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"What to do in Trang An" is one of the most popular questions visitors always raise when considering going to Trang An, Ninh Binh. Let's find out the most exciting activities here!
Trang An in Ninh Binh is renowned as an ecotourism destination recognized by UNESCO as a mixed cultural and natural world heritage site since 2014. Not only possessing beautiful natural scenery, Trang An Scenic Landscape also has profound historical and humanistic values. With a favorable geographical location from the capital Hanoi, Trang An has been one of the most favorite cultural and spiritual tourist destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.
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1. Introduction to Trang An, Vietnam
Located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, Trang An Landscape Complex has an impressive area of up to 6,172 hectares, surrounded by a buffer zone of 6,268 hectares, primarily consisting of fields and villages. This site is a mixed heritage and the first and only dual world heritage site in Southeast Asia.
Trang An Complex in Ninh Binh is a landscape of limestone mountains, caves, and lagoons with stunning natural scenery. The limestone mountain system here is 250 million years old and has undergone various periods of weather, climate, and oceanic changes to create the magnificent landscape seen today. In particular, the limestone mountains in this area have unique, rich, and diverse shapes, creating a majestic and captivating natural landscape.
Trang An Complex includes the Trang An Scenic Landscape, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, and Hoa Lu special-use forest. It was recognized by UNESCO as a natural world heritage site in 2004.
Before becoming an ideal sightseeing and relaxation destination as it is today, it was chosen by King Dinh Tien Hoang as one of the fortifications to protect Hoa Lu ancient capital due to its extremely rugged terrain. Therefore, this place holds profound historical significance, reminding visitors of a glorious period in the nation's formation and defense.
The address of Trang An Scenic Landscape in Ninh Binh is located in Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam. It is about 7-8 km from Ninh Binh city and approximately 100 km by road from Hanoi.
2. Best Things to Do in Trang An Scenic Landscape
2.1. Taking Trang An boat tours
To best explore the landscape of Trang An, you must take a boat trip. With a rowing boat, you go over the river, past the towering limestone mountains, through caves, and the boatman always stops at a number of temples for you to go inside and explore.
Currently, there are three routes for you to choose from, all offer the same price:
Route 1: Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Toi Cave – Sang Cave – Nau Ruou (Wine Making) Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave (Three Drops) – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Khong Temple – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave
Route 1 is a fantastic journey that takes visitors on a historical exploration. Starting from the boat wharf, the journey goes through 3 spiritual sites and 9 caves, creating a magical circle.
Trinh Temple is a place immersed in sacred space. Dark Cave and Bright Cave are unique places with strange rocks and brilliant legends. Visitors will then encounter historical relics such as Nau Ruou Cave, a place associated with the Dinh Dynasty. In particular, Tran Temple is considered the heart of this world cultural and natural heritage. Caves such as Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, and Son Duong Cave all bring visitors unique experiences. The journey ends with Bao Hieu Pagoda, Khong Cave, Tran Cave, and Quy Hau Cave, all creating a truly spiritual excursion. Visitors will spend about 3.5 to 4.5 hours on this Trang An boat ride, depending on their interest and stopping time.
If you love exploring caves and immersing yourself in the quiet of Trang An, route 1 is the most suitable choice.
Route 2: Boat Wharf – Lam Cave – Thanh Cao Son Temple – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace
Unlike route 1, route 2 is rich in historical architecture; therefore, this route is suitable for travelers who enjoy learning about history. This route covers 4 caves and 3 spiritual places.
The journey starts from the boat dock, then goes through 4 magical caves: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Dai Cave. Each cave has its own beauty, with magical shimmering stalactites and stalagmites. Besides, Suoi Tien Temple is an ancient temple worshiping Princess Tien Dung and Chu Dong Tu. Next, visitors will go to Vu Lam Palace, which is considered the second capital of the Tran Dynasty. Here, visitors will admire ancient architectural works bearing the mark of the Tran Dynasty.
The journey lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Route 3: Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Dot Cave – May Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace
Route 3 is a wonderful journey to explore caves and historical relics in 2 to 3.5 hours. Starting from the boat dock, visitors will paddle through three enchanting caves: May Cave, Dia Linh Cave, and Dai Cave. May Cave is the longest cave in route 3, with a length of 1,000m. It is covered by a layer of misty clouds, creating an incredibly magical scene. Dia Linh Cave is a small cave but has a very unique stalactite system. The cave is divided into two parts: the first part of the cave is shaped like a coiled dragon, and the second part of the cave is shaped like a lying tiger. Dai Cave is the largest cave in route 3, measuring a length of 500 meters. It has many large stalactites and stalagmites, contributing to a stunningly majestic landscape.
After exploring these beautiful caves, visitors will visit Suoi Tien Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Cao Son and Quy Minh, two deities revered by the local people. Finally, visitors will visit Vu Lam Palace, which was the capital of the Tran Dynasty for 17 years. Vu Lam Palace is an ancient architectural complex consisting of many works, such as Thien Truong Palace, Tuyen Minh Palace, Thien Khanh Palace, etc.
Route 3 is an attractive journey. It is the perfect choice to balance the two routes above, which is suitable for tourists who want to explore nature and learn about history.
Trang An ticket prices:
- Adults: 250,000 VND/person (~10 USD)
- The elderly (60 years old or above with ID card): 125,000 VND/person (~5 USD)
- Children from 1 to 1.3 meters tall: 120,000 VND/person (~4.8 USD)
- Children under 1 meter tall: Free of charge
- Tour guide fee: 300,000 VND/tour (~12 USD)
Notes:
- Trang An boat tours have a policy that requires enough four passengers per boat. If you are traveling alone or with just one other person, you may need to wait to join a larger group until the boat reaches its full capacity. If you prefer a private experience, you can book a private boat and pay an extra fee of 250,000 VND per seat. For example, you will need to pay an extra 500,000 VND for the other two seats if you are 2-pax traveling.
2.2. Exploring the caves of Trang An
With a system of 31 lagoons and lakes connected to 48 caves, Trang An Scenic Landscape is like a watercolor painting with majestic natural scenery created by limestone mountains through millions of years of geological formation. When coming here, visitors will admire caves with a system of stalactites in various shapes, such as Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Dia Linh Cave, Sinh Cave, Si Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, and Khong Cave, creating an extremely unique natural picture. Below are some typical caves that tourists should not miss when visiting Trang An:
- Toi Cave (Dark Cave): Toi Cave is the longest cave on Route 1, measuring 320 meters in length. The entrance to it is quite winding and curving, light cannot enter, so it is called Dark Cave. In the cave, there are many beautiful stalactites hanging down, looking so eye-catching. When visiting Toi Cave in the morning, natural light illuminates the cave and reflects off the stalactites, creating a stunning view. The ceiling of the cave is relatively low, so be sure to bend down while moving through to avoid bumping into it.
- Sang Cave (Bright Cave): Moving through Dark Cave is to Bright Cave. The length of Bright Cave is only about 100m; it is straight so light can pass through the cave. Although it is called Bright Cave, like Dark Cave, the deeper you go into the cave, the less natural light there is. When you go inside, the stalactites have a sparkling effect; in some places, they can be up to 12m high, like a palace with a bright ceiling. With the desire to turn rain into sunshine, from winter to spring, from hardship to happiness, and the pursuit of new things, the people here have long called this cave Bright Cave to pray for an increasingly better future.
- Dia Linh Cave: Coming to Trang An, you cannot miss Dia Linh Cave, an extremely famous cave in Trang An that is loved by many tourists. Dia Linh Cave has existed for a long time. The inside of the cave is about 1500m long. In addition to the familiar name Dia Linh Cave, people also know this place by another name, Chau Bau Cave. When entering the cave, visitors will feel its splendor. Above are beautiful sparkling stalactites, creating the feeling of being lost in a treasure cave - that's why it is called Chau Bau Cave. When leaving the cave, visitors will be surprised by the charming landscape of high mountains and cool rivers. Dia Linh Cave will bring visitors many different feelings, so they can enjoy the most peaceful moments when coming here.
- Nau Ruou Cave (Wine Making Cave): Nau Ruou is one of the best caves in Trang An, and it has an interesting story behind it. It seems like almost a myth that this cave was the place where ancestors brewed the finest wines to offer the kind. There is a 10-meter-deep well with groundwater here, so clean, clear, and fresh, and it is just perfect for brewing the king’s wine. Today, you can only see what was left of the story are the old-fashioned wine-containing jars here.
- Sinh Cave, Si Cave, Ba Giot Cave: These three caves are associated with the sad love story of a young couple. The story tells that there was a young man who was deeply in love with a girl. But when he brought the dowry to Sinh cave, the girl had already been given as tribute to a neighboring country. He painfully went to Ba Giot cave to bathe, then drowned himself in Si cave. Ba Giot cave has a type of Buddha tree growing from the ceiling down. The stalactites in Ba Giot cave are moist, sometimes still dripping with water, creating many unique and beautiful shapes and colors. According to legend, if anyone passes through Ba Giot cave and receives three drops of water, they will be lucky and happy.
- Khong Cave: The cave measures 70 meters in length. This used to be a base, military warehouse, and weapons factory during the two resistance wars against French colonialism and American imperialism of our army and people.
- May Cave: May Cave is located between limestone mountains and lush green rice fields, creating a majestic natural landscape. The towering limestone ranges combined with the vibrant green grass create a stunning scene. May Cave is a system of interconnected caves, and the water in the lakes and caves has a striking blue color, forming a beautiful tableau. As you move into May Cave, you will feel a refreshing coolness as you pass through, thanks to the natural breeze and the shade of the trees. This is an ideal place to escape the sun and enjoy a pleasant atmosphere.
- Dai Cave: Dai Cave is a precious gem in Trang An Scenic Landscape that attracts many tourists every year. With its high and open limestone arches, Dai Cave creates a magical natural space, attracting visitors with a blend of light and darkness, creating stunningly beautiful dynamic and static pictures. The rays of sunlight pass through the small cracks in the rocks, embellishing the mysterious and mystical space. Every corner of the cave is a natural work of art, from the uniquely shaped rocks to the reflections in the blue water at the foot of the boat. Dai Cave brings visitors special experiences when coming to Trang An.
2.3. Visiting historical temples in Trang An
In addition to the charming and poetic scenery suitable for trips to enjoy the beauty of nature, Trang An also contains folk legends associated with spiritual places, enriching the experience of visitors from all over the world when coming to the land of talented people. The pagodas and temples in Trang An are not only famous for their sacredness but also for their unique and meticulous architecture.
- Trinh Temple: Trinh Temple is located at the foot of the mountain in the "Leaning on the mountain, facing the water" position, which was established more than a thousand years ago. Having gone through many storms, rains and sunshine, the changes of history and time, the temple has now been restored and repaired to be more spacious and beautiful. This is not only a normal spiritual place but also has many meanings when tourists come to visit and explore Trang An.
- Khong Temple: Khong Temple in Trang An, Ninh Binh is a sacred place with unique architecture of historical buildings in Vietnam. Built during the Dinh Dynasty, Khong Temple has a strong traditional architectural style and is a symbol of honor and respect for King Dinh Tien Hoang and his 7 loyal ministers. The palace is built in a U shape, with a corridor leading to the place of worship. The main gate of the palace is decorated with delicate patterns and sculptures, creating a vivid historical picture. The large and impressive stone pillars at Khong Temple show the temple's symbolize stability and sustainability. The carvings on the stone pillars are often traditional motifs, such as apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, and sacred symbols. Standing out in the space of Phu Khong is an ancient banyan tree that has existed for more than 1000 years. This is not only a symbol of time but also a symbol of sustainable and wonderful life.
- Vu Lam Palace: Vu Lam Palace is a site with a vast and spacious area featuring many historically significant relics such as the Cua Quan, Hanh Cung, Cong Rong and Tuan Cao. Additionally, Vu Lam Palace is home to 24 ancient temples that were built during the Tran dynasty. When visiting Vu Lam Palace, travelers also have the opportunity to explore unique and ancient architectural houses from the past. These houses have been preserved since 1954 and still maintain their original beauty to this day. Moreover, visitors can admire and learn about many historical artifacts from the feudal period in Vietnam and the achievements of the Vietnamese people during their resistance against the Mongol invasions in ancient times.
- Suoi Tien Temple: According to legend, a clear stream flows here, where fairies come down daily to bathe, giving rise to the name Suoi Tien Temple. This is one of the spiritual sites in Trang An, attracting many visitors and pilgrims. Built in a stunning location that harmonizes with nature, Suoi Tien Temple offers a tranquil and peaceful environment, a place where the soul can find serenity. The temple is surrounded by thatched houses made of clay, recreating the simple life of ancient Vietnamese people. It is constructed from rare and durable woods such as ironwood, "sen", and indigo, crafted with meticulous detail. Suoi Tien Temple is not only a historical relic but also a destination that provides visitors with a spiritual experience and an appreciation of exquisite architectural art.
- Tran Temple: Tran Temple is an ancient temple with a long history and unique architecture. Originating from the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang, the temple was originally called Noi Lam Temple. In the 7th century, King Tran Thai Tong renovated it and changed its name to Tran Temple as it is today. Every year, Tran Temple is visited by many tourists as a sacred place in Trang An. Tran Temple especially worships General Quy Minh, Trung Hung General of Son Nam, and Hoang Quy Nuong - his wife. The records in the genealogy at the Ca Temple (Hoa Lu) tell about the outstanding contributions of the three talented brothers of Mr. Quy Minh, who had great merit in defeating the enemy under the reign of King Hung the 18th. Today, Tran Temple is a sacred destination, attracting international tourists to come here to seek peace and pray for luck, especially at the beginning of the year.
3. Best Time to Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape
Trang An offers a variety of fascinating activities for tourists to do all year round.
- In spring, visitors can participate in special festivals such as the Trang An Festival and the Co Lau Festival to best understand Vietnamese culture. However, if you prefer a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, February, March, and April are not ideal time to visit as there will be a lot of domestic tourists going on holidays, especially at weekends, causing overcrowded and time-consuming situations.
- During summer, the captivating golden rice fields and fragrant lotus ponds create a stunning backdrop. However, there are not as many rice paddy fields as in Tam Coc, so if you prefer a golden picture and enjoy the fragrant atmosphere of ripened rice, Tam Coc is a better choice. And you should well prepare for some occasional downpours, as this is the rainy season.
- As fall approaches, the weather becomes pleasant and cool, ideal for outdoor activities.
- In winter, Trang An transforms into a misty wonderland, enhancing its enchanting allure.
Read more: Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh, Vietnam
4. How to Get to Trang An Scenic Landscape
The distance from Hanoi to Trang An Scenic Landscape is about 100km. Therefore, the most common way to approach Trang An, Ninh Binh is from Hanoi. If you are from Ho Chi Minh City or other big cities such as Da Nang and Hue, you need to take a domestic flight to Hanoi airport (Noi Bai Airport) and then choose some suggested transportation below to get to Trang An.
- Private car: From Hanoi center (Old Quarter area), you can follow the routine of Phap Van highway – Gie Bridge – Ninh Binh. It will take you about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Trang An. This is the best option for someone into privacy. Another option is booking a package tour with a local travel agency; the transport price will be included in the total tour price.
- Shuttle bus: This is a popular option that both domestic and foreign tourists choose due to its convenience and profession. You can choose Khánh An Limousine - Hotline 19008629 or 19001035 to go with. This is one of the most famous limousine brands transferred from Hanoi to Trang An, Ninh Binh.
- Train: If you have a lot of luggage and prioritize safety, taking the train is the best option for you. Traveling by train also offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes along the route. Ticket prices range from 90,000 VND to 200,000 VND, depending on the quality of the service.
- Taxi: You can easily book a taxi from taxi companies or, more conveniently, from online transport booking apps such as Xanh SM, Grab and Be. They will offer you a clear price in advance.
5. Notes to Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape
- Bring a pair of sports shoes: As the most common land-form of Trang An is the mountain, a pair of sports shoes will be the best option when climbing.
- Choose suitable clothes: Your Trang An boat tour includes visiting some historical sites. Therefore, wearing politely (covering knees and shoulders) is recommended for foreigners coming to an Eastern country, especially Vietnam.
- Pack necessary things: bring sun cream/hats/umbrella/sun glasses to against the sun, water and snacks if you are going for a long route, a camera to take pictures of breathtaking views.
Above is our ultimate travel guide to visit Trang An. We hope that this information can help you to plan your trip perfectly. To receive the best prices and promotions from IZITOUR, please feel free to contact us via:
- Email: sm@izitour.com
- Whatsapp: +84 382 536 266
6-day Northern Vietnam: from $330/pax
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