Possessing a picturesque landscape amidst the charming land of rivers and mountains, Am Tien Cave is likened to a ‘princess in a dream‘ nestled in the heart of the Ninh Binh mountains. Few would suspect that this water-filled valley surrounded by these rocky cliffs has legends intertwined with ancient feudal dynasties. So, what secrets lie behind Am Tien Cave and its poetic scenery that many are still unaware of? Let’s discover together with DanangPrivateCar.com’s.
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Introduction to Am Tien Cave
Located approximately 10km from the city center of Ninh Binh, Am Tien Cave is a part of the scenic complex of the ancient capital, Hoa Lu. Originally, this area was just a serene water-filled valley surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs. In recent years, Am Tien Cave has gained more attention due to its enchanting scenery, idyllic landscape, and a touch of mysterious, somber ambiance. With its poetic beauty and a landscape that exudes charm, Am Tien Cave has earned a name infused with classical elegance from those who appreciate its unique qualities.
Directions to Am Tien Cave in Ninh Binh
How far is Am Tien Cave in Ninh Binh from Hanoi?
Am Tien Cave in Ninh Binh is approximately 90km away from the center of Hanoi. You can easily choose one of two options: take a passenger bus from Giai Bat Bus Station or My Dinh Bus Station. With such a relatively short distance, traveling by motorbike is a convenient and reasonable idea.
Transportation options to Am Tien Cave from Hanoi?
- Motorbike: If traveling from Hanoi, follow National Highway 1A towards Ninh Binh city, then turn left to enter the scenic area of Trang An or Bich Dong. Afterward, follow provincial road 491C along the wall, and you will reach Am Tien Cave. Detailed signposts make it easy to find. Currently, traveling by motorbike is a popular choice, offering flexibility in terms of time and the freedom to explore. You can also consider renting a motorbike in Hanoi.
- Private Car: This is a suitable option for groups, especially those with elderly members or young children, and for international travelers unfamiliar with public transportation. Finding public buses can be challenging for first-time visitors to Vietnam, and there may be issues with pricing for international tourists. Using the private car service with a driver in Hanoi from DanangPrivateCar.com’s ensures a comfortable trip with transparent pricing, professional drivers, and door-to-door service. Book your trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh By Private Car today for the most complete exploration of Am Tien Cave.
- Bus: Many tourists choose to take a bus to Ninh Binh. There are various buses departing from Giai Bat Bus Station and My Dinh Bus Station, with departures every 30 minutes from 6 am to 6 pm daily. Ticket prices range from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND per ticket, and the travel time is approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival in the center of Ninh Binh, travelers can take other means of transportation to their chosen accommodation, such as motorbike or taxi.
Note: If you plan a 2-day-1-night trip, you can combine your visit to Am Tien Cave with other nearby famous attractions such as Hoa Lu, Trang An, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, etc. Most itineraries include an additional 1 to 2 attractions to make your trip more convenient. Plan to depart around 7 am to 8 am to allow sufficient time for exploration, and check the weather in advance.
Ideal Time to Visit Am Tien Cave
The climate in Ninh Binh is distinctly divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as the region falls within the Red River Delta with a tropical monsoon climate. Every year, there is a significant increase in tourist numbers during the spring or autumn seasons. During these times, the weather is dry and cool, making the sightseeing process less challenging and more comfortable. As the beginning of the year often sees many festivals taking place around the heritage complex, the number of tourists during this period is high. If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, it might be advisable to avoid visiting during these festival times.
Ticket Prices for Am Tien Cave in Ninh Binh
Am Tien Cave is still a relatively new tourist destination, primarily known among the younger generation. Previously, it was a small body of water with an emerald green color nestled between steep and towering cliffs, creating a space reminiscent of martial arts scenes. Despite its unique charm, the entrance fee for this destination is only 20,000 VND per person.
Visiting Am Tien Cave in Ninh Binh
The Mystical and Enchanting Beauty of Am Tien Cave
In your journey to Am Tien Cave, if you wish to capture stunning check-in photos of Ninh Binh, Am Tien Cave with its towering and majestic cliffs standing proudly against the sky, overlooking a serene lake, will provide the perfect backdrop for you. What makes it even more delightful is the cool climate throughout the year, often likened to an air conditioner due to its elevation of 500m above sea level. Feel free to wear fashionable outfits for a comfortable photo session.
The highlight of Am Tien Cave is its crystal-clear emerald green lake, with a deep and tranquil shade of green. Surrounded by magnificent and steep rocky cliffs, it creates a mysterious, eerie, and captivating beauty that attracts tourists. Following the narrow path hugging the base of the mountain, you will witness the vast, expansive beauty and a backdrop featuring untouched mountainous terrain, dark and quiet.
Am Tien Cave is nestled amidst towering limestone mountains, and you need to climb 205 stone steps to reach the cave entrance. When viewed from a distance, the cave resembles the mouth of a dragon, earning it another name, Dragon Cave. The cave is surrounded by a system of stalactites in various shapes, resembling wheat spikes, money trees, Buddha’s hand, drooping lotus flowers, and water droplets. Moreover, the cave used to be a storage place for King Dinh and King Le, housing grains and national treasures like the Salt Cave and the Money Cave.
Admire the Scenery from the Majestic Wall
If you want to enjoy the scenery from above, the majestic stone wall is the perfect spot. Built with stone, it has retained its original form for hundreds of years, standing tall in the natural landscape. Over time, it has become an ideal spot for Instagram-worthy photos and wedding photoshoots for young couples.
Crystal-Clear, Deep Green Lake Year-round
This is the highlight that accentuates the painting of Am Tien Cave. Nestled within the cave and surrounded by limestone mountains, a lake with a deep green and tranquil surface appears. The water is an astonishingly clear and deep green, allowing visibility of moss on the lake bed. The surroundings consist of towering cliffs, creating a mysterious and solemn space. A winding path beneath the mountain allows people to stroll and capture beautiful pictures amidst the pristine mountainous scenery.
Visit Am Tien Pagoda
There is a pagoda with the same name as Tuyet Tinh Coc, known as Am Tien Pagoda in Ninh Binh – where Zen master Nguyen Minh gave the name to resolve the souls of ancient prisoners. Previously, the main cave in Am Tien was mainly used as a trial ground to execute criminals, where they were thrown into the cave – also a place to keep captive tigers as a deterrent. This was also the secret residence of Queen Duong Van Nga.
Tourist Attractions near Am Tien Cave
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Trang An is part of the Ninh Binh cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Trang An is renowned and has been a major attraction for tourists visiting Ninh Binh for many years. It is not only an appealing tourist destination but also home to a diverse ecosystem of mangrove forests and limestone mountains that have been constructed and preserved.
In the Trang An landscape complex, there are 48 interconnected water caves with a total length of up to 20km. The pristine forest system here is also very diverse, with over 300 plant species, more than 300 animal species, and over 50 bird species, some of which are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book.
When visiting Trang An, you will experience a boat ride on crystal-clear, cool water, exploring numerous caves and mountains. Whether it’s the Bright Cave, Dark Cave, or Liquor Brewing Cave, each one is beautiful, leaving tourists mesmerized by the mystical beauty that nature has bestowed upon the ancient capital region. Particularly, if you have the opportunity to visit Trang An in autumn, you will witness the vibrant blooming of water lilies on the water’s surface, enhancing the already beautiful and romantic atmosphere.
Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a unique architectural complex in Ninh Binh province, recognized by UNESCO as one of the four core zones of the Trang An World Heritage complex. It is also classified by the state as a particularly important architectural complex and historical monument that requires rigorous preservation.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an architectural complex with ancient and mysterious beauty intertwined with nostalgic charm. Each structure carries a unique beauty, all contributing to the ancient and majestic appearance of the historical site. The historical traces are still present in the diverse and rich heritage complex, including city walls, palaces, caves, temples, tombs, and various other architectural structures with high historical and cultural value.
Temples of Kings Dinh and Le
Here, you will find two historical sites: the Temple of King Dinh and the Temple of King Le. These two structures, built around the 17th century, are famous for their intricate wood and stone carvings. The path leading to the Temple of King Dinh is lined with majestic phoenix trees.
Hoa Lu is referred to as the “stone capital,” and both the temples of King Dinh and King Le extensively use stone materials. For instance, upon entering the temple courtyard, visitors will see a dragon floor made of stone slabs, and two stone-carved unicorn statues. In the inner sanctum, there is a bronze statue of King Dinh placed on a green stone pedestal.
Things to Note Before Visiting Am Tien Cave
If you plan to visit Am Tien Cave, here are some things to keep in mind to make your trip more complete and memorable:
- Bring bottled water and wear a hat/cap to avoid dehydration when climbing the mountain’s summit.
- Wear sports shoes or lightweight, sweat-absorbing clothing suitable for mountain climbing.
- Start your mountain climb before 4:00 PM, and avoid late climbs as, from November onwards, it gets dark quickly, making late climbs dangerous.
- Maintain cleanliness and do not litter. Preserve the common hygiene, and refrain from damaging the surrounding landscape.
Not only likened to a precious gem peacefully nestled in the deep mountains and valleys, but Am Tien Cave is also a famous historical site associated with the great feudal dynasties of Vietnam in the past. If you have the opportunity to visit the Ninh Binh region, do not miss the chance to explore Am Tien Cave—one of the most stunning landscapes in this area.
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