Situated on the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh separates the North and the Central Viet Nam by Tam Diep Mountain Range. It is surrounded by Hoa Binh, Ha Nam provinces on the north, Nam Dinh Province on the east and Thanh Hoa Province on the west and the south.
Ninh Binh’s topography is divided clearly into 3 parts: the mountainous area in the west and northwest; the delta and coastal area in the east and south. Ninh Binh Province has been favoured by nature, as the Day River, the Van Sang River, 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. Average annual temperature is 23.40C.
In Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (in Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District now) was chosen as the first capital of Viet Nam feudal centralism regime and the Dai Co Viet’s political, economic and cultural centre with the name of Kings Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Dai Hanh and Ly Thai To in 10th century. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long (Ha Noi now), opening a new era for Vietnamese people. Besides, the Tam Diep Mountains were the location of King Quang Trung’s headquarters on his way to fight Chinese invaders (18th century).
Ninh Binh owns beautiful Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Dich Long, Hoa Son, Tien caves, Van Trinh Grotto and other special landscapes following:
Cuc Phuong National Park is home of varies of strange flora and fauna. Especially it is enjoyable to touch the thousand-year-old cho xanh (parashrea stellata) and sau (Dracontomelum Duperranum or Dancorra Edulis) trees, 50-70m high. The park is also suitable to watch birds, butterflies and orchid flowers.
Phat Diem Cathedral is a solemn and interesting architectural complex, reflecting the skilful and excellent stone carving art of the Vietnamese workers.
Especially, Ninh Binh also possesses Trang An Landscape Complex recognized as World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here is also the film location of Hollywood blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island”.
Ninh Binh’s people have created such famous and traditional products as Kim Son’s fine arts, Hoa Lu’s high-class embroidery, hanger products and rocky sculpture products for export, Gia Vien’s rattan and bamboo knitting products, etc.
