Ninh Binh province

Situated 97 km south of Hanoi, Binh Binh is a must-see destination when travelling to the North of Vietnam. Located outside of Ninh Binh town, Tam Coc is one of the best nature destinations in the country but less touristic. Well- known for its karst landscape which is similar to the better known Ha Long Bay, Tam Coc features scenic limestone hills which are dotted amongst emerald green rice paddies. Another popular spot is Cuc Phuong National Park- The first National Park in Vietnam, which is famous for its diversity in fauna and flora. Apart from its natural beauty, it would be a big mistake not mentioning Ninh Binh's manmade architectures. The most well-known one is Bai Dinh temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in the world.

But no trip to Ninh Binh is complete without a visit to Hoa Lu, the old capital of Vietnam, even before Hanoi. Even though most of the relics are gone, temples and shrines reminding tourists about its glorious past are still present.