French delegates attending the 12th Vietnam-France Decentralized Co-operation Conference on April 16 visited Hoa Lu ancient capital, and Trang An Complex, the northern province of Ninh Binh. Many delegates expressed excitement during the tour.

Attendees included Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Committee of Social Affairs, President of the Vietnam-France Friendship and Co-operation Association Nguyen Thuy Anh; Senator Catherine Deroche, Chairwoman of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group in the Senate of France; Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen; and Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of External Affairs Tran Nghia Hoa, among others.

The delegation visited Trang An complex, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Photos: Bich Hoi/The Hanoi Times

Located in the northern province of Ninh Binh, 90km from Hanoi, Trang An is an ideal place to visit in one day.

This scenic spot houses wetland ecosystems, forests on limestone mountains, archaeological sites and historical relics.

French delegates excitedly take photos during the trip.

French delegates ride boats to experience the scenic Trang An Complex.

French delegates visit Dot Cave. This is the longest cave in Trang An, with about 900m. There are many stalactites shaped like clouds.

Delegates offer incense at Dinh-Le Kings Temple.

Nguyen Thuy Anh and French delegates pay tribute to the kings of Dai Viet (former Vietnam).

Catherine Deroche and other delegates offered incense at the temple of King Le Dai Hanh.

French delegates have a chance to learn more about Vietnamese history.