and pungent flavor. It can be used as a dipping sauce for boiled vegetables, steamed meat, or to season fish dishes.

6. Nho Quan Rice Wine (Rượu Cần Nho Quan)

Nho Quan Rice Wine (Rượu Cần Nho Quan) is made from sticky rice, herbal yeast, and various herbs. Nho Quan rice wine has a light, sweet flavor and a smooth finish, and it is beneficial for health.

7. Cà niễng Ninh Bình

Cà Niễng is a wild fruit found in the limestone mountain areas of Ninh Bình. It has a tart, refreshing flavor and a crunchy texture, making it excellent for cooling the body. Cà Niễng can be eaten raw or used in dishes such as sour soup and salads.

8. Ant Egg Sticky Rice (Xôi Trứng Kiến)

This dish is made from sticky rice, ant eggs, braised fish with tamarind, and various seasonings. Ant egg sticky rice has a rich, flavorful taste with a savory and nutty flavor.

9. Yên Mạc Fermented Pork (Nem Chua Yên Mạc

This type of fermented pork is made from pork meat, toasted rice powder, pork skin, and various seasonings. Yên Mạc fermented pork has a sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavor, and it is both crunchy and chewy.

10. Đồng Giao Pineapple (Dứa Đồng Giao)

This pineapple is grown in Đồng Giao commune, Kim Sơn district, Ninh Bình. Đồng Giao pineapple has a sweet, fragrant flavor and is juicy. It can be eaten fresh or used in various dishes such as smoothies and salads.

11. Other food

n addition to the 10 dishes mentioned above, Ninh Bình also offers many other delicious foods waiting for you to discover. Come to Ninh Bình to enjoy these specialty dishes and experience the unique culinary culture of the region!

IDEAL TIME TO VISIT NINH BÌNH

Ninh Bình has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and dry, cold winters. Therefore, the ideal times to visit Ninh Bình are during the spring (from February to April) or autumn (from September to November).

In spring, Ninh Bình's weather is quite cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C. This is when peach and apricot blossoms are in full bloom, creating a picturesque landscape. Visitors to Ninh Bình in spring can join traditional festivals such as the Tam Giáo Festival and the Yên Tử Festival.

In autumn, Ninh Bình also enjoys a pleasant climate, with average temperatures from 22 to 28°C. This is the time when rice fields turn golden, offering stunning natural views. Visitors to Ninh Bình in autumn can engage in activities like kayaking on the Ngô Đồng River and hiking Non Nước Mountain.

However, visiting Ninh Bình in summer also has its own attractions. During summer, Ninh Bình hosts vibrant festivals such as the Trần Temple Festival and the Rice Flower Festival. Visitors can participate in activities like swimming at Bãi Dài Beach and enjoying hot mineral baths at Kênh Gà.