Trang An

Situated near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex is also known as the Ha Long Bay of the land. Trang An consists of majestic mountains, gorgeous limestone caves and wild streams flowing through the caves. The beautiful scenery here is naturally created with full of lively stone, river, green forest, and blue sky; making this place become one of the most beautiful and attractive karsts in the world.

Trang An

Trang An is recognized the world double-heritage by UNESCO in 2014. This place has experienced about 250 million of years of geological tectonics. The archaeological explorations show that there were traces of human activity over a continuous 30,000 - year period. They discovered these moutains through seasonal huntering and gathering, especially when they tried to adapt major climatic and environmental changes. The human occupation continued from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the historical era. Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Viet Nam was strategically established here in the 10th and 11th centuries AD.

This place especially is to conserve and contain many wetland ecosystems, limestone forest, archaeological and cultural relics. Besides, the property also includes temples, pagodas, paddy-fields and small villages. This is an ideal destination for visitor to escape the hustle and bustle city with a fresh climate here. While sitting on the boat, you can see the different vantage points – from the water, from the shore, and even from within the mountains themselves. Fields fill many of them and the fertile grounds are perfect for agriculture and settlements. An extremely beautiful natural landscape is right in front of your eyes.

Rowing Boat in Trang An

Trang An at Ninh Binh is easy to get to from Hanoi. It takes about 2 or 3 hours from Hanoi center to Trang An by car. Bus is another option with cheap prices. You can take a public bus from Hanoi at Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station; or the Open Bus like The Sinh tourist, getting to Ninh Binh at 10 – 11 pm. You will spend one night in Ninh Binh, then get to Trang An tomorrow morning.  In case you want to ride, please note that the rental price for a motorbike in Ninh Binh is about 120,000d; and the distance to Trang An is about 7km.

From the Trang An wharf, visitors can take a boat ride to visit a complex of 51 grottos. There are sections that are submerged under water, though, and this is claimed as the best way to explore the Trang An landscape complex. 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.

Temple in Trang An Complex

Ticket price is 200,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for children under 1.4 m. This fare includes a boat ride to visit Trang An by waterway across the Sao Khe River. It normally takes about 3 hours for visiting 6 to 9 caves. There are 4 to 5 people per boat.