Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of Vietnam lies Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ethereal beauty and natural splendor. Here, limestone karsts punctuate the tranquil waterways, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of ancient caves and lush foliage. Are you ready to witness one of the most magical places Vietnam has to offer? Join us for the ultimate guide to a Trang An Boat Tour!
Planning to visit Vietnam? Start here:
What is Trang An?
Trang An is a scenic area located in the Ninh Binh province of northern Vietnam. It is characterized by its karst landscape, featuring limestone formations that rise dramatically from the surrounding plains.
The region is intersected by a network of waterways, including rivers, streams, and canals, which wind their way between the karst peaks and through lush green valleys. These waterways are dotted with numerous caves, some of which are accessible by boat, adding to the area’s natural allure.
In 2014, Trang An was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. Trang An Landscape Complex is home to several temples and pagodas, adding to its cultural importance and charm.
Trang An is often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land” due to its similar landscape of limestone karsts and picturesque waterways, reminiscent of the famous Halong Bay.
Planning to visit Halong Bay? Check Lan Ha Bay too before making a decision!
What to Do at Trang An?
For the best experience at Trang An near Ninh Binh, take your time to fully appreciate its captivating landscape. Specifically, we recommend joining a Trang An boat tour.
The Trang An boat tour offers a scenic journey through Ninh Binh’s karst landscapes. This is the best way to fully appreciate the beauty of the Trang An Landscape Complex. Travelers glide on small wooden boats along tranquil waterways, passing limestone cliffs, caves, and temples.
The Trang An boat tour is a captivating experience immersed in nature’s beauty and cultural heritage. The boats can accommodate 4 people, and life vests are mandatory.
How to get to Trang An?
The Trang An Departure Boat Ticket is located about 8 kilometers (approximately 5 miles) from Tam Coc and about 7 kilometers (approximately 4.5 miles) from Ninh Binh town.
You can easily reach the departing point by motorbike, bicycle, or taxi. Renting a bike in the Ninh Binh / Tam Coc area costs between 100.000 VND and 150.000 VND per day (roughly $4-6 USD), while a bicycle is much cheaper and costs about 20.000 VND per day.
Parking costs 15,000 VND for motorbikes and 10,000 VND for bicycles. It’s always a good idea to have cash on you for small transactions.
Below is the exact location of the Trang An boat tour departure point:
Trang An Boat Tour Overview
First of all, something most people don’t know is that there are three possible routes for a Trang An Boat Tour, and you get to pick up one.
What is the difference between the 3 options? Here is an overview:
Trang An Routes: choose the best one for you
Below is a picture of the map you’ll find at Trang An, describing the different routes. Each route is accompanied by a brief description detailing its highlights and attractions.
Route 1 – (9 caves, 3 temples)
Route one, also known as the Caves Tour, guides visitors through nine caves: Toi, Sang, Nau Ruou, Ba Giot, Seo, Son Duong, Khong, Tran and Quy Hau caves. Along the way, explorers will encounter three temples: Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Khong Temple with Bao Hieu Pagoda.
Covering a circular path spanning 15 kilometers, this tour typically requires around 3 hours to finish. It is the longest
Route 2 – (4 caves, 3 temples)
Route two offers a journey to three temples and four caves: Thanh Truot, Dai, Vang, and Lam caves. Visit the Cao Son Temple, dedicated to the mountain god, followed by the Suoi Tien Temple, a springtime gathering place for prayers. Complete the route with a visit to the Vu Lam Royal Steps, once a Tran Dynasty military base and Buddhist center.
Route 2 is the shortest of the three, and it is the ideal choice for those short on time. Lasting just over 2 hours, this tour allows ample opportunity to explore the natural caves and temples while making the most of your visit.
Route 3 – (3 caves, 3 temples)
Introduced in late 2017, the third tour route is the latest addition to the Trang An boat tour itinerary. Despite appearing to offer the least, route 3 comes highly recommended by many locals as the premier choice in Trang An. Tour number three leads through Trang An’s longest cave, Dot Cave, spanning one kilometer.
Explorers will also visit Van and Dai caves. Additionally, the tour includes stops at Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps. The excursion culminates at the movie set of “Kong: Skull Island,” featuring renowned actors Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson.
Which route is best in Trang An?
Determining the best route ultimately depends on your preferences and interests. Each route offers its own unique attractions and experiences, catering to different tastes and time constraints.
Route 1 provides a comprehensive exploration of caves and temples, while Route 2 offers a shorter option with diverse cave visits. Route 3, the newest addition, promises a captivating journey through the longest cave in Trang An.
Consider your preferences for duration, sights, and activities to determine which route aligns best with your interests.
In our case, we had heard good things about Route 3, and we ended up choosing it over the others. We had a lovely experience, and we would highly recommend it.
Trang An Boat Tour Price
The ticket price for the Trang An Boat Tour is 250.000 VND per person, about $10 USD.
The ticket counter is located near the parking lot, in a big building on the opposite side of the harbor. Once you’ve secured your ticket, you’ll pass through an underground tunnel to reach the wharf.
For everyone’s safety at the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, wearing life jackets is required during the trip. While tipping the ferryman at the end of the journey is optional, it’s always appreciated.
PLEASE NOTE: Each boat can accommodate 4 people. If you’re traveling with just 2 or 3 people, you might need to wait until more passengers join your journey. Alternatively, you will have to pay for the additional empty seats if you want to have the boat to yourself.
Trang An Boat Tour Opening Times
Trang An boat tours are available all year round, and you can purchase tickets at the booth daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
There is no fixed time for boats to leave. Whenever 4 people are ready, you’ll be introduced to your boatman and the tour begins.
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is becoming a popular place, so going early in the morning is the best to avoid the crowds.
Our adventure on the Trang An Boat Tour
Here is a detailed overview of what our experience at Trang An looked like:
Finding our boat
We set out to explore Trang An on a misty morning in January 2024. Upon arrival, we headed straight to the ticket counter, where we had the option to purchase tickets for the Trang An boat tour. There was also a combo deal available, bundling the Trang An boat tour with a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, offering a slight discount.
With our group consisting of three people, we were informed upon reaching the deck that we needed to wait for a fourth person to join us on the boat. This was also the moment to select our route, requiring us to find one other passenger interested in the same itinerary.
Opting for route number three, we soon found another person willing to join us, and we embarked on our journey. Although we couldn’t compare it to routes one and two, we found route three to be incredibly scenic and were pleased with our decision.
Unfortunately, our boatwoman didn’t speak English, which was a bit disappointing as we missed out on insights about the places we visited. Nonetheless, she was charming and made the experience enjoyable despite the language barrier.
Trang An boat tour: Temples
Route three encompasses visits to three temples along with three caves. These temples, nestled like precious gems in the breathtaking and distinctive landscape of Trang An, add an intriguing dimension to the tour. Plan to spend approximately 10-20 minutes at each temple to soak in their history and ambiance.
Upon reaching each site, the boatman will patiently wait on the shore, allowing visitors the flexibility to explore at their own pace. Whether you choose a brief visit or a leisurely exploration, the decision rests entirely with you. Additionally, amenities such as toilets and small food snack shops are available at these locations, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors.
Trang An boat tour: Caves
The caves we visited in Trang An, like Hang Dot, are pretty tight, and you might need to crouch to avoid bumping your head on the ceiling. But even in these narrow spots, there are cool rock formations to check out as you go along.
Taking photos inside can be tough because it’s pretty dark, but there are some light bulbs scattered around so you won’t be left completely in the dark.
Ongoing construction works
While you might expect to see only restoration works at historical sites, it’s not unusual in Vietnam to witness expansion projects with new developments at ancient sites. Trang An is no exception.
Here, you can see one of the new temples currently under construction in Trang An, situated right next to other temples.
It’s ultimately your decision to determine whether Vietnam’s choice to expand historical sites affects the authenticity of the places you visit or not.
Our Honest Thoughts on the Trang An Boat Tour
First, it’s important to mention that we don’t know exactly what route 1 and route 2 look like. However, we loved our time in Trang An doing route number 3, and we’d highly recommend it. On this tour, we had enough time to see each site, and it didn’t feel rushed at all.
On the other hand, it is a touristy place and it gets crowded. Trang An attracts many visitors, and the mandatory bright orange life vests don’t help to reduce their visual presence. If you want to have an even better experience, try to go early before the crowds arrive.
Overall, the landscapes of Trang An are among the most beautiful you can find in Vietnam. And for just $10 USD, a 3-hour boat tour here is great value for money.
