The highlight of the itinerary was a visit to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO-inscribed World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Here, the delegates admired the majestic limestone mountain system, rivers winding through clear, green valleys, fascinating natural caves and a distinctive landscape. The harmonious combination of nature with cultural and historical values gives Trang An its unique appeal, making it one of Vietnam’s leading destinations on the international tourism map.

During the heritage journey, the delegation visited Kinh Thien Palace in the Thung Ui Cultural Tourism Area, a destination rich in historical and cultural significance that helped delegates gain a deeper understanding of the origins of the Vietnamese people. From traces of prehistoric humans some 30,000 years ago, to the cultural life of the Muong and ancient Viet communities, the journey unfolds a continuous picture across historical periods, tied to the formation of communities, the founding of the nation and the building of Vietnamese civilization. The history recreated in this heritage space not only evokes pride in national traditions but also helps international delegates better appreciate the enduring vitality of Vietnamese culture, from the dawn of nationhood to the spirit and aspirations of Vietnamese people today.

Besides visiting historical sites, the program offered the delegation distinctive cultural experiences, including a performance of royal court music (Nha nhac) and a tour of the Hoa Lu Ancient Town. The traditional melodies and architectural setting, deeply imprinted with Vietnamese culture, introduced international friends to the depth of Vietnam’s heritage, its cultural life and the beauty of everyday Vietnamese living. Hoa Lu Ancient Town, with its space recreating features of traditional culture, its experiential activities and its local products, was also an appealing stop on the journey of discovering Ninh Binh.

Through this tour, Ninh Binh Province hopes to introduce its tourism potential and strengths, as well as its outstanding natural, cultural and historical values, to the international community more widely. It is also an opportunity to promote the image of the land and people of Ninh Binh as friendly, hospitable, rich in historical tradition and home to many heritage sites of outstanding value.

Hosting the international delegation as part of the workshop “Supreme Audit Institutions in the New Context: Vision, Institutions and Innovation” not only enriches the workshop’s side-event program but also opens opportunities to strengthen exchange, build connections and promote international cooperation. In this way, Ninh Binh’s tourism image continues to spread to friends around the world, enhancing the destination’s standing and appeal and driving sustainable tourism development that links the conservation and promotion of heritage values with the local socio-economic development.