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Ngoa Long Mountain in Ninh Binh

Lying Dragon Mountain, Ninh Binh: A majestic treasure of nature

02/09/2024 2.464 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Nestled in Ninh Binh, Ngoa Long Mountain, also known as Lying Dragon Mountain, is a mesmerizing attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Rising above the lush landscape of Tam Coc, this mountain offers panoramic views, intricate stone carvings, and the serene beauty of a lotus pond.

1. Overview of Ngoa Long Mountain (Lying Dragon Mountain)

Located in Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Ngoa Long Mountain is a hidden gem just 10 kilometers away from Ninh Binh’s center and 100 kilometers away from Hanoi. At the foot of the mountain lies Mua Caves, a popular tourist site within Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

The journey to Mua Caves is a visual delight, with picturesque rice fields nestled against the mountains, charming villages, and serene rivers and lakes. The nearly 500 moss-covered stone steps leading up the mountain resemble a miniature Great Wall, with intricately carved dragon and phoenix motifs that reflect the artistic spirit of the Tran dynasty. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Tam Coc, making the climb well worth the effort.

Ngoa Long Mountain

Climbing Ngoa Long Mountain is a rewarding challenge for adventure seekers (Source: Collected)

Check out our detailed Ninh Binh itinerary!

2. What to experience on your trip to Lying Dragon Mountain?

2.1. Admire nature and take photos at scenic viewpoints

The summit of Ngoa Long Mountain is hailed as the best vantage point for the panoramic views of Tam Coc. It is often compared to other stunning viewpoints in Vietnam, such as Ma Pi Leng (Ha Giang) and Lim Mong (Yen Bai).

As you near the peak, you will find two paths diverging. One leads to a towering pagoda, a popular spot for photo enthusiasts, though the climb is challenging. The other path takes you to the highest peak, where a statue of Guan Yin watches over the land. Nearby, a precariously placed dragon statue offers a dramatic photo opportunity, though reaching it requires navigating sharp rocks.

For the best experience, you should explore both sides of the summit. No visit to Ngoa Long Mountain is complete without capturing these awe-inspiring views.

2.2. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the lotus pond

At the base of Ngoa Long Mountain lies a lotus pond that blossoms in early June. The pond, framed by distant mountain ranges, creates a scene of unparalleled beauty, especially at dawn when the dew glistens on the petals under the soft morning sunlight. For photography enthusiasts, early morning is the best time to capture the serene elegance of these lotus flowers before the crowds arrive.

Lying Dragon Mountain Vietnam

Visiting Lying Dragon Mountain Vietnam is a must when exploring Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

Check out other things to do in Ninh Binh!

3. Where to go near Ngoa Long Mountain?

Combine your trip to Ngoa Long Mountain with a visit to these nearby Ninh Binh attractions:

  • Trang An: As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An captivates visitors with its majestic mountains, winding rivers, and pristine valleys. This site is best explored via boat tours. You can choose from three boat tour routes, each offering a unique journey through caves and temples.
  • Tam Coc Bich Dong Pagoda: This is another scenic landscape complex in Ninh Binh that is best explored via boat tours. The breathtaking limestone karsts and golden fields of Tam Coc are sure to leave you in awe, while Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the most beautiful cave temples in Vietnam.
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Once the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010, Hoa Lu is one of the four core areas of the Trang An complex. Here, you can admire many historical sites, such as the temples of King Dinh and King Le, which were built in the 17th century and surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda: Spanning over 500 hectares, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a sprawling complex surrounded by limestone mountains. The pagoda is divided into two sections: the old pagoda and the new pagoda. Highlights include a 10-meter-tall, 100-ton Buddha statue and a massive bell tower housing a 36-ton bell.
  • Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve: Van Long offers tranquil boat rides on crystal-clear waters. It holds two national records for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscape.
  • Thung Nham Bird Park: This eco-tourism site is home to around 40 bird species, with over 50,000 individuals. The best time to visit is around 5 PM, when flocks of birds return to their nests.
Trang An Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh has many natural attractions for visitors to explore (Source: Collected)

4. Guide for first-timers to Lying Dragon Mountain in Ninh Binh

4.1. How to get there?

To reach Ngoa Long Mountain, you will need to get to Ninh Binh first. A road trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes just over two hours. Here are a few transport options:

  • Coach: There are many coaches going from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, including the larger, more budget standard buses and the smaller, more comfortable limousine buses. You can look for a coach operator online, book tickets in advance, and come to their pick-up location at the time of departure.
  • Train: There are many trains that go from Hanoi Train Station to Ninh Binh Train Station. You can book tickets via the official website of Vietnam Railways.
  • Motorbike/car: Renting a motorbike or car offers more flexibility. From Hanoi, follow National Road 1A (for motorbikes) or Highway CT01 (for cars) all the way to Ninh Binh (around 200 km).

No matter which option you choose, upon arrival in Ninh Binh, you can catch a taxi, rent a motorbike, or utilize a ride-hailing service to reach Ngoa Long Mountain. If you are riding/driving yourself, Google Maps will be your best friend for navigation.

4.2. When is the best time to visit?

Ninh Binh weather makes it a stunning destination year-round, with lush greenery offering an enchanting experience regardless of the season. Still, the best time to visit is in May and June, when the rice fields turn golden.

Ngoa Long Mountain Ninh Binh

Lying Dragon Mountain Vietnam can be visited year-round (Source: Collected)

4.3. Extra tips

Here are some tips to ensure your trip to Lying Dragon Mountain Ninh Binh is fulfilling:

  • With so many beautiful spots, ensure your camera and phone are fully charged.
  • The climb to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain involves steep steps, so sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential. Avoid high heels.
  • Keep the area clean by disposing of trash in designated bins.
  • Buy entrance tickets to Mua Caves before entering the site.

Ngoa Long Mountain combines nature and culture in a breathtaking setting. Whether you are climbing to the summit for unparalleled views or exploring the nearby attractions of Ninh Binh, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.

After soaking in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh, consider extending your trip to Hanoi, Vietnam‘s vibrant capital city. Just a 2-hour drive away from Ninh Binh, Hanoi is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern attractions, making it a top destination for international travelers.

For those looking to add a splash of excitement to their journey, a visit to VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park is a must. Located within easy reach of Hanoi, VinWonders is a premier entertainment complex that offers a variety of thrilling activities for all ages. One of the largest wave pools in Vietnam here provides an exhilarating experience. High-speed slides, lazy rivers, and children’s play areas make this complex a perfect place to cool off and enjoy a day full of fun.

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