The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex truly shines, holding a prominent spot on the travel map not only within Vietnam but also globally.

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex is truly making its mark. As Southeast Asia's first and only dual (mixed) World Heritage site, it's increasingly becoming a standout destination on the travel maps of both Vietnam and the wider world.
As the first and only mixed heritage, dual World Heritage site in Southeast Asia, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is increasingly prominent on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world.
A Worthy World Heritage Site
On June 25, 2014, the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially inscribed the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh) on the World Heritage List – the first mixed heritage site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The outstanding universal value of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by the World Heritage Committee based on three criteria: cultural values, aesthetic values, and geological-geomorphological values.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, is located at the southern edge of the Red River Delta, approximately 90 km southeast of Hanoi. The complex spans over 12,000 hectares across 18 communes and wards, encompassing the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Historical and Cultural Relic Area, the Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong Scenic Area, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Primary Forest.
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, is a unique blend of nature and culture. Here, intertwined within the limestone karsts, is a diverse system of valleys and water-filled caves, all covered by pristine tropical rainforest vegetation.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of city life or the lively atmosphere of coastal regions, Trang An is nestled in gentle beauty, with emerald mountains and peaceful rural villages. Its tranquil, timeless natural beauty has captivated many visitors, making them want to return again and again after just one visit.

Panoramic view of Bai Dinh Pagoda
Located at the heart of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, the 2,168-hectare Trang An eco-tourism area is a majestic and magnificent mountainous region, formed by countless uniquely shaped mountains reflecting onto winding streams that connect hundreds of caves and pristine, mysterious valleys.
Ba Giot Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Dark Cave, Bright Cave, Ao Trai Cave, Seo Cave, and many others, along with Tran Temple Valley, Cloud Valley, Wine Brewing Valley, Khong Valley... the long and beautiful water-filled caves on tourist routes 2 and 3 will leave visitors in awe. All seem to blend together, creating a fascinating space. With 48 water-filled caves, this is a unique cave complex in Vietnam.
In addition to the Trang An eco-tourism area, there is a system of historical and cultural relics and famous tourist attractions such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Tuyet Tinh Coc, Thung Nham Bird Garden eco-tourism area; Mua Cave, Thien Ha Cave, and the spiritual and cultural area of Bai Dinh Pagoda Mountain… These have been and continue to be popular choices for a large number of domestic and international tourists visiting and learning about the Heritage site.
Beyond its beautiful design and popularity as a tourist attraction, Bai Dinh Pagoda holds significant importance for the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam. It was the venue for the first grand ceremony to welcome relics from India to Vietnam in 2010 and hosted the United Nations Day of Vesak celebration in 2014.
As part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, famously known as the 'Second Grotto of the Southern Sky,' boasts serene rural landscapes and an impressive system of limestone caves. Spanning 350.3 hectares, this scenic area is a complex of limestone cave systems and peaceful countryside scenery. Additionally, this tourist complex features Bich Dong Pagoda, rich in traditional architecture, and historical relics related to the Vu Lam royal retreat of the glorious Tran Dynasty.
Even more special, if you visit Tam Coc - Bich Dong in late May or early June, you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the vibrant beauty of the ripening rice fields along the poetic Ngo Dong River. At this time, the rice fields on both sides of the river present a harmonious blend of the green of young rice shoots and the golden hue of mature rice, alongside colorful lotus ponds. This creates a perfect landscape painting that evokes a sense of nostalgia and wonder in everyone.
Located within the core zone of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a destination rich in national cultural and historical value, contributing to Trang An's status as a dual World Heritage site. Despite the passage of time, the ancient capital remains peacefully nestled, solemn yet majestic, a golden mark commemorating a glorious era of the nation.
Hoa Lu was chosen as the first capital of the centralized feudal state when Dinh Bo Linh ascended the throne as Emperor in 968. Although it served as the capital of Dai Co Viet for a relatively short period, it witnessed numerous events crucial to the nation's destiny, closely linked to the reigns of three successive dynasties: the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly, each leaving significant historical imprints. This land bore witness to the glorious nation-building and defense efforts during the 12 years of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980), the 29 years of the Early Le Dynasty (980-1009), and the early years of the Ly Dynasty (1009-1010).
With its strategic location, surrounded by overlapping hills and mountains forming a sturdy screen around the capital, and the winding Hoang Long River, Hoa Lu became a political center and the first imperial capital of our country. Due to historical circumstances and demands, the capital was eventually moved, but Hoa Lu Ancient Capital continued to see the construction of solid architectural works including temples, pagodas, and shrines, which have been preserved to this day. The temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le were built directly on the foundations of the former capital.

Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang
King Dinh Temple was built in the 'Nội Công Ngoại Quốc' (Inner Court, Outer Country) architectural style on the foundation of the ancient main palace. It stands majestically with its Ngo Mon Gate, lotus pond, artificial mountain, flower garden, outer ceremonial gate, inner ceremonial gate, along with three main halls: Bai Duong (Front Hall), Thieu Huong (Incense Burning Hall), and Hau Cung (Rear Palace).
King Le Temple is smaller in scale but also features three halls: Bai Duong (Front Hall), Thieu Huong (Incense Burning Hall) dedicated to Pham Cu Luong, who helped Le Hoan ascend the throne; and Chinh Cung (Main Palace) in the center, dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh (Le Hoan), with Le Ngoa Trieu (King Le's son) on the right and Queen Duong Van Nga on the left.
The Hoa Lu relic complex also features several beautiful pagodas, such as Ngan Pagoda and Nhat Tru Pagoda (approximately 200 meters from King Le Temple), which attract many visitors who come to offer incense and admire the scenery.
Promoting Socio-Economic Development
Ninh Binh's tourism industry truly 'took off' when the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex became a World Heritage site. Tourist numbers have consistently increased year after year, especially international visitors. In 2022, the province welcomed 3.7 million visitors, generating 3,450 billion VND in revenue, a 3.7-fold increase compared to 2021. In the first 6 months of 2023, Ninh Binh welcomed over 4.53 million tourists, 2.5 times more than the same period last year; tourism revenue reached over 3,846 billion VND, 2.9 times higher than the same period and achieving 74.7% of the annual plan. For the full year 2023, Ninh Binh's tourism sector is projected to welcome over 5.35 million visitors, with estimated revenue exceeding 5,100 billion VND.
Many traditional craft villages, such as Van Lam lace embroidery, Kim Son sedge mats, Phuc Loc carpentry, Bo Bat ceramics, and Ninh Van stone carving, have had the opportunity to leverage their strengths in selling handicraft products to both domestic and international tourists. Other sectors, including construction, printing and publishing, manufacturing, insurance, transportation, accommodation, retail, food and beverage services, and finance, have also benefited.
Within the developing tourism region, a significant number of laborers have transitioned into professions such as boat rowing, souvenir sales, photography, tour guiding, and working in restaurants and hotels.
There are 20 national and international-scale tourist areas and attractions, including the Trang An eco-tourism area, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, and Bai Dinh Pagoda. The accommodation system has grown significantly, with over 800 establishments. Notable examples include Legend Hotel, Hoang Son Hotel, Bai Dinh Hotel, Thung Nham Resort, and Tam Coc Garden.
A Bright Spot on the Tourism Map
Ninh Binh has been featured on numerous prestigious international travel platforms. In 2020, Trips to Discover (USA) listed Ninh Binh among the 14 most attractive destinations in Asia. In 2022, Travel + Leisure magazine (USA) ranked Ninh Binh among the 12 most beautiful filming locations in Asia. In 2023, Ninh Binh won the Traveller Review Awards, becoming Vietnam's sole representative in the top 10 friendliest destinations worldwide. Forbes magazine also named Ninh Binh as one of the 23 best places to visit globally.

Tam Coc Cave in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Area
Ms. Audrey Atoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, affirmed: "Thanks to appropriate policies, strict implementation of the Heritage Law, persistent adherence to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and the combination of developing sustainable tourism programs and projects that place businesses and local people at the center as the custodians of the heritage, Trang An has consistently been a favorite destination for many years, especially for international tourists. As a result, this heritage site has increasingly asserted its position on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world."
At the conference to implement the arrangement of district and commune-level administrative units for the 2023-2030 period, Ninh Binh province set the goal of merging Ninh Binh City and Hoa Lu District, with the orientation of becoming a 'Ancient Capital - Heritage Urban Area.' This will be based on the cultural and historical values of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and the outstanding universal values of the Trang An heritage site. Concurrently, the province aims to complete the criteria for recognizing the new merged administrative unit as a Type I provincial city, holding the status of a regional and national tourism hub with global value, and serving as Ninh Binh province's political-administrative, cultural, economic, education-training, science-technology, high-quality service, and international cooperation center.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex Master Plan Spans 12,252 Hectares
The Prime Minister has just approved the General Construction Master Plan for the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh province.
Ninh Binh 6711 view
Update day : 10/09/2023
Source : baodautu.vn Affiliate links
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