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Imagine you are standing high up on a mountain. The wind gently caresses your face as the sun slowly disappears behind the limestone cliffs. A landscape of unspoilt nature spreads out before you, calm rivers and rice fields shimmering in the warm light in the distance. Ninh Binh, the city in the north of Vietnam, is exactly this magical place.
An early adventure begins: between spirituality and history
The alarm clock rang early. At 7.30am, a comfortable little bus was already waiting outside my hostel in Hanoi. Our guide greeted us warmly and briefly explained the day's programme. Then we were off - out of the city and into rural Vietnam.
The two-hour journey flew by. A short stop at a souvenir shop gave us the opportunity to browse through small souvenirs or enjoy a Vietnamese coffee. I slowly left the noise of the city behind me and felt an incredible sense of calm spread.
Our first destination: the Bai Dinh Temple, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam. Even from a distance, I was impressed by the huge gates and the size of the temple. The tour guide told us about the history of this place in a very special way.
Did you know that the temple was only built in 2003? Nevertheless, it exudes an atmosphere that suggests centuries of history. The rear part of the temple on the mountainside still belongs to the monks. Visitors are not allowed to enter this area, a symbol of respect for the spirituality of this place.
I strolled through the imposing halls and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. After 1h30 full of impressions, it was time to move on.
Lunch break: a buffet for all tastes
A large buffet restaurant was waiting for us and I was surprised by the huge selection. There were traditional Vietnamese dishes, fresh vegetables as well as international options. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, there was something for everyone. It was nice to see people from different cultures and nations coming together in one place to share the impressions of the day over a meal. A little tip: drinks are not included in the buffet price, so be sure to bring some cash (Vietnamese dong).
A boat trip through paradise
After lunch, we travelled on to Trang An, one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Small traditional boats were waiting there to take us into a landscape full of harmony. The water was very clear and the mighty limestone cliffs rose majestically out of the water. The only background noise? The gentle lapping of the water and the rhythmic paddling of the boatmen. The boats glided through caves that seemed like gateways to a hidden world and I could hardly believe that people used to live here in simple straw huts, surrounded by water and mountains.
500 steps to heaven
The highlight of the day was still waiting for us: the famous Mua Cave with its viewpoint. But before we could enjoy the view, we had to climb 500 steep steps. The climb was strenuous but when I reached the top, time stood still for a moment. Before me lay a panorama of unspoilt nature.
The sunset bathed the entire landscape in a warm golden colour. The rice fields, the rivers, the mountains - everything seemed to glow. I was able to capture these moments with a drone. It's a sight I won't forget in a hurry.
A day full of impressions
With a heart full of memories and a camera full of pictures, I headed back to Hanoi at around 7 pm. The bus dropped me off at the hostel and I looked back on the day.
My conclusion: Ninh Binh is not just a day trip - it is a journey through history, nature and breathtaking panoramas. From the imposing temples to the tranquil boat rides and spectacular views from the Mua Cave, this day showed me just how diverse and beautiful northern Vietnam is.
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What would be your highlight in Ninh Binh? The sunset from the Mua Cave, the spiritual tranquillity of the Bai Dinh Temple or the idyllic boat trip through Trang An? Let me know which experience you would enjoy the most or perhaps have already experienced! ✨
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