Ninh Binh is a stunning natural heritage destination in northern Vietnam known as “Halong Bay on Land” for its dramatic limestone karst peaks and winding rivers.
Our group travelled to Ninh Binh on an organized guided tour by bus, the 2 hour journey was fun and interesting the tour guides were heaps of fun. Unfortunately it was an overcast day but still very hot.Â
We took a wooden boat ride along the river where they row the boats by foot, through the rice paddies and steep limestone cliffs, through caves the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
The next part of the tour was to the have lunch followed by a 500 stair climb up lying Dragon Mountain for a panoramic view of the Tam Cốc river valley. Now this was a challenge and only 3 of us could make the top and it was exhausting but the stunning views are so worth the effort.Â
After descending we took a bike ride to Ho Lu Ancient town to explore the remnants of Vietnam’s 10th and 11th century capital under the Dinh and Le dynasties.
TIP: Take Water on the hike up the stairs, good walking or trail shoes, beware the stones at the top are very slippery.Â
