Ninh Binh is a limestone region in the Red River Delta that was once submerged after several phases of sea transgression in the past. During the last interglacial period, around 6,000 to 5,000 years ago (the Flandrian transgression), the sea level rose to a maximum height of 6 meters, transforming the limestone mountains of Ninh Binh into a cluster of islands surrounded by large and small bays. As the sea gradually receded, the water level stabilized temporarily at different heights – 3–4 meters and 1.5–2 meters – for long enough to allow wave action to erode the mountain cliffs, forming distinctive notches at those elevations of 5–6m, 3.5–4m, and 1.5–2m.
Today, Ninh Binh stands out with its majestic limestone ranges etched against the sky in bold silhouettes and rich hues, earning it the nickname “Halong Bay on land.” The landscape is adorned with a network of mysterious caves, meandering rivers, and towering cliffs reaching up to 200 meters high – creating a vivid and captivating natural masterpiece. Beyond its dramatic scenery, Ninh Binh captures the soul with the tranquil charm of Northern Vietnam’s countryside: the grandeur of ancient temples and pagodas made graceful by their upward-sweeping curved roofs, and serene rice fields where water buffaloes leisurely graze – all merging into a poetic, deeply moving rural tableau.
Below are some of the highlighted destinations handpicked by Exotic Vietnam to be integrated into team building activities in Ninh Binh. With its distinctive natural beauty, the region not only offers a globally significant aesthetic landscape but also serves as an ideal team building playground, engaging participants of all backgrounds.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
This destination leaves a powerful impression with its chain of spectacular limestone valleys, connected by meandering rivers that wind their way through the mountains. The cave system – featuring names like Sang Cave (Bright Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Wine Brewing Cave), and Ba Giot Cave (Three Drops Cave) – each possesses its own unique beauty, shrouded in mysterious and enchanting legends. The serene and pristine atmosphere provides an ideal setting for visitors to relax and deeply connect with the harmony between humans and nature.
Especially, Trang An stands out with its architectural works built in a nostalgic style, scattered across the valleys and mountain cliffs, evoking the golden era of the country during the Ly and Tran dynasties. Notable structures include: Den Trinh Temple, Den Tran Temple, Vu Lam Palace, Suoi Tien Temple, Cao Son Temple, and more – all of which carry deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. At Trang An, visitors can choose from three flexible tour routes designed to fit their time (ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 hours) and personal preferences – from exploring nature, learning about history to fully immersing in cultural experiences.
Additionally, Trang An offers an ideal setting for team building activities such as sampan racing, decoding secret messages, and team challenges – providing meaningful bonding experiences amidst a romantic and tranquil natural backdrop.
Tam Coc Landscape
Tam Coc first made its mark on the international tourism map in 1992 when it served as a filming location for Indochine, a movie by French director Régis Wargnier. The film captured the serene and mysterious beauty of Tam Coc, along with other stunning Vietnamese landscapes, contributing to its win of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1993. This resounding success left a lasting impression and sparked the first wave of French travelers drawn to explore this enchanting land.
To explore Tam Coc, visitors will travel by sampan along the winding Ngo Dong River, passing through limestone cliffs, water caves, and rice fields swaying at the foot of the mountains. Each season brings a different color, leaving visitors in awe. From May to June, this is the most beautiful season of the year when the rice fields along the river turn a brilliant golden hue. The shimmering yellow of the rice blends with the emerald water, surrounded by towering limestone mountains, creating a scene that is both poetic and majestic. In June and July, Tam Coc becomes captivating in its own way as the lotus ponds begin to bloom. Delicate pink lotus flowers gently open in the early morning sun, releasing a refreshing fragrance, adding beauty to the ethereal atmosphere in this earthly paradise.
Tam Coc is an ideal destination for those who love peaceful landscapes, seeking to return to listen to the breath of the countryside. Tam Coc is also perfect for organizing team building activities, allowing participants to experience, connect, and spread inspiration in this poetic natural setting.
Van Long Nature Reserve
With an area of over 3,500 hectares, Van Long is one of the most ecologically significant wetland areas in the Red River Delta. It serves as the “home” for 457 species of higher plants and 39 species of animals, including the white-legged langur – an endangered primate species on the brink of extinction.
Visitors can drift along on traditional bamboo boats, meticulously handwoven from sturdy, mature bamboo. At first glance, these boats seem as fragile as a leaf floating on water, yet they glide with remarkable steadiness through a tranquil and poetic landscape. The journey carries travelers past lush reeds, vast wetlands, and towering limestone mountains. The water is so calm and crystal-clear that it reveals soft layers of moss and aquatic plants beneath the surface. Reflected on this mirror-like water are dramatic limestone formations with evocative shapes and names, such as Scratch Cat Mountain, Sticky Rice Tray Mountain, and Book Box Mountain, etc. – each contributing to a pristine, deeply poetic tableau of nature.
At Van Long, visitors can participate in eco-tourism activities, explore the natural cave systems, or take part in programs that focus on biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the oldest nature reserve in Vietnam. Covering an area of 22,408 hectares, the park is located on the limestone mountain range at the edge of the Red River Delta, where peaks rise as high as 636 meters.
The vegetation here is characterized by limestone forest ecosystems, which form distinct multi-layered canopies – up to five layers, with the emergent layer reaching over 40 meters in height. The plant life is extremely diverse, with 2,234 species, including ancient trees such as Chò chỉ (Dipterocarpus alatus), Đăng (Hopea odorata), Vù hương (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and Chò xanh (Parashorea chinensis), which are thousands of years old and range from 50 to 70 meters tall. Cuc Phuong hosts a rich ecosystem, including 97 species of mammals, 313 species of birds, 76 species of reptiles, 46 species of amphibians, 11 species of fish, and thousands of insect species- many of which are rare and listed in Vietnam’s Red Book. In addition to its ecological value, Cuc Phuong is also an archaeological treasure trove, with many prehistoric relics discovered in caves, including graves, stone axes, stone arrowheads, shell knives, grinding tools, and more. These artifacts date back between 7,000 to 12,000 years, proving the early presence of humans in this region.
When visiting Cuc Phuong, tourists have the opportunity to participate in trekking expeditions through the forest, explore endemic plant and animal species in the tropical rainforest, and take part in meaningful ecological conservation programs
Exotic Vietnam – A Professional Partner in Organizing Team Building
Recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage site for both its natural and cultural significance, Ninh Binh is ideal for activities that explore nature, team challenges such as light trekking, nature photography, or ecological conservation activities combined with CSR initiatives. The diverse natural landscapes, ranging from mountains and forests to rivers and peaceful countryside, provide the perfect setting for outdoor team building programs. Whether it’s physical activities, intellectual challenges, or scenic exploration, Ninh Binh can offer flexible and safe options, helping to foster team spirit and spread positive energy among all participants.
With over 10 years of experience organizing team building events across Vietnam, Exotic Vietnam understands that a successful program is not just about an engaging script or exciting games; it’s more importantly about providing a profound experience – where emotions are stirred, understanding is nurtured, and team unity is strengthened. From outdoor physical activities and creative challenges to heritage and nature explorations, each program is tailor-made to align with the culture and objectives of each company.
As a pioneer in integrating culture, environment, and community into team building products, Exotic Vietnam is committed to supporting businesses on their path to sustainable development. Ninh Bình – with its unique values and breathtaking landscapes – is the perfect choice for an inspiring, profound, and memorable team building program.
