The northern province of Ninh Binh welcomed a group of international reporters on March 1, who have been in Vietnam to cover the recently concluded summit between leaders of the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Vice Director of the provincial Tourism Department Bui Van Manh said the summit is an important event for local tourism as Ninh Binh was selected as a top destination for foreign journalists following the event.

The group, consisting of seven reporters from US, Japanese, and Portuguese news agencies, visited the Trang An Complex, which was recognised by the UNESCO as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site in 2014.

Covering an area of nearly 2,000 ha, the complex is divided into five areas, consisting of a special conservation site (the ancient capital of Hoa Lu), the main vicinity, a cave, a tourism services location, and the spiritual tourism site of Bai Dinh pagoda.

The complex is home to 47 historical relics with numerous caves inside stunning limestone karst mountain ranges. The picturesque landscape of Trang An is a harmonious combination of mountains, valleys, and a system of lakes.

Mitsuru Obe, a reporter from Japanese newspaper Nikkei, said he is impressed with the blue crystal water, limestone mountains, sparkling stalactites, and scenic temple and pagodas. 

He said the scenery puts his mind at rest and makes him want to return to Ninh Binh more, adding that he will write about the place and Vietnam more broadly to his Japanese audience back home.

Joao, a Portuguese reporter, said his first impressions were the friendliness of local people and the clean environment. 

He said the use of rowing boats around the complex is a good way to protect the water quality.–VNA