Overview of Kem Trong

Kem Trong is a poetic natural landscape, famous for its harmonious combination of limestone mountains and rivers, located on the border between Liem Ha commune and Gia Hung commune, Ninh Binh province. This is a unique waist, where the Day River gently flows through two limestone mountains standing opposite each other, creating a charming landscape, like a watercolor painting. The romantic, quiet beauty of Kem Trong once entered ancient poetry, was praised by famous artists, expressing peace, completely different from other crowded tourist areas in the province.

Kem Trong

Currently, Kem Trong is the ideal destination for tourists. Those who want to enjoy the pristine beauty. The main tourist activity is boating on the Day River to admire the scenery on both banks and feel the fresh air. Tourists can also choose this as a camping or picnic spot to find relaxation and fully immerse themselves in the majestic nature of the limestone mountains and rivers.

Outstanding attractions in Kem Trong

Mountains and Day River (Central area)

Day River

Mountain Strait Kem Trong is the main highlight, where two majestic limestone mountains embrace the gentle Day River. The landscape forms a narrow ravine, famous for its charming, quiet mountain and water beauty. The main activity here is boating on the river to fully admire the contrast between the limestone cliffs and the calm water surface.

Fairy Pagoda (Ngu Dong Thi Son)

Ngu Dong Thi Son

Fairy Pagoda (also known as Ngu Dong Thi Son) is a complex of caves and pagodas located in the limestone mountains neighboring Kem Trong, often combined in journeys of discovery. This place has a cave system with many unique floors and ancient Buddhist shrines. This is an ideal destination for those who love exploring caves and searching for spiritual space.

Ba Danh Pagoda

Ba Danh Pagoda

Ba Danh Pagoda is a famous ancient pagoda located in the vicinity of Kem Trong (in Ly Thuong Kiet Ward), often visited by tourists during their trip to Kem Trong. Ba Danh Pagoda has an ancient, quiet beauty, located next to the romantic Day River.

Camping and Picnic Area

Camping and Picnic Area

Due to the large space Spacious and airy, the Kem Trong area is very popular with tour groups and families for camping, picnics and weekend picnics. This is an ideal experience to immerse yourself in pristine nature.

Here are suggestions for other attractions nearby Kem Trong:

• Tam Chuc Lake: Famous national tourist area, easily connected from Kem Trong (in Tam Chuc Ward).

• Tran Temple Relic Area: Large spiritual center, located not too far from Kem Trong (Nam Dinh Ward).

• Cuc Phuong National Park: Large primeval forest, a moderate travel distance from Kem Trong, suitable for an ecological discovery journey.

• Dong Van Tourist Area: Located in the vicinity of Dong Van Ward, providing dining options and convenient services.

• Nha Xa Silk Weaving Village: Located near the Red River, in the area of Moc Hoan Commune (now part of Duy Tan Ward), is a traditional cultural and craft attraction.

• Doi Da Area (Tam Chuc Ward): A place with quiet landscape, often combined in tours to explore Tam Chuc.

Best time to travel

Kem Trong is an ideal destination for those looking for peace, but the best time to experience the charming mountain and water landscape usually falls in the spring and early summer (from March to May). At this time, the weather is warm, dry, the trees are green, very suitable for boating on the Day River and feeling the fresh air. This is the ideal time for picnicking, camping and taking photos of the beautiful limestone landscape.

From late summer to winter (June to February of the following year), Kem Trong has a quiet, quiet beauty. Especially in the rainy season, the Day River can flood, making the landscape more majestic. In winter, the weather is cold, the space is quiet, very suitable for short vacations, finding relaxation, separate from the urban noise, and admiring the ancient beauty that ancient poets once praised.

Transportation information

Kem Trong is located in the north of Ninh Binh province, near the Ba Danh Pagoda area and Tam Chuc tourist area, easily accessible by road from Hanoi.

By air

Although Ninh Binh province does not have a civil airport, tourists can reach the province via two major airports nearby:

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi Departure airports: Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Can Tho, etc. Travel time (to Kem Trong, estimated): 2 - 3 hours (after landing) After landing, visitors should take a taxi or limousine to travel along Cau Gie - Ninh Binh Highway, then turn onto National Highway 1A to reach the Kem Trong area (in Liem Ha Commune/Gia Hung Commune).

• Tho Xuan Airport (THX) – Thanh Hoa Departure airport: City. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) Travel time (to Kem Trong, estimated): 1.5 – 2 hours (after landing) Suitable for southern tourists who want to connect their journey, then travel by road via National Highway 1A to reach the northern area of the province.

Rail

To get to Kem Trong, rail vehicles are not available. must be the most optimal choice due to the need to transfer by road.

• Hanoi - Phu Ly Station/Nam Dinh Station Departure station: Hanoi Station Travel time (estimated): 1 - 1.5 hours From Phu Ly Station (Phu Ly Ward) or Nam Dinh Station (Nam Dinh Ward), visitors need to continue traveling by taxi or intra-province bus for about 30 - 45 minutes to get there. to Kem Trong area.

Passenger bus to Kem Trong

Kem Trong is located near Phu Ly and Tam Chuc areas, so tourists can use bus routes in the North of the province.

• Hanoi - Phu Ly/Tam Chuc Departure port: Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station, or Limousine offices Travel time (estimated): 1 - 1.5 hours (according to the highway) Bus companies running this route can drop passengers off at National Highway 1A area near Phu Ly Ward or Tam Chuc Ward, from there tourists can rent a taxi or local motorbike taxi to get to Kem Trong.

Moving within Ninh province Binh

To travel within the province to Kem Trong (boundary of Liem Ha Commune/Gia Hung Commune), visitors can choose:

• Taxi and Motorbike: Taxi: Local taxi companies (such as Mai Linh, SM Xanh Taxi) operate in Phu Ly Ward and Hoa Lu Ward. Motorbike rental: This is the most flexible option to get to Kem Trong.

  • Motorbike rental Phu Ly – Phu Ly Ward | Price from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day

  • Suitable for tourists who want to freely explore neighboring ecological areas.

• Boat/Boat: Means of transportation: Small boat/boat Reference fare: Negotiable with local people at the ferry wharf in Liem Ha Commune/Gia Hung Commune This is a mandatory means of transportation to visit the Kem Trong landscape on Day River.

Accommodation information

Luxury (4–5 stars)

>Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam Hotel

• Address: Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Phu Ly Ward, Ninh Binh Province – price from 1,300,000 VND/night

• Distance to Kem Trong: About 15 - 20 km

This 5-star hotel is located in the center of Phu Ly Ward. The hotel provides full 5-star services such as swimming pool, spa, and Asian-European restaurant, making it an ideal choice for travelers who prioritize luxurious services and convenient travel between northern areas of the province.

Hoa Dong Aureum Hotel Ha Nam

Hoa Dong Aureum Hotel Henan

• Address: Tran Nhan Tong Street, Phu Ly Ward, Ninh Binh Province - price from 950,000 VND/night

• Distance to Kem Trong: About 15 - 20 km

4-star hotel located in the center of Phu Ward Ly, very convenient to move to the Kem Trong area. The hotel stands out with its modern design, providing full amenities such as conference rooms and diverse restaurants. This is one of the 4-star accommodation options closest to the Kem Trong area, suitable for business and leisure travelers.

If you want more options for a luxury vacation near Kem Trong, here are some other luxury hotels worth considering:

• Meliá Vinpearl Phu Ly: Bien Hoa Street, Ward Phu Ly, Ninh Binh - Price about 1,800,000 VND/night.

• The Reed Hotel: Dinh Dien Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh - Price about 1,200,000 VND/night (about 30 km from Kem Trong).

• SOJO Hotel Nam Dinh: 1-6 Le Hong Phong Street, Nam Dinh Ward, Ninh Binh - Price about 1,000,000 VND/night.

Resort (Resort, Villa)

Tam Chuc Wellness & Resort

• Address: Tam Chuc tourist area, Tam Chuc Ward, Ninh Binh province - price from 1,800,000 VND/night

• Distance to Kem Trong: About 10 - 15 km

This is a high-class resort located within the Tam Chuc tourist area. The resort is designed in harmony with the limestone lake landscape, providing private villas, spa services and a quiet space.

Bai Dinh Garden Resort & Spa

• Address: Near Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tay Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh province - price from 1,600,000 VND/night

• Distance to Kem Trong: About 30 - 35 km

This 4-star hotel operates under the resort model, suitable for tourists who want to experience a high-end resort combining ecological and spiritual exploration (Bai Dinh Pagoda).

Other experiences (Hotels 2–3). Sao, Homestay, Co hotel)

>Song Day Hotel

• Address: Phu Ly Ward area, Ninh Binh province - price from 500,000 VND/night

• Distance to Zinc Drum: About 15 - 20 km

This 2-3 star hotel is located near Day River, in Phu Ly Ward. The hotel provides clean rooms, basic amenities, and is an economical choice for travelers who want to stay in the nearest urban area.

Motel/Homestay in Ba Danh area

• Address: Area near Ba Danh Pagoda, Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, Ninh Binh province - price from 300,000 VND/night

• Distance to Kem Trong: About 5 – 8 km

This is the closest accommodation option to Kem Trong, usually small motels and homestays run by local people. This place offers simple, clean rooms, suitable for budget travelers who want to be close to pristine nature.

Festival cuisine and culture 

Famous restaurants

Tam Chuc Restaurant 

Tam Chuc Restaurant

• Address: Located on the main road to Tam Chuc Pagoda, Tam Chuc Ward, Ninh Binh province - reference price is about 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person

This restaurant Located very close to Kem Trong (only about 10–15 km away), has modern space, large capacity, beautiful view with views of mountains and rivers. This is an ideal stop for tourists when visiting the Tam Chuc tourist complex - Ba Danh Pagoda.

Muong Thanh Restaurant 

• Address: Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Phu Ly Ward, Ninh Binh Province - reference price is about 250,000 - 500,000 VND/person

This restaurant is located in Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel, is one of the most high-end, easy-to-find and prestigious dining locations in the Phu Ly area (about 15-20km from Kem Trong). This place serves Asian - European cuisine and local specialties in a luxurious space, suitable for parties or receptions.

Local cuisine

Day River Fish: Restaurants along the Day River, Liem Ha Commune/Ly Thuong Kiet Ward area: Coming to Kem Trong, visitors should try dishes made from fresh Day River fish such as grilled fish with galangal or fish hotpot.

Cai Hoa Sticky Rice Wine Yellow: Wine distilled from yellow flower sticky rice, famous in the Northern region of the province, often used to sip with local specialties.

Cho Dong (Eel Porridge): Breakfast restaurants in Phu Ly Ward or central market area: Eel porridge (Dong porridge) is a warming specialty of this area, famous for its fresh and delicious eels. turmeric.

Cuisine discovery experience

Restaurants at Tam Chuc Tourist Area

Tam Chuc Tourist Area, Tam Chuc Ward, Ninh Binh Province: This area offers a variety of dining services from popular to high-end, serving vegetarian dishes and local specialties. Guests can enjoy a meal with a beautiful view of Tam Chuc Lake and mountains.

Mountain Goat Specialty Restaurant 

Phu Ly Ward Food Street: Prestigious mountain goat restaurants are concentrated in Phu Ly Ward (mainly dishes like Rare Goat with Lemon, Burnt Garlic Goat, and Tiet Canh De), very suitable for experiencing floating specialties. The most famous of Ninh Binh in the area near Kem Trong.

Cultural experience at Kem Trong

Ba Danh Pagoda Festival

Ba Danh Pagoda Festival

Takes place: February of the lunar calendar every year (Usually on the 12th day of the second lunar month) in Ly Thuong Kiet Ward. This is a traditional festival associated with Ba Danh Pagoda, located right next to Kem Trong. The festival includes formal traditional rituals and cultural activities and folk games.

Tran Temple Festival 

Takes place: Usually in the first lunar month. The festival commemorates Hung Dao King Tran Quoc Tuan. The festival attracts a large number of people and tourists from all over to offer incense to commemorate and pray for good luck.

Some other cultural experiences in the surrounding area:

• Visit Traditional Craft Villages: Explore famous weaving and vermicelli making villages in the Phu Ly area.

• Cheo singing, Van singing: These traditional art forms are often performed at major festivals of Ninh Binh province.

Amusement area

Phu Ly Ward Cultural Park and Square

Phu Culture and Sports Park Ly

Phu Ly Cultural and Sports Park is located in the center of Phu Ly Ward (about 15-20km from Kem Trong), is the largest urban amusement park in the neighborhood. This area has a children's playground, sports fields and seasonal flower gardens. This place is a gathering place for a large number of local people and children to play and walk in the evening. The large square is an ideal place to relax, fly a kite or enjoy the cool breeze. Ticket price: Free.

Some other suggestions within a close radius (under 15km):

• Tam Chuc Tourist Area: Walking and tram route to visit Tam Chuc Lake (Tam Chuc Ward), with large, airy square areas for relaxing.

• Day riverside route (Phu Ly): Beautifully planned route, suitable for cycling or take a relaxing walk, watching the sunset on the river.

• Ninh Binh Dinosaur Park: Located in Hoa Lu Ward (a little further, about 30km). This is a small amusement park, suitable for children and families, with recreated dinosaur models and active play areas.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Hanoi - Kem Trong - Ba Danh Pagoda 1 day tour

• Itinerary: Hanoi - Kem Trong (Boat on the Day River, sightseeing) - Have a rustic lunch in Liem Ha Commune area - Visit Ba Danh Pagoda (Ly Thuong Kiet Ward) - Return to Hanoi

• Transportation: Tourist car + boat / bamboo boat

• Reference tour price: 750,000 - 950,000 VND/person (Inclusive lunch, shuttle bus)

• Organizing unit: Local cultural and ecological tourism companies

Tour Hanoi - Tam Chuc - Kem Trong 1 day

• Itinerary: Hanoi - Tam Chuc Pagoda (visit Tam The Palace, Jade Pagoda) - Kem Trong (sightseeing, boat trip) - Return to Hanoi

• Transportation: Tourist car + electric car + boat / bamboo boat

• Reference tour price: 800,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person

• Organization unit: PYS Travel / Antamtour

Family tour family

>Kem Trong - Tam Chuc Tour 2 days 1 night vacation

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Hanoi – 4-5 star hotel Phu Ly Ward (Muong Thanh/Meliá Vinpearl) – Afternoon: Visit Kem Trong (sunset viewing, picnic) - Evening: Eat mountain goat specialties.

  • Day 2: Morning: Visit Tam Chuc Pagoda (boat ride, Jade Pagoda) – Noon: Lunch at Tam Chuc – Return to Hanoi.

• Transportation: Limousine / Self-driving family car

• Reference tour price: 2,800,000 - 4,000,000 VND/person (Cost depends on hotel class)

• Organizer: BestPrice Travel / Resort travel companies

Eco-tourism & Discovery

Kem Trong - Cuc Phuong Tour 2 days 1 night

• Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Hanoi – Kem Trong (sightseeing, boat trip on Day River) – Afternoon: Move to Cuc Phuong National Park (Cuc Commune) Phuong) – Overnight at the National Park.

  • Day 2: Morning: Trekking through the forest, visit the Ancient Cave – Noon: Lunch with forest specialties – Return to Hanoi.

• Transportation: Car + walking (trekking) + boat/ bamboo boat

• Reference tour price: 2,300,000 - 2,800,000 VND/person

• Organizer: Green Discovery / Vietravel

Shopping and Souvenirs

Kem Trong is a pristine ecological area, so souvenir shopping activities do not take place at the landscape itself but are concentrated in neighboring centers such as Phu Ly Ward and Ba Danh Pagoda area. Below are some suggestions for souvenirs and culinary specialties that tourists often buy:

Local Culinary Specialties (Often bought in Phu Ly)

• Ninh Binh Scorched Rice: This is the most popular culinary gift, often bought at large stores in Phu Ly Ward or Hoa Lu Ward. Rice is dried and crispy, often sold in large packages, easy to carry and produced by big brands such as Thanh Liem and Hoa Lu.

• Specialties from Mountain Goat: At restaurants or specialty stores in Phu Ly Ward, visitors can buy prepared products from mountain goat meat (such as dried goat meat or packaged dishes) as gifts, with unique flavors. of the limestone mountains.

• Cai Hoa Vang Sticky Rice Wine: Famous traditional wine, elaborately distilled in craft villages in Phu Ly area, often beautifully bottled for tourists to buy as gifts.

Cai Hoa Vang Sticky Rice Wine

Souvenirs and Spiritual Items

• Items at Ba Danh Pagoda: Located right near Kem Trong (Ly Thuong Kiet Ward), the gate area of Ba Danh Pagoda has kiosks selling small items with spiritual meaning such as bracelets, beads, lucky car hangings.

• Handicrafts from Luc Binh: At markets and Shops in Phu Ly Ward, visitors can find handmade products from water hyacinths such as handbags and baskets, intricately woven, reflecting traditional culture.

• Landscape pictures: Photos or prints that recreate the charming landscape and water beauty of Kem Trong and surrounding areas such as Tam Chuc.

Support information and other information

>Ninh Binh Provincial Police

• Address: Dinh Tat Mien Street, Hoa Lu Ward, Ninh Binh Province

• Emergency phone number: 113

• Phone: 0229.3871.097

Liem Ha Commune Health Station (Local medical support)

• Address: Liem Ha Commune, Ninh Binh Province (Nearby area Zinc Trong)

• Function: Providing first aid and basic medical examination and treatment services for tourists in case of emergency when exploring the Zinc Trong ecological area.

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ninh Binh province

• Address: No. 29 - Le Dai Hanh Street - Hoa Lu Ward - Ninh Binh Province

• Phone: 02293.880.470

Ninh Binh Province Market Management Department (Consumer Protection)

• Address: No. 01, Van Giang street, Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province

• Phone: 02293 873 468

Convergence of charming mountain and water beauty, tranquility and traditional cultural beauty, Zinc Trong promises to bring visitors a journey to experience exploring pristine nature, different and unforgettable.