1. A Glimpse into Trang An Vietnam

Trang An is Vietnam’s first mixed World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014, known for its limestone mountains, winding rivers, and caves like Mua Caves and Ba Giot Caves, and Dark Caves. Its name is tied to ancient people who first explored the sea here, and later became the site where Dinh Bo Linh, the first emperor of Dai Co Viet built the Hoa Lu capital in 968. Often called the “Inland Ha Long Bay”, Trang An is a must-visit for its natural beauty and historic depth.

Trang An Ecotourism Complex is proudly a top stop for both local and international visitors returning to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (Source: Pexels)

1.1. How to Get to Trang An Ninh Binh

Trang An Vietnam is located about 90 kilometers from Hanoi and just around 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh City centre. Depending on your preferences, there are various transportation choices available to suit every travel style. The table below summarizes the most common ways to get to Trang An from both Hanoi and Ninh Binh City center:

For independent travelers, the most ideal way to reach Trang An is by limousine bus or train from Hanoi, followed by a short taxi or motorbike ride from Ninh Binh City. This option balances comfort, cost, and flexibility. Once in Trang An, visitors can freely choose their preferred way to get there, but exploring the site itself is only possible by boat, the signature experience that glides you through its stunning network of rivers and caves.

Getting from Hanoi to Trang An is easy and convenient, with plenty of transportation options available to suit every travel style (Source: Pexels)

1.2. Best Time to Visit Trang An Vietnam

The best time to visit Trang An Vietnam is during the dry season, from October to April, when the weather is cool, rainfall is minimal, and the landscape reveals its most enchanting beauty. This period is ideal for boat tours, sightseeing, and photography, especially in the early morning or afternoon when the soft sunlight enhances the mystical charm of the scenery.

Each season in Trang An Ninh Binh offers a distinct experience:

• Spring (January - March, lunar calendar): Visitors can immerse themselves in the joyful spirit of the new year through traditional festivals like the Trang An Festival, held to honor Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, featuring lively cultural and spiritual activities.
• Summer (April - June): The sun shines brightly, illuminating crystal-clear waters and lush valleys. This is also the lotus blooming season, when pink blossoms dot the landscape, creating picturesque views under golden sunlight.
• Autumn (July - September): Trang An becomes quieter, bathed in soft breezes and subtle light. It’s also when the ancient 1,000-year-old persimmon tree at Phu Khong Temple bears fruit, an iconic seasonal sight.
• Winter (October - December): The ancient temples appear dreamlike amidst early morning fog, while red water lilies and white reeds along the riverbanks add a delicate touch to the serene scenery.

Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant early spring festivals at Trang An, featuring lively cultural and artistic activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year (Source: Pexels)

2. Must-Do Experiences at Trang An Landscape Complex Recommended by Local Experts

From peaceful boat rides through emerald waterways to exploring mysterious caves and ancient temples, each activity is among the best things to do in Ninh Binh according to local experts.

2.1. Take A Scenic Boat Ride through The River

As you gently glide along the emerald waterways, you'll be surrounded by towering limestone mountains, lush tropical forests, and a series of mystical water caves. The air is fresh, the scenery ever-changing, and every paddle stroke brings a deeper sense of peace and connection to the land.

What makes this journey even more special are kind local boat rowers that show you the way to every cave, valley, and temple along the route. While most of them don't speak fluent English, a few basic Vietnamese phrases or a translation app can go a long way in sparking warm smiles and meaningful exchanges.

Taking a boat ride to admire the scenery is an unmissable experience when visiting Trang An Ninh Binh (Source: Pexels)

Visitors can freely take photos and chat with the kind and friendly locals (Source: Pexels)

The best time to take the boat is early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) for soft lighting, fewer crowds, and cooler weather. Trang An offers four boat tour routes, allowing visitors to journey through a breathtaking network of rivers, limestone mountains, and sacred cultural sites:

• Route 1 - Trinh Temple - Tran Temple - Phu Khong Temple: This 3-hours boat journey takes visitors through 9 caves, the highest number among all routes, and stops at three spiritual landmarks. It’s an ideal choice for history buffs and cave exploration lovers.
• Route 2 - Cao Son Temple - Suoi Tien Temple - Vu Lam Palace: Spanning roughly 3 hours, this route features 4 mystical caves and 3 temples, including the shrine of Saint Cao Son, the guardian spirit of Hoa Lu, and Suoi Tien Temple, making it a preferred option for those who enjoy nature, legends, and spiritual sites.
• Route 3 - Trinh Temple - Dot Cave - Vu Lam Palace: This 3-hour route features 3 caves, including Dot Cave, the longest and most stunning in Trang An, plus temples from the Dinh and Tran dynasties. Ideal for those who love majestic scenery and photo-worthy spots like Thuy Dinh and Phoenix Mountain.
• Route 4 - Cao Son Temple - Phoenix Mountain - Saint Slide Cave: A scenic 2-hour boat ride offers a glimpse of iconic check-in spots in the complex, making it a perfect choice for those with limited time but wish to explore key highlights of Trang An.
• Route 5 - Tam Coc - Bich Dong:Visitors glide along the Ngo Dong River on boats, flanked by limestone cliffs and rice fields. During harvest season, golden paddies reflect on the water, creating a breathtaking scene for nature lovers and photographers.

Visitors should choose a route that suits their interests and visit at the right time to ensure the most memorable experience (Source: Pexels)

Thuy Dinh Pavilion and Phoenix Mountain are a stunning photo spot, best captured while sitting on the boat (Source: Pexels)

2.2. Explore The Iconic Trang An Caves

Trang An Ninh Binh is also famed for its stunning cave system, a mesmerizing network of 50 dry caves and 50 water-filled caves. These caves vary greatly in form, including through caves, connected chambers, and underground passages. Below are some of the most iconic caves that leave visitors in awe with their mystery and beauty.

Mua Caves

Mua Caves is located within the Tam Coc - Bich Dong area, making it visible from any boat route along the river. Mua Caves is a limestone cave nestled inside the mountains. To reach the summit, visitors must conquer over 500 stone steps, flanked by intricate dragon and phoenix carvings dating back to the Tran dynasty.

For the full experience, it’s best to hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid intense heat and strong sunlight. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, stay hydrated, and prepare your camera, because the view from Mua Caves Ninh Binh is one of the most iconic in all of Vietnam.

• Address: Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Ticket price: 100,000 VND/person (about USD 4, free entrance fee if you stay at Hang Mua Ecolodge)

The highlight of Mua Caves is the beautiful scenery on the path leading to the top of Mua mountain with nearly 500 stone steps (Source: Pexels)

Dia Linh Cave

Located in the heart of Trang An, Dia Linh Cave stuns visitors with its shimmering stalactites that glisten like jewels under dim natural light. Inside, visitors can admire towering limestone pillars, delicate stone curtains, and formations resembling dragons, fairies, and mythical beasts, each evoking a world of imagination.

This cave also holds archaeological significance, as traces of prehistoric human settlement, such as pottery shards and stone tools, have been found here. The cool air, quiet ambiance, and mystical beauty make it a perfect retreat during your boat journey.

Gliding through the cave system here, visitors feel as if they've entered a fairyland (Source: Pexels)

Nau Ruou Cave

Nau Ruou Cave (or Wine Brewing Cave) stretches 250 meters long and tells a story deeply rooted in local folklore. Legend has it that an underground spring within the cave provided crystal-clear water ideal for brewing royal wine. Remnants of ancient wine jars and brewing tools found near the entrance add historical weight to the tale.

To get to the cave, you must choose to take Trang An boat route 1. As visitors enter by boat, you can glide silently through its chambers while absorbing the cave’s cultural and geological depth.

Nau Ruou Cave was indeed a place of wine production, deeply connected to the local life and culture in ancient times

Ba Giot Cave

Ba Giot Cave captivates travelers not just for its dramatic stone formations, but for its mystical belief: if three water drops from the ceiling fall onto your palms, good luck and happiness will follow. The cave features elegant arches and textured limestone surfaces shaped by centuries of water flow.

Its serene, dimly lit space adds to the spiritual feel, making it a must-stop for those who enjoy legend-steeped experiences. Same as Nau Ruou Cave, visitors are advised to choose boat route 1 to reach this destination.

The caves in Trang An are often associated with ancient legends that have been passed down through generations (Source: Pexels)

Bright Cave - Dark Cave

Bright Cave - Dark Cave are also included in the itinerary of boat route 1. This unique cave duo takes visitors on a symbolic passage from darkness to light. Dark Cave, 320 meters long, has a dome-like ceiling and a winding path illuminated softly to reveal intricate stalactite structures.

Just beyond lies Bright Cave, spanning 100 meters, it represents the local belief in moving from ignorance to enlightenment. This pair, explored in sequence during the boat ride, leaves a lasting impression on those who appreciate both nature and meaning in their travels.

The path leading into Dark Cave is winding and narrow, with little to no natural light reaching inside, hence its name given by the locals

2.3. Visit Historical Sites in Trang An Complex

Amidst the majestic landscapes of Trang An Vietnam, visitors will encounter not only natural wonders but also sacred sites that hold deep historical and cultural significance. These temples and relics date back to the Dinh, Le, and Tran dynasties, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s early spiritual and political life. Most are included in the boat tour routes, and you may request specific stops with your boat rower.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Located just 5km from Trang An, Hoa Lu ancient capital Ninh Binh was the political and cultural center of the country during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries, and later connected to the Ly dynasty. Surrounded by limestone mountains, Hoa Lu was once a natural fortress that protected the country from northern invasions.

Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Hoa Lu temples Vietnam, including the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, Temple of King Le Dai Hanh, Am Tien Pagoda and Cave, Nhat Tru Pagoda, etc. These places bear the profound historical imprint of the first capital of Vietnam’s centralized feudal monarchy.

• Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu City, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Ticket price: 20,000 VND/person (USD 0.77)

King Dinh Tien Hoang Temple is an important relic in the special protection area of ​​the Hoa Lu ancient capital heritage complex

Vu Lam Palace

Nestled among limestone valleys and accessible only by boat, Vu Lam Palace was once a secret military base of the Tran dynasty during the resistance against the Mongol invasions. The dense mountains and winding rivers made it difficult for enemies to penetrate the area, while also offering the Tran kings a place of refuge.

In addition to being a royal retreat, Vu Lam was also used as a religious site, where emperors and monks could meditate and find peace during times of war. This place is also associated with the event of the Tran kings becoming monks and spreading Buddhism. Emperor Tran Thai Tong compared this place to a fairyland, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.

Coming to Vu Lam Palace, visitors can step into a poetic and majestic landscape (Source: Pexels)

Trinh Temple

Trinh Temple is located at the foot of Trang An mountain, which was built more than 1000 years ago. Through the ups and downs of time and renovations, the temple has grown more spacious and beautiful.

Trinh Temple is dedicated to four mandarins of the Dinh dynasty, who protected the royal court. With ancient architecture, moss-covered roofs, and incense-filled halls, the temple evokes a timeless spiritual presence. It’s often the first stop in most boat routes and a place to offer prayers before the journey.

Phu Khong Temple

Phu Khong Temple honors seven loyal mandarins of the Dinh dynasty who sacrificed themselves during times of political turmoil. Surrounded by forest and limestone cliffs, this temple is both solemn and serene.

One of the tourist attractions when visiting Phu Khong is the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Although the trunk and roots of this banyan tree are old and rough, its branches and leaves are always green, with an elephant-shaped canopy covering the entire Phu Khong temple.

When visiting Phu Khong Temple, visitors will be immersed in a serene and ancient worship space (Source: Pexels)

Tran Temple

Considered the spiritual core of the Trang An heritage area, Tran Temple worships Emperor Tran Hung Dao and other generals from the Tran dynasty. Located deep within the mountains, it features beautiful stone architecture, ancient trees, and a large open courtyard for ceremonies. The temple is a key destination on Route 1 and often the highlight of a historical boat tour.

From the ferry, you will have to go a long distance by boat, through the Bright Cave, the Dark Cave, climb 175 stone steps before walking down to the valley. At the end of the trail, you will reach the ancient temple which is located in the middle of a small ravine. On the left side of the temple yard, there is a rock cliff about 250m high blocking the path.

Tran Temple is known as the most sacred temple in Trang An

2.4. Kayak through Trang An's Waterways

For adventurous travelers seeking a more active and personal way to explore Trang An Vietnam, kayaking offers a one-of-a-kind experience that allows visitors to paddle at their own pace through serene waterways.

For 2 - 3 hours, tourists can directly rent single kayaks in Trang An at the ticket gate with fees ranging from 250,000 VND to 300,000 VND (USD 7 - USD 15) or double kayaks are priced from 350,000 to 400,000 VND (USD 13 - USD 15).

Kayaking on the calm, peaceful river is a one-of-a-kind experience in Trang An (Source: Pexels)

Currently, Trang An offers two official kayak routes, each with its own highlights:

• Route 1: Takes kayakers through Trinh Temple, Tam Quan Gate, Dark Cave, Quy Hau Cave, and ends at Ngoc Mountain, covering about 8km round trip. This route offers serene riverscapes, lush limestone valleys, and romantic photo opportunities along the way – an ideal option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic kayaking experience in nature.
• Route 2: Spans 5km round trip, leading through Kong Island Dock, Thuy Dinh Pavilion, and Vu Lam Palace. Highlights include exploring the film set of Kong: Skull Island, capturing iconic check-in spots, and visiting a historic Tran dynasty site, making it a perfect choice for cultural enthusiasts and travelers on a tighter schedule.

While kayaking, visitors can fully enjoy the serene beauty of Trang An’s rivers and mountains (Source: Pexels)

To enjoy a smooth, safe and memorable kayaking trip in Trang An, here are essential tips every traveler should keep in mind:

• Learn the basics of kayaking before you begin: Take a few minutes to understand how to control the kayak, balance your weight, and follow paddling instructions. Especially if it's your first time, it’s advisable to choose a two-person kayak and ride with your coach to save energy and maintain better balance.
• Listen to staff instructions carefully: Follow all safety instructions from the organizers, especially regarding routes, weather conditions, and restricted areas.
• Wear a life jacket at all times: Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn throughout the entire journey, regardless of swimming ability.
• Use waterproof protection for electronics: Always store phones, cameras, and electronic devices in waterproof bags or pouches to prevent water damage.

Visitors are free to kayak through Trang An’s stunning waterways, but should always follow safety regulations (Source: Pexels)

2.5. Cycle around The Peaceful Surroundings

Cycling around Trang An is a perfect way to slow down and soak in the peaceful charm of rural Ninh Binh. As you ride along winding village roads, lush green rice fields stretch endlessly on both sides, flanked by towering limestone karsts.

Bicycle hourly rentals cost around 30,000 VND - 80,000 VND (USD 2 - USD 3), while half-day rentals are priced from 70,000 VND - 150,000 VND (USD 3 - USD 6), and full-day rentals range from 100,000 VND - 200,000 VND (USD 4 - USD 7). Prices may also vary based on the bike’s quality and type, with mountain and tandem bikes typically costing more than standard models.

Cycling in groups to various tourist attractions within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is also a delightful experience (Source: Pexels)

To make your cycling journey in Trang An truly memorable and fulfilling, consider exploring one of the following scenic routes, each offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and local life:

• Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thai Vi (around 15km): Ride through peaceful village paths, lush rice fields, and majestic limestone mountains.
• Trang An - Hoa Lu (around 10km): Cycle along quiet canals and visit historic sites amid dramatic karst scenery.
• Hang Mua - Thung Nham (around 12km): Start riding a bicycle for panoramic views, then explore the tranquil bird garden of Thung Nham.

For a smooth, safe, and enjoyable cycling experience in Trang An, keep in mind the following practical tips before you hit the road:

• Follow local traffic rules: Always ride on the right and follow local traffic rules
• Use navigation tools: Use a map or GPS to track your route and avoid getting lost

2.6. Explore The Majestic Bai Dinh Pagoda

Nestled on Bai Dinh mountainside among vast valleys and limestone peaks, Bai Dinh impresses with 1700 hectares while preserving traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. Specifically, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast temple complex that houses the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and the largest bronze Maitreya statue in Southeast Asia. This makes Bai Dinh Pagoda one of the most significant spiritual sites in the region.

Bai Dinh is the largest temple and holds the most records in Vietnam (Source: Pexels)

The new Bai Dinh Pagoda is a grand complex featuring numerous impressive Buddhist structures (Source: Pexels)

3. Best Tips for An Unforgettable Visit to Trang An Vietnam

To make the most of your trip to Trang An Vietnam, here are essential tips every traveler should keep in mind:

• Start early and pack smart: Begin your trip in the early morning to enjoy the serene landscape and avoid large crowds and keep your belongings minimal for easier mobility.
• Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated: Bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and drink water regularly to stay energized throughout the journey.
• Explore local culture and cuisine: Take time to enjoy simple yet flavorful local dishes in nearby villages, which reflect the cultural richness of Ninh Binh. For a deeper experience, consider joining a guided cultural tour to better understand historical sites like Hoa Lu and Bich Dong.
• Respect local customs and sacred sites: When visiting temples, dress modestly and observe respectful behavior. Be mindful of rituals, signage, and avoid loud conversations in spiritual spaces.
• Help preserve Trang An’s natural beauty: Avoid littering and use eco-friendly products whenever possible.

Trang An Ninh Binh is a peaceful land that always leaves a lasting impression on visitors after their journey (Source: Pexels)

Trang An Vietnam is not just a place you visit, it's a place you feel. With every boat ride through emerald rivers, every step up ancient stone paths, and every echo of temple bells in the mountains, Trang An invites you to slow down and connect with nature, with history, and with yourself. Prepare well, travel with heart, and let Trang An leave a lasting imprint on your soul.

Discover more inspiring destinations, travel tips, and local experiences on the official Vietnam Airlines’ website to make your journey through Vietnam truly unforgettable.