First time we took an organized tour in Vietnam, a day trip from Ha Noi with Ivivu tour agency. The English speaking tour started with a big bus called Limousine picking us up early in the morning for Ninh Binh, Trang An. There were about 10 of us, mostly foreigners on the tour.
Ninh Binh is a province about two hour drive from Ha Noi. Ninh Binh is also the capital of the province. It was an Ancient Capital from the 10th to 11th century located in Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province.
Our first stop was Bai Dinh Temple, a largest complex of Buddish temples in the country. The temple represents a mix architecture of old and new styles.
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| Bai Dinh Temple Complex Entrance |
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Complex Entrance
 | Entrance to the Triple External Gate
 | At the Triple Gate entrance
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 | Quan Cong Statue by the gate
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| Largest Bell in the country |
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Dai Hong Bell
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Dong Son Drum, biggest temple drum in Vietnam
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| View from the bell and drum tower - Bao Thap Tower in the background |
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| Bao Thap Tower with 13 floors and 72 steps, holding Buddha relics from India and Burma. |
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Entrance to the main sanctuary
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| In front of the Ancient Bai Dinh Temple |
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| Temple complex |
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Buddha Statue in the main sanctuary
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Quan Yin Statue in Bai Dinh main sanctuary.
After Bai Dinh Temple, we headed to Trang An Scienic area near Ninh Binh. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is famous for its boat cave tours. In 2014 it made UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The boat tour is about 3 hour ride along a tributary of the Hong River (Red River).
Trang An wharf is located about 2 miles south of Hoa Lu ancient capital where paddleboats go along the river from the village through rice field and limestone karsts, through the caves and back. It is nicknamed "The Inland Ha Long Bay" because of its magical river landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddies.
The bridge at Trang An wharf - Paddleboats in the background.
Bridge at the wharf.
All aboard at Trang An wharf
Enjoying a peaceful boat ride.
Our boat guide/rower
The shimmering river with sheer limestone mountains in front of us.
Lam Cave Entrance
 | Inside Lam Cave
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Entrance to Vang Cave
In Vang Cave
Exiting Vang Cave
Beautiful landscape along the way
Leaving Vang cave, the boat going around toward the temples. Hidden temples appearing between mountains. The scenery is quite dramatic, mystic and tranquil.
Hidden temples between mountains
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| A quick stop to view the temple. |
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Trinh Temple
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Cruising
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| Thanh Truot Cave |
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| Inside Thanh Truot Cave |
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| Thanh Truot Cave |
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In Thanh Truot Cave
 | Approaching the cave exit.
 | Exiting Thanh Truot Cave
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Suoi Tien Temple
 | Back to the wharf
Leaving Trang An, Ha Long Bay on Land, we made a last stop to Mua or Dancing Caves complex nearby. The Mua Cave complex is a charming sequence of cave temples with Mua Cave situated under Mua Mountain. Following path leading to the foot of the mountian and climb about 500 stairs to the top. From here visitors can get all magnificent sides of the area with stunning view of golden rice paddies and the serene rivers.
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