trang an travel ninh binh

Trang An Complex

VISITING TRANG AN VIETNAM & ADMIRING THE SPECTACULAR SCENERY

Visiting Trang An Vietnam - a Landscape Complex recognized as a World Culture and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 2014, you have the chance to experience numerous activities as well as admire spectacular scenery. Jumping on a rowing boat, snaking through the incredible emerald submerged water and interconnected waterways, immersing yourself in the stunning evergreen forest and limestone mass are the most amazing things to do here.

I - How to get to Trang An from Hanoi?

1 - traveling by limousine , 2 - traveling by motorbike , ii - what is expected to see in trang an boat tours , 1 - trang an boat tour route 1, 2 - route 2, 3 - trang an boat tour route 3, 4 - kayak route, iii - tips for traveling in trang an vietnam , 1 - when is the best time to visit trang an ninh binh , 2 - ninh binh trang an accommodation, 3 - top trang an restaurants & food, 4 - where to visit near trang an in ninh binh , 5 - trang an map.

Trang An Vietnam is part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is one of the must-visit destinations in Ninh Binh City, featuring a splendid array of beautiful places such as Khong Cace, Trinh Pagoda, Vu Lam Palace, Suoi Tien Temple,...

This tourist spot is located in Ninh Binh Province - about 90km from Hanoi and 7km from Ninh Binh City. From Hanoi, you can easily get here by limousine and by motorbike.

Traveling by limousine - Source: Limousinevn

Travel time is about 2 - 2.5 hours. You can refer to the following limousine companies

Trang An Limousine

- Address: No.131 Pho Vong Street, Dong Tam Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Pick-up point and drop-off point: depend on guest’s requirement

- Price: 150,000 VND/ ticket ($6.6)

- Contact: 1900 0336

- Website: https://xetrangan.vn

Ninh Binh Limousine to Trang An from Hanoi

- Address: No.32 Bat Su Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

- Pick-up and drop-off point: depend on guest’s requirement

- Price: 150,000 VND / ticket ($6.6)

- Contact: 0839 292 688

- Website: https://ninhbinhcar.com

Khanh An Limousine

- Pick-up point: Central circus - No.67-69 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Drop-off point: Trang An boat wharf

- Price: 135,000 VND / ticket ($6)

- Contact: 1900 8629

- Website: https://booking.khanhanlimousine.com

Traveling by motorbike is extremely interesting - Source: Tigitmotorbikes

You can follow the route along Highway 1A within the distance of 120km to reach Ninh Binh City . It is quite easy to follow this way to get to Trang An Ninh Binh in about 2 driving hours (The detailed itinerary is available on Google map). You can park the motorbike in a parking lot opposite the boat wharf. After that, you should stroll around the area for 5 to 10 minutes to sightsee the surrounding scenery.

The beauty of nature - Source: Cozyvietnamtravel

The best way to discover this spot is by boat (follow one out of three fixed routes below) or by kayak (follow one out of two fixed routes).

Good to know:

- Fee (include entrance fee + boat ticket & exclude kayak boat fee): 250,000 VND / adult ($11) and 120,000 VND / child ($6)

- Private boat ticket: 1,250,000 VND / boat (a boat can carry 4-5 people)

- Trang An boat tour opening hours: 7am - 5pm

- The cost of three routes is the same, visitors can pick up one in three, then inform the desired route to the boatman/ boatwoman so that he/ she will follow that route.

- The boat starts rowing only when there are enough people in the boat (4-5 people). Otherwise, you can pay extra money for the boatman/ boatwoman to start the journey or find one more group to fit the boat capacity.

- Each Trang An boat trip features different stopovers, of which there are onshore ones that you can decide to pay a visit to or not. The site where you are dropped off to go onshore may not be the same as the one you are picked up to continue the trip; therefore, remember to ask the boatman/ boatwoman about the place and time you will get into the boat.

Length: 3.5 hours' rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 9 caves (Dark Cave, Bright Cave, Moonshine Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Cave, Tran Cave, and Quy Hau Cave) and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Khong Temple, and Bao Hieu Pagoda)

This Trang An best route is recommended for those who love exploring, discovering Vietnamese Dynasties’ histories and backbone trouble-free. However, be aware, some of the caves may be submerged during rainy days and can not be approached.

Dark Cave, Light Cave, Seo Cave, and Ba Got Cave

Dark Cave is about 320m long, making it the longest cave in route 1 with winding shape, cool fresh air, and almost no light inside the cave, which creates the mysterious vibe for the cave. Light Cave is a small one in Trang An Vietnam with a length of about 100m with layers of magnificent iridescent stalactites, many of which are up to 12m high, making the cave just like a glowing palace.

Four caves Seo Cave, Ba Got Cave, Bright Cave, and Dark Cave symbolize four seasons, four directions to the East, West, South, and North, which makes a harmonious combination between nature and the universe.

About 70m long, Khong Cave in Trang An Ninh Binh used to be the military warehouse and weaponry workshop during the French and American war in Vietnam. In Khong Cave, Khong Palace lies on a narrow land and leaning on the mouth of Khong Cave with the steep rocks on the right-hand side of the palace and opposite the vast water. Khong Palace was built to pay a tribute to the seven loyal mandarins under the reign of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang.

Trinh Pagoda

This Trang An pagoda located at the foot of the mountain in the ideal position “lean against the mountain and face the water” is now more than 100 years old. The pagoda was constructed to worship four great generals in the Dinh Dynasty. Here is also a “historic witness” in the conflict between the Dinh dynasty and Le Dynasty.

Length: 2.5 hours' rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 4 caves of Trang An grottoes (Lam Cave, Vang Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave, Dai Cave), 3 temples (Thanh Cao Son Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple). This is a popular route chosen for its reasonable timing, recommended for the elderly and the family with kids.

Suoi Tien Temple

Every year on March 18th, a traditional festival is held in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and in Suoi Tien Temple as well with a variety of special activities imbued with cultural and historical features of Vietnam.

Thanh Truot Cave

Thanh Truot Cave is considered as one of the most beautiful caves in this route with a length of about 300m, featuring unique shaped stalactites such as petals, elephant’s leg, etc. which are very eye-catching.

Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple

Hanh Cung Vu Lam was a military base under the Tran Dynasty in the war with the Mongol invaders in the 13th century.

Length: 3 hour’s rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 3 caves (Dot Cave, Dia Linh Cave, and May Cave), and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple). This is a combination of routes 1 and 2, it is a lovely choice for cave lovers and cultural learning.

Dot Cave

With a length of more than 1000 meters, Dot Cave is one of the most stunning and longest caves in Trang An Vietnam, featuring the special characteristics inside the cave with a myriad of extremely mesmerizing stalactites, which are bright and iridescent in the reflection of the flashlight.

Trinh Temple

Trinh Temple located at the foot of the mountain in the ideal position “lean against the mountain and face the water” is now more than 100 years old and has been restored and repaired numerous times. The temple is quite spacious and gorgeous in a nail shape and its gate is decorated with two kneeling elephant statues on both sides. In front of the temple are two large stone carps representing a happy and tranquil life.

If you want to explore Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam by kayak, there are two fixed routes for you to consider:

Route 1

Trang An boat wharf - Trinh Temple - Tam Quan Gate - the mouth of Hang Toi (Dark Cave) - the mouth of Quy Hau Cave - Jade Mountain)

Round trip distance: 8km

Activities: check-in surrounding scenery when being in the boat and take photos under the Indian Almond tree (Terminalia catappa) near Tam Quan Gate and visit Trinh Temple.

Trang An boat wharf - Kong Island - Thuy Dinh - Vu Lam Palace

Round trip distance: 5km

Activities: check-in surrounding scenery when being in the boat, Thuy Dinh, discover the history of Vu Lam Palace, etc.

Note: You can buy a ticket for kayaking with the range of price below:

- Option 1: 250,000 VND/ single kayak/ 2 hours ($11)

- Option 2: 300,000 VND/ single kayak/ 3 hours ($13)

- Option 3: 350,000 VND/ double kayak/ 2 hours ($15)

- Option 4: 400,000 VND/ double kayak/ 3 hours ($17)

The greenery of the complex - Source: Rowan Heuvel

The best times to come here are in Spring from lunar January to March when Ninh Binh weather is cool and fresh with light wind and there are numerous festivals welcoming a New Year , and in summer from April to June when lotuses are in full bloom and you have a chance to explore the beautiful golden paddy fields.

Trang An River View Homestay

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 2.8 km from the complex

- Contact: 098 546 96 08

- Price: 180,000 VND/ night/ room ($8)

- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/thugiang266

Trang An Central Homestay

- Address: Ninh Hoa Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 2.6 km from the complex

- Contact: 096 873 94 42

- Price: 250,000 VND/ night/ room ($11)

- Website: https://trangancentralhomestay.vn

Trang An Retreat

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 1.8 km from the complex

- Contact: 084 898 743 863

- Price: 798,000 VND/ room/ night ($35)

- Website: https://tranganretreat.com

You may n eed: Top-rated hotels in Ninh Binh

Besides the fascinating landscape, Ninh Binh is distinguished by its specialties. Mountain Goat Meat and Scorched rice are typical dishes popularly remembered by travelers.

Goat meat marinated in lemon juice

Serving in different dishes like smoky-grilled, stir-fried, and hotpot, Lemon Juice marinated goat meat is the most popular selection since its tender and juicy flavors.

Scorched rice

Visiting the Trang An Complex, you should not miss the scorched rice. The crunchy rice is slightly burned rice at the bottom of the cooking pot. Subsequent by several skillful cooking steps with confidential ingredients and recipes, make it a yellow and crispy snack. Topped with pork floss served with a bowl of delicate mushroom soup.

Mountain Goat Meat and Scorched rice are served at any restaurant in the location.

Below are the list of top restaurants near Trang An Vietnam

Trang An Riverside Garden Restaurant

- Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 1.6km from the complex

- Opening hours: 9am - 8pm

- Price: 100,000 -500,000 VND ($4.4 - 22)

- Contact: 0377 469 882

Goat meat restaurant Chinh Thu

- Address: Khe Thuong Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 1.8km from Trang An Ninh Binh

- Opening hours: 7:30am - 10pm

- Price: 50,000 - 500,000 VND ($2.2 - 22)

- Contact: 094 842 68 82

Monalisa Bar & Restaurant

- Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 2.1km from the complex

- Opening hours: 10am - 11pm

- Price: 50,000 - 450,000 VND ($2.2 - 20)

- Contact: 097 663 68 16

Source: Minh Tran

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Strategically established for the defending purpose, surrounded by hundred steep and vertical massifs of the cliff, Hoa Lu was the capital of two sequential dynasties of Dinh and Le in the 10th and 11th centuries. The two adjacent temples were erected to honor the kings, royal lines, and followers of the two dynasties.

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District - 4.5 km away from Trang An boat wharf.

- Entrance fee: 20,000 VND ($1.9) / person

Mua Cave (Dancing Cave)

Challenge yourself with steep 500 steps, reaching to the top of the Mua mountains. The attraction recognized for its peak offers extraordinary panoramic views of the breathtaking Tam Coc valley, permeating by Ngo Dong river through rich limestone karsts and yellow-green paddy fields than the Mua Cave .

- Address: Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, 4.6 km away from Trang An Vietnam boat wharf.

- Entrance fee: 100,000 VND / person ($4.5)

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh pagoda - Source: Nguyen Dung

Boosting the largest religious complex in Southeast Asia, the Bai Dinh pagoda complex comprised an ancient pagoda and a newly built giant splendid pagoda. Whilst the ancient one is privileged to Buddhist worship, the newly built for tourists.

- Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

- Entrance fee: free entry, electric cars rental fee 30,000 VND ($1.3)/ person/ way.

Overall, Trang An Vietnam is a worth - visit scenic beauty spot in Vietnam, which attracts any visitor by its spectacular view with towering limestone karsts, tropical plants, emerald fields, and a myriad of glorious and stunning caves accompanied by historical temples.

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6 Best Things to Do in Trang An - Ninh Binh Complete Travel Guide

Trang An - the famous historical symbol of Ninh Binh - is a scenic landscape complex of limestone mountains, caves, and lagoons located 100km from Hanoi, and 8km from Ninh Binh City center.

Trang An Ninh Binh - The Heritage of Ha Long Bay on land

Trang An eco-tourism area is an area located in the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province and has been ranked by the Vietnamese Government as a national heritage of particular importance and recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 2014.

The heritage site includes the scenic area of Trang An, Tam Coc-Bich Dong, Hoa Lu ancient capital, and Hoa Lu special-use forest. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu is located in the North; Tam Coc-Bich Dong is located in the south and Trang An is located in the center.

Best Things to Do in Trang An

1. sailing in the sea of rice.

Taking a boat trip on the Sao Khe River is a must-do in Ninh Binh because it is probably the only way to explore your Trang An tour to the fullest.

You will sit, which is recommended, on a boat gently moving across the endless fields of green (or yellow if you arrive at the ripe season) rice on both sides. And if you pay attention a little bit, you might also smell a mild fragrance in the air and that sound of peace blowing through the ear.

For a second, you might not want that scene to end but don’t worry, the boat trip lasts for around 3-4 hours so right after feasting your eyes on the beauty of the rice fields, you will have to go through a never-ending cave system.

2. Exploring the caves of Trang An

Trang An has up to 31 lakes and lagoons connected by 48 caves that have been discovered, including 2 km long cross-water caves. Each cave has a unique name originating from different legends of the past.

The most famous of them are the Dark and Light Caves, the Wine-Making Cave, Rice Cave, Sinh Cave, Si Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and the Boi Cave - where people found the vestiges of prehistoric people about ten thousand years ago.

3. Trekking to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain

Ngoa Long Mountain is about 500m above sea level and is the most popular trekking site in the Trang An, Ninh Binh.

From the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy fully the panoramic view of Trang An and Ninh Binh.

4. Visiting historical temples

As the place that witnessed the beginning and the end of two Vietnamese feudal dynasties, Trang An area still retains many historical temples and unique constructions of the past such as Dinh Tien Hoang Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda, Trinh Temple, etc.

Here, visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region of Trang An and Ninh Binh altogether.

5. Enjoying Ninh Binh cuisine

As one of the famous tourist attractions in Ninh Binh , Trang An is also a gathering place for the most delicious dishes of Ninh Binh .

Specialties such as scorched rice, grilled chopped fish, grilled spring rolls, goat meat, etc. can all be found here in restaurants around the Trang An Landscape Complex.

6. Visiting other attractions near Trang An

trang an ninh binh hoa lư ancient capital

Another plus point for Trang An is that it is located near all of Ninh Binh’s must-visits. Hence, you can drop by places such as Tam Coc-Bich Dong , Mua Cave , Hoa Lu ancient capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda , Kong Island, etc., in no time.

The best time to visit Trang An

Fortunately, visitors can come to Trang An Ninh Binh anytime they want:

>> Read more: Best time to visit Ninh Binh

In spring: visitors can participate in special festivals such as the Trang An Festival (early May); and the Co Lau Festival (April-May).

In the summer: this place is enchanting with golden rice fields or fragrant lotus ponds.

In autumn: the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.

In winter: you will see Trang An covered in the mist like a fairyland

>> Book Full Day Enchanting Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Boat Tour

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Trang An boat tour guide & 4 highlights you should not miss

Trang An is known as Halong Bay on land. The spectacular landscape is dominated by towering limestone mountains covered with tropical plants, rivers and hidden temples and pagodas. Trang An is the only place in Vietnam which is both a natural and cultural UNESCO heritage site. The best way to see it’s full glory it to take a Trang An boat tour. With only 100 km from Hanoi you have the choice to visit this place as a day trip or stay among the beautiful rice fields.

What to see in Trang An

Trang an boat tour, other sights around trang an, how to get there, best travel time, accommodation in trang an, recommended tours to trang an.

Trang An has one of the most beautiful and impressive karst mountains in the world. The entire landscape is composed of pointed limestone mountains covered with flowering jungles and rice fields in the valleys between them. The rivers are all interconnected and some extend over a kilometer, making boat trips the perfect way to explore the landscape. Besides from the amazing scenery, there are countless of beautiful natural caves.

The various historical temples and pagodas in Trang makes it also a religious and spiritual place. You can find these ancient religious buildings hidden in the mountains and jungle, often only reaches by boat or climbing, making this place even more mystical.

“Halong Bay on land”

Trang An is also called the “Halong on land”, but there are major differences. Trang An offers a lot more cultural and historical background. You don’t find any luxury cruise ships sailing through the landscape, but only the small rowing sampan boats fit in the narrow rivers. But taking a rowing boat and going gently over the small rivers between towering karst mountains and jungle fits perfect in the magical scenery.

Kong Skull Island movie location

In 2017, Trang An was one of the most important film locations of the blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island”. A couple of months later after the movie, the local tourist board opened a small part of the movie set of “ Kong: Skull Island ” to visit. In particular, a reconstructed jungle tribe village in the film one, with locals dressing up as the aborigines in the film.

To see the impressive landscape of Trang An you have to take a boat trip. With a rowing boat you go over the river, past the towering limestone mountains, through caves and you can visit a number of temples. There are currently three boat routes in Trang An, one of which you must choose (all the same price). In all three boat routes you will see the beautiful landscape, but there are a few small differences:

Route 1 was the first boat trip and during this tour you visit most caves, 9 in total. You also go to 3 temples and pagodas.

Route 2 is new and now also the most popular, because it has a good mix of caves and other sights. During this Trang An boat trip you will visit three caves, two temples and King Kong village; a part from the Kong Skull Island film set.

In route 3 you also visit 3 caves, 1 of which with 1 km is also the longest in Trang An. You also visit 2 temples and the film set in King Kong Village.

Which should I choose?

In route 2 and 3 you go to King Kong Village from the latest Kong movie. Route 1 is nowadays the most peaceful route, but has many caves. Route 2 is the best mix of sights, but it is also the busiest.

Trang An bout tour prices and opening hours

Location : Ecotourism Trang An Boat Tour ( Google Maps ) Price : Tickets can be purchased at the counter in the Trang An Ecological Park parking lot. As soon as you arrive, you will see the tourist center.

Adults : 200,000 vnd
Children under 1 meter : 100,000 vnd

Opening hours : 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Duration : 2.5 – 3 hours

If you plan to do a Trang An Tour in the middle of the day, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
Bring water and snacks as this boat trip takes approximately 3 hours.
Every boat has an extra paddle. If you want, you can use them for rowing.

Trang An highlights

1. trang an boat tour.

As mentioned, the Trang An boat tour is the highlight of a trip to this area. Enjoy a traditional rowing boat ride over the stunning stream, between impressive karts mountains.

2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Just 4 km from where the boats leave for the Trang An boat tour, you find Hoa Lu , the ancient capital of Vietnam. The original citadel may no longer exist, but the remaining tenth-century buildings and the beautiful surroundings of Hoa Lu are well worth a visit.

3. Cycling through Trang An’s countryside

The countryside of Trang An is impressive, with extensive rice fields, where you can see buffalos and their owners at work. Steep mountains covered with jungle and some hidden goats jumping from rock to rock. The roads between these mountains and rice fields are flat with little traffic, which makes it ideal for cycling. Cycling in Ninh Binh is extremely popular and most hotels and homestays offer free bicycles to borrow. You can also choose to rent a scooter.

4. Staying overnight

The countryside of Ninh Binh is one of the main highlights for travelers to visit this area. What better place is there to stay then right in this area. The Trang An area has some stunning accommodation, often hidden behind the cliffs and mountains. Expect scenic views from your stay over the countryside or a wetland area. In addition, staying in this area also means staying close to the main things to do in Ninh Binh , so it is easy to reach the main attractions by bicycle or scooter.

Apart from all the temples and the boat trip, there are no other sights in Trang An itself. About 7 km from Trang An is Tam Coc , here you will find another popular boat trip and Mua Cave , the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh.

Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex is 12 km from Trang An and is called Bai Dinh Pagoda . It consists of various temples and more than 500 images of Buddha. The complex is huge but not very old; built in 2003.

There are many tour operators who offer a 1-day or 2-day tour from Ninh Binh or Hanoi. If you choose a day tour to Trang An, transport is included. This usually means that you will be picked up by a tour operator and brought in a shuttle bus or private car.

You can also travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, Hue and Phong Nha, among others. Ninh Binh has a train station that connects it to the north and south. Many buses also stop here. Because it is only a 1.5 hour drive from Hanoi you can also hire a minibus or private car at a reasonable price.

From Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc

If you are in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, Trang An is best reached by bike, motorcycle or taxi. You can rent a motorbike or scooter for 150,000 VND per day. A taxi costs around 15,000 VND / km. The best thing is by bike, because the roads between Tam Coc, Ninh Binh and Trang An are quiet and you can cycle between beautiful rice fields.

You can visit Trang An all year round. In contrast to Tam Coc, you have fewer rice fields in Trang An, which means that it is not much nicer in Trang An during the correct rice season. You do have to deal with the rainy season and the drying season. The best weather is in the months from November to April. It can be cold in December and January in particular.

Trang An offers many accommodation options, with hotels, resorts, homestays, hostels and bungalows. The advantage of staying at Tam Coc or Trang An is that you are right in the vicinity of the popular sights, boat tours and located in a beautiful area. You can visit most sights from here by bike. Some recommended accommodations in Trang An are:

Lotus Field Homestay
Trang An Farm Stay
Hoalu Eco Homestay Ninh Binh
Trang An Retreat
Trang An Nature House

Are you excited to do the Trang An boat tour, Hoa Lu or just to visit this stunning region? Check our tours to Ninh Binh and Trang An. You can also combine a visit to Ninh Binh with Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park .

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Ninh Binh trip: Bai Dinh pagoda, Trang An boat trip & biking day tour from Hanoi

Explore the largest pagoda temple complex in Vietnam
Enjoy a bout trip through the grottoes of Trang An by traditional sampan
Cycle along the rivers on rural roads

Ninh Binh 2 day discovery: Trang An, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu & pagoda’s

Enjoy a breathtaking boat trip through Trang An
Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh: Mua Cave
Learn more about the history of Vietnam at Hoa Lu
Explore the biggest Buddhist complex is Southeast Asia

Ninh Binh 2 day exploration: Trang An, Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong national park & pagoda’s

Make a trekking through in Cuc Phuong National park
Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh
Make a boat trip through the impressive mountains of Trang An
Stay in a nice bungalow with cooking class and dinner
Destination: Ninh Binh
By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
September 23, 2019
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Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Complex is a mysterious natural and cultural area, not affected by human activities. There are the pristine forests, the clear lakes, rivers and streams, the fresh air, the quiet villages and only sound and colors of nature. Visitors to Trang An will experience the feeling of going back in time to the golden beauty of Vietnam history, immersing themselves in traditional spiritual culture, or floating on small boats that are popular with locals, contemplating strange rocks and caves, enjoying a pure atmosphere, experiencing each level of emotions and exploring the distant roots of human life.

After a few days in Hanoi, here is the chance for tourists to explore a famous destination which is not far from Hanoi: Trang An Complex – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province.

Table of Contents

1.1 Bai Dinh Pagoda

1.2 hoa lu ancient capital, 1.3 trang an – tam coc – bich dong scenic areas, 2. when to visit, 3.1 by private car, 3.3 by train, 3.4 by motorbike, 4. things to do in trang an, 5. tour options, 1. what to visit.

Trang An scenic spot is about 90 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. It is a mixture of nature and culture, divided to three areas: Bai Dinh pagoda, Hoa Lu ancient capital and Trang an – Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic areas, they are linked together by Hoa Lu special-use primary forest on limestone mountain and system of rivers, lakes and swamps.

Bai Dinh Pagoda must be familiar to many people because there is a series of famous records such as: the pagoda with the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, the pagoda with the largest gold-plated Buddha statue in Asia, the pagoda with the largest bronze Maitreya Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Besides pagodas, there are caves and the largest well in Vietnam (Ngoc Well).

Opening hours: 7 a.m – 6 p.m every day. Entrance fee: Electric car: 30,000VND (~US $1.3) /person; Ticket to visit the Stupa: 50,000 VND (~US $2.2)/person.

If you are passionate on Vietnamese culture and history, you definitely cannot miss Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. You will admire and hear the historical stories through dynasties. Opening hours: 7 a.m – 4 p.m every day. Entrance fee: 20,000 VND (~US $0.9) /person.

Certainly, when travelling to Ninh Binh, it is impossible to ignore the UNESCO natural and cultural World Heritage Site: Trang An. You will have a chance to admire the completely natural limestone caves, sit on a boat to watch the wild beauty of mountains. Entrance fee: 250,000VND (~US $11.5)/person.

Tam Coc means “three caves”. There are three magnificent caves created by the Ngo Dong river flowing through the mountain: Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi. Besides, you can admire the “Emerald Grotto” (Bich Dong). In front of the cave is Ngo Dong river winding on the side of the mountain. Bich Dong Pagoda is just 3 kilometers far from Tam Coc boat pier, so you can walk to this pagoda or hire a bicycle to get near this pagoda from Tam Coc. The pagoda has a view to a valley of beautiful rice fields which is ripe in May and June creating picturesque view and attracting many tourists. Entrance fee: 120,000 VND (~US $5.5) /person; Boat fee: 150,000 (~US $6.4) VND/boat.

Note : Trang An Complex is a spiritual tourist destination, you must avoid wearing skirts, short and leggings when visiting this area. Moreover, wearing running shoes and sneakers instead of high heels as you will walk and climb a lot.

For photographers who look for gorgeous picture should visit in the second week of June when rice fields turn to gold color and ready for harvest. It is super hot at this time of the year but it is worth to visit.

3. How to reach the destination?

The route to Trang An (Ninh Binh) is very modern because of national highways 1A, 10, 12A, 12B and even a part of north-south railway. Therefore, the transportation is quite easy, visitors can come to Ninh Binh by many different means such as buses, motorbikes, trains or private cars.

private car is the best way to reach Trang An

The most comfortable and convenient means of transportation for you is by private car. We are always available for pick up and drop off service from your hotel in Hanoi by private car being suitable with the number of people in your group, together with arrange your trip to Trang An or surrounding area. It will dispel your worries about having to drive yourself, about the road map, as well as having a completely private space on the car without sharing with strangers.

Similar to travelling by bus, travelling by train also cost more and be time-consuming as you have to follow the train schedule and take a taxi to transfer from the train station to the destination. The railway from Hanoi station to Ninh Binh station is 115km. There are three trains including SE5, SE7, and SE19 (north-south railway). The train departs daily and takes about 2-3 hours (From Hanoi to Ninh Binh or vice versa). Ticket price ranges from 80,000 VND (~ US $3.4)/person to nearly 200,000 VND (~ US $8.6)/person depending on seat class.

If you are a backpacker and want to experience in an adventurous way, hiring a motorbike and drive yourself will suit you most and bring you exciting experience on the way to Ninh Binh.

Besides taking a boat trip to visit Trang An Complex, you can try these interesting activities below: – Biking through the local villages and spectacular karst mountains towering over a blanket of rice paddies to the ancient city of Hoa Lu. – Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park .

It is your choice to do a day trip to Trang An from Hanoi during your travel time in Hanoi. With a day trip, you will have a chance to explore another destination without having to worry about carrying lots of heavy luggage or finding accommodation. For your reference, there are some natural attractions surrounding Trang An Complex that you can choose to combine with your trip to Trang An: Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong National Park, Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary. Please contact your travel consultant to customize your trip to Trang An Complex.

Kayaking in Trang An

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Tam Coc – Bich Dong: A Quick Guide

Bich Dong Pagoda

Things to do in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Day Trip From Hanoi

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Travelling to Trang An – Ninh Binh for the First Time (Tips & Tricks)

Trang An Scenic Area covers an area of over 6,000 hectares and belongs to many communes and wards of Hoa Lu District, Gia Vien District, and Ninh Binh City. This is a place where visitors can enjoy the natural picture, indulge in people’s hearts, and have moments of tranquility and relaxation in a unique cultural and spiritual space. Considered a terrestrial Ha Long Bay , Trang An tourism attracts tourists through its diverse system of limestone mountains and natural caves. Here, you will be surprised by the system of nearly 50 trans-water caves connecting 31 flooded valleys like a strange and unpredictable map. What makes the attraction in the caves is the natural stalactite system with cool water flowing along the deep paths on the cave wall, forming winding currents.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Trang An – Ninh Binh

Trang An is an ecotourism area located in the W orld Heritage Site of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province . This place has been ranked by the Vietnamese Government as a special important national monument and recognized by UNESCO as a dual world heritage since 2014. Trang An with a system of limestone mountains with a geological age of about 250 million years, Over a long period of weathering by changes in the earth, climate, sea progress, and degraded sea, hundreds of valleys, caves, lakes, and lakes have been present.

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This scenic spot is a place that preserves and contains many wetland forest ecosystems, karst forests, archaeological sites, and historical and cultural sites. The system of rocky mountains, rivers, streams, forests, and caves in Trang An is very dangerous, so King Dinh Tien Hoang chose to become the South to protect Hoa Lu’s capital in the 10th century and later used it as Vu Lam palace, during the Nguyen Mong resistance. Currently, there are many historical relics of the Dinh and Tran dynasties.

Where is it?

The complex of Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Hoa Lu ancient capital – Hoa Lu special-use forest is now being generally planned into the Trang An scenic complex, becoming the first dual world heritage in Vietnam with outstanding value in the natural landscape, cultural history, and geological formations and is also a place invested to become a world-class tourist area.

The center of Trang An boat wharf is located 3 km south of Hoa Lu, 7 km west of Ninh Binh city, along Trang An Avenue, 16 km from Tam Diep city in the north through Tam Coc, away from Ha. Inner 96 km to the south. The Trang An – Tam Coc heritage core zone has an area of more than 6,172 hectares, and is a specially protected area of the scenic beauty spot. This special protection zone is located entirely in Hoa Lu’s special-use forest, belongs to Hoa Lu’s ancient capital conservation plan, and also belongs to the master plan of Trang An world heritage complex with an area of 12,252 ha.

In the complex of Trang An landscape s , the center of Hoa Lu’s ancient capital is in the north, the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourist area is in the south and the Trang An eco-tourism area is at the center. These 3 areas are linked together by Hoa Lu’s special-use forest on limestone mountains and a system of rivers, lakes, and lagoons.

The history of Trang An – Ninh Binh

The prehistoric community of Trang An settled in caves or rocky roofs, distributed concentratedly in the limestone swamp valley, under the great impact of environmental landscape and environmental changes due to sea waves. regression sea. The prehistoric residents here were the first people to approach and exploit the sea in Vietnam, creating a combination of limestone labor tools, long-standing maintenance of the hewn industry, and the early generation of sawing techniques. grinding; pottery production and popular use. The prehistoric cultural and archaeological evidence in Trang An is plentiful and diversified, is a real material source demonstrating the special economic, cultural, and social changes of the population community here under the impacts of changing karst environment, changes in ancient climate, and sea level in monsoon tropics. These are the most typical evidence for this type of continuous cave residence before and after the sea.

The characteristic of the ancient Vietnamese in Trang An is the tradition of exploiting and using marine and terrestrial mollusks, the tradition of hunting diversified, in a broad spectrum, hunting many species, each species a little and not leading to the destruction that destroys that herd of animals. The tradition of crafting and using limestone tools, and the emergence of grinding, sawing, and pottery-making and farming techniques in the muddy valley are unique, making the pants stand out globally. archaeological relics here. It can be thought that the system of Trang An prehistoric archaeological sites still contains the monopoly or at least special evidence of the existing or lost cultural traditions or civilization of humanity.

The Legend of Hoa Lu Capital

Trang An is associated with the historical and cultural values of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh unified Giang Son, founded Dai Co Viet state, and settled the capital in Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu capital city consists of 3 contiguous circles of the citadel: East, West, and South citadel. Thanh Dong is located in the east, bordering on the plains, where the palace is located, so it is called the suburban; The Western Citadel was located inside, bordered by the mountains, was the residence of mandarins and the logistics area should be called the inner city. The South Citadel was wider, a dangerous mountainous area to defend and protect the capital city now known as Trang An. With such a topographic feature, Hoa Lu’s capital city is compared to the stone capital with the following characteristics: mountains are cities, rivers are roads, and caves are palaces.

Legend has it that King Dinh Tien Hoang wanted to affirm that the Hoa Lu capital was as superficial as the northern capital of Trang An, so he ordered Nguyen Bac to express the sentence “Co Viet Quoc, Tong Khai Bao – Hoa Lu, Han Trang An Urban”. In 1010, King Ly Thai To changed Hoa Lu to Trang An and Dai La to Thang Long. The title Trang An is officially associated with the ancient capital of Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh . Currently, Trang An belongs to the specially protected area of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, This area has been recognized by UNESCO as the core zone of the world’s natural cultural heritage of Trang An.

When should go to Trang An?

Usually, the best time to go to Trang An is at the beginning of the year from March to March, the weather is cool, not too hot. This is also the festive season at Bai Dinh Pagoda , so it is possible to combine spring travel and the pagoda landscape. However, going into this season has a disadvantage in that tourists are very crowded and sometimes have to wait a long time to get a boat. Besides, you can refer to a few more periods as below to combine Trang An tourism and tourist destinations around it.

The traditional festival of Hoa Lu ancient capital (also known as the Truong Yen festival or Co Lau festival) takes place on March 8-10 of the lunar calendar every year.
The end of May and early June is Ninh Binh.

How to go to Trang An

Going to ninh binh.

Ninh Binh is an important intersection point. The most advantageous thing to come to Ninh Binh is through the road traffic system.

Bus routes to Ninh Binh from Hanoi all start from Giap Bat bus station and end at Ninh Binh Central bus station. Because Ninh Binh City is also located right on the NH1A axis. In addition to these routes, you can use any other route from Hanoi to the central or southern provinces (choose bus routes from Hanoi). Thanh Hoa, Vinh, Ha Tinh … because these routes are a lot and run quite continuously).

If you use the car, from Hanoi you can follow the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh highway, with a distance of about 90km, it only takes about 1 hour, and you will reach the center of Ninh Binh City from here, going to tourist destinations in the province is almost no more than 30km.

If you use a motorbike vehicle, from Hanoi you follow the old QL1A road through Ha Nam and then go towards Ninh Binh Thanh Hoa. Note that you should not go wrong in the direction of Nam Dinh – Thai Binh to help the roundabout.

Ninh Binh has the urban axis of Tam Diep – Ninh Binh located on the North-South railway line. In the province, there are Ninh Binh, Cau Yen, Ghenh, and Dong Giao stations. Therefore, whether in the South or outside the North, you can easily come to Ninh Binh by Thong Nhat train.

From Hanoi, there are SE1 trains (19:30) to Ninh Binh at 9:46, SE3 train (22:00) to Ninh Binh at 00:10, train SE5 (9:00) to Ninh Binh at 11:21, train SE7 (6:00) to Ninh Binh at 8:22

If departing from Saigon, all trains arrive at Ninh Binh at most late hours, The only suitable train that you should go to is SE8 departing from Saigon station at 6:00 am and arriving in Ninh Binh at 13:15 the next day.

Find ways to travel to Ninh Binh here

From Ninh Binh to Trang An

Trang An is only about 7km from Ninh Binh city center (about 7km from Ninh Binh bus station, 8km from Ninh Binh station), quite close so you can rent a motorbike in Ninh Binh if you want to go yourself, otherwise, go motorbike taxi or taxi. For those of you traveling by private vehicle from Hanoi, when starting to the center of Ninh Binh city, you should notice that on the right-hand side, there is Trang An street, turn in and go straight for a few kilometers.

Going back to Trang An

The only means of transport in Trang An is a boat, and of course, you cannot bring a boat to paddle by yourself. When you enter the gate, you buy a ticket to include the boat in it. A boat carries 6 people, and definitely has to be enough 6 people to go. If in any case, you want to take a private boat, you just need to buy all 6 tickets. Previously there was only one route here, but after filming the movie Kong, a second itinerary has been added for visitors to choose from.

Route 1: Boat Station – Trinh Temple – Dark Cave – Morning Cave – Wine Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Hang Seo – Son Duong Cave – Phu Khong – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Hang Khong – Hang Tran – Hang Quy Hau – Back to boat station (duration 3.5 hours)

Route 2: Boat Station – Hang Lam – Hang Vang – Hang Thanh Slide – Suoi Tien Temple – Hang Dai – Vu Lam Palace – Kong Films (Aboriginal Village) – Return to the marina (2.5 hours)

Route 3: Boat Station – Temple of Process – Hang May – Suoi Tien – Hang Dia Linh – Hang Dai – Hanh Cung Vu Lam – film studio Kong (Aboriginal village) – return to the marina (3 hours)

Where to stay in Trang An

In ninh binh city.

Only about 7km from the city center, you should choose to stay in Ninh Binh city to have more choices in finding suitable hotels and motels. From here, it only takes about 15-20 minutes to go to Trang An boat station, so it is not too inconvenient.

Homestay in Trang An

If you do not like to travel far and want to enjoy life among the four beautiful natures, you can consider choosing to stay in several homestays near Trang An, but there are not too many options to choose from. you can decide.

Tourist site Trang An

Cultural relics, trinh temple.

Trinh Temple is the place of worship for the 4 Dinh Dynasties, 2 Ta Thanh Tru, and 2 Huu Thanh Tru. In their reign, they were the General Supervisor of the Army, governing the king’s gold and silver treasury. Legend has it that when King Dinh Tien Hoang died, the court was in turmoil, they brought Dinh Toan here to avoid the arrest of Le Hoan. When Empress Dowager Duong Van Nga handed over the helmet to surrender the throne to the Ten Commanders General Le Hoan, the men did not submit to and martyred in this area, the people built the Palace on the side of the mountain to worship them.

Tu Tru Temple

Tu Tru Temple is located next to Trinh Temple, which is a relic of the four Dinh dynasties, including Prime Minister Nguyen Bac, Foreign Borders Dinh Dien, Thai Su Luu Co, and Senior Lieutenant Trinh Tu.

The book Dai Nam Quoc History of Theater and Folk Poetry often refers to the Four Pillars of “Bặc, Điền, Cơ, Tú”, ie the four pillars of the Dinh dynasty. The four pillars are four close officials, from the same hometown and the same age as Dinh Tien Hoang De, who helped King Dinh to quash the 12 warlords and reunify the country. The great gods Nguyen Bac, Dinh Dien, Trinh Tu, and Luu Co are now worshiped in many places, especially in the region of Ha Nam – Nam Dinh – Ninh Binh.

Tran Ninh Binh Temple

Tran Ninh Binh Temple was built by King Dinh Tien Hoang at the same time as Hung Temple. Later, King Tran Thai Tong came here to establish Vu Lam palace to continue improving his superficial position, so it was called Tran Temple. Tran Temple is the place to worship Quy Minh, the god of town in the south of Hoa Lu town. The temple is also known as Noi Lam temple (temple in the forest). Tran Noi Lam Temple together with Vu Lam and Van Lam formed Tam Lam under the Tran dynasty.

Phu Khong lies on a narrow strip of land, his back leaning against the Khong cave, on the right is a steep rocky mountain range, and in front of it is a vast valley of water. Phu Khong is a place of worship for 7 lieutenants of the Dinh dynasty, associated with legends when King Dinh Tien Hoang died, 7 officials in the court brought many coffins to bury in all directions and then committed suicide to keep secrets. about the real tomb. A male guarding general was extremely grateful to the charisma of the 7 lieutenant gods and immediately set up a bowl of incense to worship here. After this general died, people in the area set up a temple and planted a tree in front of the palace to commemorate the gods. The thousand-year-old tree has two types of fruit: 1 round and 1 flat.

The Palace of Vu Lam

Vu Lam Palace is located deep in the mountainous areas of the World Heritage Site of Trang An . Vu Lam Palace Center worships the king of the Tran dynasty. During the Tran dynasty, there was the name Truong Han Sieu, his original father was Ninh Binh, a famous painter in the Tran dynasty, and an effective disciple of Tran Hung Dao. Truong Han Sieu is stubborn, educated, and has great merit in the second and third resistance wars against Yuan Mong. During the period when King Tran Nhan Tong returned to this land to practice, the god Truong Han Sieu also retreated to retreat and set up a practice house in Ninh Binh’s hometown. That is why Truong Han Sieu is also worshiped at this relic.

Cao Son Temple

Cao Son Temple worships Cao Son in Tay Hoa Lu town. According to the genealogical god of Cao Son temples in Ninh Binh, Cao Son, the great king is Lac General Vu Lam (i.e. the mountainous area west of Ninh Binh today, so it is also known as the western god of Hoa Lu town), the 17th child. King Lac Long Quan , when obeying his king (the first Hung Vuong) patrolling from Nam Linh to Thien Duong, found a type of tree with flour used as a cake instead of rice flour, named after his name for tree. is Quang lang (local people still call it Quang lang or fuzzing tree). God taught and helped people to do business and protected them from destructive forces, so the people established many temples.

Suoi Tien Temple

Suoi Tien Temple is located upstream of the Ngo Dong River, essentially an extension of the Tam Coc tourist route but connected to the second tourist line in the Trang An eco-tourism area. To worship Quy Minh, Nam town – Hoa Lu town.

Typical caves in Trang An

Hang dia linh.

Dia Linh Cave is about 1500m long and is the first cave in the journey starting from Sao Khe riverboat station to visit line 1. The cave is also called Chau Bau Cave because when you come here you will feel lost. a treasure trove of fossil stalactites. Out of the mouth of the cave is a charming landscape of clouds, mountains, and rivers. The 260 m long cave with many miraculous drooping stalactites.

There is an underground water circuit more than 10m deep in the cave. Legend has it that in the past, the seniors came here to get water to cook wine for the king.

Ba Giot Cave

Ba Giot Cave has many stalactites with various colors appearing. There is a type called hibiscus that grows from the ceiling upside down. The special point is that the stalactites in Ba Giot cave are not as dry as the previous ones, but are wet and continue to transform, forming new shapes and shades …

Hang Sinh, Hang Si, and Hang Ba Giot are associated with the legend of a sad love story. Once there was a guy who loved a princess dearly. When he came to Sinh cave to propose, she was paid tribute to the neighboring country. He went to Ba cave, bathed and washed, then embraced his love in Si cave.

Legend has it that those who pass through Ba Giot cave and receive three drops of water from stalactites in the palm of their hand will be lucky in life and happy in love.

Hang Boi is a valuable archaeological site in the World Heritage complex of Trang An. The entrance to the cave is deep and dense with many species of trees growing thick, The sunlight cannot reach the ground, so the road is full of moss and a carpet of leaves.

Boi Cave was discovered in 2002. At that time, the cave had many mollusk shells, animal bones, and a few pieces of stripe, evidence shows that the prehistoric mark of early Hoa Binh culture was about ten thousand years ago. Researchers unanimously agreed to name the Boi cave because it was in the Boi Valley, associated with the legend of King mandarins of the Tran Dynasty who used to sow fortune-telling here.

What to eat when traveling to Trang An

Ninh binh burned rice.

The scorched rice dish is not a traditional dish of Ninh Binh people, but was created by a son of the ancient capital and has been preserved and developed up to now. A rustic dish, showing the ingenuity of human hands, has been handed down for hundreds of years, becoming a specialty of the ancient capital, one of the famous delicacies of Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh mountain goat meat

Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is characterized by a firm, low-fat, and fragrant flavor. It is said that this is because there are many rocky mountains and goats in Ninh Binh, so their muscles are firm and less fat than goats grazing on the hill. On the other hand, with the typical topography of submerged limestone mountains, there are many types of vegetables, grass, and herbs suitable for goat food such as sausages, yellow rolls, walkers, oxen, limbs, ox nails, gourd, gourd, carpentry, rat muzzle, oval parachute, tomato thorns, create the quality and delicious taste of goat meat. Some other local ingredients and specialties also contribute to the highlight of Ninh Binh goat meat dishes, including vegetables served with typical rocky terrain, Kim Son wine, Nho Quan Can wine, and Ninh Binh burned rice.

Ninh Binh mountain snail

This Ninh Binh mountain snail species is extremely rare because they only live in caves, it is not until the rainy season from April to August that the snails crawl in search of food and reproduce. Mountain snails are found in most places in Ninh Binh province but are concentrated in limestone mountains such as Tam Diep, Yen Mo, Nho Quan, and Hoa Lu. Mountain snails are difficult to detect, people often have to get up early in the morning when the snails crawl out of the cave to find food to find them. Mountain snail meat is chewy, crunchy, sweet, and fragrant with traditional herbs. Mountain snails can be processed into many dishes such as grilled, fried tamarind, steamed ginger, boiled with lemongrass, and mixed with onion salad … are very attractive.

Tong Truong perch

Tong Truong perch is a type of perch living in a submerged cave environment in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. It is called the Tong Truong perch because this fish was discovered in the flooded cave area of Truong Yen, now the world heritage complex of Trang An in Hoa Lu district. Tong Truong perch has solid meat, yellow, and fragrant, and can be processed into many dishes such as roasted, fried, cooked perch sour soup, or dried warehouse.

Some tourist schedules of Trang An

Synthesize some Trang An travel itineraries in combination with tourist destinations in the same complex as Bai Dinh, Hoa Lu, and Tam Coc Bich Dong for your reference. Depending on your actual timing, you can add or shorten the number of days to match.

Tour 1: Hanoi – Trang An – Bai Dinh – Hoa Lu (1 day)

Morning departure from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, If you follow the highway, it only takes more than 1 hour to be in Ninh Binh City. From here, we started going to Trang An tourist area.

Around 9 a.m., you will start exploring Trang An by boat, Depending on the schedule, it takes you about 2-3 hours to explore all of this place. After leaving Trang An, we went to Hoa Lu’s ancient capital relic, visiting the temple area of Dinh and Le Kings. Lunch break at a certain restaurant.

Afternoon visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, this is a very famous temple complex in Vietnam with many confirmed records. Finish your journey back to Hanoi.

Tour 2: Hanoi – Phat Diem Church – Trang An – Bai Dinh (2 days 1 night)

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Phat Diem – Thien Ha Cave

From Hanoi, we will go straight to Phat Diem stone church. This is a Catholic church complex with unique and unique architecture, built mainly of stone and wood for a long time from 1875 to 1899.

Rest for lunch. Afternoon from Phat Diem to visit Thien Ha Cave. Although the cave is not large, it is located in the mountain range of General, which is a part of the solid natural wall that protects the Hoa Lu capital in the 10th century. Thien Ha cave is visited by many tourists to understand more about the ancient capital.

Afternoon back in Ninh Binh City, rent a hotel in Ninh Binh City to rest, and remember to enjoy the specialties of Ninh Binh

Day 2: Trang An – Hoa Lu – Bai Dinh – Hanoi

From Ninh Binh City, move to the Trang An tourist area, and choose one of two routes to explore Trang An. After finishing the journey here, continue to the ancient capital Hoa Lu to visit the temple of King Dinh and King Le

Before returning to Hanoi, remember to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, a new temple built with many Vietnamese records.

Tour 3: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh – Trang An – Van Long (3 days 2 nights)

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong

Morning departure from Hanoi, about 3 hours will go down to the gate of Cuc Phuong National Park, and have lunch at Cuc Phuong. Visiting Cuc Phuong forest, Cay Tro thousand years old, places along the way from the forest gate to inside.

One night sleep in Cuc Phuong

Day 2: Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh – Hoa Lu – Trang An

In the morning, check out, have breakfast, and then depart from Cuc Phuong to go to Bai Dinh pagoda , the largest and most majestic temple. From Bai Dinh continue to move to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. After visiting the temples of King Dinh and King Le and discovering the ancient capital, you will have a rest for lunch and then continue to move to Trang An tourist area. Choose one of 2 moving routes here, return to Ninh Binh, Break Ngoi City, or have dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh City.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Van Long – Kenh Ga – Hanoi

In the morning, check out, from Ninh Binh city to Van Long lagoon. This is also one of the places where Kong: Skull Island was filmed. Lunch from Van Long straight to Kenh Ga hot spring area, eating, resting, and hot spring bath.

Related Article: Traveling experience in Ban Gioc Waterfall that tourist should know

Let’s start your trip to Trang An – Ninh Binh with us! If you have any feedback or need help, please send an email to [email protected] !

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The ultimate guide for visiting Ninh Binh, Vietnam: must-see attractions, tips and advice

July 27, 2023
curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use these links, with no extra cost to you.

Ninh Binh is a small city 2 hours south of Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam. When people refer to Ninh Binh when travelling, they are most likely referring to the province of Ninh Binh, rather than the city itself. Known as ‘ Halong bay on land’, Ninh Binh province is an area of natural beauty and is definitely worth visiting when you are travelling in Vietnam. For that reason, I’ve put together this complete guide to visiting Ninh Binh covering what to do, how to get there and where to stay.

The main towns in Ninh Binh province are Trang An and Tam Coc. This is where most people stay when visiting Ninh Binh province. The area here boasts stunning landscape with karst mountains, deep green valleys and winding rivers. It is here where the film Kong: Skull island was filmed – something Ninh Binh is now well known for.

During my month-long trip to Vietnam in May 2022, I spent 5 relaxing days staying in Trang An and exploring the beautiful scenery around the province of Ninh Binh. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Ninh Binh, including the must see attractions, as well as tips and advice for planning your trip.

First time in Southeast Asia? Make sure you also check out my 50 essential travel tips for visiting Southeast Asia to help plan your trip!

9 Must-see attractions and things to do in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

1. Take the Trang An Scenic Landscape boat ride 2. Climb up Hang Múa viewpoint 3. Visit Am Tien lake 4. Cycle around the countryside 5. Spend a few hours in Tam Coc 6. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient capital 7. Go bird watching at Van Long nature reserve 8. Trek through Cúc Phương National Park 9. Take some time to relax

Tips and advice for visiting Ninh Binh province, Vietnam How to get to Ninh Binh? What’s the best way to explore Ninh Binh? Where to stay in Ninh Binh province? When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh? How many days do you need in Ninh Binh? Are there ATMs in Tam Coc and Trang An? What facilities are there in Tam Coc and Trang An?

A small temple sits in the water in Trang An Scenic Landscape

Before we get into the practical information of what you need to know before visiting Ninh Binh, here’s 9 of the best things to do in Ninh Binh, including the top must-see attractions in Trang An and Tam Coc.

1. Take the Trang An Scenic Landscape boat ride

If you only do one activity in Ninh Binh, make sure it is the boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape. It is without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ninh Binh.

Tickets for the Trang An boat ride are 150k vnd each (£5.30) and the boat seats 4 adults. If you have less than 4 people in your party, you will be paired up with other people to make a full boat. (If you want the boat to yourself, you can pay extra to have a private boat). The boat is rowed by hand and the guide will give you information about key sights along the way. We were joined by a lovely Vietnamese family and therefore the guide we were given spoke no English but he did point out wildlife and various sights to us along the way.

There are three routes you can choose from for your boat ride. To be honest we really didn’t know which to pick! We ended up choosing route 2, but it seemed that whatever route you did, you all ended up seeing the main attractions anyway, so I don’t think it really mattered that much. The boat ride lasts anywhere between 1.5hours – 3 hours, depending on how busy it is and along the way you will stop at a couple of small islands where you can get off the boat and wander around the small temples and gardens.

A temple on a small island in Trang An Scenic Landscape

The scenery floating through Trang An is incredible! The water is so calm and still and it felt very tranquil gliding past the huge limestone and karst mountains which rose up straight from the water.

Trang An’s claim to fame is that parts of the film Kong: Skull Island were shot here and we saw the famous rock where Kong leaves his bloody handprint.

You can also take a boat ride at Tam Coc, but having spoken to other travellers who did this, I would avoid it. The Tam Coc boat ride has a bad reputation and we heard of instances where the rowers just stopped in the middle of the river and refused to continue rowing until they were tipped. We also heard of stories where fruit and souvenir sellers were allowed to stop by the boat and when the tourists refused to buy anything, the seller gave the rower items and then demanded money for them from the tourists.

There was nothing like this in Trang An, and in fact, they actively discouraged this behaviour. The Trang An boat ride was the highlight of my time in Ninh Binh and is one of the most popular and well known activities in the area.

We saw the famous rock from the film Kong: Skull Island (L) whilst rowing around Trang An Scenic Landscape

2. Climb up Hang Múa viewpoint

If you have seen photos of Ninh Binh, then you have most likely seen images of the Hang Múa viewpoint. This spot is one of the most visited attractions in Ninh Binh and rightly so, the views are incredible!

Hang Múa sits in between Trang An and Tam Coc, and therefore is easily accessible by bicycle from both places. The entrance fee for Hang Múa is 100k vnd each (£3.50) and you can park your bicycle at the entrance for 5k vnd (20p). Tip: As you cycle down the road towards the entrance, you will see parking signs and people coming into the road to guide you to small parking lots. The fee for these parking areas is higher at 10k vnd (35p) and you will have to walk the rest of the way, so just ignore them and go all the way to the end.

The main attraction at Hang Múa is the viewpoints. There are two small mountains next to one another which you can climb. There are stone steps all the way up, and it should take no more than 15-20 minutes to reach the top. Just be careful, especially if it has rained as the steps are uneven and there is no handrail. The mountain on the left side (as you stand facing up the stairs) has the better views. From here you can see down to the river and rowing boats of Trang An on one side and across to the other mountain on the other side, with views of rice fields and the bamboo bridge in the centre. The walk up to the top of the viewpoint was not too strenuous and didn’t take too long, but the views from here are truly stunning.

Once you’ve made it back down from the viewpoint, there’s a couple of cafes at the bottom around the small lake where you can get a drink or ice cream. You can also walk along the bamboo bridge which stands above a lily pond, surrounded by the rice fields. There were plenty of locals dressed in beautiful floaty dresses and even heels at this spot – it is definitely a great location for those instagram photos!

Climb the left mountain at Hang Mua for the best all round views

3. Visit Am Tien lake

Am Tiên lake is a small attraction north of Trang An. It is one of the lesser known spots in the area, but it is a nice place to stop for an hour if you are cycling nearby, or if you are visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital. Am Tiên lake is a man-made lake completely surrounded by mountains. Two large tunnels have been carved into the mountain in order to reach the lake.

At either end of the lake are two small temple buildings and a temple cave at one end. There’s also a little shop and cafe by the shoreline. From the main tunnel entrance, make your way to the main temple, situated above the shop. This is where you will get the best views of the lake.

There is a smooth, paved path all the way around the lake, so it is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. You can rent bicycles at the entrance but honestly you don’t need to. The path around the lake is only about 1-2km long but it is a nice, pretty stroll. There’s also several carts and even a cinderella style carriage that you can hire! You can see goats grazing on the mountainside and watch the large fish in the lake.

On the lake there are a couple of small rowing boats which have been decorated with colourful fake flowers, perfect for photo opportunities.

Entry to Am Tiên lake is only 20k vnd each (70p) and parking for a bicycle is 5k vnd (20p). You probably only need an hour here but it is a nice activity to do whilst you are cycling around.

4. Cycle around the countryside

Cycling around the countryside is one of the best activities in Trang An and Tam Coc, plus if your homestay lends you their bicycles, it is completely free! You don’t really need to follow a map or have a planned route (although I always recommend downloading an offline google map of the area when you are out exploring), just set off on your bike and enjoy the scenery!

As much as I enjoyed cycling round the beautiful town of Hoi An , I think the landscapes here were even better! Cycling around the countryside you will pass rice fields, mountains, rivers, lakes and grazing buffalo. There’s plenty of local cafes to stop and get lunch or a smoothie. One particularly scenic spot for lunch is the Trang An Lotus lake Homestay. It’s hard to explain just how beautiful and tranquil the landscape is in this area, you definitely have to experience it for yourself!

Cycling around Tam Coc and Trang An, Vietnam

5. Spend a few hours in Tam Coc

Tam Coc is the place to go if you are looking for more westernised restaurants and cafes. You can get Indian, Mexican, fast food and of course local Vietnamese food here. There’s even several bars and pubs if you fancy more of a night out too. Tam Coc is also where you will find grocery stores, pharmacies, tour companies and even massage salons. Spend an hour or so walking around Tam Coc lake and down the high street, treating yourself to lunch or a smoothie.

6. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient capital

Surrounded by the limestone mountains of Trang An, is Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam. Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s capital city for 41 years and it’s a place of historical importance, with many temples, pagodas and tombs on this site. The Dinh Tien Hoang Temple and Le Hoan Temple are two of the most popular sites in the complex – these 17th century temples were built in the style of the previous 11th century buildings which preceded them. Another notable building in Hao Lu is Nhat Tru Pagoda, which dates back to the 10th century.

Many people who visit Ninh Binh take a trip to Hoa Lu, it is one of the most popular sites in the area. However, we actually chose to skip this as we had read reviews where people had said it was quite touristy and the temple buildings were not so impressive. We had just visited the ancient city of Hue a week before this trip and we found ourselves disappointed there, so we decided not to visit Hoa Lu. Perhaps after visiting Ankgor Wat in Cambodia and the many beautiful temples in Chiang Mai , Thailand we were just a bit spoiled by the amazing things we had already seen!

If you are interested to learn about the history of Vietnam and enjoy visiting temples, then Hoa Lu could be a great place for you to visit. It’s only 5km from Trang An and can be reached by bicycle or taxi.

7. Go bird watching at Van Long nature reserve

Van Long nature reserve sits 20km north of Trang An, on the edge of Ninh Binh Province. Similar to the Trang An Scenic Landscape, the main thing to do in Van Long is to ride a boat on the winding canals and rivers that make up the wetlands of Van Long reserve. The protected area is dotted with limestone mountains and over 30 caves. The mountains and forests around the wetlands are home to many langurs, but it is perhaps most well known for being a great place to visit for bird watching. Whether you are an avid bird-spotter or not, the Van Long wetlands are a great place to visit on a day trip from Trang An or Tam Coc.

8. Trek through Cúc Phương National Park

Cúc Phương National Park is a preserved rainforest in the north west of Ninh Binh province. As the largest nature reserve in Vietnam, it holds significant importance and is home to over 2000 plant species and 300 types of birds, as well as reptiles and mammals. One of the best things to do in Cuc Phuong is to go jungle trekking. There are various treks you can take, ranging from easy, 1 hour long walks to guided full day treks. You can also go kayaking on the lake and visit the langurs and gibbons in the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre.

9. Take some time to relax

Most of the homestays and hostels in Tam Coc and Trang An have a pool and an area to sit and enjoy the scenery. The whole atmosphere of this area is tranquil and calming, so take some time to enjoy some relaxation by the pool, read a book, or sit with a coffee and enjoy the beautiful, quiet surroundings. It really is very peaceful here, so make sure you soak it up before you head off to the likes of Hanoi, where nothing is quiet!

Our little hut by the pool at Trang An Memory homestay, with views over the lake

Tips and advice for visiting Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Now you know the best things to do and the must-see attractions in Ninh Binh, let’s cover some top tips, advice and practical information for visiting this beautiful part of the country.

How to get to Ninh Binh?

The best and most popular way to travel to Ninh Binh city is by bus. Buses and minivans run regularly between Hanoi and Ninh Binh city and can be booked via 12go. The journey is only 1 hour 45 minutes. You will then need to catch a taxi to travel between the city of Ninh Binh and where you are staying in Tam Coc or Trang An. We paid 160k vnd (£5.50) for a taxi from Trang An to Ninh Binh city and then £11.50 for two people to get a minivan to Hanoi.

If you are travelling to Ninh Binh city from the south of Vietnam, there are buses and trains which run from Hue, Da Nang (for Hoi An ) and Dong Hoi (for Phong Nha). You can book these online in advance, or get your homestay to book for you. You could also fly into Hanoi from the south of the country and then get a bus from Hanoi.

What’s the best way to explore Ninh Binh?

The best way to explore the area of Ninh Binh province is definitely by bicycle! You can easily cycle between Trang An and Tam Coc in 30 minutes, through rice fields and alongside the river. Cycling around the beautiful landscape is actually one of the best things to do in Ninh Binh! Most of the homestays have free bicycles which you can use during your stay. For some of the attractions which are farther out, like Cúc Phương National Park and Van Long nature reserve, your homestay can easily arrange a local taxi for you. If you want to rent a scooter and explore further out on your own, most homestays can organise this for you. Just be aware that a lot of the roads in this area are gravel roads with a lot of potholes, so it will be a bumpy ride!

Where to stay in Ninh Binh province?

Don’t make the mistake that some travellers do and stay in Ninh Binh city. There’s nothing to see or do in Ninh Binh city and you will need to get taxis every day to and from the main sights and attractions in Tam Coc, Trang An and the wider area of Ninh Binh province.

Tam Coc and Trang An are the two main areas in Ninh Binh province to stay. Tam Coc is the main town and here you will find a busy high street with cafes, restaurants and shops. There are several hostels in Tam Coc, one of the main ones is The Banana Tree hostel , by Tam Coc river.

If you prefer somewhere quieter and more surrounded by nature, then head to Trang An. The area of Trang An is not as concentrated, or as ‘touristy’ as Tam Coc and doesn’t have a main centre. In Trang An the accommodation is mostly homestays and the shops and restaurants are more local. Many of the homestays in Trang An are situated alongside the river and nestled under the mountains, like the Trang An memory homestay which we stayed in (and had a great time!)

The best place to stay in Ninh Binh really is down to what experience you would prefer. If you want to be able to go out in the evening and have a choice of lively places to eat and drink, then your best bet is to stay in Tam Coc. However, if you want to be surrounded by nature and have mountains and riverside views, and don’t mind eating at your homestay most evenings, then choose somewhere in Trang An.

The landscape around Trang An and Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province is just beautiful

When is the best time to visit Ninh Binh?

The rainy season in Ninh Binh falls between May – October. The months of August and September are the worst, receiving high levels of heavy rainfall, flooding, frequent storms and occasional typhoons. Travel during these two months is not recommended.

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season, between November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.

How many days do you need in Ninh Binh?

I would recommend having at least two full days in Ninh Binh province. This way you can cover the must-see attractions in the area before continuing your journey in Vietnam. In two days, I would recommend taking the Trang An boat ride, visiting Hang Mua viewpoint and enjoying a cycle ride around the countryside. If you have a little more time to spare, and would like to explore at a more leisurely pace, then you could easily fill 4 days in Ninh Binh, visiting the various sights and attractions further out such as Cúc Phương National Park and Van Long nature reserve.

Are there ATMs in Tam Coc and Trang An?

There are two ATMS in Tam Coc. One is at the BIDV bank on the main high street. The second is outside the front of the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm hotel on the main road going into Tam Coc.

There is also an ATM at the Trang An Scenic Landscape visitor centre (where the boats depart from).

However, I’d really recommend making sure that you have some cash with you as well.

What facilities are there in Tam Coc and Trang An?

Tam Coc has plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants, as well as a couple of pharmacies. However, facilities are limited in Trang An, with just a few local shops selling snacks dotted around the countryside. If you are staying in Trang An, it may be worthwhile bringing some snacks with you, or making a trip to one of the grocery stores in Tam Coc to pick up a couple of things to take back to your homestay.

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Discover Ninh Binh

Tràng An is simultaneously a World Heritage site, a major tourism attraction, an extremely important archaeological and historical site and a massive nature reserve. As the Trang An Landscape Complex, it encompasses over 6000 hectares including the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest, joined together by “special use” land corridors.

Outside of these protected areas, it can be a maze of both paved and unpaved roads, winding streams and walking tracks that link together the hundreds of small villages and farming communities gathered in the surrounding rich alluvial plains. But as a town, it barely exists at all.

Global Significance

In many ways, Trang An is Ninh Binh. Or rather, Ninh Binh provides the support system for Trang An. Designated as “of global significance” by UNESCO in 2014, due to its stunning karst landscape and a long history of some 30,000 years of human habitation, the Complex itself covers a massive area. However a further 6000 hectares have also been set aside as a “buffer zone” surrounding the area, protecting the natural beauty and keeping the biological diversity intact.

With the addition of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, the Cuc Phuong National Park and the recent plans for expansion of the Day River Estuary Biosphere Reserve in Kim Son, Ninh Binh Province is curating a massive chunk of Vietnamese cultural and geological history. Rebuilding many architectural and historical sites includes promoting eco-tourism as a viable industry, both as a means to fund the program but also a way to retain this unique environment for future generations.

The ravages of covid forced the closure of many local businesses and many locals suddenly made redundant. We live in hope that International and domestic tourists will return again in such numbers to continue the viability of this natural and ancint dream world as one of the crown jewels of Vietnamese tourism.

Trang An Boat Rides

Perhaps the most well-known and loved part of the Trang An eco-tourism area is the famed boat rides along a tributary of the Hong River (itself a tributary of the Red River). The journey through rice fields, over sparkling water gardens and through half submerged underground caves has thrilled thousands. The 2016 Hollywood block buster King Kong featured many scenes filmed in Tam Coc and Trang An, further enhancing its image and until Covid, helped create a booming influx of visitors.

Similar to its older cousin at Văn Lâm in Tam Coc, the Trang An Boat Wharf offers three separate routes, all showcasing the stunning natural panorama that is Ninh Binh’s signature claim to fame. While many pundits will compare Trang An to an inland Halong Bay, here at Discover Ninh Binh we believe that it is much more than that. While the romance and adventure of an overnight cruise on Halong Bay is undeniably attractive, Trang An offers a way to get up close an intimate with the heartland of North Vietnam’s unique and diverse natural beauty plus the opportunity to interact with the temples, pagodas and shrines that witnessed the very foundation of the Vietnam nation.

Water Everywhere

Geographically speaking, Trang An has been submerged by sea, not once but several times in its 250 million year history. Even now it is subject to intermittent flooding and an intricate series of dykes and sluice gates have been developed over the years to counter the numerous fresh water river systems that provide Ninh Binh with the foundations of its rich fauna, flora and aquatic diversity. A pleasant result has been the return of huge numbers of birds, plants and animals as well as providing a rich breeding ground for all things aquatic.

A simple boat ride from Trang An will introduce even the most jaded traveler to an most enjoyable, unique and exciting journey through one of the most interesting and beautiful environments in Vietnam, if not the world. More tightly controlled than its counter-part in Tam Coc, Trang An also shows that sustainable, non-intrusive and entertaining tourism is possible and indeed, profitable.

Trang An Wharf is around 7 km from Ninh Binh city and is reached easily along good all weather roads. Priced at around 250k VND for adults and 120k for children between 1 and 1.3 meters in height (below this travel free), you have a choice of three different routes.

Tour 1 is the longest of the three, taking 3 to 5 hours to thoroughly explore all of the attractions, including spiritual and exhilarating caverns. A mix of scenic travel, caves and temples, the itinerary here is as follows:

Nau Ruou ( cooking ancohol) cave at Trang An

The second route winds through Lam, Vang, Thanh Truot and Dai caves, Suoi Tien tempe. Route 2 will transport visitors “back in time” to the 13th century, taking in sites and temples from the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400). Known as a strong, progressive and artistic dynasty that fought off the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty attacks and consolidated the Dai Viet nation, with the Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam palace) as an iconic example of their architectural brilliance.

This tour focuses on the historical and religious relics from that period as well as several caves and, of course, the fantastic scenery. The trip’s final destination will be to pass by the well-known Hollywood filming site of Kong: Skull Island and overall the tour takes around 2-3.5 hours, dependent on how long you and your fellow passengers stay at each site. Tour 2’s itinerary is as follows:

Route 3 focuses on the geological and aquatic wonders of the Trang An experience. Guests will visit many caves with the highlight being Hang Mây , a natural cave with a length of more than 1000m with crystals and stalactites extending like jewels. Route 3 typically takes from 2 to 3.5 hours, again dependent on how long you and your fellow passengers stay at each site. Route 3 itinerary is as follows:

A corner of Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam palace) at Trang An

As all tours take several hours to complete, guests are reminded to wear loose clothing, bring a hat or umbrella, a waterproof bag for any electronics, and some liquid refreshments. There are some wonderful spots for an impromptu picnic and times where you will exit the boat and explore the temples and gardens.

The sun reflecting off the clear stream can heat things up considerable so staying cool and hydrated is important. While you are surrounded by cool, fresh water, Trang An is a nature reserve and no swimming or bathing is allowed.

In an attempt to improve the experience, your guide will often present guests with a survey of their experience. Alternatively, if you have anything that makes you unhappy or dissatisfied during your trip, please contact the management via social network or the hotline number mounted on the boat.

Tickets Please

Ticket price (for any of the routes):

A new attraction is the availability of individual kayak hire. You cannot enter any caves and must keep clear of the official tour boats, otherwise you are free to explore the river and the magnificent Karst scenery at your own pace. Kayak Rental cost are as follows:

If you drive to Trang An wharf, there is a large parking area at around 25k VND per motorcycle. To one side of the parking area is a “market” place selling souvenirs and refreshments, so if it is a hot day and you have forgotten your hat or water bottle, you have the opportunity to make any last minute purchases.

Stated opening hours are 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Generally the attraction is most busy between the hours of 10am and 3pm when the tour buses from Hanoi will arrive and depart.

Trang An Boat Tour: A Guide to Ninh Binh's Best Attraction

Looking for the best boat route in Trang An?

Here is an extensive guide that will help you decide which route to take. In this Trang An boat tour guide, we’ve included everything you need to know to make sure you make the most of your trip. From the best time to visit to avoid the crowds to our own boat experience and updated prices so you know what to expect.

We’ve also included many of our top Trang An tips you don’t want to miss!

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Trang An?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are the links to the top rated tour, hotel and other services you can book right away that will let you experience Trang An and more.

Transportation: Van Transfer (Most Comfortable)

Where to Stay: Muong Village Ninh Bình (Highly Rated)

Best Tour from Hanoi: Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip (#1 Best Seller)

Protect yourself from unexpected emergencies . Buy your travel insurance with COVID cover at Heymondo and get 5% off for being our reader !

A woman on a sampan boat parked at the steps of Trinh temple in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Overview of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a breathtaking landscape of karst mountain peaks and submerged caves.

Because of the natural beauty of the area, Trang An has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ninh Binh, and the best way to explore it is by a boat tour.

Main entrance building of the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh surrounded by sampan boats

How to Get to Trang An Complex

Trang An is a scenic area located in Ninh Binh , about 100km away from Hanoi. To get to the boat tours, head to the entrance and pay for your ticket price before you get on the boat.

Read: Plan your Trip to Ninh Binh: 2 Day Itinerary

Hundreds of sampan boats parked at Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Here are the two most convenient ways to reach Trang An from Hanoi:

Van: This is the most comfortable way to get to Trang An from Hanoi. Take the van that leaves daily from the old quarter and they drop you off at the entrance of Trang An complex. The van seats from 9 to 11 people and a ticket starts at 11 USD. Book your van here !

Private Car: A great option for families or a group of friends is to take a private car from Hanoi. It’s convenient and you’ll be able to leave whenever. Booking a private car costs at least 50 USD. Book your car here !

A man paddling a sampan boat in front of the famous temple in Trang An

Trang An Boat Tours from Hanoi

For the most convenient way to reach Trang An, you can book day tours that leave from Hanoi that include a boat tour to the complex. We only recommend it if you don’t have much time or if you want everything to be taken care of for you. Otherwise, you can easily do the Trang An boat tour on your own.

Here are the most highly recommended Trang An Boat Tours from Hanoi:

Trang An Opening Hours

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex opens daily from 7am to 6pm .

Because the boat ride takes at least two hours, we recommend starting no later than 4:30pm so that you have enough light for the entire tour.

Trang An Boat Tour Price

The ticket costs approximately 11 USD per person.

You don't need to book it in advance. Simply go to the ticket booth near where the parking is. You’ll also find stores where you can buy food and drinks before you board the boat.

A bridge leading to the dock of Trang An decorated with colorful lanterns and red flags

After buying your ticket, you’ll get down a flight of stairs, which will take you on a path to the boat dock, where lots of local boat rowers are waiting. A staff member will ask which route you’ll take as you wait in line, and if you go alone, you'll be paired with other tourists as each boat can carry up to four people.

The rowers of the Trang An Boat tours keeping cool as they wait for tourists at the dock.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Trang An Complex anytime during the year. However, the best time to visit for the best weather conditions is between February and March . During these months, the weather in Ninh Binh is just right for a boat trip. It's not too hot or too cold.

The best time of day to take the boat tour is early in the morning, before 9am. You can also take the tour later in the afternoon around 4pm. However, it’s not a great time for photography as you won’t have much light towards the end of the tour.

Trang An is a popular tourist attraction and many people come for day trips from Hanoi. If you want to get the most out of your trip and avoid the crowds, go as early as you can before the tour buses from Hanoi arrive.

Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Suoi Tien Temple of the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh

Trang An Boat Routes

Trang An Scenic Complex has three boat routes available. While each route provides unique experiences to various caves and temples, all routes provide scenic views of Trang An.

Depending on the route you take, as well as how long you decide to stay at each stop, we recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to see the Trang An complex.

The rowers at Trang An Boat tours waiting for passengers by the wharf.

Route #1: Ultimate Cave and Temple Journey

Includes: 9 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 3 Hours

This is the longest route in Trang An and covers the majority of the caves. The caves here do not overlap with the caves visited on routes 2 and 3.

The boat route takes you through 9 caves and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Khong Temple - Bao Hieu Pagoda).

Route #2: Perfect Mix of Caves and Temples

Includes: 4 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Route 2 is ideal for those looking for a good mix of caves and religious sites. After Dai Cave, the boats from Route 2 take the same route as Route 3 to Vu Lam Royal Steps.

This route takes you through 4 caves and 3 temples (Thanh Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps).

Garden at the Suoi Tien Temple in Trang An Scenic Complex, Ninh Binh

Route #3: Underground Cave Adventure

Includes: 3 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 2 hours

This route features Dot Cave, the longest underground cave expanding 1km in Trang An. If you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip this one.

This route takes you through 3 caves and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps). This route used to stop at King Kong Island, where they used to film the movie, but as of 2020, you can no longer visit the movie set.

Sampan boats with tourists on board as they paddle at the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

What is the Best Trang An Boat Route?

The best Trang An boat route ultimately depends on your personal preferences, as each route has its own unique charm and scenic views that can only be accessed by boat. Whatever route you choose, you're guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind experience.

To help you decide, here is a quick summary of the routes in Trang An complex.

Route 1: You have enough time and are interested in visiting caves.

Route 2: You want to visit a mixture of caves and religious sites and don’t have a lot of time.

Route 3: You are interested in visiting the longest underground cave in Trang An.

A woman paddling a group of tourists in Trang An, Ninh Binh

What to Expect on Route #3 | Our Boat Experience

We visited Trang An near the end of May during our trip to Ninh Binh. We started the boat tour at 4:30pm and took route #3. In total, the tour took us 2 hours . Your time will vary depending on your route and how long your group spends at each stop.

Here's what to expect on boat route #3 in Trang An.

Hundreds of boats parked at the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Weather in May

We visited Ninh Binh in May and there was a heat wave during the week we were there. The weather was very hot and humid, and there were days where temperatures were as high as 41℃. The midday heat was very uncomfortable and even early mornings and late afternoons were hot and humid.

Since we started later in the afternoon, there were not many people and we had to wait for about 10 minutes before we got on the boat. If you’re alone, you might have to wait a bit more before you get paired with the other group.

Four women paddlers at the Trang An Boat tours waiting for passengers on their sampan boats.

Trinh Temple

From the boat wharf, you will be rowing for a while until you reach the Trinh Temple, which is located at the foot of a mountain. The temple is small with three areas to visit. The main one is in the middle with a huge incense burning pot at the front.

Remember: Dress modestly if you want to enter the temples in Trang An. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted inside temples and pagodas.

Trinh Temple located at the base of karst mountains in Trang An

A short distance from the Trinh Temples is the Dot Cave also known as the Dark Cave. It is one of the features of route #3 as it’s the longest underground cave in the Trang An Complex, expanding 1000m long. It took us about 15 minutes to pass through. You might want to skip this route if you’re claustrophobic.

The cave has light bulbs scattered around, so you can see the stalactite formations. You will have to duck your head as your rower professionally manoeuvres the boat to some of the bigger gaps in the cave.

Tip: If you're tall, sit in the front row so you can get on the floor and stretch your legs over the front of the boat. This way, you won't have to keep ducking while you're in the underground cave.

A man rower in Trang An paddling a group of tourists.

After the Doi Cave, you will row for a bit to enjoy the towering karst mountains until you reach Van Cave. It is about 400 meters long and took us 4 minutes to pass. It is also much wider than Doi Cave with less stalactites to see so you don’t have to duck that much.

Wanting to experience one of the biggest cave systems in Vietnam? Read our guide to the Tu Lan Cave System in Phong Nha to discover why it's one of the most adventurous things to do in Vietnam.

Suoi Tien Temple

As you approach Suoi Tien Temple from the Van Cave, you will notice other boats from Route #2. This is a lovely temple set among limestone cliffs. You will walk past a large area with a hut at the beginning and well-kept gardens, after that you will cross a bridge to a large temple with intricately designed gates.

After the Suoi Tien Temple, you will pass through some of the best karst formations in Trang An. Although our rower did not speak English, he tried his best to point out some notable places in the complex, such as the King Kong Mountain or birds around the area.

Dai Cave is the shortest cave you will pass in route #3. It’s only about 300 meters long and takes at least 3 minutes to pass.

Tall karst mountains of the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Vu Lam Royal Steps

It will become busier as you approach the Vu Lam Royal Steps. It's because right in front of the Royal Steps is one of Trang An's most iconic temples: the temple in the middle of the lake.

Tip: Ask your rower to take you close to the temple so you can get a better look.

Two sampan boats getting closer to the most famous floating temple in Trang An

The Vu Lam Royal Steps are made up of four large temples, with the main one in the center and in the back. Roofs and step railings are beautifully designed. You’ll find few people going around the temple because most are drawn to the temple in the middle of the lake.

You will head back to the wharf after visiting the Royal Steps. It’s a bit of a long paddle back, so you might want to help your rower back to the wharf.

The Vu Lam Royal Steps at the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc or Trang An Boat Tour?

Both Tam Coc and Trang An boat tours offer unique and beautiful views of Ninh Binh. Choosing between the two depends on what you want to experience and your personal preference.

We recommend taking the Trang An boat tour if you want to explore more caves and temples, and the Tam Coc boat tour if you want to see beautiful limestone cliffs and rice fields.

Read more about our Ultimate Guide to Tam Coc in 2023 so you can decide which boat tour is right for you!

A rower on board a sampan boat next to the bridge in Trang An.

Where to Stay Near Trang An

There are plenty of great options available in the area close to Trang An Complex. From budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable bungalows, you can find a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. Here are the most highly rated accommodations close to Trang An Complex.

Where to Eat Near Trang An

There are many food options you can choose from if you’re looking for places to eat near Trang An Complex. There are many shops by the ticket booth where you can buy food and drinks. There are also shops by the boat wharf and at the temples that sell cold drinks and small snacks.

Another popular option is the Trang An Riverside Garden Restaurant , which offers local food at reasonable prices. We recommend trying out their braised pork and also their selection of fresh juices. Apart from the food, the restaurant overlooks the peaceful lake and karst mountains.

If you’re looking for Korean food, there is a popular Korean Restaurant located in Ninh Binh City. It’s about a 10 minutes drive from the Trang An Complex but worth the drive if you’re craving for authentic Korean dishes.

Other highly rated restaurants in the area include the Nhà Hàng Xuân Thắng and Moon Garden Restaurant.

A woman rowing a small sampan boat in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Top Trang An Travel Tips

Here are our top travel tips for visiting the Trang An Scenic complex in Ninh Binh Province to make the most out of your boat tour.

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You'll be climbing in and out of the sampan boat. Also, if you want to enter the temples, don't wear shorts or a sleeveless shirt.

2. Bring sun protection : Trang An can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. Don’t forget to bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid getting sunburnt.

3. Start early: Trang An can get quite busy, so we recommended starting your tour before 9am to avoid the crowds and the midday heat.

The Suoit Tien Temple of Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binh

4. Stay hydrated: Bring water. You can buy bottled water at the temples, and there are also restroom facilities available.

5. Bring small cash: So you can buy some snacks while on tour and also to tip your rower at the end. You can find an atm machine by the ticket station.

6. Use the paddles: Each boat has four extra paddles that you can use. This will not only help your rower, but you’ll also get to experience paddling in calm waters.

Sunse over the bridge at the entrance of the Trang An Scenic Complex in Ninh Binho

7. No reception: You won't have any reception while you're on a tour. So make sure you're not expecting anything important during that time and plan accordingly.

8. Taxi Fares: There are many taxi drivers waiting at the front. Expect to pay around 4USD one way and 8USD for a round trip. To avoid the hassle, organize a driver with your accommodation.

Looking for more Vietnam travel tips? Read our 17 things to know before you travel to Vietnam to fully prepare for your next trip!

A small boat surounded by islands of limestone, Halong Bay

And that’s the comprehensive guide to visiting Trang An in Ninh Binh!

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. In the meantime, check out our ultimate Vietnam itineraries to help you plan your Vietnam trip. It’s designed for first time travelers and we’ve included the must-visit places in Vietnam!

If you've already been to Vietnam, we have a number of off-the-beaten-path destinations for you to visit, including the northwest , Cao Bang region , and the Mekong Delta .

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Plan A Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

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Ninh Binh is a province located in the north of Vietnam, known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich history. One of the most popular destinations in Ninh Binh is Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts breathtaking scenery and unique cultural experiences. Here's what you need to know before visiting Trang An.

What is Trang An?

Trang An is a scenic complex of limestone mountains, valleys, caves, and rivers located in the southern part of Ninh Binh province. The area spans over 10,000 hectares and is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. In 2014, Trang An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam.

What can I do at Trang An?

The best way to experience Trang An is by taking a boat tour along the winding rivers and through the limestone caves. The tour takes about three hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, you'll pass by several temples and pagodas, including the ancient Bai Dinh Temple, which is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Vietnam.

Another popular activity at Trang An is hiking. The area is home to several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape. The most popular trail is the Mua Cave hike, which leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the entire Trang An complex.

What should I wear when visiting Trang An?

When visiting Trang An, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and the activities you'll be doing. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as well as a hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun. If you're planning on taking a boat tour, it's also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the caves can be cool and damp.

When is the best time to visit Trang An?

The best time to visit Trang An is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. The weather is mild and sunny during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and boating. However, if you're visiting during the rainy season (May to September), be prepared for occasional rain showers and muddy trails.

How do I get to Trang An?

Trang An is located about 7 km from Ninh Binh city and can be accessed by motorbike or taxi. If you're coming from Hanoi, it's about a 2-hour drive. There are also several organized tours available that include transportation, boat tours, and meals.

Trang An is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ninh Binh. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and unique experiences, it's no wonder why Trang An is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, there are also several other attractions worth exploring at Trang An, such as the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you can learn about Vietnam's history and architecture. You can also visit the Kong: Skull Island movie set, which was filmed in Trang An and offers a unique glimpse into the local film industry.

Overall, Trang An is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Trang An is definitely worth a visit. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Ninh Binh and discover the beauty of Trang An for yourself!

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The inland Ha Long Bay

The Trang An Landscape in Vietnam is often called the ‘Inland Halong Bay’. Here’s what it’s like to take a boat trip amongst the mountains and in the caves.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: June 19, 2023

A boat tour around Trang An at Ninh Binh

It’s known as the Ha Long Bay of the land. About 150 kilometres from the famous Vietnamese bay where hundreds of islands form a natural wonder is another equally as impressive landscape.

This one, known as Trang An, is nowhere near the coast, though. The mountains are connected by rice paddies, not water. You can cycle to them, not sail. And – best of all – they are not full of foreign tourists. Such is the joy of a Trang An boat tour.

Trang An at Ninh Binh is easy to get to from Hanoi. It’s dominated by the large limestone karst peaks which create steep vertical cliffs covered in plants.

Unlike a traditional mountain range where the slopes connect to each other in a long undulating stretch, most of these peaks stand in isolation – making them even more dramatic in appearance.

The stretches of flat land surrounding them look like valleys but, in reality, they are not the space between mountains but what the area would look like without mountains. Fields fill many of them and the fertile grounds are perfect for agriculture and settlements.

There are sections that are submerged under water, though, and this is what has been claimed by the tourism industry as the best way to explore the Trang An area. While it is possible to cycle, drive – or even walk – around the mountains, most people choose a Trang An boat tour to travel through some of the most scenic parts of the region.

I board one of these small boats myself and it waits at the dock until all six seats are taken. It doesn’t take long because there is a steady stream of visitors coming here to take a ride.

Interestingly, most of them seem to be locals on holiday in large groups. For foreigners, Trang An is not nearly as well known as Ha Long Bay and most people who do visit come on day trips from Hanoi that leave early in the morning.

The boat driver sits at the back with two large oars. She paddles down the large river towards some of the impressive limestone karst peaks. I realise that I have no idea how long we are heading out for – it’s probably something I should have asked – but I sit back and enjoy the view.

It turns out the boat trip is much longer than I expected. For almost two hours we explore the area. The large river appears to come to an abrupt end after about thirty minutes but then I notice a small cave. We row into it and it turns out it is a tunnel that we emerge from on the other side of a mountain.

The waterway is much narrower here and the boat comes close to the shore of reeds. Mountains surround us in almost every direction and, if it wasn’t for the tunnel, it would feel like we were in a lake. At the other end there’s another tunnel and we go through it and emerge in another part of the landscape.

There is definitely something quite special about seeing Trang An from this perspective. I think you get a better understanding of how it all fits together by seeing the different vantage points – from the water, from the shore, and even from within the mountains themselves.

I am told there are about 30 valleys and 50 caves in the area and, although we certainly don’t get to them all, I do lose count, perspective and my sense of direction as we glide throughout the various waterscapes.

It’s a long hard trip for the driver, I imagine, and there are a few points where I pick up one of the spare oars and help out. I’m not sure how much of a token effort it is, though. It does make me feel a bit better about being rowed around for hours.

The Trang An boat tour

If you’re interested on going on one of these boat trips at Trang An, there are a few different ways to do it. As I mentioned, quite a few people organise day trips from Hanoi that include this as part of the itinerary. If you choose that route, everything will be looked after for you.

To do it more independently, you first need to get to the city of Ninh Binh. There is a direct train from Hanoi which leaves several times a day. From there, you can get a taxi to Trang An.

Once you’re at the site, the ticket office is clearly marked. You buy a ticket for 200,000 dong (US$8.80) and then the staff will direct you to a boat.

The trip around the waterways will take about two hours. The most important bit of advice I can give here is to take sunscreen and some water. It can get extremely hot and there is no shade, so you’ll need some protection with you.

It’s also worth noting here that there are some great affordable tours to Trang An from Hanoi that take all of the hassle out of organising things for yourself – especially if you’re short of time. Have a look at some of these options:

I stayed in the Ninh Binh area for a few days, which I highly recommend if you have time. There are lots of other things to see and it’s a beautiful area to relax.

I stayed at the Nyugen Shack ( click here for current prices ) which is a wonderful place with basic cabins on a small lake. You can even borrow a bike for free and cycle out to Trang An for the day.

Where is Trang An?

Trang An is very close to the city of Ninh Binh. It is on Trang An Road. You can see it on a map here .

How much does a Trang An tour cost?

A ticket for the boat tour is 200,000 VND (US$8.80) per person. They normally try to fit about four people in a boat, so you may not have it to yourself.

How do you get to Trang An?

If you want to get to Trang An independently, you first need to get to the city of Ninh Binh. The easiest way to get there is by train and you can reserve your seat in advance here . From the train station, I suggest getting a taxi as the best option.

Are there tours to Trang An?

Yes, there are tours, and this may be the best way for you to go if you are short of time. Everything will be organised for you, including transport and meals. I would suggest having a look at this day trip from Hanoi .

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN NINH BINH

There’s not a huge amount of accommodation in Ninh Binh, but you will find something for any style of travel.

My favourite place in Ninh Binh is definitely the relaxed Nguyen Shack with its charming bungalows.

For a comfortable budget hotel, you can try Nam Hoa Hotel right near Tam Coc.

A lovely homestay option with amazing views is the Limestone View Homestay .

And for a stunning luxury resort, you can’t go past Emeralda Resort and its pool!

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

7 thoughts on “The inland Ha Long Bay”

Great pics, especially the one in the cave! The place looks like a piece of heaven. A little bit frightening on these little boats.

It’s a beautiful place but it’s not really that scary at all. I was worried about hitting my head in a couple of the caves but, other than that, it was very relaxing.

I guess that exploring all this by boat was a fantastic experience. When landscapes are like this, just two hours are too little. Great guide.

You can also spend a bit of time in the area and do some explorations on your own – I would recommend by bike. That way you can see the different views from the water and from the land.

Wow this place looks amazing. Where was this post before my Vietnam trip. Looks like I’ll have to go back.

I don’t think it’s that well known so don’t be too surprised you missed it. But definitely a beautiful place and worth checking out if you’re ever back in Vietnam!

I was surprised to learn its 6 people to a boat. Did you get to visit the temples and things during the trip? I’ve read that you do, and return to your boat in your own time – but how does that work if there are other tourists on a different time schedule?

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Trang An: A Breathtaking Landscape Complex (Everything You Need To Know When You Visit)

Categories Destinations , Asia , Ninh Binh , Vietnam

People call Ninh Binh the Halong bay on land. I think this is largely due to the krast landscape that is visible almost everywhere in Ninh Binh. One of the main attractions in Ninh Binh is the boat rides. These boat rides take you through the submerged valleys.

The top three places where you experience these boat rides are Trang An, Tam Coc and Van Long Nature reserve . Of these three, we have visited Trang An and Van Long Nature reserve.

We skipped out on Tam Coc because of the large number of tourists that flock there. It is more expensive and it has relatively fewer caves to explore.

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⏰ Looking for the best way to explore Trang An? I would recommend taking a tour of the Trang An Grottos and Bai Dinh temple . ⏰

The trang an grottoes.

Did you know that the Trang An Grottoes actually cover 31 valleys and 50 cross water caves? That’s huge! This doesn’t account for the caves, the karst structures and the grottos.

In fact, the Trang An landscape complex covers 2,168 hectares! The Trang An tours take a while to do but they barely cover the whole area and yup since it is so large it is difficult to visit everything at once.

Vietnam has a Red Data Book that is a list of rare (and endangered species) of flora and fauna. These are obviously native to Vietnam.

Trang An houses 600 different flora and 200 different fauna which makes it one of the most biodiverse locations in the country.

Out of these species, you will find a large number of them are in the Red Book. This is one of the reasons why preserving this location is essential.

Be mindful that when you visit Trang An as a tourist, you don’t litter.

Where Is Trang An Located And How Do You Get There?

Okay so if you haven’t realized it yet, Trang An is located in Ninh Binh.

It is kind off on the outskirts of the city so getting there can be a challenge but despite everything I would highly recommend putting in the effort to get there because it is gorgeous!

There is no other way to put it. Trang An is probably most beautiful spot you are going to visit in the Ninh Binh area.

The next question is how do you get to Trang An?

We rented a motorbike and rode it all over. That according to me was the simplest way to do it. Be wary though. Make sure you know how to ride the motorbike because the traffic in Vietnam is crazy and this is not a place where you want to practice or try to learn!

The best ways to get to Trang An are:

Take a taxi – This is an expensive option but it gives you a great deal of comfort especially if you are battling the heat.
Rent and ride a motorbike – The most flexible solution but you need to have a license and have a reasonable amount of confidence to ride one in Vietnam.
Join a tour – Everything is taken care of for you. Again, an expensive option.
Rent cycles – Definitely something to look into if you don’t mind the exercise and you live close by. If you want to cover other sights in the area then this may not be the best option.

The Best Time To Visit Trang An

The best time to visit Trang An is either early in the morning or late afternoon. These are the least crowded times because most of the tour groups have left to other tourist attractions or have left back to Hanoi.

We reached Trang An around 3 o’clock in the evening but in hindsight I wish we could have reached a little earlier because our boat ride was rushed in the end.

I particularly liked that part of the day because we got to see Trang An both in bright day light as well as at dusk and in the dark.

The Ticket To Ride The Boats In Trang An

The Trang An ticket is relatively cheaper than the one in Tam Coc and the ride is longer with more caves. That said the cost of the ticket is 150,000 VND per person which isn’t by any definition cheap.

Cheaper maybe but not cheap! Bear in mind that once you exit the boat you will also be expected to tip. Toilets in the campus are charged too. Let’s leave the economics behind and just concentrate on the experience from now on.

Catching A Boat

A glimpse of the boats that are getting ready to ply.

Unlike in Tam Coc and Van Long nature reserve, the boats in Trang An take four people at a time. Five if you count the person who rows the boat.

So in order to get one you need to wait till the boat fills up. Normally that may not be an issue but when you go early morning or late evening there are fewer tourists. This may make the wait time a little longer than expected.

My advice would be to ask around and form a group of four. It is quite easy when you stay in a hostel or even in a hotel. The plus side is that you will make friends!

We met a lady and her son at the dock and we had a jolly good time through the entire ride. Taking turns while we shifted through our seats helped everyone get the best seats at the best time.

Entering and exiting the caves.

When we set out it was bright. The waters were clean and clear. All too often you could see the plants growing up from the base.

I felt as if I was moving atop of a submerged valley. It looked like a whole different world underneath. Fascinating though it was I was glad to keep safe, warm and dry atop the boat.

One of the main attractions of visiting Trang An in the wee hours of the morning or the late hours of the evening is the number of birds that you get to see. So keep your eyes peeled and don’t let the scenery lull you to sleep.

Temples by the water way

The first stop that you will arrive at is a temple. What struck me was that this particular temple is accessible only via boat.

While most people talk about the caves and the waterways, I found it odd that most people neglect to tell you about these temples and buildings that you find through your entire three hour ride. The first temple that we visited was small and situated just next to the water.

The intricate details of the temple alter.

The temple had its own set of beautiful architecture. Intricate wood designs which were accentuated by the gold paint. While the gold does give the inner sanctum a royal feeling.

Yet despite the gold, the temple is a humble abode where people worship. Incense burns and its fragrance greets you as soon as you walk in through the door.

Since it is isolated the number of tourist you see are few and far apart. Just remember to carry a sarong so that you are respectful when and if you want to enter.

Trang An’s strange earthen pots.

Once we were done looking at the temple our ride continued. We headed through a cave which connected one side of the waterway to the next.

While the cave in itself was extremely fascinating, we saw a strange sight just before we exited. A series of earthen pots stood at one end of the cave. The area was raised above the water.

An orange cloth seemed to cover the mouth of the pot along with a mud lid.

Our ability to understand Vietnamese was not even rudimentary and hence I have no idea what was stored in the pots. Needless to say, I am still curious!

Another temple which I loved.

The other spot that we exited the boat at was a little different. We stopped off at the dock and wandered through a series of pavements. It was quiet and it was deserted.

We weren’t even sure if we were headed the right way. A number of steps took us upwards and then we suddenly had a downward descent.

A run in with an angry dog, an inquisitive squirrel and another peaceful waterway is what we found. Needless to say it was fun exploring the terrain.

The temple in Trang An which we missed.

The tunnels and caves in Trang An appear to continue forever. Day was slowly fading away and night was beginning to set in.

We passed another temple on our way but our guide told us that it was too dark to continue meandering around in temples.

How did she know that? An announcement was continuously made on the speakers that are strategically placed across the waterways. I was a little disappointed but the next part of the adventure occupied my thoughts quickly.

Can you tell the difference between air and water?

As the light faded there were some interesting things that began to happen. I’m not sure whether it was because of the diminishing light, whether it was that particular tunnel or whether I overlooked it earlier.

The water began to reflect everything in such a way that we began to feel as if we were actual floating through the tunnel like a spaceship from Star Wars!

No kidding I managed to snap two decent photographs to show you exactly what I mean. Try and find the line where the water and air meet.

Another Trang An illusion

At one point we found ourselves meandering through the tunnels in pitch darkness. I think the lights were also switched off. This turned out to be pretty unnerving because there are places where the rock hangs so low that you have to literally fold your body in half.

Our guide knew her way around. I think she had night vision or something. Being the last boat moving along there weren’t any people around. It was tranquil at best and unnerving at worst. Luckily we all had our life jackets on! (I can’t swim!)

The moon poked its head out of the sky as we finally docked back at the start. It was time to leave Trang An behind. Trang An was a memorable journey through the Halong Bay on land. It would soon be time to leave Ninh Binh behind but the memories we created were sure to linger.

Trang An Tours To Consider

From hanoi: bai dinh, trang an, and mua cave full-day tour.

⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5 (124 Reviews) Price: $59 per person Duration: 1 day 📍 Meeting Point: Your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem District Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Run by Asian Discovery Travel, this is one of the most popular tours that leaves from Hanoi. I think it is very popular because it gives you a very authentic experience.

Not only do you get a boat ride through Trang An caves, you also get a chance to cycle through the countryside.

The tour also includes Bai Dinh Temple and the Mua Caves.

The most important thing about this tour is to keep your plans flexible because the excursion takes the whole day.

Trang An grottoes – Bai Dinh Pagoda Day Tours

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (55 Reviews) Price: $58 per person Duration: 8 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Hotel pickup offered Details: Read more on Viator!

This is another great tour that leaves from Hanoi. This primarily focuses on the Trang An grottoes and the Bai Dinh Pagoda that is near by.

The tour pick you up from your hotel in the Old quarter and it transfers you to Ninh Binh. It covers the entrance fees to both sights and lunch at one of the local restaurants. It isn’t as extensive as the previous tour but it could work if you are short on time.

Discover Trang An in Ninh Binh

on Jul 10, 2019 By: HoÃ ng

Trang An is a place with mountain ranges and rivers under the beautiful sky and cloud. The water of river is clear that could see the bottom of the river and the surface of river reflexes the shadow of stunning mountain cliffs. There are 31 lakes, lagoons connected 48 caves which have been discovered. And in there, including 2km long caves with many stalactites, water leaks from the ceiling of cave that makes the air inside the cave cooler. A Dark cave is wide and narrow. Meanwhile, the Bright Cave twinkles with some strange shapes of stalactites and stalagmites.

Trang An boat pier is located 7 km from the Ninh Binh city in the west and it is 100km from Hanoi in the south. The core of Trang An – Tam Coc has an area of 6100 ha which is the special protected area of the spot.

Trang An attracts many tourists to come to enjoy its gorgeous beauty with rivers, mountains, local people, rice field, culture and architecture. Currently, Trang An has 3 main routes for visiting by rowing boat:

Route 1: Trang An – Den Trinh (Trinh temple) – Den Tran (Tran temple) – Phu Khong Time for visiting: 3 hours This route will lead visitors through 9 caves, 3 spiritual spots to explore the beauty and the strange of cave and rocks. Learn about the history of Dinh Dynasty through the relics and the legends about these caves. Especially, Den Tran (Tran Temple) is the heart of world cultural and natural heritage in this region.

Route 2: Trang An - Cao Son Temple - Vu Lam Palace – King Kong Film Studio Time for visiting: 3 hours This route will take visit through 4 caves which are like magnificent palaces and through the 3 spiritual points. Dating back to the past to learn about the history of Tran Dynasty at Vu Lam Palace, and then, visitors will admire the magnificent studio of Film Kong Skull Island.

Route 3: Trang An – Dot Cave – Suoi Tien temple - King Kong Studio Film Time for visiting: 3 hours The route take visitors through 3 spiritual points and 3 caves. Visitors will be surprised at the stalactite system of Hang Dot (Dot cave) stretching for more than 1000m which is the mother nature has been creating for thousands of years, becoming the longest cave in Trang An in particular and other ecological zones of the same type in Ninh Binh province in general. The historical site: Suoi Tien temple will lead visitors to the origin of Trang An the place to dedicate to Quy Minh Dai Vuong

3 routes above are rowing boat trip. Visitors could visit Trang An by road with mountain hiking route: The road tour is 1.6km long. This hiking route is from Cay Bang pier. There are 3 passes which visitors will have to walk, climb to the mountain to reach Tran Temple The first pass is Cay then Vai and the last one is Tran pass. Nowadays, this route is built with large stone steps. On the way to Tran Temple, there are 7 wooden octagon towers, a good place to have a short break when you are on this trekking route

The ticket price for Trang An is 200 000 VND for adults and 100 000 VND for child under 1.4m. The fee is also included the boat trip in Trang An

Many people said that Trang A is “ Halong Bay on land” but Trang An is Trang An, Halong is Halong. Trang An where there is a clear blue water, many caves system. Where the various scenery is associated with the history of the imperial capital. Where there is no luxury cruises, just only the simple rowing boat and the rowers that will take you to enjoy the charming landscapes of Trang An in Ninh Binh.

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NINH BINH TOURS & SIGHTS

Why Ninh Binh is a MUST in your travel list to Vietnam?

Ninh Binh is a province located in the southernmost region of the Red River Delta, situated about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This province boasts a unique landscape, stretching from the Northwest mountainous area to the delta, earning it the nickname "half mountain half plain." The region has three main types of topography, including breathtaking limestone mountains with stunning caves and grottoes, a delta formed by Red River Silt, and an 18-kilometer coastline. Aside from its limestone topography and serene green countryside, Ninh Binh is famous for being the first imperial capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 under feudal dynasties. This has resulted in a rich cultural and religious tourism potential, with sights such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu temples, Thai Vi temple, and Bich Dong Pagoda. The province is also home to Cuc Phuong National Park, the oldest national park in Vietnam and the largest nature reserve, featuring an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, and great trekking options in Northern Vietnam. Ninh Binh is easily accessible from Hanoi, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. This easy access offers travelers a wide range of tour options to Ninh Binh, including day tours, overnight tours, trekking tours, and cycling tours. Visit our website for more information on Ninh Binh tours and start planning your trip to this stunning province.

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TRANG AN & HOA LU

Duration: 1 Day / Code: NB01

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a mixed natural and cultural property. This day tour to Trang An and Hoa Lu ancient capital will give you a chance to get both of the values above. Three-hour boat row in between the towering karst formations and visit Vietnamese typical temples which worship the country's first emperors.

NINH BINH & HALONG BAY

Duration: 3 Days / Code: NB04

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Hanoi

Trip Highlights: Sampan boat ride and bicyclinh in Ninh Binh - Cruise in Halong bay on a deluxe boat with kayaking and stay overnight on the boat.

NINH BINH, CAT BA, LAN HA BAY

Duration: 4 Days / Code: NB07

This is one of our best seller! The destinations are both recognized as Unesco's world heritages, featured with towering limestone cliffs. Ninh Binh is stunning with Trang An Complex - A natural & cultural heritage, it will amaze you with a sampan boat ride along a little river & a gentle bicycle ride on back roads of rice fields and sheer mountains. Lan Ha Bay is amazing with its bay of limestone islands...

TAM COC & HANG MUA TREK

Duration: 1 Day / Code: NB02

The sheer limestone mountains feature the area and this amazing nature has become the UNESCO's natural heritage of the complex. This day tour offers you a close-up to enjoy the beautiful landscape by riding a sampan boat along a small river in Tam Coc & embarking on a scenic trek at Hang Mua area.

NINH BINH & SAPA TOUR

Duration: 4 Days / Code: NB05

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi - Sapa - Hanoi

Trip Highlights: Sampan boat ride and Trek the scenic limestone landscape of Ninh Binh - Trek the stunning rice terraced fields of Sapa Valley

MAI CHAU - NINH BINH - HALONG

Duration: 4 Days / Code: NB08

For those who would like to get away from the bustle and hustle of the big cities like Hanoi and interested in outdoor activities such as trekking to visit tribal villages, sampan boat-riding on a small river, edged by sheer mountain sides; cruising in the beautiful bay of the world's heritage. This is the one! With 4 days, start with a scenic drive to the mountainous province of Hoa Binh...

TAM COC & BICH DONG

Duration: 1 Day / Code: NB03

The mystical, watery beauty of the Tam Coc “three caves” has been become one of the most favorite spots in Ninh Binh. The 2-hour sampan-ride is a definite highlight, meandering thru' dumpling-shaped karst hills in a flooded landscape. Besides, you also have chance to embark a cycling tour and visit Bich Dong Pagoda which was discoverred by...

NINH BINH & MAI CHAU

Duration: 3 Days / Code: NB06

Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley - Ninh Binh - Hanoi

Trip Highlights: Moderate trek to visit Mai Chau hilly Valley of tribal villages - Sampan boat ride on little river & scenic bicycle ride on back roads of Ninh Binh

TAM COC & CUC PHUONG FOREST

Duration: 2 Days / Code: NB09

Amongst the scenic attractions in Ninh Binh, Tam Coc stands out as the most charming boat-ride place with limestone outcrops & stunning rice paddy fields. It is combined with Cuc Phuong National Park, an ideal place to get the touch of nature. Specially, you are able to watch the langur monkeys at the park's primate rescue center, trek inside the rain-forest and enjoy the diversity of tropical flora system...

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Duration: 14 Days

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Duration: 16 Days

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Welcome to our Ninh Binh Tours FAQ section, where we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about our tours and the Ninh Binh region. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to this beautiful part of Vietnam. If you don't see the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us directly, and we'll be happy to help!

WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN NINH BINH? Ninh Binh is home to some of Vietnam's most stunning natural and cultural attractions, so there are many must-see attractions to explore during your visit. Here are a few top attractions to consider when planning your Ninh Binh tour: Tam Coc - Known as the "Halong Bay on Land," Tam Coc is a series of caves and limestone formations that can be explored by boat. The scenic route takes you through rice fields, karst mountains, and local villages. Trang An - Another popular boat tour destination, Trang An features a network of caves, rivers, and limestone cliffs. The tour takes you through a peaceful natural setting, passing by temples and pagodas. Bai Dinh Pagoda - This complex of temples and shrines is the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, featuring multiple pagodas, a bell tower, and a giant Buddha statue. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - The ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties, Hoa Lu features historic temples and ruins set amidst scenic natural surroundings. Cuc Phuong National Park - A great destination for nature lovers, Cuc Phuong is the oldest national park in Vietnam and is home to diverse wildlife, including primates, reptiles, and birds. These are just a few of the many must-see attractions in Ninh Binh. Depending on your interests, there are many other sites and activities to explore, such as Mua Cave, Van Long Nature Reserve, and local markets and villages.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE ON NINH BINH TOURS? There are a wide variety of activities available on Ninh Binh tours, suitable for different interests and travel styles. Here are a few popular activities to consider: Boat tours - One of the best ways to experience Ninh Binh's stunning landscapes is by boat. Visitors can take a boat tour through Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long Nature Reserve, passing by towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and ancient temples. Cycling tours - For those who enjoy cycling, Ninh Binh is a great destination to explore on two wheels. Visitors can rent bikes or join a guided cycling tour to visit local villages, temples, and scenic spots. Hiking and trekking - Ninh Binh's rugged terrain and lush forests provide excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking. Visitors can trek through Cuc Phuong National Park, climb up to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views, or explore the trails around Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Cultural experiences - Ninh Binh is home to many cultural attractions and experiences, such as visiting traditional craft villages, learning about local cuisine, and watching traditional performances. Eco-tourism activities - For those interested in eco-tourism, Ninh Binh offers opportunities for bird watching, nature walks, and exploring sustainable farming practices in local communities. These are just a few examples of the many activities available on Ninh Binh tours. Depending on your interests and travel style, there are many other activities and experiences to explore in this beautiful region of Vietnam.

ARE NINH BINH TOURS SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN? Yes, Ninh Binh tours can be suitable for families with young children, depending on the specific activities and destinations included in the tour. Many of the popular boat tours, such as those in Tam Coc and Trang An, are suitable for families with young children, as the boat rides are gentle and provide stunning views of the scenery. Children may also enjoy visiting the Bai Dinh Pagoda, where they can see the giant Buddha statue and explore the various temples and shrines. There are also many family-friendly activities to do in Ninh Binh, such as visiting the local markets, cycling through the countryside, and trying traditional Vietnamese dishes. Families can also explore the nature reserves and parks in the area, where they can hike, bike, or take part in eco-tourism activities. When booking a Ninh Binh tour for a family with young children, it's important to consider the ages and interests of the children, as well as the level of activity and accessibility of the destinations included in the tour. Some tours may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, so it's important to communicate with our travel specialist to ensure that the itinerary is appropriate for your family.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT NINH BINH? The best time of year to visit Ninh Binh is from November to April, during the dry season. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with cool temperatures and low humidity. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities, such as boat tours, hiking, and cycling. The peak tourist season in Ninh Binh is from December to February, when many visitors come to see the stunning scenery and experience the local culture. If you plan to visit during this time, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting Ninh Binh during the shoulder seasons of October and May. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, making it easier to explore the attractions and enjoy the local culture. The rainy season in Ninh Binh lasts from May to October, and while it can still be a beautiful time to visit, the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. If you do decide to visit during this time, be sure to pack appropriate rain gear and be prepared for itinerary changes due to weather conditions.

DO I NEED A GUIDE TO EXPLORE NINH BINH? While it is possible to explore Ninh Binh on your own, having a guide can greatly enhance your experience and help you get the most out of your visit. A knowledgeable guide can provide valuable insight into the history, culture, and natural beauty of the area, as well as help you navigate the attractions and avoid crowds. They can also provide recommendations for restaurants, accommodations, and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you might not find on your own. Additionally, some of the attractions in Ninh Binh, such as the Trang An complex, require a guide to enter. Having a guide can also ensure that you are respectful of local customs and traditions and that you are able to communicate effectively with locals who may not speak English. Overall, while it is possible to explore Ninh Binh on your own, having a guide can provide valuable insight and enhance your overall experience in the region.

SHOULD I BOOK A PACKAGED TOUR TO NINH BINH? Whether or not you should book a packaged tour to Ninh Binh depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Booking a packaged tour can be a convenient option, as it takes care of all the details, such as transportation, accommodations, and activities. It can also provide access to destinations and experiences that may be difficult to arrange on your own, such as a private boat tour or a visit to a local village. Packaged tours can also be a good option for those who are short on time, as they typically offer efficient itineraries that cover the most popular attractions in the region. Additionally, many packaged tours provide the services of a knowledgeable guide, who can offer valuable insights and help you get the most out of your visit. However, packaged tours can also be more expensive than traveling independently, and they may not offer the flexibility to customize your itinerary to your specific interests and preferences. Additionally, some tours may include destinations or activities that you are not interested in, or may not provide enough time to fully explore the attractions that interest you most. Ultimately, whether or not you should book a packaged tour to Ninh Binh depends on your individual travel style, preferences, and budget. If you prefer the convenience and structure of a packaged tour, and are willing to pay the extra cost, then it may be a good option for you. If you prefer to travel independently and have more control over your itinerary and budget, then exploring Ninh Binh on your own may be a better option.

HOW GOOD IS A TAILOR-MADE TOUR TO NINH BINH? A tailor-made tour to Ninh Binh can be an excellent option for those who want a more personalized and customized travel experience. With a tailor-made tour, you have the opportunity to work with a travel agent or tour operator to design an itinerary that is tailored specifically to your interests, preferences, and budget. This means that you can choose the destinations, activities, and accommodations that appeal to you most, and can create a travel schedule that fits your timeline and travel style. Additionally, a tailor-made tour can provide greater flexibility than a packaged tour, as you can make changes to your itinerary as needed, and can take more time to explore the destinations that interest you most. Working with a reputable tour operator can also ensure that you have access to expert guides, reliable transportation, and high-quality accommodations, making for a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience. Overall, a tailor-made tour to Ninh Binh can be an excellent option for those who want a personalized and customized travel experience that fits their individual preferences and interests. However, it is important to do your research and work with a reputable tour operator to ensure that you are getting the best possible experience for your money.

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Experience Travel to Trang An Ninh Binh 1 day

One of the most attractive destinations for visiting Ninh Binh is Trang An. It’s recognized by UNESCO as a World natural heritage site. Let Origin Vietnam share the experience of travel to Trang An Ninh Binh 1 day tour detailed below. And ensuring you will have the most complete journey!

A. Trang An Ninh Binh travel experience

1. where is trang an tourist area.

Trang An Ninh Binh Ecotourism Area is a tourist destination in the World heritage complex of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. This is also a tourist destination that attracts tourists every year. From the center of Trang An you can easily move to other locations. Such as Hoa Lu ancient capital about 3km and Ninh Binh city about 7km, 96km from Hanoi.

Trang An is considered as a place to preserve and own for itself many ecosystems of wetlands and limestone mountains as well as cultural and historical relics under the Dinh and Tran periods. Currently, this area still retains its original pristine beauty and always a place to stop on the journey to explore Ninh Binh.

2. Transportation to Trang An Ninh Binh tourist area

To move to Trang An, first you have to go to Ninh Binh. You can choose many different ways. Such as motorbike, bus or train to help you understand better. This post will guide how to move from Hanoi to Ninh Binh then from Ninh Bình to Trang An.

+ Move from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Motorbike: From Hanoi, move in the direction of the old National Highway 1A to Hanoi then go to Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa route. There will be signs on the road so you don’t need to worry.
Coach: You can choose the bus at My Dinh bus station or Giap Bat bus station with the fare of about 80k / person. It’s travel about 2 hours to Ninh Binh bus station. After that you can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Trang An.
Train: Because in Ninh Binh there are North-South railway lines running through. So you can also choose to travel by train. From Hanoi there are trains SE1 (19h30), SE3 (22h), SE5 (9h) and SE7 (6h). It takes more than 2 hours to go to Ninh Binh train station then take a motorbike or taxi to Trang An.

+ Move from Ninh Binh to Trang An

Trang An is about 7km from Ninh Binh city so if you are traveling by bus or train you can choose to rent a motorbike or taxi to go. Note to bargain to avoid high price from local people.

If you travel to Trang An Ninh by motorbike, when you come to the center of Ninh Binh city, you will see a sign board Trang An on the right. It’s just a few kilometers straight to the tourist area Trang An already.

3. Transportation in Trang An

In order to explore Trang An Ninh Binh tourist area. You have to move on boats. At this point you will have to buy an entrance ticket that includes a boat ride. Ticket price is about 200k / person. However, the main drawback is that a boat needs to carry 6 people to go.

So if you go with a few people, you will have to join with other groups. But if you go on a private boat, you have to buy enough 6 tickets.

Travel time for excursions is 2-3 hours. Currently, to promote development. There are many different routes for you to choose from. You can refer to the routes below to choose for yourself the appropriate route.

Route 1 : Boat station – Trinh Temple – Dark Cave – Bright Cave – Wine Cooking Cave – Tran Temple – Seo cave – Son Duong cave- Phu Khong – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave – Boat station. Travel time is about 3 and a half hours. This route is suitable for those who love spiritual tourist destinations.
Route 2: Boat station – Lam cave – Vang cave – Thanh Slide cave – Suoi Tien temple – Dai cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam – Boat station. Travel time is about 2 and a half hours.
Route 3: Boat station – Trinh Temple – Hang May – Suoi Tien – Dia Linh Cave – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam – Boat station. Travel time 3 hours.

4. Which season is good for Trang An?

It can be said that Ninh Binh tourism in Trang An is beautiful season. Because at any time of the year in Trang An there are beautiful scenes for you to explore. If you go in January to March of the lunar calendar.

This is the time when Trang An is very exciting, many tourists often choose to come here to travel to the spring. However, if this range is crowded, it is very crowded.

Besides, in May and June in Ninh Binh. It is like wearing on the golden color of ripe rice fields creating a picturesque scenery that you should not miss.

5. What is beautiful in Trang An Ninh Binh tourist area?

Sightseeing admire the natural beauty.

As we mentioned above, in order to explore Ninh Binh Trang An tourist area . You will have to travel by boat. The feeling of sitting on small boats down the blue water and watching the natural scenery is really wonderful.

Even when the weather is hot, but sitting on the boat. You can feel a fresh, cool atmosphere radiating from the river surface. For those who love “virtual life”, sitting on the boat is also a very beautiful background to help you get those beautiful shimmering pictures.

Discover mysterious, magical caves

After a while of sightseeing, the small boat will take you to explore the caves with many different shapes to ensure you will be extremely excited. When the boat enters any cave, the rowers will introduce and tell you stories about that cave.

Each cave has its own different beauty, but they all have the same beauty as the magnificent stalactites, each cave contains hidden stories transmitted to this day.

Visit the temples in Trang An

In the journey to explore Trang An tourist area in Ninh Binh. You will stop at the temples of kings or people with merit in this land of Ninh Binh. Trinh Temple is your first destination, then Tran Temple with monumental architecture still preserved through the dragon carvings under the hands of talented artisans at that time.

In addition, in Trang An, there is another spiritual place that you should not miss is Phu Khong. Coming here, you will admire the ancient ancient trees dating back thousands of years. This is also the place to worship 7 mandarins who contributed to the Dinh dynasty.

Vu Lam Palace

Located deep in the mountains of Trang An Ninh Binh tourist area is the Vu Lam palace. This place is known as a military base area under the Tran Dynasty. Not only that, the palace of Vu Lam was also the place where Tran kings ordained.

Coming to Vu Lam palace, you will be immersed with nature and feel the beauty of the rocky caves, spread your heart to enjoy the moments of tranquility, learn about history…

B. Travel schedule Trang An Ninh Binh 1 day

To be able to explore all Ninh Binh tourist destinations requires you to take about 2 to 3 days. But if you do not have much time and just want to visit Trang An but you are not able to come out. So reasonable, do not worry too much, let’s consult our 1-day Trang An travel experience.

Morning activities:

At 8.00 am our guide and driver welcome you at hotel in Hanoi. Good bye the bustling city of Hanoi and transfer you to Ninh Binh Province – 120km away. At first you will make a visiting to Bai Dinh Pagoda , the biggest one in Vietnam with 500 La Han Statues , the biggest bronze casting Buddha Statue with the height of 100 tons. Have lunch at local restaurant

Afternoon activities:

Afternoon is the continue trip to visit Trang An Grottoes – the famous attraction in Ninh Binh that is in the list to get World Heritage Site from UNESCO . Take a boat trip to visit the complex caves in Trang An including Bright Cave, Dark Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou that are mystery and natural to admire the wonderful which nature bless for this area.

After that you leave Trang An for return Hanoi city. Free to have your own dinner. Overnight at your hotel.

Above is the experience of exploring Trang An Ninh Binh with the most detailed schedule and cost. Hopefully, the information we have provided will help you get a complete trip and the most memorable experience. Let’s refer to other useful travel experiences!

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Tips to travel Trang An (Ninh Binh Province)

By lilytravel
Ninh Binh , Travel Insight

Many people know that Trang An has appeared in Kong: Skull Island (2017) thanks to the majestic natural beauty. But actually, before that, this place appeared in many famous Vietnamese movies such as Tam Cam: The Untold (2016) and Blood Letter (Thien Menh Anh Hung – 2012)… Many directors chose Trang An to be a film studio just because of one reason: its beauty. Let’s find out its beauty with Lily’s Travel.

Location and information

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is located in Ninh Binh Province, is one of the most popular destinations in the north of Vietnam. This place has been considered a particularly important national monument by the Vietnamese Government and recognized as a world heritage since 2014 by UNESCO.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex includes valleys, caves, lakes and lagoons created by a system of limestone mountains with a geological age of about 250 million years over a long period of time by the changes of the earth.

This scenic complex is a place to preserve and contains many ecosystems of wetlands, forests on limestone mountains, archaeological sites and historical and cultural relics. The system of rocky mountains, rivers, forests and caves here is very protectable so it was chosen to protect the capital Hoa Lu in the 10th century as the Southern citadel by Dinh Tien Hoang King and then used by the Tran Dynasty as the Vu Lam Palace in the past and the Mongol resistance. At present, there are many historical relics of the Dinh and Tran dynasties.

The best time to visit Trang An

From January to March of the lunar calendar is the best time for you to visit Trang An. At this time, the weather is not too cold, the sky is clear and there is little rain, so it is quite convenient for sitting on the boat and visiting the scenic spots. This season is also the season with a lot of festivals taking place here, which can be combined with visiting festivals or going to pagodas to pray for peace.

If you go in July-September, then in Trang An at this time, it is the ripe rice season. It is the best time for those who like to see the golden rice fields in the cuisine. In June, the weather is a bit hot, but the sky is clear and there is little rain. In addition, this is the time when the lotus blooms are also very suitable for sightseeing. In November and December, the weather is bad, it rains a lot, so you should avoid traveling to Trang An at this time.

How to move to Trang An Ninh Binh

Nearly 100km from the center of Hanoi to the south, you can reach Ninh Binh by many vehicles such as trains, interprovincial buses or cars and motorbikes. Nowadays, Trang An (Ninh Binh) is a tourist destination so the path to Trang An from Ninh Binh city is convenient. Moreover, when traveling to Trang An, you have the opportunity to experience one of the following 2 travel routes:

This is a very interesting form of transportation in Trang An historical relic site. You can both leisurely admire the scenery on each road you go through and have the opportunity to explore ancient, unspoiled but magnificent and magnificent places. This route starts from Cay Bang wharf, visitors will have to go through three consecutive passes.

From the journey to admire the beauty of Cay (Cậy) pass, you will climb through Vai pass before stopping at Tran temple pass. Today, this route has been rebuilt into wide stone steps that are easy to walk, featuring 7 octagonal wooden floors as a resting place.

By waterway combined with mountain climbing

If you want to travel among river waters, Lily’s Travel advice, you take cuisine to enjoy the feeling of sitting on a boat bobbing on the waves, passing through 12 caves and 3 spiritual sites for 3 hours. Departing from the central wharf, you go through Dia Linh cave, Toi (Dark) cave, Sang (Bright) cave, Nau Ruou cave and are able to take extremely beautiful photos.

After that, you get off the boat and climb nearly 500 steps to go to Tran temple, then continue your journey on the boat to Sinh cave, Si cave, Ba Giot cave, Seo cave, Son Duong cave and visit Khong palace, pagoda Report filial piety and then continue to explore Khong cave, Tran cave, Quy Hau cave and return to the starting point.

Places to visit in Trang An

The ticket price to visit Trang An is 200,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4m. This ticket price includes a boat ticket to visit Trang An by waterway through the Sao Khe River. Each boat can accommodate about 4-5 people and the journey takes about 3-4 hours.

Trinh Temple

Trinh Temple is the place to worship two gods of the Dinh Dynasty, Ta Thanh Tru and Huu Thanh Tru. During their reign, they were the two generals overseeing the king’s gold store. Legend has it that when King Dinh Tien Hoang died, they hid the little king Dinh Toan here to avoid the pursuit of Le Hoan. When Empress Dowager Duong Van Nga handed over the hat and robe to cede the throne to General Le Hoan, the two men did not submit and died in this area. The people mourned and built a temple on the side of the mountain to worship the two men.

Phu Khong is located on a narrow strip of land, with its back leaning on Khong cave, on the right is a steep rocky mountain range, in front of a vast valley of water. This is the place to worship 7 loyal officials of the Dinh dynasty, associated with legends when King Dinh Tien Hoang passed away. People built temples and planted a tree right in front to commemorate the loyalists.

Di Linh Cave

The first destination in the journey from the river boat station is Dia Linh cave. The cave is 260m long with many magical stalactites. You seem to be lost in the treasure of mysterious and unique fossil stalactites. You will be able to admire the charming and equally majestic watercolor painting when standing in front of the cave.

Nau Ruou (Cooking wine) Cave

Nau Ruou Cave has an underground water source more than 10m deep, legend has it that in the past, the ancestors came here to get water to cook wine for the king. You can see yourself in the fanciful reflection in the beautiful blue water.

Ba Giot Cave

Ba Giot Cave has many colorful stalactites. The stalactites in Ba Giot cave are not as dry as the previous ones but are wet and continue to transform with new and unique shades. Sinh cave, Si cave and Ba Giot cave are associated with the legend of a sad love story.

Once upon a time, there was a prince who loved a princess dearly. When the bridegroom went to Sinh cave to propose, she paid tribute to the neighboring country. He went to Ba Giot cave to bathe, then hugged his own love and immersed himself in Si cave. Legend has it that anyone who goes through Ba Giot cave and catches three drops of water from the small stalactites into the palm of his hand will be lucky in life and happy in love.

Famous foods in Trang An, Ninh Binh

Traveling to Trang An, you will not be able to miss the famous Ninh Binh delicacies. You can enjoy the crispy taste of each piece of greasy or the fleshy aroma of roasted glutinous rice, the sweet and sour taste of vinegar intermingled with the warm spicy taste of ginger with garlic, chili, pepper and lemongrass blend into a fish salad…

Some notifications you should remember

If you go in the summer, you should prepare more conical hats and sunscreen; If you go in the rainy season, bring a thin raincoat.

The water in Trang An is quite deep so you should remember to rent a life jacket. Also, do not forget to prepare enough drinking water during your journey.

Find out more Ninh Binh Tour: Click here

Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tour
Ninh Binh Tam Coc Tour
Ninh Binh Trang An Tour
Luxury Ninh Binh Tour

LILY'S TRAVEL

Information.

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A guide to the boat tours of Ninh Binh

Heading north during your holiday in Vietnam? You simply can’t miss a trip to Ninh Binh As it’s about 100km from Hanoi, it’s perfect for a weekend stopover. And while it’s nowhere near the sea, its many waterways are best explored on a unique boat tour.

A natural haven, rich in history.

To be clear, when people refer to Ninh Binh the tourist destination, they really mean the nature region to the west of Ninh Binh City. In particular, they’re referring to the town of Tam Coc and the province’s Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which has been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. The Trang An eco-tourism area is central while Tam Coc is to the south. The north is also where you’ll find the ancient capital, Hoa Lu.

In all, the 6,226ha of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex complex includes three protected areas linked by evergreen forests, lakes, and rivers weaving between limestone mountains. The region boasts over 300 rare and exotic plant types, plus endangered animals.

With distinctive deep valleys between steep, limestone karsts, the region is magical. The mountains are full of caves, and many of the valleys are filled with pretty waterways and fertile fields laden with rice and other crops.

Hoa Lu, 100km from Hanoi, was once the kingdom of the Dai Co Viet, who reigned during the Dinh and Le dynasties. It’s known as ‘the first capital of Vietnam’, and there are many sacred historical relics and temples. While the capital was here back in the 9th and 10th centuries, UNESCO states that “exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years”.

UNESCO also say: “Visitors, conveyed in traditional sampans rowed by local guides, experience an intimate connection with the natural environment and a relaxing sense of serenity and security. The dramatic mountains, secretive caves and sacred places in Trang An have inspired people through countless generations.”

Tam Coc or Trang An?

The two most beautiful places in Ninh Binh are undoubtedly Tam Coc and Trang An. Travellers often wonder, which of these main boat tours should I take? Well, Tam Coc is closer to the tourism hub and is the quicker, more budget-friendly option.

But both places feature the distinctive, ingenious ‘foot rowing’ technique that boaters developed to lessen strain on their hands, arms and backs.

The Tam Coc boat tours

As this is the main tourist area, the boat tours from here are popular. As the routes are shorter, this option is suited to travellers with less time.

Buy tickets at the Van Lam pier. Then you’ll wind peacefully between the lush fields and dramatic karsts, typically stopping at the three caves the name ‘Tam Coc’ refers to: Ca, Hai and Ba. The scenery is stunning during rice harvest season, especially, when the rice has turned golden. To see some of the route from a high vantage point, climb to the lookout point at Mua Cave.

Please note, your guide will tell you whether two or four people can share the boat. The tours take between two hours for a round trip.

The Trang An boat tours

Got more than one day? Travel to Trang An, a countryside region about 20 minutes from Tam Coc. Here you can choose from three boat tours that are considered more dramatic and rewarding than the Tam Coc route.

Why? Because they travel through a pristine, protected area that is full of impressive grottoes and temples. Trang An is where to go to see sacred historical and cultural sites, such as the Bao Hieu pagoda, en route. You can make stops at the sights, the mountains are larger, and the caves are longer. There are three main boat-tour options:

Option One (3-4 hours): It takes you in a circular route to: Trinh Temple, Dark Cave, Light Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Tran Temple, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Palace, Bao Hieu Pagoda, Tran Cave and Quy Hau Cave.

Option Two (2-3 hours): Visits Lam Cave, Cao Son Temple, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, Dia Linh Mountain, Suoi Tien Temple, Dai Cave and Hanh Cung Vu Lam (Vu Lam Royal Step-over Place). This is one of two tours that go to where scenes from the movie Kong: Skull Island were filmed.

Option Three (3 hours): This tour explores a large cave and a location from Kong: Skull Island. You go to Trinh Temple, Dot Cave, May (Cloud) Cave, Suoi Tien Temple, Dia Linh Mountain, Dai Cave and Hanh Cung Vu Lam (Vu Lam Royal Step-over Place).

Other boat tours in the area

Curious about caves? Take a boat tour to Thien Ha cave, the ‘galaxy grotto’. Admire the stalactites in this 700m cave, which includes dry and wet areas. Signs of ancient Vietnamese habitation have been found here.

Source: Internet

Bird watchers shouldn’t miss the birdwatching tour through the Thung Nham Bird Park. Spot species such as fire warblers, starlings and storks in an area that includes forests, orchards and flowers.

To be immersed in nature, tour the clear and gentle waters of the Van Long Nature Reserve, a biodiverse region on the Global Green List Commission’s (IUCN) green list. Travel through the wetlands, discover grottoes, and look for precious flora and fauna, such as Delacour’s Langur, chamois, Chinese pond heron and stump-tailed macaque. Sacred sites in the reserve include the Dich Long Pagoda.

These lesser-known options aren’t as busy as the Tam Coc and Trang An tours.

Tips for taking Ninh Binh’s boat tours:

Wear sunscreen and a hat

If you don’t like crowds, avoid peak times of the year (such as Tet, the Lunar New Year)

Stay hydrated

Follow the safety rules and always wear your life jacket

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024

Posted: February 20, 2024 | Last updated: February 20, 2024

<p><strong>Southeast Asia, a region celebrated for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok’s grand palaces and Bali’s sun-kissed beaches lie lesser-known spots that offer an authentic and enriching experience. This guide uncovers ten hidden gems across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, promising unique adventures and memories that last a lifetime.</strong></p>

Southeast Asia, a region celebrated for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Bangkok’s grand palaces and Bali’s sun-kissed beaches lie lesser-known spots that offer an authentic and enriching experience. This guide uncovers ten hidden gems across Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, promising unique adventures and memories that last a lifetime.

<p><span>In Koh Mak, you’ll discover a tranquil haven distinct from the typical tourist destinations. As you explore this serene island in the Gulf of Thailand, the calmness of the environment becomes palpable. It’s a place where the beaches remain unspoiled, showcasing their natural beauty with crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim or a snorkel.</span></p> <p><span>The laid-back vibe of the island resonates through every corner, from the gentle sway of palm trees to the unhurried pace of life of the locals. You can unwind in true solitude, with the quiet hum of nature as your backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the island’s rubber plantations and coconut groves on a rented bicycle.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Take a boat from Trat, which is accessible by bus from Bangkok.</span></p>

Koh Mak, Thailand

In Koh Mak, you’ll discover a tranquil haven distinct from the typical tourist destinations. As you explore this serene island in the Gulf of Thailand, the calmness of the environment becomes palpable. It’s a place where the beaches remain unspoiled, showcasing their natural beauty with crystal-clear waters inviting you for a swim or a snorkel.

The laid-back vibe of the island resonates through every corner, from the gentle sway of palm trees to the unhurried pace of life of the locals. You can unwind in true solitude, with the quiet hum of nature as your backdrop, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s rubber plantations and coconut groves on a rented bicycle.

When To Travel: November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant.

How To Get There: Take a boat from Trat, which is accessible by bus from Bangkok.

<p><span>Mai Chau is in the midst of a peaceful valley, a world away from the bustling city life. This area is famed for its stilt houses, an architectural style that speaks volumes about the local culture. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice the vibrant customs and traditions that are still very much a part of daily life here.</span></p> <p><span>The rural charm of Vietnam comes alive in Mai Chau, offering you a chance to experience a different, more tranquil way of life. The simplicity and hospitality of the local people add to the authenticity of your experience, making your stay both enriching and memorable.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit local villages to see traditional weaving and embroidery.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>March to April or September to November for the best climate.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>A scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi.</span></p>

Mai Chau, Vietnam

Mai Chau is in the midst of a peaceful valley, a world away from the bustling city life. This area is famed for its stilt houses, an architectural style that speaks volumes about the local culture. As you wander through the village, you’ll notice the vibrant customs and traditions that are still very much a part of daily life here.

The rural charm of Vietnam comes alive in Mai Chau, offering you a chance to experience a different, more tranquil way of life. The simplicity and hospitality of the local people add to the authenticity of your experience, making your stay both enriching and memorable.

Insider’s Tip: Visit local villages to see traditional weaving and embroidery.

When To Travel: March to April or September to November for the best climate.

How To Get There: A scenic 3-hour drive from Hanoi.

<p><span>On Koh Bulon, a small island nestled in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find an ideal escape for a digital detox. Here, the absence of cars and the tranquility of its streets instantly sets a tone of peace and quiet. As you step onto the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm permeating the air. </span></p> <p><span>The simplicity of life without the usual bustle of traffic or the constant buzz of technology allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself. It’s a place where your days can be spent enjoying the serene environment, listening to the gentle waves, and embracing the slow pace of island life, making Koh Bulon the perfect setting for anyone looking to step away from the digital world and indulge in the tranquility of nature.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs surrounding the island.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>November to April, avoiding the monsoon season.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier, reached by bus from Hat Yai.</span></p>

Koh Bulon, Thailand

On Koh Bulon, a small island nestled in the Andaman Sea, you’ll find an ideal escape for a digital detox. Here, the absence of cars and the tranquility of its streets instantly sets a tone of peace and quiet. As you step onto the island, you’re greeted by a sense of calm permeating the air.

The simplicity of life without the usual bustle of traffic or the constant buzz of technology allows you to reconnect with nature and yourself. It’s a place where your days can be spent enjoying the serene environment, listening to the gentle waves, and embracing the slow pace of island life, making Koh Bulon the perfect setting for anyone looking to step away from the digital world and indulge in the tranquility of nature.

Insider’s Tip: Enjoy snorkeling in the coral reefs surrounding the island.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the monsoon season.

How To Get There: Speedboat from Pak Bara Pier, reached by bus from Hat Yai.

<p><span>In Pu Luong, a nature reserve known for its spectacular landscapes, you’re treated to a feast of mountain vistas and terraced rice fields. This reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity, immersing you in an environment where nature’s beauty is on full display. As you trek through the reserve, the changing scenery — from lush greenery to traditional agricultural landscapes — provides a refreshing backdrop to your adventure.</span></p> <p><span>The terraced fields, in particular, showcase an age-old farming practice that shapes the land into a stunning patchwork. This area is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s rural heartland and to witness firsthand the harmony between humans and nature. Pu Luong’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Trekking and homestays offer immersive experiences in local hill tribe cultures.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>May to September for lush landscapes post-rainy season.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>4 hours by road from Hanoi.</span></p>

Pu Luong, Vietnam

In Pu Luong, a nature reserve known for its spectacular landscapes, you’re treated to a feast of mountain vistas and terraced rice fields. This reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity, immersing you in an environment where nature’s beauty is on full display. As you trek through the reserve, the changing scenery — from lush greenery to traditional agricultural landscapes — provides a refreshing backdrop to your adventure.

The terraced fields, in particular, showcase an age-old farming practice that shapes the land into a stunning patchwork. This area is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s an opportunity to experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s rural heartland and to witness firsthand the harmony between humans and nature. Pu Luong’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway.

Insider’s Tip: Trekking and homestays offer immersive experiences in local hill tribe cultures.

When To Travel: May to September for lush landscapes post-rainy season.

How To Get There: 4 hours by road from Hanoi.

Koh Kood, Thailand

You’ll encounter an unspoiled natural environment on Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth-largest island. This island is renowned for its raw beauty, encompassing everything from majestic waterfalls to ancient rainforests and tranquil beaches. As you explore, the diverse landscape offers a variety of experiences.

You can trek through dense rainforests, feeling the ancient trees’ presence and the untouched nature’s richness, or relax on serene beaches, where the gentle lapping of waves against the shore provides a calming soundtrack to your relaxation. The island’s waterfalls, hidden among the foliage, offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat. Koh Kood is a destination where the simplicity and beauty of nature are at the forefront, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more developed tourist areas.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Ao Salad fishing village for a glimpse into local life.

When To Travel: November to February for ideal beach weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Trat, which is connected by bus to Bangkok.

<p><span>In Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” you’ll find yourself amidst a landscape of striking limestone karsts reminiscent of its famous maritime counterpart. As you travel through this region, the impressive formations rise dramatically from the earth, creating a unique and captivating scenery.</span></p> <p><span>The area is not just about natural beauty; it’s also steeped in history, with ancient temples dotting the landscape, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural past. The serenity of the rivers flowing through Ninh Binh adds to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing for tranquil boat rides that weave through the karsts, giving you a close-up view of this geological wonder.</span></p> <p><span>This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore Trang An by boat to see its magnificent caves and temples.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>March to May, when nature is at its most vibrant.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>2-hour train ride from Hanoi.</span></p>

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

In Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” you’ll find yourself amidst a landscape of striking limestone karsts reminiscent of its famous maritime counterpart. As you travel through this region, the impressive formations rise dramatically from the earth, creating a unique and captivating scenery.

The area is not just about natural beauty; it’s also steeped in history, with ancient temples dotting the landscape, offering you a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural past. The serenity of the rivers flowing through Ninh Binh adds to the peaceful atmosphere, allowing for tranquil boat rides that weave through the karsts, giving you a close-up view of this geological wonder.

This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.

Insider’s Tip: Explore Trang An by boat to see its magnificent caves and temples.

When To Travel: March to May, when nature is at its most vibrant.

How To Get There: 2-hour train ride from Hanoi.

<p><span>Situated between the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi stands out as a peaceful haven with a distinctly rural charm. As you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, starkly contrasting to the bustling tourist hotspots nearby. This island is ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.</span></p> <p><span>The local community maintains a traditional way of living, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. The scenic beauty of Koh Yao Noi, with its unspoiled beaches and lush greenery, adds to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, exploring the rural landscapes, or interacting with friendly locals, Koh Yao Noi offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Try the local seafood, freshly caught and deliciously prepared.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>December to April for the best weather.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Ferry from Phuket or Krabi.</span></p>

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Situated between the well-known destinations of Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi stands out as a peaceful haven with a distinctly rural charm. As you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil atmosphere, starkly contrasting to the bustling tourist hotspots nearby. This island is ideal if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

The local community maintains a traditional way of living, providing a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai culture. The scenic beauty of Koh Yao Noi, with its unspoiled beaches and lush greenery, adds to the island’s appeal, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection. Whether you’re lounging by the sea, exploring the rural landscapes, or interacting with friendly locals, Koh Yao Noi offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Insider’s Tip: Try the local seafood, freshly caught and deliciously prepared.

When To Travel: December to April for the best weather.

How To Get There: Ferry from Phuket or Krabi.

<p><span>In Ha Giang, a region known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich ethnic diversity, you’ll find an adventurer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. As you navigate the winding roads, each turn presents a new breathtaking view of steep hillsides and deep valleys, offering a thrilling experience for those who relish challenging drives or bike rides. This area is also a mosaic of diverse cultures, home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions and lifestyles.</span></p> <p><span>Exploring Ha Giang, you can immerse yourself in these distinct cultures, gaining insights into the ways of life preserved for generations. Whether you’re trekking through remote villages, sampling local cuisines, or simply taking in stunning landscapes, Ha Giang offers a rich and authentic experience that connects you with nature and Vietnam’s cultural heritage.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Take the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning panoramic views.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>October to April for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>A 6-hour bus journey from Hanoi.</span></p>

Ha Giang, Vietnam

In Ha Giang, a region known for its dramatic mountain passes and rich ethnic diversity, you’ll find an adventurer’s paradise and a cultural enthusiast’s dream. As you navigate the winding roads, each turn presents a new breathtaking view of steep hillsides and deep valleys, offering a thrilling experience for those who relish challenging drives or bike rides. This area is also a mosaic of diverse cultures, home to various ethnic groups with unique traditions and lifestyles.

Exploring Ha Giang, you can immerse yourself in these distinct cultures, gaining insights into the ways of life preserved for generations. Whether you’re trekking through remote villages, sampling local cuisines, or simply taking in stunning landscapes, Ha Giang offers a rich and authentic experience that connects you with nature and Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Insider’s Tip: Take the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass for stunning panoramic views.

When To Travel: October to April for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

How To Get There: A 6-hour bus journey from Hanoi.

<p><span>Koh Lanta, a destination that strikes a perfect balance with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, is an ideal getaway for families and couples. As you explore the island, you’ll find picturesque and peaceful beaches, providing ample opportunities for relaxation or playful beach activities. The island’s interior, covered in dense forests, invites you to explore its natural beauty through hikes or guided tours, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of leaves create an immersive experience.</span></p> <p><span>The laid-back vibe of Koh Lanta is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing you to enjoy a holiday at your own pace, whether that means lounging on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in water sports. The welcoming and family-friendly environment of the island ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors of all ages, making it a delightful choice for a memorable vacation.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center to learn about local wildlife conservation.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>November to April, avoiding the rainy season.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.</span></p>

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Koh Lanta, a destination that strikes a perfect balance with its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and a laid-back atmosphere, is an ideal getaway for families and couples. As you explore the island, you’ll find picturesque and peaceful beaches, providing ample opportunities for relaxation or playful beach activities. The island’s interior, covered in dense forests, invites you to explore its natural beauty through hikes or guided tours, where the sounds of wildlife and the rustle of leaves create an immersive experience.

The laid-back vibe of Koh Lanta is one of its most appealing aspects, allowing you to enjoy a holiday at your own pace, whether that means lounging on the beach, enjoying local cuisine, or engaging in water sports. The welcoming and family-friendly environment of the island ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors of all ages, making it a delightful choice for a memorable vacation.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Lanta Animal Welfare center to learn about local wildlife conservation.

When To Travel: November to April, avoiding the rainy season.

How To Get There: Ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or Phi Phi Islands.

<p><span>In this archipelago, you’ll be introduced to a world of pristine beaches, a rich historical background, and abundant marine life, creating an ideal setting for eco-tourism. As you explore the islands, the untouched beaches offer a serene and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to connect with nature.</span></p> <p><span>The area’s history is palpable, with remnants of the past waiting to be discovered, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. The marine life here is particularly vibrant. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving, where you can witness a diverse range of sea creatures in their natural habitat.</span></p> <p><span>This focus on preserving the natural and historical aspects makes this archipelago a prime destination for eco-tourists keen on experiencing the environment responsibly while enjoying the unique offerings of this remarkable destination.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Dive or snorkel to explore the stunning coral reefs.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>February to July for the best underwater visibility.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a ferry from Vung Tau.</span></p>

Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

In this archipelago, you’ll be introduced to a world of pristine beaches, a rich historical background, and abundant marine life, creating an ideal setting for eco-tourism. As you explore the islands, the untouched beaches offer a serene and natural beauty, ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape or a chance to connect with nature.

The area’s history is palpable, with remnants of the past waiting to be discovered, offering you a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage. The marine life here is particularly vibrant. It provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling or diving, where you can witness a diverse range of sea creatures in their natural habitat.

This focus on preserving the natural and historical aspects makes this archipelago a prime destination for eco-tourists keen on experiencing the environment responsibly while enjoying the unique offerings of this remarkable destination.

Insider’s Tip: Dive or snorkel to explore the stunning coral reefs.

When To Travel: February to July for the best underwater visibility.

How To Get There: Take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City or a ferry from Vung Tau.

<p><span>Each Southeast Asian destination has its unique charm, offering more than just beautiful scenery. They are gateways to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a leisure traveler, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.</span></p> <p><span>The post <a href="https://passingthru.com/exploring-lesser-known-spots-in-thailand-vietnam-and-beyond/">Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024</a> republished on </span><a href="https://passingthru.com/"><span>Passing Thru</span></a><span> with permission from </span><a href="https://thegreenvoyage.com/"><span>The Green Voyage</span></a><span>.</span></p> <p><span>Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Preto Perola.</span></p> <p><span>For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.</span></p>

The Bottom Line

Each Southeast Asian destination has its unique charm, offering more than just beautiful scenery. They are gateways to understanding diverse cultures, histories, and the warmth of local hospitality. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer or a leisure traveler, these hidden gems promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.

The post Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond – Hidden Gems of Southeast Asia 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Preto Perola.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Kayaking in Trang An Ninh Binh – All You Need To Know:Route, Tips, Tickets

Kayaking in Trang An, Ninh Binh – Overview

Kayaking is a totally new and exciting activity to experience when visiting Trang An, Ninh Binh. This kayaking tour is a well-liked kind of travel that combines sightseeing and athletic pursuits.

Before tourists board the boat, The Trang An Landscape complex’s guide will provide you with a brief introduction to some fundamental kayaking techniques. Additionally, a rescue team driving motorboats, and standard life jackets are all accessible to ensure safety for tourists.

Table of Contents

Have a look at:

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh Weather: When is the Best Time to visit Ninh Binh?

Kayaking Main Routes in Trang An

Detailed of Route 1

Check-in at Tam Quan gate, see langurs in Red book, visit Trinh Temple

Trinh Temple: with the meaning of “present”, is the first destination in this sightseeing route. The ancient Trinh temple, also known as the Dot palace, was built more than a thousand years ago, in the shape of a nail. Through many restorations, nowadays, the temple is dedicated to the four highest-ranking courts of the Dinh dynasty, who are the four meritorious officials along with King Dinh Tien Hoang, to quell 12 warlords and unite the country to establish Dai Co Viet.
Tam Quan Gate : This is one of the famous check-in spots in Trang An. You can opt to take pictures from the boat or check in at the top of the gate after ascending a few dozen steps.
Dark Cave’s mouth: Dark Cave is the longest cave of Route 1 with a length of 320 meters. The name “Dark Cave” is used by the locals due to the tortuous, dimly lit interior of the cave. You should take precaution when entering the cave because there are numerous beautiful stalactites that hang down from its rather low ceiling. You should also avoid venturing further into the cave for your own safety.
Quy Hau Cave’s mouth: Quy Hau cave, a 100-meter cave with the meaning of “Return” is the last destination before you return to the departing wharf to complete the tour. And similar to Dark Cave, you should not enter this cave for your own safety.
Ngoc Island: is home of three Delacour’s langurs, a species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. These langurs were released into the wild in Trang An in September, 2020 and if you are lucky enough, you can encounter them moving along the branches.

Detailed of Route 2

Check-in at Thuy Dinh (Pavilion on water), learn about the history against Nguyen – Mong enemy and explore the old Kong island wharf – Vu Lam palace

Old Kong Island wharf: This is the location where the renowned film Kong: Skull Island was filmed in 2017. The Kong movie studio was dismantled at the end of 2019 after two years of open access for tourists. In Trang An Landscape Complex, it is planned to restore an old Vietnamese village and use it as an outdoor museum that recreates prehistoric human models as well as the evolution and adaptation of humans.
Thuy Dinh (Pavilion on water): This is also one famous check-in place in Trang An. Many tourists returning from this attraction assume that if you haven’t checked in at Thuy Dinh, you haven’t been to Trang An. Vu Lam Palace: was a military base of the Tran Dynasty, located in the center area of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. As part of their resistance campaign to drive out the Nguyen – Mong invaders for the second and third times, the early rulers of the Tran Dynasty built a base here in order to fortify the counterattack army and liberate Dai Viet. Additionally, Vu Lam Palace also involves the events when the Tran monarchs departed from their home to practice and study Buddhism. The palace area has 7 temples, including the Temple of the Tran Kings, Duc Thanh Tran, the Khai Phuc Pagoda, the Mother Gods Shrine, and the Temple of the Dinh Dynasty’s Loyal Officials and Soldiers.

Kayaking Ticket Price

Notes when taking a kayak in Trang An

Before boarding the kayak, pay attention to the instructions of the guide.
Do not throw trash in the river or on the river bank
Wear a life jacket during the boating journey
Do not enter water-borne caves; just kayak on the specified route.
Prepare ice-cold beverages and snacks in case you need them.

FAQs – Frequently asked questions

Q: Does kayaking cover the same distance as a boat with a ferryman?

Answer: The route for a kayak and a traditional boat with a ferry driver are totally different. Currently, there are 2 kayaking routes which are 5 kilometers and 8 kilometers long (round trip) for you to choose from.

Question: Is it possible for tourists who can’t swim to take a kayak?

Answer : Before starting the tour, you must wear life jackets and get instruction from the guides on the fundamentals of kayaking, including safety, rescue, and rowing technique. Along the route, security and rescue teams will be on hand throughout the route to quickly react to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Because of this, even if you cannot swim, you are able to use the service safely.

Question: How can I save my belongings while kayaking?

Answer : Unnecessary items can be sent to the depository area before you board the boat. This depositing service is now provided free of charge to kayaking visitors.

>>> Get your own Customized Itinerary in Ninh Binh for FREE <<<

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COMMENTS

A Spectacular Boat Ride Must Do in Ninh Binh
Trang An Bai Dinh Mua Cave Small Group Tour( Maximum 15 Person/Group) is one of the most satisfying Day Tour in Ninh Binh with a combination of visiting picturesque Boat Tour at Trang An Eco tourism Landscape and exploring a spectacular Mua caves, Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest spiritual pagoda in Viet Nam and one of the must-see places in Ninh ...
Trang An Vietnam in Ninh Binh travel guide: boat routes & cave tours
Travel time is about 2 - 2.5 hours. You can refer to the following limousine companies . Trang An Limousine - Address: No.131 Pho Vong Street, Dong Tam Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi ... If you want to explore Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam by kayak, there are two fixed routes for you to consider: Route 1 . Trang An boat wharf - Trinh Temple ...
6 Best Things to Do in Trang An
Trang An - the famous historical symbol of Ninh Binh - is a scenic landscape complex of limestone mountains, caves, and lagoons located 100km from Hanoi, and 8km from Ninh Binh City center.. Trang An Ninh Binh - The Heritage of Ha Long Bay on land. Trang An eco-tourism area is an area located in the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province and has been ranked by the Vietnamese ...
Trang An boat tour guide & 6 highlights you should not miss
If you are in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, Trang An is best reached by bike, motorcycle or taxi. You can rent a motorbike or scooter for 150,000 VND per day. A taxi costs around 15,000 VND / km. The best thing is by bike, because the roads between Tam Coc, Ninh Binh and Trang An are quiet and you can cycle between beautiful rice fields. Best travel time
Trang An Complex
The route to Trang An (Ninh Binh) is very modern because of national highways 1A, 10, 12A, 12B and even a part of north-south railway. Therefore, the transportation is quite easy, visitors can come to Ninh Binh by many different means such as buses, motorbikes, trains or private cars. 3.1 By private car
Travelling to Trang An
Introduction to Trang An - Ninh Binh. Trang An is an ecotourism area located in the W orld Heritage Site of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province.This place has been ranked by the Vietnamese Government as a special important national monument and recognized by UNESCO as a dual world heritage since 2014. Trang An with a system of limestone mountains with a geological age of about 250 million years ...
The ultimate guide for visiting Ninh Binh, Vietnam: must-see
1. Take the Trang An Scenic Landscape boat ride. If you only do one activity in Ninh Binh, make sure it is the boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape. It is without a doubt, the best thing to do in Ninh Binh. Tickets for the Trang An boat ride are 150k vnd each (£5.30) and the boat seats 4 adults.
Tràng An
Trang An Wharf is around 7 km from Ninh Binh city and is reached easily along good all weather roads. Priced at around 250k VND for adults and 120k for children between 1 and 1.3 meters in height (below this travel free), you have a choice of three different routes. Tour 1. Tour 1 is the longest of the three, taking 3 to 5 hours to thoroughly ...
Trang An Boat Tour: A Guide to Ninh Binh's Best Attraction
Top Trang An Travel Tips. Here are our top travel tips for visiting the Trang An Scenic complex in Ninh Binh Province to make the most out of your boat tour. ‍ 1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You'll be climbing in and out of the sampan boat. Also, if you want to enter the temples, don't wear shorts or a sleeveless shirt. ‍ 2.
Discovering the Beauty of Trang An in Ninh Binh
Trang An is a scenic complex of limestone mountains, valleys, caves, and rivers located in the southern part of Ninh Binh province. The area spans over 10,000 hectares and is known for its natural beauty and cultural significance. In 2014, Trang An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it one of the most popular tourist ...
Trang An Boat Tour: A Tam Coc alternative at Ninh Binh (2024)
A boat tour around Trang An at Ninh Binh. It's known as the Ha Long Bay of the land. About 150 kilometres from the famous Vietnamese bay where hundreds of islands form a natural wonder is another equally as impressive landscape. This one, known as Trang An, is nowhere near the coast, though. The mountains are connected by rice paddies, not water.
Trang An: A Breathtaking Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh
Okay so if you haven't realized it yet, Trang An is located in Ninh Binh. ... What a great post! I would love to travel back to Vietnam one day. The cave looked like a really cool & unique experience. Pinned :) Penny. Saturday 17th of June 2017. Vietnam is definitely worth a second visit. The food, the culture and the people make you want to ...
Ninh Binh Boat Tour: Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Ride
Light cave at trang an grottoes. Trang An Boat tour takes you more time than Tam Coc one, which is around 2 - 2,5 hours in particular. This cruise takes you along limestone mountains without repetition of visiting same places during the tour like Tam Coc boat trip (on the way in an out of). In fact, for Trang An boat tour, the boatmen take ...
Discover Trang An in Ninh Binh
Trang An boat pier is located 7 km from the Ninh Binh city in the west and it is 100km from Hanoi in the south. The core of Trang An - Tam Coc has an area of 6100 ha which is the special protected area of the spot. Trang An attracts many tourists to come to enjoy its gorgeous beauty with rivers, mountains, local people, rice field, culture ...
10 must-do activities in Ninh Binh
Cruise on a paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc. Some of Ninh Binh's best scenery can only be accessed by boat. A paddleboat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc is an essential Ninh Binh experience. Your own boatman or woman will paddle you along the gentle current, in the shadow of enormous, jungle-covered karsts.
An Incredible Trang An Day Tour From Hanoi
Besides other foods from Tong Truong tilapia, Nho Quan wine, Gia Vien small shrimp paste are all traditional meals of Trang An residents; Specialty in Ninh Binh - Must Try When you Travel to Ninh Binh Travelling expenses. Total expenses for Hanoi - Trang An tour for 1 day; Meals: 150.000 - 250.000 VND/per person
Best Ninh Binh Tours
Here are a few popular activities to consider: Boat tours - One of the best ways to experience Ninh Binh's stunning landscapes is by boat. Visitors can take a boat tour through Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long Nature Reserve, passing by towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and ancient temples.
Experience Travel to Trang An Ninh Binh 1 day
It's travel about 2 hours to Ninh Binh bus station. After that you can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Trang An. Train: Because in Ninh Binh there are North-South railway lines running through. So you can also choose to travel by train. From Hanoi there are trains SE1 (19h30), SE3 (22h), SE5 (9h) and SE7 (6h).
Tràng An Ninh Bình 2023 : Kinh Nghiệm A
Quần thể danh thắng Tràng An thuộc địa phận tỉnh Ninh Bình là quần thể danh thắng kép được UNESCO công nhận là di sản thế giới từ năm 2014. Đến với quần thể danh thắng Tràng An du khách sẽ được thưởng thức cảnh đẹp thiên nhiên tuyệt vời của núi rừng, sông nước ở Tam Cốc - Bích Động hay du lịch ...
Tips to travel Trang An (Ninh Binh Province)
Nowadays, Trang An (Ninh Binh) is a tourist destination so the path to Trang An from Ninh Binh city is convenient. Moreover, when traveling to Trang An, you have the opportunity to experience one of the following 2 travel routes: On land. This is a very interesting form of transportation in Trang An historical relic site.
A guide to the boat tours of Ninh Binh
Travel to Trang An, a countryside region about 20 minutes from Tam Coc. ... These lesser-known options aren't as busy as the Tam Coc and Trang An tours. Tips for taking Ninh Binh's boat tours: Wear sunscreen and a hat . If you don't like crowds, avoid peak times of the year (such as Tet, the Lunar New Year) Stay hydrated.
The Not-Your-Usual Guide to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
The drive to Ninh Binh will take about 1hr 20min and costs around 275.000 dong. The cheapest option is to take the train from Hanoi. This takes longer (about 2hr 10min) but usually costs around 170.000 dong. When you arrive in Ninh Binh you still need to get to Tam Coc or Trang An.
A boat trip around the UNESCO site Trang An never gets old. Trang An
A boat trip around the UNESCO site Trang An never gets old. 📍Trang An, Ninh Binh 🌸Save this post as a reminder to visit Ninh Binh An easy day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, making it probably my favourite day trip destinations. We tend to bring our visitors here to get out of Hanoi and to see Vietnams landscape.
Exploring 10 Lesser-Known Spots in Thailand, Vietnam, and Beyond ...
This combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes Ninh Binh a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Kayaking in Trang An Ninh Binh
Kayaking is a totally new and exciting activity to experience when visiting Trang An, Ninh Binh. This kayaking tour is a well-liked kind of travel that combines sightseeing and athletic pursuits. ... Below is the most detailed travel guide from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay! With useful suggestions on the most effective ways to travel between two ...
Ninh Binh to Hoi An: A comprehensive transportation guide
Below is a table detailing the train options, travel times, and ticket prices for the route from Ninh Binh to Da Nang: 2.2. Da Nang to Hoi An. Upon arrival at Da Nang Train Station, travelers have a variety of transportation options to reach Hoi An, as the Da Nang to Hoi An distance is only 30 kilometers.
Ninh Binh Cultural Festival 2023, Trang An field stage
2 likes, 0 comments - youngspy1003 on January 1, 2024: "Ninh Binh Cultural Festival 2023, Trang An field stage - World cultural and natural heritage."

VISITING TRANG AN VIETNAM & ADMIRING THE SPECTACULAR SCENERY

I - How to get to Trang An from Hanoi?

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VIETNAM?

Vietnam Travel Memories

6 Best Things to Do in Trang An - Ninh Binh Complete Travel Guide

Trang An Ninh Binh - The Heritage of Ha Long Bay on land

Best Things to Do in Trang An

2. Exploring the caves of Trang An

3. Trekking to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain

4. Visiting historical temples

5. Enjoying Ninh Binh cuisine

6. Visiting other attractions near Trang An

The best time to visit Trang An

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Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

1.1 Bai Dinh Pagoda

3. How to reach the destination?

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Kayaking in Trang An

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Introduction to Trang An – Ninh Binh

Where is it?

The history of Trang An – Ninh Binh

The Legend of Hoa Lu Capital

When should go to Trang An?

How to go to Trang An

From Ninh Binh to Trang An

Going back to Trang An

Where to stay in Trang An

Homestay in Trang An

Tourist site Trang An

Tu Tru Temple

Tran Ninh Binh Temple

The Palace of Vu Lam

Cao Son Temple

Suoi Tien Temple

Typical caves in Trang An

Ba Giot Cave

What to eat when traveling to Trang An

Ninh Binh mountain goat meat

Ninh Binh mountain snail

Tong Truong perch

Some tourist schedules of Trang An

Tour 1: Hanoi – Trang An – Bai Dinh – Hoa Lu (1 day)

Tour 2: Hanoi – Phat Diem Church – Trang An – Bai Dinh (2 days 1 night)

Tour 3: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Bai Dinh – Trang An – Van Long (3 days 2 nights)

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The ultimate guide for visiting Ninh Binh, Vietnam: must-see attractions, tips and advice

9 Must-see attractions and things to do in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

1. Take the Trang An Scenic Landscape boat ride

2. Climb up Hang Múa viewpoint

3. Visit Am Tien lake

4. Cycle around the countryside

5. Spend a few hours in Tam Coc