Ninh Binh province
Ninh Binh province is a small wedge-shaped province that stretches from Cuc Phuong National Park in the west to a sliver of land facing out to the Gulf of Tonkin. Oft referred to as Ha Long Bay on the land, the province is charactised by lush green paddie and the striking limestone outcrops.
Ninh Binh province is best known for the ancient capital at Hoa Lu which, in the 10th century was selected as the capital of what was then known as Dai Co Viet. The emperor of the time selected Hoa Lu as his capital as it was well shielded by the Trang An mountains on three sides and by the Hoang Long River to the northwest. Walls were then built connecting some of the limestone outcrops to further improve the safety of the capital and the rulers then went on a bit of a building spree.
All this only lasted a tad over 40 years and in 1010 the capital was moved to Thang Long -- the site of modern-day Hanoi. Despite it being marginalised Hoa Lu has remained well-revered by both the general population and the subsequent Hanoi-based rulers.
Today little of the capital remains, but there are still some temples worth seeing and the boat trips through the limestone mountains are memorable.
Best visited from the provincial capital, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu is but one of a handful of attractions and excursions that can be undertaken in the province. While these can be visited from Hanoi on a series of day trips, if you've got the time, you're better off overnighting in the province.
