Both famous for the marvelous beauty of limestone as a form of natural installation art, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are always on the toplist of foreign tourists when visiting Vietnam. However, each destination also has its own charms, stands out from the other, and contribute to the diversity of Vietnam’s natural sightseeing. Here in this article, we can find out the similarities and differences between two famous destinations through the local lens, experience, and travel suggestions.
Ha Long Bay: A feast of experience and service
Located in Ha Long city of Quang Ninh city, a new lucrative hub for the Vietnamese economy, Ha Long Bay is a well-known attraction which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as one of the New Seven World Wonders.
Since Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh are both in North Vietnam, the best season to visit both destinations is spring (from February to April). It is because the weather is moderate, so tourists can participate in the outdoor and aqua activities in a relaxing way. Also, during this time, there are many organized cultural festivals to celebrate the new year. Hence, this is a good opportunity for tourists to understand the culture at a deeper level.
Different from the natural area of Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay is based on the Eastern Sea of Vietnam. Therefore, tourists can enjoy the exclusive experience in Ha Long Bay. For example, tourists can visit the four fishing villages located in Hung Thang ward: Cua Van, Ba Hang, Cong Tau, and Vong Vieng. They live in the unique floating house and sustained their living through marine aquaculture.
Besides, the large limestone chambers with plenty of stalactites and unique shapes of limestones or islets are the distinctive points of Ha Long Bay. Many foreign friends of mine are very into seeing and knowing the stories behind the Khi islet, Sung Sot cave, or Hon Trong Mai.
Having traveled to different limestone bays in Asia and other parts of the world, I have never seen a destination that provides as many choices for a tourist experience as Ha Long Bay. Ha, Long Bay creates a wide range of services which allows all customers can enjoy and admire the natural beauty at any given price.
If you are an adventure person, you discover Ha Long Bay by kayaking around the bay under the warm atmosphere of the spring. I promise you: you cannot find another place where you still feel chill and peaceful while “struggling” cross through the limestone on the bay. Meanwhile, if you desire a luxury experience for your honeymoon trip or a lifetime-travel experience, many offers for luxury cruise trips can be found in Ha Long Bay.
Furthermore, if well-being and health are your priorities for your journey in Vietnam, many wellness services and treatments, such as yoga classes, spas, or water activities, are available along the bay to help you fulfil and recharge the energy. If this is what you are looking for, check out Vietnam Wellness Tour. A spoiler for you: AVT Travel can offer you any types of experience you wish. Therefore, if you want to live up to your personalized experience in Ha Long Bay based on your wish and demands, contact AVT now.
Ninh Binh: A natural gift
If you ask me “What is Ninh Binh?”, I will definitely answer “A natural God’s Gift”. Limestone mountains, a natural biosystem area, rice paddies, a river and limestone karsts system, and flooded caves, are all Ninh Binh has to offer. Thanks to the breathtaking beauty of the limestone system in the Tam Coc Bich Dong complex, the area is also known as “inland Ha Long Bay”.
Travel from Ha Long Bay, it is convenient for tourists to go by limousine bus. However, if you choose to go on tour with AVT, you will be transported smoothly from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh with no worries in mind.
The weather condition in Ninh Binh is similar to Ha Long Bay. However, it will be less cold if you travel during the winter because the natural complex in Ninh Binh is based inland instead of the oceanic base of Ha Long Bay.
In Ninh Binh, the types of travel experiences are also extremely diverse. You can have a boat tour in Tam Coc, Bich Dong, and Trang An. If you would like to learn more about the history and religious culture in Vietnam, a suggested day trip that includes Trang An, Hoa Lu ancient capital, and the Bai Dinh temple complex will be an ideal choice for you.
Besides, if you want to have an adventurous and active journey, you can climb to Hang Mua (Mua cave) and discover Thung Nham – the National Natural and Biodiversity Preservation area or Van Long Natural Preservation site, a part of Cuc Phuong National Park and the shooting locations for the famous film Kong: Skull Island. Doing outdoor activities with a phenomenal view, and admiring the stunning tropical natural forests and species are the optimal options for adventure and nature lovers.
If you find both places so interesting and would like to discover both, don’t worry, check out Amazing Vietnam Tour by AVT Travel.
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