[Grade 8] Discovering Ninh Binh: A 2-day 1-night adventure through natural heritage

Our 2-day, 1-night trip to Ninh Binh—often called the “Ha Long Bay on land”—gave Grade 8 students unforgettable experiences, where nature, culture, and history come together in a truly amazing way.

After over two hours of traveling, we reached our first stop—the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. Here, we explored and learned about history and culture, and participated in an incense-offering ceremony guided by our tour guide.

The two temples sit in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh) and are famous for their unique “noi cong ngoai quoc” architectural style. This is where the kings who unified the country and founded Dai Co Viet are worshipped. The atmosphere was cool, fresh, and lush with greenery, creating a peaceful and relaxing vibe.

After lunch and a short rest at a stilt house, we continued our trip to Thung Nham Ecotourism Area. There, we explored Vai Gioi Cave—an impressive natural cave at 88 meters high, accessible via 439 stone steps. Inside, the shining stalactite formations are divided into three levels representing “Hell – Earth – Heaven,” creating a scene that is both mysterious and breathtaking. This experience left each of us with lasting memories.

Next, we visited a thousand-year-old banyan tree, known for its unique growth pattern—its aerial roots stretch down to the ground and develop into new trunks over time, making it seem like the tree is slowly “moving.”

To wrap up the day, we enjoyed a boat ride to Thung Chim—the largest natural bird sanctuary in Northern Vietnam, covering more than 300 hectares. It’s home to over 46 bird species with around 50,000 birds, including storks, herons, and egrets. Surrounded by untouched landscapes, caves, and wetlands within the core of the Trang An Heritage Site, the peaceful scenery and the gentle afternoon breeze—when birds return to their nests—highlighted the beauty of nature.

Our trip to Ninh Binh not only helped us learn more about Vietnamese history during the Dinh and Le dynasties and its rich cultural heritage, but also allowed us to explore diverse natural landscapes and enjoy the fresh air. More than just a meaningful field trip, it was also a great time to relax and strengthen our friendships after the school term.

(Dao Phuong Linh – 8A1)