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Telephone code : (84.30)
Area : 12,556 km2
Population : 4,459,000
The region of Ninh Binh has been privileged by nature, with the Day
River, the Van Sang River, the Non Nuoc and Canh Dieu Mountains, etc.
Ninh Binh has evolved into a major travel centre.
HOA LU
Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty (968 - 980)
and the early Le Dynasty (980 - 1009). The site was an attractive
place for a capital city because of both its distance from China and
the natural protection afforded by the region's bizarre landscape.
TAM COC
Taking a sampan trip, visitors reach Tam Coc Caves that consist of
Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba Caves. They are adorned with beautiful
stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and colours, sparkling
like gemstones.
BICH DONG
Bich Dong Grotto is located in Ngu Hanh Son Mountains in Dam hamlet. A
short sampan trip takes you into beautiful landscapes with channels
meandering between high rocks and grottoes. Charmed by the marvelous
scenery, the Tu Duc King gave Bich Dong the titles of "the second most
beautiful grotto in Vietnam".
PHAT DIEM
Phat Diem was built between 1875 and 1898, is the site of a cathedral
remarkable for its vast dimensions and unique Sino - Vietnamese
architecture. The vaulted ceiling is supported by massive limewood
columns almost one metre in diameter and 10m tall. In the lateral
naves, there are a number of curious wood and stone sculptures. The
main altar is made of a single block of granite. Phat Diem is one of
the important centre of Catholicism in the North.
CUC PHOUNG NATIONAL PARK
Is one of Vietnam's most important nature preserves. Though wildlife
has suffered a precipitous decline in Vietnam in recent decades, the
park's 222 sq km of primary tropical forest remain home to an amazing
variety of wildlife, including 1967 species of flora from 217 families
and 749 genera with some trees of the Parashorea and Dracontomelum
families reach 1,000 years of age and from 50m to 70m in high, 1800
species of insects from 30 orders and 200 families, 137 species of
birds, 64 species of animals and 33 species of reptiles. Among the
extraordinary variety of life forms in the park are several species
discovered here, including a tree know as Bressaopsis Cucphuongensis
and the endemic red-bellied squirrel Callosciurus erythrinaceus
Cucphuongensis. The Rhesus macaque (Macaca mullata) can sometimes be
seen in the forests. In Con Moong cave, one of the park's many
grottoes, the stone tools of prehistoric humans have been discovered. |
