[2025 Gia Vien District Attraction] Travel Guide for Bến thuyền Vân Long (Updated Oct)

#hellohalloween As night comes to Ninh Binh, the stars appear one by one, and the countryside turns peaceful again. Lamps flicker in the distance, frogs sing by the ponds, and the smell of wood smoke drifts through the air. I sat outside my homestay, watching the reflection of the moon on the paddies, feeling a kind of calm I hadn’t felt in a long time. No noise, no rush — just nature and stillness.

#hellohalloween Sunset at the Pier At sunset, Ninh Binh turns to gold. I sat by the river near Tam Coc watching the last boats return, their ripples spreading across the water like silk. The sky glowed orange behind the peaks, and the air was full of the smell of grass and woodsmoke. People waved from their boats, laughing softly — a perfect end to a slow, beautiful day.

#hellohalloween Temples in the Mist The temples in Ninh Binh aren’t just monuments — they feel like part of the landscape. At Bich Dong Pagoda, the stairs wind up through the rock itself, and every corner opens to another view. When I visited, the air was cool and misty, bells from the pagoda echoed faintly, and the smell of incense drifted through the caves. It was both spiritual and deeply peaceful.

#hellohalloween 
The next morning, I woke up early again. The mist clung low over the rice fields, and everything was hushed — just birds calling and the faint hum of life starting up. I cycled along the small dikes that cut through the fields, the road still damp from dew. Every so often, I’d stop to watch the fog lift, revealing the karsts one by one like a slow curtain rise. It was the kind of morning that makes you fall in love with quiet moments.

#hellohalloween 
When night fell, Tam Coc turned into a quiet dream. Lanterns reflected on the river, casting soft colors across the water. Locals chatted in small cafés, and the air was warm and still. I sat outside with a cup of tea, listening to the sound of crickets and laughter in the distance. The mountains were silhouettes against the night sky, and for the first time in a long while, I felt completely at peace.

#hellohalloween Lotus and Lily Dreams
Before leaving, I stopped again at one of the large lotus ponds near Ninh Nhat. The flowers were still open, swaying gently in the breeze. The reflection of the mountains and clouds shimmered across the surface. I sat on the bank with my feet in the water, feeling the sun warm my back. It was so simple and yet so perfect — just me, the flowers, and the sound of wind through the leaves.

#hellohalloween 
Near Hoa Lu, I found a small temple tucked behind a grove of trees. There were no tourists, just an old man tending to the incense. He smiled, invited me to sit, and we watched the light play across the statues. The smell of smoke and jasmine filled the air. It reminded me how spiritual this region is — not loud or grand, but full of everyday reverence. Here, spirituality feels like part of life, woven into the rhythm of the land.

#hellohalloween 🚲 Exploring from the Resort What I loved most about Emeralda was how easy it was to mix relaxation with adventure. I rented a bike and cycled through nearby villages and wetlands, passing buffalo and locals working in the fields. Coming back to the resort afterward — tired, sun-warmed, and ready for a dip in the pool — felt like pure bliss. It’s the perfect base for discovering the quieter side of Ninh Binh.

#hellohalloween 🌺 A Hidden Tranquility in the country side of Vietnam. Hoa Lư can get busy with visitors, but stopping by the lotus and water lily ponds offered a moment of calm. Watching the blossoms float on the water in such a serene setting was like finding a secret corner away from the world. It reminded me that sometimes the quietest details make the biggest impression.

#hellohalloween One of the best memories was watching farmers in Ninh Nhat tending the rice fields while buffalo cooled off in the water. It’s everyday life here, but to me, it felt extraordinary. From there, visiting Hoa Lu’s temples added history, and Khu Nhu’s landscapes added adventure. Together, these three places create a mix that feels authentic and complete. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s stepping into the rhythm of local life.