What Makes Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple attractive?
You will enter one of Vietnam’s most significant historical monuments when joining Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple. In Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the temple is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the 10th-century unifier of Vietnam. Its rich heritage, breathtaking beauty, and deep cultural value make it a must-stop for any Ninh Binh Tours.
Historical Significance for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
In the 10th century, King Dinh Tien Hoang united the country and established Dai Co Viet, the first state of its kind in Vietnam. King Dinh Tien Hoang liked Hoa Lu for its location, with its hills of limestone surrounding it for centuries to come. Today, Dinh Temple stands in honor of this grand king, offering a glimpse at early Vietnam for visitors to discover.
Architectural Marvel for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
Built-in the 17th century, Dinh Temple is a 17th-century Vietnamese-Chinese structure in a shape similar to the character “Cong" (工). In its interior, visitors can see fine carvings in stones and antiques including a famous imperial stone bed, with dragon motifs signifying imperial powers, in its interior. All of them speak of the skillfulness of craftsmen in ancient times.
Spiritual & Cultural Value for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
More than a site of historical value, Dinh Temple is a significant site for worship. Locals attend in droves for the Truong Yen Festival, a colorful occasion taking place during the 10th day of the third lunar month. Full of traditional games and rituals, it honors the heritage of both the Dinh and Le dynasties. Travelers taking Ninh Binh Tours at such a time can witness Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Why Visit Dinh Temple on Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple?
- Step back in time – Explore Vietnam’s first imperial city.
- Admire ancient work – Look at the beauty of traditional buildings.
- Experience local customs – Engage in a region’s celebrations and rituals.
- Enjoy the stunning view – Discover Hoa Lu Ancient Capital’s breathtaking view.
Don’t miss visiting this fabled location! Have your Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple booked today and explore the rich heritage and culture of this fascinating site.
Dinh Temple (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Detailed Itinerary: Historic Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple (1,2 Days)
Option 1: One-Day Tour – A Perfect Cultural Getaway
7:30 – 8:00 AM – Set off! Enjoy comfort in our car and experienced tour guide, who will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel, and drive off for a scenic journey down the expressway to Ninh Binh.
10:00 AM – Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s first-ever capital city. There, discover its function in being a political and military stronghold in the 10th century.
10:15 AM – Step through a journey through history when visiting Dinh Temple, and learn about King Dinh Tien Hoang and how he united the country. Gaze in awe at the carvings, the fabled king’s stone bed, and the imposing temple complex.
11:30 AM – Stop at Le Temple, a monument to King Le Dai Hanh, who saved the heritage of the Dinh Dynasty and united the kingdom.
12:00 PM – Enjoy a flavorful Ninh Binh lunch at a nearby restaurant, featuring specialties including goat meat, fried rice (Com chay), and freshly picked produce from the surrounding hills.
1:30 PM – Choose your adventure!
- Option 1: An unforgettable boat tour of Trang An Scenic Landscape, a UNESCO heritage site. Cruise through emerald-colored water, magnificent limestone caves, and age-old temples nestled in karst rocks.
- Option 2: Stop at one of Vietnam’s biggest Buddhist temples, Bai Dinh Pagoda. Look in wonder at its grand buildings, gold-plated Buddhas, and serene spiritual environment.
4:30 PM – Depart Ninh Binh and have a relaxed journey back to Hanoi.
6:30 PM – Hanoi, after an unforgettable day with Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple.
Trang An Scenic Landscape (Sours: GetYourGuide)
Option 2: Two-Day Tour – A Deeper Dive into Ninh Binh’s Wonders
Day 1: The Cultural Highlights of Ninh Binh
Follow the schedule of a one-day tour, getting yourself involved in Hoa Lu’s rich heritage, Dinh Temple’s sacred meaning, and Trang An or Bai Dinh Pagoda’s breathtaking beauty.
Evening: Check-in at a homestay or a traditional Ninh Binh hotel. Spend a leisurely evening stroll, a tour of the nightly marketplace, or a traditional performance of Vietnamese music.
Day 2: Exploring Ninh Binh’s Natural Beauty
8:00 AM – Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, preparing for yet another exciting day.
9:00 AM – Choose between two awe-inspiring experiences:
- Tam Coc – Bich Dong: Have a peaceful boat trip through Tam Coc, sometimes called “landlocked Halong Bay." Look out at emerald-green paddy fields, imposing rock cliffs, and the mystical Pagoda of Bich Dong, located in a cave on a hill.
- Van Long Nature Reserve: a wildlife lover’s haven! Set off in a small boat and float through this serene wetland, home to endangered Delacour’s Langur and stunning karst landscapes.
12:00 PM – Savor a scrumptious Ninh Binh dish with freshly prepared, locally sourced ingredients and locally specific flavors.
2:00 PM – Set off for Hanoi, thinking about your unforgettable experiences.
4:30 PM – Arrive back in Hanoi, marking the end of an unforgettable Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple adventure.
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- Transportation (Hanoi-Ninh Binh-Hanoi).
- English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees for all locations.
- Lunch at a locally high-rated restaurant.
- Boat tour (for Trang An or Tam Coc options).
- Hotel accommodation (for the two-day tour).
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- Personal expenses (souvenirs, additional drinks, etc.).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Essential Travel Tips for Your Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
Best Time to Join Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
The ideal visiting period for Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple is spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). During these times, one can enjoy:
- Mild temperatures and pleasant weather, are perfect for a trip to such an outdoor heritage site as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Dinh Temple.
- Lush landscapes, most noticeably in spring when paddy fields radiate a brilliant green and in autumn when yellow and gold colors paint the panorama.
- Cultural festivities, including the annual Truong Yen Festival in April, during which one can witness traditional ceremonies in commemoration of the Dinh and Le dynasties’ monarchs.
Avoid the hottest months (June to August) if you don’t enjoy the heat when Ninh Binh can become muggy and hot during these months. The rainy season between July and September can also cause spontaneous showers, but it heightens the mystical beauty of Trang An and Tam Coc.
What to Wear for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
As you’ll be seeing holy places such as Dinh Temple and Le Temple, proper attire is a must. Observe these tips:
- Comfortable walking shoes: Walking will occur over temple grounds, rock trails, and trails in nature. Sturdy sneakers or casual sandals work best.
- Modest clothing for a trip to a temple: Don’t wear shorts, tank tops, or revealing attire. Wear lightweight, breathable clothes that cover your knees and your shoulders.
- Weather-appropriate layers: In spring and fall, mornings and evenings can be cool, and a light jacket or shawl is a smart move to have with you.
Packing List: Travel Essentials for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
For a convenient Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple, and include these essentials in your bag:
- Sunscreen & hat: Wear a hat and use sunscreen when visiting outdoors.
- Insect repellent: Required for boat tours in Trang An or hiking in Van Long Nature Reserve.
- Water bottle: Replenish, especially during warm weather.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture breathtaking photos of Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Tam Coc.
- Cash (Vietnamese Dong): Few street foods and small restaurants accept credit cards.
Cultural Etiquette: Respecting Local Traditions
When visiting Dinh Temple, Le Temple, and such sacred locations, one must pay attention to local customs:
- Keep noise level down: These are prayer areas, so avoid loud conversation and boisterous behavior.
- Offer incense with reverence: To harmonize with native customs, follow whatever guidance is provided to you by attendants at a temple when offering incense.
- Do not touch sacred objects: Refrain from touching statues or religious artifacts unless permitted.
- Dispose of trash responsibly: Let’s maintain Ninh Binh’s beauty through proper disposal of trash and keeping nature and temple compounds free of garbage.
Ninh Binh (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Must-Buy Ninh Binh Specialties as Souvenirs for Ninh Binh Tours Visit Dinh Temple
1. Com chay (Crispy Rice) – The Signature Specialty of Ninh Binh
If there is one snack that sums up Ninh Binh, it’s Com chay (Crisp Rice)! Com chay, a famous dish, is composed of aromatic steamed rice, expertly dried and fried to a perfect gold color. With its crunchy bite and rich dipping sauce made with shredded pork floss or goat meat, it’s an irresistible dish. Most visitors to Ninh Binh Tours prefer having it with them for days, for it can preserve its crunchy form and act as a flavorful snack at any time.
Where to buy?
- Com chay Khai Hoa – 465 Tran Hung Dao, Ninh Khanh, Ninh Binh
- Com chay Van Beo – Pho 8, Dong Thanh, Ninh Binh
- Local markets in Ninh Binh City
Price: 100,000 – 150,000 VND per pack (approx. $4 – $6)
2. Goat Meat Dishes – A Unique and Flavorful Local Delicacy
Ninh Binh’s rolling hills and hills make it a perfect place for breeding free-range goats, and its most famous dish – Goat Meat is a consequence of it. Grilled, steamed, stir-fried, whatever the preparation, plates of goat meat have a soft bite and rich, pungent aroma about them. Having enjoyed it in your Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple, you can buy vacuum-packs of marinated goat meat, ready for cooking and consumption at your convenience!
Where to buy?
- Nha hang Chinh Thu – Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Quan Dung Pho Nui – Trang An, Ninh Binh
- Local butcher shops in Ninh Binh markets
Price: 400,000 – 600,000 VND per kg (approx. $16 – $25)
3. Mam Tep Gia Vien (Fermented Shrimp Paste) – A Must-Have for Home Cooking
For those with an appreciation for authentic Vietnamese taste, Mam Tep Gia Vien is an ideal choice! Made with meticulous preparation, traditional shrimp paste is full of a rich, savory umami taste that can make many dishes stand out, especially when paired with boiled pork or raw vegetables. Any jar of such a region’s specialty is an ideal gift for home cooks wanting to infuse a little Ninh Binh in kitchens at home.
Where to buy?
- Cho Gia Vien – Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh
- Nong san sach Ninh Binh – Ninh Binh City
Price: 50,000 – 80,000 VND per jar (approx. $2 – $4)
4. Nem Chua Yen Mac (Fermented Pork Roll) – A Delicious Traditional Snack
A true Ninh Binh off-the-beaten path, Nem Chua Yen Mac is a fermented pork dish wrapped in banana leaves. Unlike most types of nem chua, Nem Chua Yen Mac is shredded, providing a soft, tender bite. It’s paired with herbs and a sweet, tangy dipping sauce, and it’s an addictive snack for visitors and locals both. For all of you foodies out there who appreciate finding real Vietnamese foods, Nem Chua Yen Mac is a must-pick during your Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple.
Where to buy?
- Nem Chua Anh Quan – Yen Mac, Ninh Binh
- Nem Chua Yen Mac Huong Son – Pho 11, Van Giang, Ninh Binh
- Cho Rong (Dragon Market) – Ninh Binh City
Price: 80,000 – 120,000 VND per pack (approx. $3 – $5)
5. Kim Son Rice Wine – A Well-Known Local Specialty, Great for Gifts
No trip to Ninh Binh is ever complete without an attempt at Kim Son Rice Wine, a legendary local brew. Made with high-quality glutinous rice and matured to perfection, the traditional brew is famous for its rich, full-bodied character. Served alone, in cooking, or both, Kim Son Rice Wine is a perfect memento for connoisseurs of traditional Vietnamese liquors. It is an ideal gift for family and friends interested in discovering new and exciting liquors in new locations, too.
- Where to buy: Lang nghe ruou Kim Son, Dac san Ninh Binh Store
- Price: 100,000 – 300,000 VND/bottle ($4 – $12)
Conclusion
Step back in time with Ninh Binh Tours visit Dinh Temple, a union of history, culture, and beauty. Walk through the Hoa Lu Capital, behold the beauty of Dinh Temple, and float through the beauty of Trang An or Tam Coc. This is your chance to view Vietnam’s heritage in a memorable form!