An A to Z Guide for visiting Trang An, Vietnam
This blog post is all about Trang An, Vietnam. A travel guide to one of the scenic landscape complex, that easily ranks as one of the favorite things to do from Hanoi, and, not just in Ninh Binh, but in all of Vietnam. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Trang An offers a great experience, taking you on peaceful boat rides along emerald-green waters. Check out Ninh Binh & Tam Coc
On a boat ride through the landscape, you’ll pass dramatic limestone karsts and centuries-old pagodas that seem to rise straight from the cliffs. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about exploring the Trang An Landscape Complex.
Where is Trang An located in Vietnam?
Trang An is located in Ninh Binh province, about 90 kilometers south of Hanoi (~2 hours car ride), making it a perfect choice for a day trip from the capital. This stunning landscape, known for its limestone mountains and winding rivers, offers one of Vietnam’s most scenic boat tours.
As you glide through caves and past ancient temples, you’ll quickly see why Trang An is often called the “Ha Long Bay on land.” Whether you’re short on time or planning a longer visit, a day trip to Trang An is absolutely worth it for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike.
Trang An, Vietnam
+ Is Trang An Worth Visiting?
First of all, it’s a very popular day trip option from Hanoi and since earning recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An has been a human settlement for over thousands of years.
The region’s incredible limestone cave system reveals more than just natural beauty—it uncovers archaeological traces of prehistoric human life. Over time, these caves also provided shelter and became strategic hideouts during turbulent periods, including the Vietnam War.
But the story doesn’t end with caves and history. As you explore deeper, you’ll come across ancient pagodas scattered across the landscape. These sacred structures reflect Trang An’s role as a vital spiritual and cultural center during the days of the Dinh and early Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries.
A Hollywood Appear: Kung Skull Island, 2017
Trang An didn’t just impress travelers—it also caught Hollywood’s eye. The area played a significant role in the 2017 blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.
- After their first chaotic encounter with Kong, the surviving expedition members search for safety. During their escape, they stumble upon one of Ninh Binh’s towering limestone karsts, marked dramatically with a giant, bloody paw print.
- Meanwhile, the Iwi Tribe steps in to help. They welcome the stranded Monarch and Landsat crew, offering them shelter for the night after the helicopters go down. Filmmakers recreated the tribe’s village right in the heart of Trang An, using around 40 rattan tents and hand-crafted decorative items. Today, the film set still stands, offering visitors a glimpse into the cinematic magic behind the scenes. Check out Skull island Ninh Binh
Visiting Trang An Complex
Best time to go
The best time to visit Trang An is from late January to early May, especially during the spring months, when mild weather, lush scenery, and cultural festivals create the perfect conditions for a scenic boat ride through caves, rice fields, and ancient temples.
Opening hours (7am till 4pm)
Boat ride ticket
- Price: Around 250,000 VND per adult (about $10 USD)
- Includes: A 2–3 hour scenic boat ride through caves, rivers, and temples, shared with up to 4 people per boat.
Visitors can purchase tickets at the entrance, and there’s no need to book in advance unless you’re visiting during a major holiday or festival. Ticket should be paid in cash in VND and NOT USD. There is also an ATM near the parking area in Trang An.
How to get to Trang An, Vietnam, from Hanoi?
Trang An is part of Ninh Binh, means you need to get there first, which is fairly easy—it’s located just 90 km south of Hanoi. Although the area doesn’t have an airport, you can reach it by train, hire a private driver or tour, rent a motorbike or car, or hop on a bus.
By train
If you’re after a scenic and affordable way to travel, taking the train is a great choice. Vietnam Railways runs regular routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with the journey usually lasting between 2.5 to 3 hours. You can buy tickets online, at the Hanoi Railway Station, or even through your hotel or a local tour provider.
Trang An tour from Hanoi
This is actually how I visited Trang An, and it couldn’t have been easier. If you’re planning a day trip, I highly recommend booking a private tour from Hanoi. It’s the most hassle-free way to hit all the main sights directly from your hotel.
For those spending the night, the best is to arrange a private driver for door-to-door ride. Once you’re in Ninh Binh, you can rent a bike or hire a local guide to explore the area more leisurely.
By car or motorbike
If flexibility is what you’re after, renting a car or motorbike is a great option. Just keep in mind—you’ll need a valid license, an International Driver’s Permit, and enough riding confidence to handle Vietnam’s lively traffic. The drive from Hanoi takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, and you’ll find plenty of rental choices, with costs depending on the vehicle type and how long you plan to use it.
If you’re American, don’t forget to apply for an International Driver’s Permit through AAA before your trip. You can easily submit your application and the required documents either in person or by mail—and it only costs around $25.
By Bus
If you’re traveling on a budget, taking the bus is a cheapest option. You can easily search and book tickets online in advance through various operators. Although I didn’t personally use this method—since bus quality can vary quite a bit—it remains one of the most affordable ways to reach Ninh Binh and then Trang An. Typically, tickets start at around VND120.000 (~USD5) per person. Just be sure to read a few reviews before choosing a company to make sure you get a reliable ride.
How to visit Trang An, near Ninh Binh, Vietnam
When I visited Trang An, I chose a private tour—and honestly, I highly recommend it if you want a smooth experience. It felt amazing to go through each step of my day trip with a knowledgeable local guide. Not only did they share fascinating stories and personal insights, but they also helped me appreciate both Trang An and the wider Ninh Binh area on a deeper level.
While private tours or drivers usually come with a higher price tag, I genuinely believe the extra cost is worth it—especially if you value a flexible schedule and a worry-free trip.
So yea, this is how i visited Trang An and Ninh Binh.
Trang An Boat Tour (The Routes)
Once you’ve bought your tickets, head across the underground bridge that connects the ticket office to the boat departure area. As you arrive, you’ll spot a coffee shop and some restrooms—perfect for a quick break before the boat trip. Just ahead, look for the line where visitors board traditional sampan boats, each steered by a local guide from Trang An.
When it’s your turn, hand your ticket to the guide at the front and let them know which of the three available routes you’d like to explore.
Route 1
- Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Temples Visited: 4
- Caves Explored: 9
This route takes you on a scenic loop beginning and ending at Trang An Pier. Along the way, you’ll visit:
Trinh Temple → Dark Cave → Bright Cave → Nau Ruou Cave → Tran Temple → Ba Giot Cave → Seo Cave → Son Duong Cave → Phu Khong Temple → Khong Cave → Bao Hieu Pagoda → Tran Cave → Quy Hau Cave → and finally back to Trang An Pier.
Route 2
- Duration: Around 2.5 hours
- Stops: 2 temples, 1 palace, 1 film set
- Caves Explored: 4
This route begins at Trang An Pier and takes you through Lam Cave before arriving at Cao Son Temple. From there, continue your journey through Hang Cave and Thanh Truot Cave, eventually reaching Suoi Tien Temple. The route then leads through Dai Cave, followed by a stop at the impressive Vu Lam Palace. Finally, wrap up the adventure with a visit to the King Kong: Skull Island Village film set before returning to Trang An Pier.
Route 3
- Duration: Around 3 hours
- Stops: 2 temples, 1 palace, 1 film location
- Caves Explored: 3
Starting from Trang An Pier, this route takes you first to Trinh Temple, then guides you into the mysterious May Cave and Dot Cave. After emerging, you’ll stop at the serene Suoi Tien Temple before continuing on to Dai Cave. Next up is the majestic Vu Lam Palace, followed by an exciting stop at the King Kong: Skull Island Village film set. The journey wraps up with a peaceful return to Trang An Pier.
The best Trang An Boat Tour Experience
Curious about what it’s like to boat through Trang An? Here’s a look at my Route Two experience—perfect for getting a feel for what to expect on the water:
Trang An Pier
The journey kicks off at the Trang An Boat Departures Area. After boarding, we glided through a wide, peaceful lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. This stretch offers some of the best views of Trang An’s open waters and is especially beautiful in the early morning, when you might catch local fishermen casting their nets in the mist.
Lam Cave
This was the first cave we entered on the route, stretching about 60 meters. Lam Cave felt more spacious than the others and didn’t rely on artificial lights—natural daylight was enough to guide us through. That said, there was one section where the ceiling dipped low, and I had to crouch right down into the boat!
Cao Son Temple
After exiting Lam Cave, we approached this small 18th-century temple dedicated to Cao Son, the mountain god. Nestled on a narrow strip of land surrounded by towering karsts, it offered a peaceful moment to step off the boat. While stopping is optional, I recommend it if you want a quiet break and a chance to soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Vang Cave
The second cave on Route Two, spanning 250 meters, is truly a highlight! Rowing toward its entrance feels straight out of a “Pirates of the Caribbean” scene. The natural grandeur of the cave makes an unforgettable impression. Inside, the ceiling is dotted with man-made string lights, which guide the boats through. As you approach the exit, you’ll be treated to one of the most stunning views of the limestone karsts along the route—it’s a sight to behold!
Thanh Truot Cave
The longest cave on Route Two, Thanh Truot Cave stretches a dramatic 320 meters. Inside, vibrant, rainbow-colored lights illuminate the space, giving the limestone karsts a magical, almost otherworldly feel. This cave is perfect for snapping some quick photos—just be sure to ask your guide if you can pause for a moment. When it’s time to exit, the roof dips down low, so you’ll need to duck down into your boat to avoid hitting your head.
Suoi Tien Temple
Known as the “Heaven Stream” Temple, Suoi Tien is dedicated to Quy Minh Dai Vuong. This was my favorite temple along Route Two! Its beauty is striking, especially in the early morning when locals arrive in boats to offer gifts. Nearby, you’ll find the first of two small water pagodas that you’ll pass on the route, adding an extra touch of serenity to this peaceful stretch.
Dai Cave
The fourth cave on the route, Dai Cave stretches about 150 meters. While it’s smaller than the ones before, it still offers plenty of excitement—especially because it leads directly to one of the most scenic stops of the journey: Vu Lam Palace.
Vu Lam Palace
As you exit the cave, you’ll drift past this historic palace, once a royal residence and military base during the Tran Dynasty. Although boats don’t stop here, you’ll get a great view of the buildings from the water. Stone steps lead right down to the river, and if you look closely, you’ll spot Thai Vi Temple nearby along with a small pagoda nestled in the water. This stretch is one of the best photo opportunities on Route Two, so have your camera ready if you want to capture the moment!
The Film location
Iwi Village Film location (location in the MonsterVerse and first appeared in Kong: Skull Island) –Although the village is currently closed to walking tours, Route Two still passes right alongside it. From my boat, I could clearly spot the tops of the traditional-style tents nestled among the greenery—definitely a fun moment for movie fans!
Boat departure area
Soon after passing the film set, I returned to the Trang An Boat Departure Area. To get back to the parking lot, I crossed a charming bridge decorated with colorful lanterns, which added a perfect finishing touch to the journey. With the Trang An mountains rising in the background, it was one last photo-worthy scene to close out the tour.
Quick Tips for Photography while on Boat Tour
FAQs: Trang An, Vietnam
Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Tour?
Is the boat tour safe?
Yes, the boat ride (tour) is generally safe. The staff equips each boat with life jackets, and the rowers know the waterways well thanks to their extensive local experience. That said, make sure to follow all safety instructions during the trip to ensure a smooth and secure ride.
Is one day enough to visit Ninh Binh?
You can cover Ninh Binh’s main highlights in a single day, especially if you focus on must-see spots like the Trang An Boat Tour, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Mua Cave. However, if you’d rather slow down and take in the scenery at a more relaxed pace, consider extending your stay. With two or more days, you’ll have time to explore additional gems like Tam Coc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Cuc Phuong National Park without feeling rushed.
Trang An Landscape Complex
If you’re planning a trip to Trang An (Part of Ninh Binh) , don’t miss the chance to explore its stunning caves and pagodas. Whether you’re trekking through untouched wilderness or discovering hidden caves.
Should you have more time to explore Vietnam, consider opting for a combined Vietnam tour package that covers some of the country’s top destinations, including Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay. This itinerary for Northern Vietnam typically spans about eight days, giving you the chance to experience a wide range of the region’s most famous attractions. Check out one month Itinerary for Vietnam
