Trang An

Trang An Travel Guide

Trang An, known as the "Halong Bay on Land," Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering limestone karsts, serene waterways, and ancient temples. A visit to Trang An offers a scenic boat ride through caves, lush valleys, and historic sites, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural explorers.

1. Best Time to Visit Trang An

Trang An is beautiful year-round, but certain months offer the best experiences:

• Spring (February – April) – Best for festivals, mild weather & blooming lotus flowers.
• Summer (May – August) – Lush green landscapes, but can be hot & rainy.
• Autumn (September – October) – Best time for clear skies & golden rice fields.
• Winter (November – January) – Cool & peaceful, with fewer tourists.

For the best experience, visit between February and April when the weather is cool, and local festivals take place!

2. How to Get to Trang An

📍 Trang An is located in Ninh Binh Province, ~100 km south of Hanoi.

By Train (Comfortable & Scenic)

• Hanoi → Ninh Binh Train Station (~2.5 hours).
• Ticket price: ~100,000 – 250,000 VND ($4–$10).
• From Ninh Binh station, take a taxi (15–20 minutes) to Trang An.

By Bus/Van (Budget-Friendly Option)

• Hanoi → Ninh Binh by bus (~2–2.5 hours).
• Popular Bus Companies: Limousine Van, The Long Travel, Ninh Binh Excursion.
• Ticket Price: ~150,000 – 300,000 VND ($6–$12).

By Private Car or Motorbike

• Car Rental (~5 hours round trip): ~$70–$100/day with driver.
• Motorbike Rental (~150,000 VND/day) – Best for adventure lovers.
• Taking a limousine van or private car is the most convenient way to reach Trang An.

3. Trang An Boat Tour – What to Expect

Boat Tour Information

• Entrance Fee: 250,000 VND (~$10) per person (includes a 2–3 hour boat ride).
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (best to visit early morning).
• Boat Capacity: 4–5 people per boat (private boats available for extra fees).

Boat Routes & Highlights

• There are 3 boat routes available, each with unique stops:

1️⃣ Route 1 (Most Popular – Full Experience)

Longest route (~3 hours).

• Passes through 9 caves & 3 temples, including:
• Dark Cave & Bright Cave – Beautiful water caves with stunning light effects.
• Kong: Skull Island Film Set – A scenic area used in the Hollywood movie.
• Trinh Temple & Tran Temple – Ancient Vietnamese temples surrounded by nature.

2️⃣ Route 2 (Balanced Option – Nature & Culture)

2.5-hour tour with 4 caves & 3 temples.

• Hang Lam Cave & Hang Vang Cave – Crystal-clear waters & stalactites.
• Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple – A historic temple from the Tran Dynasty.

3️⃣ Route 3 (Best for Relaxing & Photography)

Shortest route (~2 hours), great for photography & nature lovers.

• Hang Dot Cave & Hang Dia Linh Cave – Massive limestone caves with unique rock formations.
• Kong Skull Island Village – Traditional bamboo huts & film props from the movie.

4. Other Attractions Near Trang An

4.1. Bai Dinh Pagoda (Largest Buddhist Complex in Vietnam)

• Distance: ~10 km from Trang An (~20-minute drive).
• Home to 500 Arhat statues & a 36-ton bronze Buddha.
• Features the tallest pagoda in Southeast Asia (100m high).
• Free entrance, but electric car ride costs 100,000 VND (~$4.50).

4.2. Hang Múa (Mua Cave & Viewpoint – Best Panoramic View)

• Distance: ~7 km from Trang An (~15-minute drive).
• Climb 500 steps to the top for breathtaking views of Trang An’s limestone peaks.
• Best for sunrise & sunset photography.
• Entrance Fee: 100,000 VND (~$4).

4.3. Tam Coc (Another Scenic Boat Ride Option)

• Distance: ~6 km from Trang An (~15-minute drive).
• Known for 3 water caves & golden rice fields along the Ngo Dong River.
• Less crowded than Trang An, but equally stunning.
• Boat Fee: 250,000 VND (~$10) per boat (max 2 people).

4.4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Historical Site)

• Distance: ~5 km from Trang An (~10-minute drive).
• The former capital of Vietnam (10th–11th century).
• Explore temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le.
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 VND (~$1).

5. Where to Eat in Trang An

Best Local Dishes to Try:

• Goat Meat (Dê Núi) – A Ninh Binh specialty, served grilled or in hotpot.
• Burned Rice (Cơm Cháy) – Crispy rice served with pork or goat meat.
• Ninh Binh Eel Vermicelli (Miến Lươn) – A delicious local noodle soup.

Best Restaurants in Trang An:

• Duc Troc Restaurant – Famous for grilled goat meat & rice dishes.
• Minh Toan Restaurant – Serves affordable Vietnamese set meals.
• Chookie’s Beer Garden (Ninh Binh) – Great for Western food & cocktails.

6. Where to Stay in Trang An & Ninh Binh

Luxury Resorts ($80 – $200/night)

• Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh – A 5-star eco-resort with stunning mountain views.
• Trang An Retreat – A peaceful nature retreat near the boat dock.

Mid-Range Hotels ($30 – $80/night)

• Tam Coc Garden Resort – Beautiful bungalows surrounded by rice fields.
• Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel – A comfortable 4-star stay in Tam Coc.

Budget Homestays ($5 – $30/night)

• Trang An Valley Bungalow – Cozy riverside bungalows with great service.
• Go Ninh Binh Hostel – Affordable backpacker hostel with free breakfast.

7. Travel Tips for Trang An

• Arrive early – Avoid crowds by visiting before 9:00 AM.
• Wear sunscreen & a hat – The boat ride is mostly under the sun.
• Bring a waterproof bag – To protect your phone & camera on the boat.
• Respect local culture – Cover shoulders when visiting temples.
• Cash only – Many small shops don’t accept credit cards.

Trang An is a stunning mix of nature, history, and adventure. Whether you're gliding through caves on a boat, exploring ancient temples, or hiking to panoramic viewpoints, Trang An is a must-visit destination in Vietnam!