Ninh Binh - Vietnam's ancient royal capital, with much of its building credited to King Le Dai Hanh of the eighth century dynasty - is now home to Emeralda Ninh Binh. The resort sits on the edge of the Van Long Nature Reserve, a primeval tropical forest. It is a leisurely placed a125-minute drive on National Highway 1 to Hanoi. The trip takes guests through a picturesque landscape of wetlands with caves and hot springs, and the towering mountains of Non Nuoc and Canh Dieu nearby.