Ninh Binh Province has been favoured by nature, as the Day River, the Van Sang River, the Non Nuoc and Canh Dieu Mountains, etc., are all located in the region. The harmonious mingling of the mountains, plains, rivers, and sea has created strangely attractive landscapes.
In this province, Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital of Dai Viet in the 10"1 century. Besides, the Tam Diep Mountains were the location of King Quang Trung's headquarters on his way to fight Chinese invaders.
In this province, Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital of Dai Viet in the 10"1 century. Besides, the Tam Diep Mountains were the location of King Quang Trung's headquarters on his way to fight Chinese invaders.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
In 968, Dinh Bo Linh ascended to the throne and took the name of King Dinh Tien Hoang. The country was then called Dai Co Viet and Hoa Lu was its capital for 41 years (968-1009). In 1010, Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long.
Hoa Lu is 13km from Ninh Binh City, near the village of Truong Yen. Tourists visiting Hoa Lu can see two temples located 500m apart from each other on the ground of the ancient palaces. One is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to King Le Dai Hanh. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, a great number of pilgrims come to Hoa Lu to pay tribute to Kings Dinh and Le.
Hoa Lu is 13km from Ninh Binh City, near the village of Truong Yen. Tourists visiting Hoa Lu can see two temples located 500m apart from each other on the ground of the ancient palaces. One is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to King Le Dai Hanh. On the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, a great number of pilgrims come to Hoa Lu to pay tribute to Kings Dinh and Le.
 |
| Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |
King Dinh and Le Temples
Dinh Temple is located in Truong Yen Thuong Village, Hoa Lu District. It was built in the shape of a Chinese character.
After the first entrance, called Ngo Mon, there is a royal stone bed with Nghe (mythical animals of the old times) standing on both sides. Outside the temple, is Khai Thanh sanctuary dedicated to the parents of King Dinh.
The temple is divided in three sanctuaries: Bai Duong, for the community, Thien Huong, in honour of mandarins, and Chinh Cung, where the statue of Dinh Tien Hoang is located. On the left is the statue of his eldest son Dinh Lien. On the right are statues of Dinh Hang Lang and Dinh Toan. On each side of the altar, there is a stone placed near royal beds.
Le Temple is situated in Truong Yen Ha Village, Hoa Lu District, 500m from Dinh Temple. In terms of architectural design, Le Temple is very similar to Dinh Temple, but smaller. It also consists of three parts: Bai Duong, used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of the King Le, and the altar in memory of the King. The statue of Le Hoan is at the centre,on the left is the statue of Queen Duong Van Nga and on the right is that of Le Ngoa Trieu, his fifth son and third king of the Pre Le Dynasty.
Dinh Temple is located in Truong Yen Thuong Village, Hoa Lu District. It was built in the shape of a Chinese character.
After the first entrance, called Ngo Mon, there is a royal stone bed with Nghe (mythical animals of the old times) standing on both sides. Outside the temple, is Khai Thanh sanctuary dedicated to the parents of King Dinh.
The temple is divided in three sanctuaries: Bai Duong, for the community, Thien Huong, in honour of mandarins, and Chinh Cung, where the statue of Dinh Tien Hoang is located. On the left is the statue of his eldest son Dinh Lien. On the right are statues of Dinh Hang Lang and Dinh Toan. On each side of the altar, there is a stone placed near royal beds.
Le Temple is situated in Truong Yen Ha Village, Hoa Lu District, 500m from Dinh Temple. In terms of architectural design, Le Temple is very similar to Dinh Temple, but smaller. It also consists of three parts: Bai Duong, used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of the King Le, and the altar in memory of the King. The statue of Le Hoan is at the centre,on the left is the statue of Queen Duong Van Nga and on the right is that of Le Ngoa Trieu, his fifth son and third king of the Pre Le Dynasty.
Phat Diem Cathedral
Phat Diem Cathedral complex is located in Luu Phuong Commune, Kim Son District, 130km south of Ha Noi, 29km from Ninh Binh City. It was built between 1875 and 1899. It is an ensemble of constructions in the Oriental architectural style. They are divided into two sections: the worshiping section and the section for residence and teaching of religious doctrines.
From the entrance a path leads us to a rectangular lake. In the centre of the lake is an island with a statue of Christ. Next comes a huge three-level square pavilion, 24m long, 17m wide and 25m high, built of stepping-stones. Its arches are made of sophisticated overlapped stones. Both sides of the four walls around the pavilion are decorated with embossments, many of which show the Christ shouldering the cross, and other gods. On the second layer of the pavilion there is a drum and on the 3rd layer there is a bell cast in 1890, 1.4m high, 1.1m in diameter and nearly two tons in weight. The pavilion consists of five arches; each arch stands in each of the pavilion's four corners and the highest arch is on the 3rd layer. The roofs of these five arches are not as high as those found in other cathedrals but typically curvy and they resemble the arches of ancient Vietnamese temples and pagodas.
The main cathedral was built in 1891. It has five delicately carved entrances and three high curvy roof towers. It is 74m long, 21m wide and 15m high, having four roofs and six rows of ironwood pillars, the two pillars in the middle are 11m high and 2.35m in circumference. The main altar is a stepping stone 3m long, 0.9m wide, 0.8m high and about 20 tons in weight. Its three facades and two sides are carved with flower decorations.
Lying parallel to the main cathedral are four smaller ones, each different from others in style. At the end of the main cathedral to the north are three man-made caves, the biggest of which is Lo Due natural-looking cave in the northeast. At the far end, to the northwest is the Stone Cathedral - the place for worshiping the heart of Virgin Maria. It earns such name because all of its columns, beams, walls and window bars are stonework. Its inner wall is made of marble with embossments of stone lions and phonics. It was built in 1889, measuring 15m long and 9m wide.
Phat Diem Cathedral is a solemn and interesting architectural complex, reflecting the skilful and excellent stone carving art of the Vietnamese workers. This place is attracting many visitors.
From the entrance a path leads us to a rectangular lake. In the centre of the lake is an island with a statue of Christ. Next comes a huge three-level square pavilion, 24m long, 17m wide and 25m high, built of stepping-stones. Its arches are made of sophisticated overlapped stones. Both sides of the four walls around the pavilion are decorated with embossments, many of which show the Christ shouldering the cross, and other gods. On the second layer of the pavilion there is a drum and on the 3rd layer there is a bell cast in 1890, 1.4m high, 1.1m in diameter and nearly two tons in weight. The pavilion consists of five arches; each arch stands in each of the pavilion's four corners and the highest arch is on the 3rd layer. The roofs of these five arches are not as high as those found in other cathedrals but typically curvy and they resemble the arches of ancient Vietnamese temples and pagodas.
The main cathedral was built in 1891. It has five delicately carved entrances and three high curvy roof towers. It is 74m long, 21m wide and 15m high, having four roofs and six rows of ironwood pillars, the two pillars in the middle are 11m high and 2.35m in circumference. The main altar is a stepping stone 3m long, 0.9m wide, 0.8m high and about 20 tons in weight. Its three facades and two sides are carved with flower decorations.
Lying parallel to the main cathedral are four smaller ones, each different from others in style. At the end of the main cathedral to the north are three man-made caves, the biggest of which is Lo Due natural-looking cave in the northeast. At the far end, to the northwest is the Stone Cathedral - the place for worshiping the heart of Virgin Maria. It earns such name because all of its columns, beams, walls and window bars are stonework. Its inner wall is made of marble with embossments of stone lions and phonics. It was built in 1889, measuring 15m long and 9m wide.
Phat Diem Cathedral is a solemn and interesting architectural complex, reflecting the skilful and excellent stone carving art of the Vietnamese workers. This place is attracting many visitors.
Trang An Eco-tourism Complex
A scenic watery area covering 2,168ha, the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex is located in the vicinity of Hoa Lu and Gia Vien districts, and Ninh Binh City. From Ha Noi, visitors travel 90km on highway 1A southward to the Ninh Binh Television Station (in Ninh Binh City); turn right and the Trang An Eco-tourism complex is reached by traveling for 3km.
According to incomplete statistics, the Trang a An eco-tourism complex boasts 12 historic relics and numerous grottoes and caves, including a system of 48 aquatic caves and caverns with a total length of 12,226m and springs, streams and rivers serving as portals into limestone mountain ranges. Geologists have figured out that Trang An is where sea waters overwhelmed. The process of geological evolution 200 years ago had created a subsurface system of interconnected caverns, caves and streams in the limestone mountains. The size and shape of caves has made up the maze-like formations to defend the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Vestiges found at the foot of the limestone mountain have provided proofs of the existence of sea here long ago. That's why the Hoa Lu limestone mountain area is also called "inland Ha Long Bay".
In Trang An, boat trips are offered to enable visitors to explore the breathtaking beauty of the maze-like aquatic cave system, which is famed as the "sole aquatic cave system" in Viet Nam's northern delta region. The caves, sculpted into an unlimited variety of geological formations, each reaching from dozens of meters to hundreds of metres in length, are connected by 31 "thung" (lakes). Distinguished from one to the other by its own unique beauty or a fairy tale attached, each bears its own name, such as Sang (Light) Cave, Toi (Dark) Cave, Ba Giot (three-drop) Cave, Nau Ruou (Brewing wine) Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Ao Trai Cave, Si Cave, Sinh Cave and others.
The very rich fauna and flora that has survived the time adds more weight to the spectacular beauty of the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex. Here, it is home to large trees, such as cho chi (Parashorea chinensis), and nghien (Burretiodendron hsienmu), and rare species of animals, like phuong hoang dat (Buceros bicornis) and vuon yem trang (Nomascus leucogenys). Here, traces of pre-historic peo-ro pie believed to inhabit here 5,000-30,000 years ago have been found in Boi and Trong caves and on archaeological sites on Cho Cave limestone mountain and Hay limestone mount. Ancient pottery wares and objects used for making alcohol had been found in Nau Ruou Cave.
According to incomplete statistics, the Trang a An eco-tourism complex boasts 12 historic relics and numerous grottoes and caves, including a system of 48 aquatic caves and caverns with a total length of 12,226m and springs, streams and rivers serving as portals into limestone mountain ranges. Geologists have figured out that Trang An is where sea waters overwhelmed. The process of geological evolution 200 years ago had created a subsurface system of interconnected caverns, caves and streams in the limestone mountains. The size and shape of caves has made up the maze-like formations to defend the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Vestiges found at the foot of the limestone mountain have provided proofs of the existence of sea here long ago. That's why the Hoa Lu limestone mountain area is also called "inland Ha Long Bay".
In Trang An, boat trips are offered to enable visitors to explore the breathtaking beauty of the maze-like aquatic cave system, which is famed as the "sole aquatic cave system" in Viet Nam's northern delta region. The caves, sculpted into an unlimited variety of geological formations, each reaching from dozens of meters to hundreds of metres in length, are connected by 31 "thung" (lakes). Distinguished from one to the other by its own unique beauty or a fairy tale attached, each bears its own name, such as Sang (Light) Cave, Toi (Dark) Cave, Ba Giot (three-drop) Cave, Nau Ruou (Brewing wine) Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Ao Trai Cave, Si Cave, Sinh Cave and others.
The very rich fauna and flora that has survived the time adds more weight to the spectacular beauty of the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex. Here, it is home to large trees, such as cho chi (Parashorea chinensis), and nghien (Burretiodendron hsienmu), and rare species of animals, like phuong hoang dat (Buceros bicornis) and vuon yem trang (Nomascus leucogenys). Here, traces of pre-historic peo-ro pie believed to inhabit here 5,000-30,000 years ago have been found in Boi and Trong caves and on archaeological sites on Cho Cave limestone mountain and Hay limestone mount. Ancient pottery wares and objects used for making alcohol had been found in Nau Ruou Cave.
Tam Coc Caves
Tarn Coc has been called "inland Ha Long Bay". Tam Coc means three tunnel caves, entailing Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Cave. Tam Coc can also be called Tam Thuy Dong as the Ngo Dong River wends through all three tunnel caves that have bored through the limestone hills.
The enchanting world of Tam Coc can only be entered from the Van Lam Wharf. Here, visitors travel by rowboat on the Ngo Dong River about 3km to visit all three caves. The first is Ca Cave which is 127m long and 20m wide. The next is Hai Cave of 60m long and 18m wide which is reached by traveling about 1 km from Ca Cave. And the last is Ba Cave with 50m long and 18m wide located near Hai Cave These caves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that sparkle like gem-stones.
This is very peaceful and scenic trip while admiring a magnificent view of the river, mountain, and caves. Worth visiting Tam Coc takes place in March, or the end of May and early June. In March, the Ngo Dong River peacefully blends with green rice fields and cotton trees having red flowers in the spring. At the end of May and early June, the Ngo Dong River goes together with fields of ripe rice covered the yellow colour. During the time, boats carrying tourists in and out of Tam Coc are mingled with the locals transporting harvested rice.
The enchanting world of Tam Coc can only be entered from the Van Lam Wharf. Here, visitors travel by rowboat on the Ngo Dong River about 3km to visit all three caves. The first is Ca Cave which is 127m long and 20m wide. The next is Hai Cave of 60m long and 18m wide which is reached by traveling about 1 km from Ca Cave. And the last is Ba Cave with 50m long and 18m wide located near Hai Cave These caves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours that sparkle like gem-stones.
This is very peaceful and scenic trip while admiring a magnificent view of the river, mountain, and caves. Worth visiting Tam Coc takes place in March, or the end of May and early June. In March, the Ngo Dong River peacefully blends with green rice fields and cotton trees having red flowers in the spring. At the end of May and early June, the Ngo Dong River goes together with fields of ripe rice covered the yellow colour. During the time, boats carrying tourists in and out of Tam Coc are mingled with the locals transporting harvested rice.
 |
| On The Way to Tam Coc Caves |
Fairy Cave (Dong Tien)
Bich Dong Cave
Fairy Cave, also known as Moc Cave (Dong Moc), is located in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Commune. The cave is about 1 km from Bich Dong and can be reached by boat or by foot.
The grotto is divided into three big and deep caves that are reached via an uneven narrow path. The cave ceiling is decorated with rainbow coloured stalactites, some of which reach down from the ceiling to the floor, similar to the roots of an old Banyan-tree. Some stalactites bear names related to their appearance, such as Silver Tree, Bouddha, Fairy, Elephant, Tiger, etc. Bathed with supernatural light, the cave looks like a splendid palace from a fairy tale.
The grotto is divided into three big and deep caves that are reached via an uneven narrow path. The cave ceiling is decorated with rainbow coloured stalactites, some of which reach down from the ceiling to the floor, similar to the roots of an old Banyan-tree. Some stalactites bear names related to their appearance, such as Silver Tree, Bouddha, Fairy, Elephant, Tiger, etc. Bathed with supernatural light, the cave looks like a splendid palace from a fairy tale.
Bich Dong Cave
Bich Dong Cave is in the Ngu Nhac Son Mountains, in Dam Khe Village, Ninh Hai Quarter, Hoa Lu District.
In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great writer Nguyen Du) visited this cave. After viewing the whole scenery of the mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist, he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong (which literally means "Green Pearl Cave"). Bich Dong Cave is said to be the second most beautiful cave in Viet Nam.
In 1773, Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great writer Nguyen Du) visited this cave. After viewing the whole scenery of the mountains, waterways, fields, and sky covered in green mist, he gave the cave a very beautiful and romantic name, Bich Dong (which literally means "Green Pearl Cave"). Bich Dong Cave is said to be the second most beautiful cave in Viet Nam.
Dich Long
Cave Dich Long Cave was found in 1739 in Gia Thanh Commune, Gia Vien District. It is as large as a ten-room house. Because, there is a stone inside that looks like a Buddha statue, a Buddhist altar was built and, in 1740, the cave became a Buddhist Pagoda. It shelters statues of Buddha, Arhats and a guarding colossus standing on stone pedestals. In particular, there are two beautiful statues carved from one block of blue stone. The cave has three sub-caves that are linked together; namely, the caves of Buddha, Darkness, and Brightness.
The Dich Long Cave gives visitors the feeling of being lost in a stone world of stalactites. There are stalactites of various shapes, such as a drinking elephant, a kneeling elephant, a reclining tiger, a dancing phoenix,drinking dragon, and an ape with a baby on its back. Every wall and ceiling in the grotto is a work of art created by nature and time.
The colours of the stalactites in the cave change with the brightness of the sun. Early in the morning they have a pink colour, which turns into twinkling crystal in the midday, and then to red at sunset. It is as if there were ways to heaven and to hell from the cave.
The shadowy beauty of the cave has been complimented in many poems. King Minh Mang himself called it Nam thien de tam dong (the third most beautiful cave in Viet Nam).
The Dich Long Cave gives visitors the feeling of being lost in a stone world of stalactites. There are stalactites of various shapes, such as a drinking elephant, a kneeling elephant, a reclining tiger, a dancing phoenix,drinking dragon, and an ape with a baby on its back. Every wall and ceiling in the grotto is a work of art created by nature and time.
The colours of the stalactites in the cave change with the brightness of the sun. Early in the morning they have a pink colour, which turns into twinkling crystal in the midday, and then to red at sunset. It is as if there were ways to heaven and to hell from the cave.
The shadowy beauty of the cave has been complimented in many poems. King Minh Mang himself called it Nam thien de tam dong (the third most beautiful cave in Viet Nam).
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve
 |
| Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve |
Van Long is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 457 species of plants, of which 8 species are listed in the Viet Nam's Red Book; 39 species of mammals, of which 12 species are listed in the Viet Nam's Red Book as well. Lucky tourists can spot the Delacour's Langur Trachypithecus here in its natural environment. This species occurs only in a small area of Northern Vietnam and nowhere else in the world today.
Van Long is also known for many beautiful caves and grottoes, such as the Ca, Rua, Chanh and Bong caves. Among them Ca (Fish) Grotto at the foot of Hoang Quyen Mount is considered the most beautiful. This grotto, 250m long and half submerged, is the habitat of many species of fish, such as the catfish, anabas and black fish. Besides, there are hundreds of mountains, such as the Meo Cao, Nghien, Voi Dung, Mo Coi, Horn Sach, Da Ban and Co Tien.
From Van Long Wharf where hundreds of boats anchor close to one another, the tourists can take a ride on a boat to discover the beauty of Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. In the rainy season, the water flows look like silk bands stretching between rows of clumped grass. The water surface is dotted with wild flowers of different colours. In addition, the tourists can make a tour around the Van Long Village on ox carts to learn about the daily activities of the rural people and buy the local products.
Van Trinh Grotto
Van Trinh located in Thuong Hoa Commune, Nho Quan District is one of the dozen of grottoes in the wetland of Van Long.
The grotto is deep inside a 100 meter-high mountain. The entrance of the grotto is approximately 40m from the foot. A narrow path leads to the main grotto with area of 4,000m2 that is as magnificent as a castle with numerous stone sculptures in different shapes and sizes. Natural statues of monks, animals, flowers on the cliffs, ceiling and floor
look so lively. They seemed to be petrified by magic. In addition, wells with clean and cold water in the grotto also bring visitors pleasant feelings.
Deep inside the grotto is a small hold with beautiful stalagmites that look like bald cypresses. Sunlight shines through an opening on the ceiling, creating fanciful scenery.
Please come to Van Trinh to discover the secrets of nature and enjoy fresh air of the countryside.
The grotto is deep inside a 100 meter-high mountain. The entrance of the grotto is approximately 40m from the foot. A narrow path leads to the main grotto with area of 4,000m2 that is as magnificent as a castle with numerous stone sculptures in different shapes and sizes. Natural statues of monks, animals, flowers on the cliffs, ceiling and floor
look so lively. They seemed to be petrified by magic. In addition, wells with clean and cold water in the grotto also bring visitors pleasant feelings.
Deep inside the grotto is a small hold with beautiful stalagmites that look like bald cypresses. Sunlight shines through an opening on the ceiling, creating fanciful scenery.
Please come to Van Trinh to discover the secrets of nature and enjoy fresh air of the countryside.
Kenh Ga Hot Water Stream
The Kenh Ga Hot Water Stream is in Kenh Ga Village, Gia Thinh Commune, Gia Vien District. A boat takes the visitors up to the stream among the mountains and the rice fields. Although the fragrant stream has existed for a long time, it was only first studied and exploited by the French in 1940. The mineral water here is of extremely high quality and contains chloride-natrium, chloride-kalium, calcium, and magnesium chloride. The water is clear and has a stable temperature of 53 degrees Celsius with a source capacity of 5,000 cubic meters per hour. Ninh Binh is lucky to have this natural hot water stream used for relaxation and self-treatment.
Kenh Ga Hot Mineral Water is now being processed and packaged for sale.
Kenh Ga Hot Mineral Water is now being processed and packaged for sale.
0 nhận xét:
Post a Comment