Thung Ui: The "Muse" in the heart of Ninh Binh World Heritage Site

Nestled in the heart of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Thung Ui (Gia Vien, Ninh Binh) is becoming a sensation, its beauty resembling a watercolor painting straight out of a historical film. More than just a magnificent natural landscape, it's also a journey to discover the sacred cultural and historical values ​​of the ancient Hoa Lu Royal Palace.

From the gateway to the Trang An heritage site to the tranquil Thung Ui valley.

When mentioning Ninh Binh tourism , most tourists usually only think of Trang An with its boat trips through the caves, the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, or the well-known Tam Coc - Bich Dong. However, recently, on travel forums and social media, another destination located right in the Bai Dinh - Trang An area has started to be mentioned more often.

This is Thung Ui, a valley hidden within the core of the heritage site, where many visitors, after seeing photos and videos, have shared the same comment: The scenery is beautiful and tranquil, like something out of a movie. Thung Ui is surrounded by millennia-old limestone mountains, creating a basin-shaped valley completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. It is not only a natural wonder but also an important part of the defensive and spiritual structure of the Hoa Lu capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Upon arriving, visitors will immediately sense a remarkable logic in nature's arrangement. The sheer cliffs stand like natural fortifications, protecting the peaceful space within. Here, the water boasts a distinctive emerald green hue, so clear that with each stroke of the oar, one can see the mossy forests winding beneath the surface. The stillness of the water, combined with the long shadows of the mountains, creates a magical scene where the boundary between reality and dream seems blurred.

What makes Thung Ui unique is its reconstructed architectural system, built with absolute respect for history. The gracefully curved stone bridges spanning the blue waters are quintessential works of art. Without the need for ostentatious modern materials, the hand-carved blue stones, stacked securely, create bridges that bear the mark of time.

At the foot of the mountain, wooden houses with moss-covered tiled roofs and towering ironwood pillars cast their shadows onto the river, recreating the majestic Hoa Lu Royal Palace. Particularly noteworthy is the Altar of Heaven, considered the soul of Thung Ui. In the vast stone square, towering bronze statues of Guardian Deities stand majestically, embodying the self-reliant spirit of a nation. Every architectural detail, from the stone steps to the intricate carvings on the archways, is meticulously crafted to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, giving the impression that these structures were born from the mountain rock, enduring through the ups and downs of history.

A spiritual meeting point and a vibrant cultural hub during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

As the gentle spring rains begin to drift over the mountain peaks, Thung Ui transforms into a vibrant and lively place. During the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Thung Ui will become an unmissable destination for those seeking to connect with their roots and truly experience the spirit of spring. Amidst the ancient landscape, the red of the festival flags, the yellow of the wildflowers, and the white of the morning mist blend together, creating a festive atmosphere that is both solemn and intimate.

This is the time when traditional costumes like the ao dai, ao giao linh, and ao tac shine brighter than ever. The image of devout people offering incense at the Altar of Heaven, or young men and women leisurely gliding through the valleys in small boats, creates a uniquely humane scene. The rhythmic sound of oars splashing in the water, mingled with the wind rustling through the mountain crevices, carries prayers for a peaceful and prosperous new year, creating a profound spiritual experience rarely found elsewhere.

A journey of healing the soul amidst heritage.

Beyond being just a typical tourist destination, Thung Ui offers the value of tranquility and the ability to restore energy. In a world of noise and pressure, sitting on a small boat, gliding through the vast expanse of mountains and forests, touching the cool water, and breathing in the scent of plants and trees is a true healing remedy.

The beauty of Thung Ui lies not only in what one sees, but also in what one feels. It is the pride in a rich history preserved through its stone and wood architecture, the admiration for the skillful hands of our ancestors, and the exquisite harmony between man and nature. With its poetic charm, Thung Ui stands there as a sincere invitation, awaiting those seeking a meaningful moment of tranquility amidst the heritage of Ninh Binh.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Tieu-diem-van-hoa/thung-ui-nang-tho-giua-long-di-san-the-gioi-ninh-binh-i796727/