Trang An is one of the well-known locations that no traveler to Ninh Binh should overlook. With its breathtaking natural splendour of magnificent mountains and lyrical rivers, this place is regarded as a heaven on earth.

Overview of Trang An

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a large tourism region that includes various historical relics and environmental reserves, with the primary sites being the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Area, Trang An Eco-tourism Area, and Hoa Lu Special-use Forest.

In 2014, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Attracting both domestic and foreign tourists, Trang An is currently one of Vietnam’s most popular vacation locations.

This picturesque landscape complex offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, each with its own distinct appeal. Because of its vast size, people sometimes refer to Trang An as the Trang An Eco-tourism area, rather than the entire scenic landscape complex.

Two boats on the right sailing in Trang An among the mountains. — Trang An’s stunning nature.

Natural Beauty of Trang An Eco-tourism Area

Trang An Ecological Area amazes with its breathtaking natural beauty, with a system of multi-shaped mountains that date back up to 250 million years. This terrain is filled with valleys, lakes, caverns, and meandering rivers that have been formed throughout time. The harmony of Trang An’s cliffs, rivers, trees, and sky forms a natural masterpiece.

Furthermore, Trang An is also home to an extremely diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. Precious woods, medicinal plants, high-level flora, terrestrial and aquatic animals, and rare animals… this rich ecosystem helps Trang An earn the nickname “outdoor geological museum”.

View from inside a cave in Trang An with an opening view of a forest. — Boat ride through a Trang An cave.

Location & How to get to Trang An

Location of Trang An and its core parts

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex occupies most of Hoa Lu City, the provincial capital of Ninh Binh, including these major areas:

Trang An Eco-tourism Region with a tourist center in Ninh Nhat Commune, 96 kilometers south of Hanoi.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourism Area, with its major boat pier, is located in Ninh Hai Commune, 7 kilometers from Hoa Lu’s city center and 100 kilometers south of Hanoi.
The Thung Nham Eco-tourism Region is 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu City and 103 kilometers from Hanoi.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a historical and cultural relic site located in Truong Yen Commune, 11 kilometers from Hoa Lu City and 94 kilometers south of Hanoi.
The Bai Dinh Pagoda Cultural Tourist Area is located in Gia Sinh Commune, 15 kilometers from Hoa Lu city and 98 kilometers south of Hanoi.

View of Trang An river and boats from above. — Trang An Landscape Complex.

Transportation to Trang An

From Hanoi Capital, visitors can get to Ninh Binh via motorcycle, automobile, or public transportation, such as buses or trains, and then book a taxi to Trang An Eco-tourism Area.

See more: How to Get to Ninh Binh.

With Ninh Binh tours provided by Fola Travel, we will pick you up and take you from Hanoi City to tourist destinations such as Trang An, Tam Coc… by shuttle bus, limousine, or private car at affordable prices. New, comfortable automobiles with complete air conditioning and competent drivers will provide a relaxing, stress-free travel.

Best time to visit Trang An

In general, Trang An is gorgeous year-round and worth seeing in any season.

Trang An comes alive with numerous celebrations throughout the spring. Visitors to Trang An this season can not only appreciate the natural landscape of emerging blossoms, but also immerse themselves in the hustle and bustle of colorful boats against the backdrop of the blue river.

Festival in Trang An. — A festival in Trang An.

When the temperature warms up in the summer, Ninh Binh’s rice fields turn a gorgeous golden color. This is also the season when lotus and water lilies bloom simultaneously, giving Trang An a delicious aroma as well as an enticing poetic and lyrical beauty.

Boat ride through Trang An Cave. — The breathtaking nature of Trang An.

Many travelers choose to visit Trang An in the autumn and winter since the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities like boating and cycling. The delicate, hazy beauty of Trang An in the mist is also ideal for taking wonderful images to show off to your friends and family!

See more: Best Trang An tours 2025.

Infomation

As previously mentioned, the Trang An Complex encloses a variety of picturesque sites as well as historical and cultural monuments. Each core region contains attractive locations where travelers may immerse themselves in the gorgeous surroundings, learn about Ninh Binh’s distinctive culture and customs, or simply have a relaxing vacation with loved ones.

Fola Travel highlights the most stunning tourist sites in Trang An:

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Relic: King Dinh Temple, King Le Temple, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Co Am Pagoda, Nhat Tru Pagoda, Princess Phat Kim Temple, Thien Ton Cave…

Exterior of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. — Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Trang An Eco-tourism Scenic Area: Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, Tu Tru Temple, Dia Linh Cave, Sinh Duoc Cave, Toi Cave, Sang Cave…

Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Area: Bich Dong Pagoda, Linh Coc Pagoda, Thai Vi Temple, Thien Huong Cave, Hang Mua Caves, Thung Nham Bird Park…

Bamboo boats riding on the river of Ninh Binh. — Boat ride through Tam Coc.

Trang An Eco-tourism Area stands out for its picturesque river terrain, which tourists may explore by boat. Visitors to Trang An can rent a traditional boat rowed by locals and go on an adventure from the major boat dock. There are three cruise routes as follows:

Route 1: Boat pier – Trinh Temple – Dark Cave – Bright Cave – Winemaking Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Khong Palace – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave – return to the boat pier.
Route 2: Boat pier – Lam Cave – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace – return to the boat pier.
Route 3: Boat pier – Trinh Temple – May Cave – Suoi Tien – Dia Linh Cave – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace – return to the boat pier.

Taking picture in front of Trang An Temple.

In addition to traditional bamboo boats, Trang An Ecotourism Area also provides kayaking services, where you can experience rowing your own boat amidst the lush green nature. With kayaks, visitors can follow 2 routes:

Route 1: Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Tam Quan Gate – Dark Cave Entrance – Quy Hau Cave Entrance – Ngoc Mountain.
Route 2: Boat Wharf – Kong Island Wharf – Thuy Dinh – Vu Lam Palace.

Whether you choose to kayak or sit on a bamboo boat, you will definitely have a fun time admiring the poetic nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much do you have to pay for a Trang An ticket?

Trang An eco-tourism area tickets cost around $10 for one adult and $5 for a child (under 1.3 meters tall). The admission fee includes a boat or kayak ticket.

With Trang An tours provided by Fola Travel, this ticket price will be included in the total price, allowing you to have the most convenient and worry-free trip possible!