Travel experience in Trang An – Ninh Binh
Trang An – Ninh Binh not only possesses majestic natural scenery but also carries profound historical and cultural values. With its convenient geographical location, only about 1.5 hours by car from Hanoi, Trang An has become one of the most beloved cultural and spiritual tourism destinations. You can choose to visit Trang An in a day or stay overnight to explore more fascinating attractions here.
Read more: 12 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
An overview of Trang An Tourism Complex
Trang An Eco-tourism Complex is located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. This site has been designated as a special national monument by the Vietnamese Government and recognized as a Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO since 2014.
Read more: 15 Top Tourist Attractions in Hanoi
Trang An is often compared to “Halong Bay on land” due to its limestone karst mountains and caves, offering breathtaking natural scenery similar to Halong Bay. The limestone karst system here is estimated to be 250 million years old, having gone through various periods of weather, climate, and oceanic changes to create the magnificent landscape we see today.
Located about 100 km from the capital city of Hanoi by car, the Trang An – Ninh Binh heritage complex includes several famous attractions such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and the Hoa Lu special-use forest. Hoa Lu, situated in the north, Tam Coc – Bich Dong in the south, and Trang An Tourism Complex in the central position are the main highlights. Trang An Tourism Complex in Ninh Binh was also chosen as a filming location for some scenes in the famous movie “Kong: Skull Island.”
How to explore Trang An?
The majority of Trang An’s terrain consists of waterways, so the main mode of transportation is by boat. First, you need to purchase tickets that include admission to Trang An and the boat ride. The fixed ticket prices are 200,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 meters in height. Each boat carries 4-5 people, and the departure is only when the boat has enough passengers. Therefore, if you are in a group of fewer than 4 people, you may need to wait for additional passengers. Alternatively, you can rent a private boat for 800,000 VND, allowing you the freedom to take wonderful photos during the over 3-hour exploration journey.
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There are 3 routes for you to choose from when exploring Trang An, each route including different destinations:
Route 1: Trinh Temple – Tran Temple – Khong Palace
Route 1 focuses on exploring caves, limestone mountains, and learning about the historical aspects of the Dinh Dynasty. Notably, you can admire the Tran Temple, considered the heart of the cultural and natural heritage of the world.
Route 2: Cao Son Holy Temple – Vu Lam Palace
This route is popular among young people because it offers beautiful scenery, making it ideal for filming and photography.
Route 3: Dot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple
With this itinerary, you will pass through the longest cave in Trang An, which stretches up to 1000 meters. Additionally, the Suoi Tien Temple will take you back to the origins of Trang An.
Which route should you choose to explore Trang An, Ninh Binh?
Based on our experience, we recommend choosing Route 3, as it is also the most popular route chosen by many tourists. Additionally, when taking Route 3, on the way back, you will also pass through some points of Route 2.
If you want to use the kayak paddling service, then Route 2 would be more suitable. This route is also suitable for the physical abilities of most tourists and offers more photo opportunities.
Other activities at Trang An Tourism Complex
Boat riding is the main activity to explore Trang An, Ninh Binh. Additionally, since 2021, kayak paddling has been permitted and is a worthwhile experience to try.
If you enjoy cycling, you can also rent bicycles to freely explore the surrounding roads of Trang An.
Read more: Biking Ninh Binh 2 Days
What to wear when visiting Trang An, Ninh Binh?
If you’re visiting Route 1: It is recommended to dress modestly as this route will take you to the most sacred places of Trang An, such as Trinh Temple and Tran Temple.
If you’re visiting Routes 2 and 3: You can dress comfortably and freely to easily climb and take photos.
If you’re kayaking: Choose sporty, neat, and breathable clothing as the top priority. Additionally, bring accessories to protect your phone, camera, and jewelry from water damage.
Read more: What to wear in Vietnam – Clothing Tips
Some notes when visiting Trang An:
- Due to the mountainous and riverine terrain of Trang An, it is advisable to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing and a pair of sports shoes in case you need to hike. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also necessary.
- As the boat ride can be wavy, wearing a life jacket is recommended for safety.
- Keep your personal belongings and identification documents securely locked in zipper bags.
- During the Trang An tour, if you want to stop and take pictures, communicate with the boat operator, and they will make stops for easier photography.
- If you wish to buy souvenirs at the attractions, inquire about the prices beforehand and engage in bargaining to avoid purchasing items at inflated prices.
Read more: 16 Things To Know Before Travelling To Vietnam
Best time to visit Trang An?
Trang An experiences four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. It is recommended to explore Trang An from September to March of the following year, as this period attracts more international tourists. The weather is cool, and it is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
However, during the summer season from April to August, the weather in Trang An can be very hot, and it is the peak season for domestic tourists. Therefore, we do not suggest visiting during this time.
Read more: Best Time To Visit Vietnam (Including cities)
Best Tour to Explore Trang An from Hanoi
Conclusion
Exploring Trang An, Ninh Binh is suitable for day tours where you depart from Hanoi in the morning and return in the evening. We hope the information we provided has given you some useful insights about the Trang An Tourism Complex in Ninh Binh before your visit. If you have any further questions, please leave a comment. We wish you a pleasant journey!
