trang an tour 3

Trang An Boat Tour: A Full Guide for Backpackers

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:

Backpacking Vietnam: the Ultimate Travel Guide for First Timers

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.

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Trang An Boat Tour: Everything You Need to Know! (2024)

What is trang an scenic landscape complex.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex boat tours

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is an area of immense beauty in Ninh Binh province in the north of Vietnam. It’s famous for its impressive limestone mountains, caves, and scenic waterways and is also often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”.

Trang An Vietnam

Comprising Trang An Complex itself but also Tam Coc-Bich Dong and the ancient capital of Hao Lu, the whole area was listed as a World Heritage UNESCO-protected site in 2014. 

A boat tour is the best way to explore the area. While there are boat rides on offer in the center of Tam Coc , the main tourist hub in the area, it’s far more interesting to go to Trang An, where the magic is unequaled and beyond compare. 

What to expect from a Trang An boat tour

Trang An boat ride, Ninh Binh area

The Trang An boat tours leave every day from the Trang An wharf . If you are staying in Tam Coc, you’ll first have to make your way to the wharf, which is seven kilometers away. Another option is to stay at Trang An village, which is only 2,5 kilometers from the Trang An wharf. 

Boat ladies and local fisherman at a Trang An tour

Boat tickets are sold on the other side of the street, opposite the wharf. After that, you’ll have to pass through an underground walkway to get to the boat wharf. There, you’ll have to show your ticket and you’ll be assigned to a boat. 

Boats can take four people so it’s possible you’ll be paired up with other people. Note that it’s very convenient if you can sit in the front of the boat. That way, you’ll get a good view of the surrounding area and it’s way more comfortable to take photos. 

When buying your tickets, you will also receive a brochure. In the brochure, you can find three different boat routes of Trang An. When boarding, you will have to tell which tour you want to take. 

→ Also read:  Cat Ba National Park: Everything You Need to Know

The various boat tour routes of Trang An

Boat tour Trang An, Vietnam, Ninh Binh

There are three routes into the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. It’s important to pick your tour carefully before boarding one of the boats. Each of the routes has a main focus, although there are also overlaps. 

Here are the three boat routes into Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. 

Route number one is called the grottoes tour. It passes through nine caves (Son Duong cave, Khong cave, Sang cave, Toi cave, Seo cave, Son Duong cave, Ba Giot cave, Nau Ruou cave, and Quy Hau cave) and you will also visit three temples on this route.

The first temple is the Trinh temple, which has two large statues of carp at the entrance. The second one is the spiritual Tran temple which is a place of worship for Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong (the ambassador of the general of Son Nam) and the queen consort. The third one is the Khong temple together with the Ban Hieu pagoda.  

The second route takes you to three temples and four caves (Thanh Truot cave, Dai cave, Vang cave, and Lam cave).

The first temple is the Cao Son temple which worships the god of the mountain. The second one is the Suoi Tien temple, which translates as “Heaven Stream” and is a place where many Vietnamese come at the beginning of Spring to pray for health, good weather, and a nice harvest. The third one is the Vu Lam Royal Staps, a former military base during the Tran Dynasty and a place where a lot of kings came at that time to practice Buddhism. 

Route three

Tour number three takes you through the longest cave in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Dot cave is one kilometer long and is the most impressive cave in Trang An. Aside from that, you’ll also visit two other caves, Van cave, and Dai cave). 

 This tour also includes a visit to three temples, the previously mentioned Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps. The tour finishes at the movie set of the King Kong movie “Kong: Skull Island”, which was released in 2017 and featured famous actors like Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson. 

Trang An boat tour: best route

Trang An boat trip, Vietnam, Ninh Binh

Before embarking on your trip to Trang An, it’s maybe good to already think about what you really want to see during your boat tour. As for me, I was unaware that there were three boat tours to choose from. 

Trang An Boat tour route 3, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

At breakfast at my homestay, the host lady assured me that tour number three is the most scenic one because it is the only one that includes the one-kilometer-long Dot cave. Also, the most impressive site we visited in my opinion is on this route and that is the Vu Lam Royals Steps. Not that the palace itself is that impressive but the surroundings are magnificent. 

I haven’t been on routes one and two but I can definitely say that taking route three won’t disappoint you!

Trang An Boat tour, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

The tour I took lasted for about two and a half hours and that was just enough for me. After buying our tickets, my boyfriend and I went to the boat wharf and were paired with a boat lady and another Vietnamese couple. 

We were given life vests and embarked on the tour, accompanied by loud chatter from the boat lady and the two other Vietnamese tourists. I have to admit that, even though I was impressed with her rowing skills, I didn’t find the boat lady particularly friendly. She also didn’t speak any English. 

Dot cave, Trang An, Vietnam

The most impressive feature of this tour is indeed the one-kilometer-long Dot cave. Do be aware that you won’t be alone in the cave. I took this boat tour in the winter when it was relatively cold in the north of Vietnam but there were still hordes of tourists. 

Trang An boat tour route 3, Vietnam

Although the Southeast Asian temples are beautiful and serene, the scenery at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is what makes this tour an absolute must-do in Vietnam. The most fascinating areas are around Dia Linh Mountain and at the end at the Vu Lam Palace. 

A scenic view at the Vu Lam Palace

From the Vu Lam Palace, you can walk to the movie set of Kong: Skull Island. I have to say that, for me, this was my least favorite part of the whole boat trip. The artificial movie set, mostly consisting of bamboo huts, doesn’t do justice to the magical natural landscape and is of zero cultural importance to the area. 

Kong: Skull island films set (2017)

At the end of the boat ride, the boat lady will also ask you to fill out a form. It is some kind of survey to check if you were satisfied with the service and if you have tips for improvement. You will be dropped of at the wharf again, after which you will need to take the underground passageway again before arriving at the souvernir shop. 

Opening times and entrance fee

Boat wharf of Trang An boat tour complex, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

The Trang Scenic Landscape Complex and more specifically, the Trang An boat tours are open year-round. Here are the opening hours and the entrance fees.

Note that the ticket booth is located on the other side of the road, opposite the place where the boats are located. Here is the Trang An boat tour location but this is the location of the ticket booth . 

Trang An boat tour opening hours

The wharf is at the other side of the river

The Trang An boat tours operate year-round and the ticket booth is open every day from 7 A.M. until 4 P.M. There are no fixed Trang An boat tour timings. You can just show up, buy a ticket, and you will be assigned to a boat.

I argued that going early would pay off and that I would be able to take the tour without crowds of other tourists. However, upon arrival at 8.30 P.M., there were already a lot of people waiting in line. Maybe, it pays off to be there at 7 A.M.

Trang an boat tour ticekts and price

A ticket for a Trang An boat costs 250.000 VND/per person. The boats can carry four people plus the boat lady. If you want to have a boat all to yourself you’ll have to buy the remaining other seats as well which will set you back 1.000.000 VND. 

THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VIETNAM

Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com : For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels

Hostelworld : To find the best hostels located in the cities

Homestay : For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside

12GO and Bookaway : The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam

GRAB : for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions

Skyscanner : For affordable flights to Vietnam

Eatwith : Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience

Withlocals : Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!

Viator and Get Your Guide : For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general

Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website

If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo ! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!

Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.

Do you need to tip the boat lady?

Ha! This is a very tricky question. Do they expect it? Yes. Are you obliged to? The answer is: no. At the end of our tour, we were given a small questionnaire that was clearly going out from the management of the Trang An boat complex site. 

One of the questions was if the boat lady asked for a tip. I wrote no because she didn’t ask for one and frankly, she had been very rude to us the whole boat trip, clearly favoring the Vietnamese tourists, so I didn’t see any reason to tip her.

Boat ladies at the Trang An boat tour, Vietnam

This question also indicated that there is no formal rule for tipping them. To my surprise, when I got out of the boat, she got very upset and screamed at me. The Vietnamese tourists kindly gave her a tip and I understand: she had been friendly to them. But, in my opinion, she didn’t deserve one.

Afterward, I heard that the Trang An boat tour complex is managed really well, being a UNESCO world heritage site and that the boat ladies (and men) are being paid a very good and correct salary for their job. So don’t feel obliged to tip them, unless you truly want to. 

More tips before taking a Trang An boat tour

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Here are a few more tips so you can make the most of your Trang An boat tour. 

Best time to visit Trang An

Dark Clouds above Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Vietnam

The best time to visit Trang An is in March or April and in October and November. At those times of the year, the weather will be sunny and there won’t be too much rain.

During the summer months, temperatures can get very high and there’s nothing on the boats that will protect you from the sun. Additionally, the summer months are also the wettest months. Summer is not the best time to visit Trang An, however, it is the peak season for Vietnamese tourists and the place will probably be packed with domestic travelers.

Visiting during the winter months, when it’s relatively cold but dry, is also a good option but don’t expect a lot of sunshine. It is pleasant though, with temperatures hovering around 15 to 20 degrees during the day.

Is it a private boat?

As said before, no, the boat are not private. If you want to have a boat all to yourself you’ll have to buy all the seats in the boat. One boat can take four people so you’ll have to pay 1.000.000 VND. 

tam coc vs trang an boat tour

The Tam Coc boat wharf, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

If you only have time for one tour in the area: go to Trang An and skip the tour in Tam Coc . I haven’t gone on the Tam Coc boat tour personally. I wanted to though. It was the plan all the way to be able to compare them with each other so that I could write an in-depth post about this on the blog.

However, I refrained from doing this after hearing disgusting stories from other travelers and reading reviews online on Google Maps. Although I can’t attest to this myself, I believe that taking a boat tour in Tam Coc will leave you scammed and unsatisfied. 

Tourists repeatedly reported being overcharged for fake parking, pushed into buying insanely priced snacks from other boats that halted them in the middle of the tour, and pushy boatmen that ask for a huge tip before even finishing the tour.

It became clear to me that Trang An is the real deal and that the Tam Coc Wharf is nothing but a tourist trap. Many tourists probably fall for it though because of its convenient location in the center of Tam Coc but don’t be fooled. This place had nothing to do with the UNESCO-protected heritage site of Trang An.

Van Long Wetland Reserve

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve

Now, if you do have time for a second boat tour while you are in the area then I can highly suggest taking a boat tour of the Van Long Wetlands Nature Reserve! This reserve is a bit similar to Trang An and Tam Coc but there’s wildlife to be seen here and there are hardly any tourists.

Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, Vietnam

Aside from the scenery, the star of the show here is de highly endangered Delacour’s langur. These monkeys are on the brink of extinction and the largest group that still exists lives here, in the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve. 

Read my full guide about the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve to learn more about this stunning area in Ninh Binh!

Trang An boat tour: how to get there

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

To get to the Trang An boat wharf, the most convenient place to base yourself is Trang An, Tam Coc, or Ninh Binh. On the other hand, there are also a bunch of tours that include Trang An starting from Hanoi.

Trang An complex from Trang An, Tam Coc or Ninh Binh

The Trang An wharf is easily accessible from Trang An, Tam Coc as well as Ninh Binh City.

From the center of Trang An, depending on where you are staying, it’s only a 2-kilometer walk to the wharf. Alternatively, you can go by bicycle. Almost all the accommodations in the area can provide you with bicycles that are often free of charge. 

From Tam Coc or Ninh Binh, which is a little further away, Trang An is still within easy reach for visiting by bicycle. One of the big joys of the area is that, in between the limestone mountains, the terrain is completely flat and it’s incredible (and the most eco-friendly!) to cycle around the gorgeous rivers, lakes, mountains, and rice paddies. 

However, if your health doesn’t allow it, there’s also a possibility to hire a motorbike or take a taxi to get from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh to the Trang An wharf. Every guesthouse or hotel can arrange this form of transport for you. 

You can visit Trang An from Hanoi by taking a tour or by public transport. If you decide on visiting by public transport, you can check out 12GoAsia for prices and timetables for the bus and train. From Ninh Binh, it’s best to grab a taxi to take you to the Trang An wharf. 

If you have very limited time on your hands, you can visit Trang An on a day trip from Hanoi . Here are a few full-day tours from Hanoi that make a stop at Trang An.

Where to stay in Trang An

If you want to visit Trang An you can opt to stay in Trang An village, the touristy area around Tam Coc, or the city of Ninh Binh.

I have to say that, after visiting the city of Ninh Binh, I was glad that I didn’t choose to stay there. It’s a rather dusty city that absolutely lacks charm and the main sights and attractions are closer to Tam Coc and Trang anyway, so there’s no reason to stay there.

Here are some options for both Trang An and Tam Coc. I spent two weeks in the area and changed accommodations three times plus checked out a few other ones so you can be assured that these places are really worth it. 

Do note that I love to stay in local accommodation options for which you don’t have to break the bank. As a conscious traveler , I love it when my money funnels back into the local community and in this way supports a healthy economic system. 

Here are my recommendations for both Trang An and Tam Coc:

• Trang An Moon Garden Homestay : this is the location where I stayed in Trang An. It’s a cute, compact homestay with a small pool that takes up most of the backyard garden. The room was very comfy, with one of the nicest bathrooms I’ve seen in Vietnam in this price category. There’s a kettle in the room to make tea and coffee which is always a nice bonus if you travel long-term. Breakfast is included but I found the pancakes to be a bit icky. 
• Ninh Binh Valley Montana Homestay : This is another homestay located in Trang An. I didn’t stay here but it was my favorite place to eat in Trang An. The outdoor area by the water is a great place to have dinner in the evening and the staff at Montana Valle is incredibly kind. They even gave us treats on Christmas day. The rooms look good too and they get some raving reviews on Booking . 
• Ninh Binh Valley Homestay : If you fancy sleeping at a spectacular remote location in between the limestone cliffs then the bungalows of this homestay are a perfect choice!
• Tam Coc Memories Homestay : This is the perfect place for young backpackers who like to play pool and have a beer by the beautifully designed pool with water that flows into a limestone cliff. The rooms at this homestay are immaculately clean and the beds are super comfy. I stayed here for a few nights but decided to look for a place with a calmer vibe a little further out of the center. 
• Mom’s homestay : Mom’s homestay can also be found online as Tuan Ngoc hotel which is a little confusing. Nevertheless, this was my favorite place to stay in Tam Coc. This family-run hotel/homestay has a very nice pool and the family running the hotel is genuinely kind en incredibly helpful. The included breakfast is a la carte and they have motorbikes and bicycles on site for hire. 
• Tam Coc Ngo Dong homestay and vegan restaurant : This little homestay has the best vegan restaurant in Tam Coc. While there are a few plant-based eateries in Tam Coc, the food at this homestay is the best we had in Tam Coc. Do be aware that the portions of some of the dishes can be quite small. The rooms were very clean and the fact that they looked out onto a wall didn’t seem to bother the guests. 

Where to eat in Trang An

Thung Sen restaurant in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

There aren’t that many actual restaurants in Trang An itself. Most of the dining options in Trang An are the restaurants of the guesthouses. Here are two places I really enjoyed:

• Valley Montana restaurant : This is the restaurant of the Ninh Binh Valley Montana Homestay . The outdoor area by the water here is very scenic to spend the evening and they make great spring rolls and tofu spaghetti. 
• Ha Lan homestay coffee and restaurant : Here, they make a great (vegan) coconut coffee, and the portions for most of the dishes are huge! The girl working there is also extremely friendly and speaks English really well. 

The best restaurants, however, are located in Tam Coc. You won’t have trouble finding delicious vegan Vietnamese food as a traveler. Here are some great options!

• Thung Sen Tam Coc restaurant & café : Thung Sen is my top choice in the area around the Mua caves and Tam Coc. It is located off the beaten path on a side road close to the Thai Vi temple. The location of this restaurant is absolutely mindblowing and the whole enterprise is family-owned. In between the limestone mountains, you can find several places to sit and eat lunch or dinner or just enjoy a Vietnamese coffee. Most of the food you’ll get on your plate is organically grown in their own garden.
• Tam Coc Ngo Dong homestay and vegan restaurant : The best vegan food in Tam Coc can be found at the restaurant of this homestay. Be sure to try the pho, pumpkin soup, and mushroom fritters. 
• Minh Khoi restaurant : this place has the best Banh Mis in town. Vegans can order the one with tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Do ask them if the sauce is vegan. They used mayonnaise at the time of my visit. 
• An Tam Coc Restaurant : I ate one of the tastiest dishes here during my whole trip through Vietnam, eggplant with tofu in a clay pot. 

Trang An boat tour in Vietnam: final thoughts

Trang An, Vietnam

Are you feeling inspired yet? The Trang An boat tour promises an unforgettable experience that you won’t soon forget! 

For more information and other attractions around Trang An, don’t forget to check out my guide to the Mua Caves and read my full guide to Tam Coc to discover even more gems like the Bich Dong pagoda and Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh . 

I hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below or drop me a message through my contact page !

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fancy more Vietnam travel advice?

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• 12 Excellent Vegan Restaurants in Hanoi
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Vietnam? Things to Know!

• December 31, 2023

Hi! This is so useful, thank you. Do you think the Trang An boat trip is suitable in pregnancy? (I’m 5 months along) Thank you

annelies_degelas

Hey! Yes, sure! The boats are small and a bit wobbly sometimes to get in and out but they are completely safe. 🙂 Enjoy it!

Hi! Would you suggest joining group tours for Trang An? I am planning to do it myself (DIY), but I’m a bit wary that buying tickets, lining up, or getting lunch might be complicated.

Hey! No, it’s perfectly doable on your own. If you feel uncomfortable though, you can ask at your accommodation to give recommendations for an organized tour. There are also a few tourist agencies in the center of Tam Coc.

Hello. Thanks for this post. It is very useful! The Trang An boat tour looks amazing. We will be travelling with a 4-year old. Any idea how we will be able to bike with her? As well, I haven’t found anything online about the toilets. Are the toilets in restaurants and near tourist attractions typically western styles or squats? Thank you!

Hey! Sorry for my late reply. Biking with her might be hard, I haven’t seen any bicycles with a children chair on it but I would ask around. And yes, the toilets are mostly Western style at the restaurants. During the boat tour there are also western-style toilets at the temples. 🙂

Thinking the woman is rude because she doesn’t speak English is a hilariously entitled and ignorant perspective

Hi Dave, I think you didn’t read that correctly. Indeed, I mention that she didn’t speak any English but that’s not the reason why I think she was rude. She just was plainly rude and even a little agressive in her words and attitude towards us! And that while she was laughing and joking all the time with the Vietnamese tourists. This happens unfortunately sometimes. I’m a cultural worker by education and what you suggest is something that I would never ever say!

Hi, This Is Very Helpful Thank You So much.

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Trang An Boat Tour: Incredible caves and temples (Ultimate Guide)

• Last updated: February 10, 2024

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About the Trang An boat ride in Ninh Binh

Every traveler we met recommended the Trang An boat tour instead of the most famous Tam Coc one because it’s much more peaceful, with boat operators not harassing you to buy things left and right.

Note: We didn’t do the Tam Coc ride, so we don’t have first-hand experience, but a couple of our friends went and said it is true (it’s a common theme on other blogs as well). So we’d also recommend the Trang An boat ride instead of Tam Coc.

Although our favorite boat ride in Ninh Binh was in Van Long Nature Reserve , we liked our ride in Trang An quite a lot.

Read more about things to do in Ninh Binh in our ultimate guide.

Boat ride experience in Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex

The boat ride in Trang An comprises three different routes you can choose depending on the length and the things you want to see.

We suggest taking route number 3, which includes the 1000 meters long Dot Cave, the longest cave in the complex. Route number 3 is the only route that includes the longest cave, so if you take any other route, you will miss it. 

The Dot Cave was definitely the highlight of our boat trip. It takes quite a bit of time to pass it, so it’s long enough to “feel” the cave. But it’s quite a relaxing ride, so you should be fine, even if you’re a bit claustrophobic. Remember that it’s a well-trodden route, and everyone gets out! 🙂

Note: We checked the timings of the photos and videos we took while entering and exiting the cave, and it seems like it took us about 20 minutes to pass it!

Price and duration of the Trang An boat tour

A ticket for the boat ride in Trang An is around 250.000 VND (approximately $11) per person for adults or double if you want only two people in the boat (usually four people fit inside). Kids under 1 meter have free entrance, and for the ones under 1,3 meters, the ticket is 120.000 VND (approximately $5).

Note: Only bring your younger children on this boat ride if you know they can sit still for an extended period of time.

The boat ride in Trang An lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the route. Our ride took 2 hours as we did minimal stops in the temples, and nobody else was in the complex.

Honestly, the 2 hours boat ride was more than enough for us. We feel that anything more would be a bit too much for us personally. 🙂

Different routes of the Trang An boat tour

Route number 1: trinh temple, tran temple, khong palace.

Route number 1 takes you through 9 caves (Toi Cave, Sang Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Cave, Tran Cave and Quy Hau Cave) and 3 temples of the Dinh Dynasty (Trinh Temple, Tran Temple and Khong Temple – Bao Hieu Pagoda). All these caves are relatively short.

Route number 2: Thanh Cao Son Temple, Dia Linh Mountain, Vu Lam Royal Steps

Route number 2 takes you through 4 limestone caves (Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and Dai Cave) and 3 temples (Thanh Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple and Vu Lam Royal Steps). This route includes Dia Linh Mountain, which is in the shape of a giant pen tower.

Route number 3: Trinh Temple, Dot Cave, Suoi Tien Temple

Route number 3 is the only one that takes you through the 1000-meter-long Dot Cave, the longest cave in the Trang An complex. The stalactite system in this cave is quite impressive. 

On this route, you visit 3 caves (Dot Cave, Van Cave and Dai Cave) and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple and Vu Lam Royal Steps). This route also takes you through Dia Linh Mountain, the same as the previous one.

What is the difference between the routes?

As you can see from the route descriptions, some spots repeat in every route. The biggest similarities are between route number 2 and route number 3.

Did you know?

We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Did you know? We explored Vietnam for more than 1 year and a half and wrote 34 and counting detailed articles.

Which route to take for the Trang An boat ride?

Considering that everyone usually cares the most about the last temple (the one on the water), many choose route number 3 as it’s the only one that includes the longest cave in the complex. It takes about 20 minutes to go through the cave, and it was definitely the highlight of our experience.

Most of the photos from the temples mostly look incredible from the aerial perspective and a bit less from the ground.

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Best time to do the Trang An boat ride

The best time to do the boat ride in Trang An is early morning or late afternoon because of the extended time in the sun. Take a Non la – Vietnamese conical hat, and sunscreen for the best protection.

Some people like to take umbrellas on the ride, but remember that there are other people in the boat too, and you might be blocking their view if you have an umbrella.

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Do you need to book the Trang An boat ride in advance?

You do not need to book the Trang An Boat ride in advance, as you just show up at the ticket counter, buy a ticket, and wait in line for a boat.

If you’re taking the boat ride as part of a tour, the ticket will be included in the price, and you shouldn’t need to queue up for tickets.

How to get to the Trang An boat ride starting point?

The starting point of the Trang An boat ride is easily reachable from any point in Ninh Binh, as it’s right next to the main road connecting Tam Coc and Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh.

If you’re staying in one of the towns nearby, we suggest going by bicycle, or if you’re in Tam Coc, it’s best to go by motorbike or a taxi.

Click here for the location of the Trang An boat ride .

Where to stay in Trang An, Ninh Binh

There are many options for accommodations, from hotels to homestays in the Trang An area.

We stayed at the Ha Lan Homestay in Ninh Xuan, which is also very close to Hang Mua , and we highly recommend it. And we also stayed at Hang Mua Ecolodge , part of the Hang Mua complex, right at the foot of the hill and next to the lotus lake.

These are also some of the well-reviewed and liked hotels in the area:

• Trang An Retreat
• Trang An Moon Garden Homestay
• Trang An Lotus Lake Homestay
• Ninh Binh Mountain Side Homestay & Cafe

The difference between Trang An, Tam Coc, and Van Long boat rides

The Van Long Nature Reserve boat ride is definitely much more peaceful , as it’s still not in every guidebook and tour itinerary, unlike the Trang An and Tam Coc ones.

The Trang An and Tam Coc boat rides are longer, and there’s more sightseeing included. Therefore, the price is also higher. But, Van Long, on the other hand, is a better choice for seeing some wildlife.

Read more about taking a boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve.

Because of the significant demand for boat rides in Trang An and Tam Coc, you might need to wait in line and share a boat with other tourists. There are four or five people per boat. And if you want to do a private boat ride, you’ll need to pay the same price as for the entire boat. 

In Van Long, there’s usually no waiting in a line , and there are usually only two people in a boat, so it’s a more private experience. Families of 3 to 4 can also go in one boat in Van Long, but it’s a bit more cramped then.

The scenery and landscape are beautiful in all areas of Ninh Binh, where the boat rides occur, and they are pretty similar. However, we have to admit that the Trang An landscape was a bit more majestic as limestone mountains are much higher there. And you do get the chance to pass through a 1-km long cave.

Note: “Kong: Skull Island” movie was filmed in both Van Long and Trang An areas. There was also a movie set in Trang An until the end of 2020, but it’s since been removed and you can’t see it anymore, unfortunately. 

No hassling

The boat rides at Trang An, and Van Long are both free from hassle and begging for tips and selling all kinds of stuff, unlike the Tam Coc boat ride. We’ve heard from friends that went on a boat ride in Tam Coc that it was pretty overwhelming.

What else to do in Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex?

Since 2020, you can also rent a kayak and go around the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex all by yourself on two different routes (8km or 5km).

The kayak rental cost in Trang An is 250.000 VND ($11) for the single and 400.000 VND ($17) for the double kayak.

There are some rules you have to follow while kayaking in Trang An:

• Wear a life jacket
• Stick to the route
• Do not bathe in the water

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Where to eat in Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex?

There is an on-site restaurant at the Trang An boat wharf, and there are a lot of restaurants on the road leading there, so you can easily find a place to eat if you’re feeling hungry after the ride.

Is the Trang An boat ride in Ninh Binh safe?

Taking a boat ride in Trang An, Ninh Binh, is a very safe activity, as you’re exploring the area on a boat operated by a very-skilled rower. All the caves you pass through are equipped with lights, and you are also provided with a life jacket.

What are the available facilities at the Trang An boat wharf?

The Trang An complex provides an ATM, parking, toilets, and an on-site restaurant.

Is Trang An in Ninh Binh worth visiting?

Ninh Binh’s Trang An boat ride is worth visiting because of the beautiful landscape, fascinating caves you go through and the temples you visit along the way. It’s an equally good option to the more famous Tam Coc boat ride (or even better).

Let us know in the comments if you have done any of the boat rides in Ninh Binh and how it was. We’re eager to know others’ experiences and thoughts.

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2 Responses

Good morning, I came across your website while searching how to do the boat tours in Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. Your website is incredibly detailed and has been so useful for first timers in this part of Viet Nam. Can you let me know what is the the latest time the boat tour runs? We are planning to do a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and would like to go on this boat tour but we are not sure if they close by 5pm.

The tickets are sold until 5 pm, so it would be best if you could organize your trip to be there at least by 4:30 pm, just in case.

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Trang An Complex

VISITING TRANG AN VIETNAM & ADMIRING THE SPECTACULAR SCENERY

Visiting Trang An Vietnam - a Landscape Complex recognized as a World Culture and Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 2014, you have the chance to experience numerous activities as well as admire spectacular scenery. Jumping on a rowing boat, snaking through the incredible emerald submerged water and interconnected waterways, immersing yourself in the stunning evergreen forest and limestone mass are the most amazing things to do here.

I - How to get to Trang An from Hanoi? 

1 - traveling by limousine , 2 - traveling by motorbike , ii - what is expected to see in trang an boat tours , 1 - trang an boat tour route 1, 2 - route 2, 3 - trang an boat tour route 3, 4 - kayak route, iii - tips for traveling in trang an vietnam , 1 - when is the best time to visit trang an ninh binh , 2 - ninh binh trang an accommodation, 3 - top trang an restaurants & food, 4 - where to visit near trang an in ninh binh  , 5 - trang an map.

Trang An Vietnam is part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is one of the must-visit destinations in Ninh Binh City, featuring a splendid array of  beautiful places such as Khong Cace, Trinh Pagoda, Vu Lam Palace, Suoi Tien Temple,...

This tourist spot is located in Ninh Binh Province - about 90km from Hanoi and 7km from Ninh Binh City. From Hanoi, you can easily get here by limousine and by motorbike.

Traveling by limousine - Source: Limousinevn

Travel time is about 2 - 2.5 hours. You can refer to the following limousine companies 

Trang An Limousine

- Address: No.131 Pho Vong Street, Dong Tam Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Pick-up point and drop-off point: depend on guest’s requirement

- Price: 150,000 VND/ ticket ($6.6)

- Contact: 1900 0336

- Website: https://xetrangan.vn

Ninh Binh Limousine to Trang An from Hanoi

- Address: No.32 Bat Su Street, Hang Bo Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

- Pick-up and drop-off point: depend on guest’s requirement 

- Price: 150,000 VND / ticket ($6.6)

- Contact: 0839 292 688

- Website: https://ninhbinhcar.com

Khanh An Limousine 

- Pick-up point: Central circus - No.67-69 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi

- Drop-off point: Trang An boat wharf

- Price: 135,000 VND / ticket ($6)

- Contact: 1900 8629 

- Website: https://booking.khanhanlimousine.com

 Traveling by motorbike is extremely interesting - Source: Tigitmotorbikes

You can follow the route along Highway 1A within the distance of 120km to reach Ninh Binh City . It is quite easy to follow this way to get to Trang An Ninh Binh in about 2 driving hours (The detailed itinerary is available on Google map). You can park the motorbike in a parking lot opposite the boat wharf. After that, you should stroll around the area for 5 to 10 minutes to sightsee the surrounding scenery. 

The beauty of nature - Source: Cozyvietnamtravel

The best way to discover this spot is by boat (follow one out of three fixed routes below) or by kayak (follow one out of two fixed routes).

Good to know: 

- Fee (include entrance fee + boat ticket & exclude kayak boat fee): 250,000 VND / adult ($11) and 120,000 VND / child ($6)

- Private boat ticket: 1,250,000 VND / boat (a boat can carry 4-5 people) 

- Trang An boat tour opening hours: 7am - 5pm

- The cost of three routes is the same, visitors can pick up one in three, then inform the desired route to the boatman/ boatwoman so that he/ she will follow that route.

- The boat starts rowing only when there are enough people in the boat (4-5 people). Otherwise, you can pay extra money for the boatman/ boatwoman to start the journey or find one more group to fit the boat capacity. 

- Each Trang An boat trip features different stopovers, of which there are onshore ones that you can decide to pay a visit to or not. The site where you are dropped off to go onshore may not be the same as the one you are picked up to continue the trip; therefore, remember to ask the boatman/ boatwoman about the place and time you will get into the boat.

Length: 3.5 hours' rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 9 caves (Dark Cave, Bright Cave, Moonshine Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Cave, Tran Cave, and Quy Hau Cave) and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Khong Temple, and Bao Hieu Pagoda) 

This Trang An best route is recommended for those who love exploring, discovering Vietnamese Dynasties’ histories and backbone trouble-free. However, be aware, some of the caves may be submerged during rainy days and can not be approached.  

Dark Cave, Light Cave, Seo Cave, and Ba Got Cave

Dark Cave is about 320m long, making it the longest cave in route 1 with winding shape, cool fresh air, and almost no light inside the cave, which creates the mysterious vibe for the cave. Light Cave is a small one in Trang An Vietnam with a length of about 100m with layers of magnificent iridescent stalactites, many of which are up to 12m high, making the cave just like a glowing palace. 

Four caves Seo Cave, Ba Got Cave, Bright Cave, and Dark Cave symbolize four seasons, four directions to the East, West, South, and North, which makes a harmonious combination between nature and the universe.  

About 70m long, Khong Cave in Trang An Ninh Binh used to be the military warehouse and weaponry workshop during the French and American war in Vietnam. In Khong Cave, Khong Palace lies on a narrow land and leaning on the mouth of Khong Cave with the steep rocks on the right-hand side of the palace and opposite the vast water. Khong Palace was built to pay a tribute to the seven loyal mandarins under the reign of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang. 

Trinh Pagoda

This Trang An pagoda located at the foot of the mountain in the ideal position “lean against the mountain and face the water” is now more than 100 years old. The pagoda was constructed to worship four great generals in the Dinh Dynasty. Here is also a “historic witness” in the conflict between the Dinh dynasty and Le Dynasty.

Length: 2.5 hours' rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 4 caves of Trang An grottoes (Lam Cave, Vang Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave, Dai Cave), 3 temples (Thanh Cao Son Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple). This is a popular route chosen for its reasonable timing, recommended for the elderly and the family with kids.   

Suoi Tien Temple

Every year on March 18th, a traditional festival is held in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and in Suoi Tien Temple as well with a variety of special activities imbued with cultural and historical features of Vietnam.

Thanh Truot Cave

Thanh Truot Cave is considered as one of the most beautiful caves in this route with a length of about 300m, featuring unique shaped stalactites such as petals, elephant’s leg, etc. which are very eye-catching. 

Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple

Hanh Cung Vu Lam was a military base under the Tran Dynasty in the war with the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. 

Length: 3 hour’s rowing

Hop-on Hop-off spots: 3 caves (Dot Cave, Dia Linh Cave, and May Cave), and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple). This is a combination of routes 1 and 2, it is a lovely choice for cave lovers and cultural learning.  

Dot Cave 

With a length of more than 1000 meters, Dot Cave is one of the most stunning and longest caves in Trang An Vietnam, featuring the special characteristics inside the cave with a myriad of extremely mesmerizing stalactites, which are bright and iridescent in the reflection of the flashlight. 

Trinh Temple

Trinh Temple located at the foot of the mountain in the ideal position “lean against the mountain and face the water” is now more than 100 years old and has been restored and repaired numerous times. The temple is quite spacious and gorgeous in a nail shape and its gate is decorated with two kneeling elephant statues on both sides. In front of the temple are two large stone carps representing a happy and tranquil life. 

If you want to explore Trang An Ninh Binh Vietnam by kayak, there are two fixed routes for you to consider: 

Route 1 

Trang An boat wharf - Trinh Temple - Tam Quan Gate - the mouth of Hang Toi (Dark Cave) - the mouth of Quy Hau Cave - Jade Mountain) 

Round trip distance: 8km 

Activities: check-in surrounding scenery when being in the boat and take photos under the Indian Almond tree (Terminalia catappa) near Tam Quan Gate and visit Trinh Temple.

Trang An boat wharf - Kong Island - Thuy Dinh - Vu Lam Palace

Round trip distance: 5km

Activities: check-in surrounding scenery when being in the boat, Thuy Dinh, discover the history of Vu Lam Palace, etc. 

Note: You can buy a ticket for kayaking with the range of price below:

- Option 1: 250,000 VND/ single kayak/ 2 hours ($11)

- Option 2: 300,000 VND/ single kayak/ 3 hours ($13)

- Option 3: 350,000 VND/ double kayak/ 2 hours ($15)

- Option 4: 400,000 VND/ double kayak/ 3 hours ($17)

The greenery of the complex - Source: Rowan Heuvel

The best times to come here are in Spring from lunar January to March when Ninh Binh weather is cool and fresh with light wind and there are numerous festivals welcoming a New Year , and in summer from April to June when lotuses are in full bloom and you have a chance to explore the beautiful golden paddy fields. 

Trang An River View Homestay 

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 2.8 km from the complex

- Contact: 098 546 96 08

- Price: 180,000 VND/ night/ room ($8)

- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/thugiang266

Trang An Central Homestay 

- Address: Ninh Hoa Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 2.6 km from the complex

- Contact: 096 873 94 42 

- Price: 250,000 VND/ night/ room ($11)

- Website: https://trangancentralhomestay.vn

Trang An Retreat 

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province - 1.8 km from the complex 

- Contact: 084 898 743 863

- Price: 798,000 VND/ room/ night ($35)

- Website: https://tranganretreat.com

You may n eed: Top-rated hotels in Ninh Binh  

Besides the fascinating landscape, Ninh Binh is distinguished by its specialties. Mountain Goat Meat and Scorched rice are typical dishes popularly remembered by travelers.  

Goat meat marinated in lemon juice

Serving in different dishes like smoky-grilled, stir-fried, and hotpot, Lemon Juice marinated goat meat is the most popular selection since its tender and juicy flavors.   

Scorched rice

Visiting the Trang An Complex, you should not miss the scorched rice. The crunchy rice is slightly burned rice at the bottom of the cooking pot. Subsequent by several skillful cooking steps with confidential ingredients and recipes, make it a yellow and crispy snack. Topped with pork floss served with a bowl of delicate mushroom soup.

Mountain Goat Meat and Scorched rice are served at any restaurant in the location.

Below are the list of top restaurants near Trang An Vietnam  

Trang An Riverside Garden Restaurant 

- Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 1.6km from the complex 

- Opening hours: 9am - 8pm 

- Price: 100,000 -500,000 VND ($4.4 - 22)

- Contact: 0377 469 882

Goat meat restaurant Chinh Thu

- Address: Khe Thuong Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 1.8km from Trang An Ninh Binh 

- Opening hours: 7:30am - 10pm

- Price: 50,000 - 500,000 VND ($2.2 - 22)

- Contact: 094 842 68 82

Monalisa Bar & Restaurant 

- Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District - 2.1km from the complex

- Opening hours: 10am - 11pm

- Price: 50,000 - 450,000 VND ($2.2 - 20)

- Contact: 097 663 68 16 

Source: Minh Tran

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Strategically established for the defending purpose, surrounded by hundred steep and vertical massifs of the cliff, Hoa Lu was the capital of two sequential dynasties of Dinh and Le in the 10th and 11th centuries. The two adjacent temples were erected to honor the kings, royal lines, and followers of the two dynasties.

- Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District - 4.5 km away from Trang An boat wharf.

- Entrance fee: 20,000 VND ($1.9) / person

Mua Cave (Dancing Cave)

Challenge yourself with steep 500 steps, reaching to the top of the Mua mountains. The attraction recognized for its peak offers extraordinary panoramic views of the breathtaking Tam Coc valley, permeating by Ngo Dong river through rich limestone karsts and yellow-green paddy fields than the Mua Cave .  

- Address: Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu District, 4.6 km away from Trang An Vietnam boat wharf.

- Entrance fee: 100,000 VND / person ($4.5) 

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh pagoda - Source: Nguyen Dung

Boosting the largest religious complex in Southeast Asia, the Bai Dinh pagoda complex comprised an ancient pagoda and a newly built giant splendid pagoda. Whilst the ancient one is privileged to Buddhist worship, the newly built for tourists.  

- Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

- Entrance fee: free entry, electric cars rental fee 30,000 VND ($1.3)/ person/ way.

Overall, Trang An Vietnam is a worth - visit scenic beauty spot in Vietnam, which attracts any visitor by its spectacular view with towering limestone karsts, tropical plants, emerald fields, and a myriad of glorious and stunning caves accompanied by historical temples.

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Trang An Boat Tour: Beautiful Scenery in Ninh Binh

Last Updated on February 15, 2024 by Natalia

The Trang An boat tour leads you through some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery, including towering limestone karst peaks, impressive caves, and magnificent temples. Located in Ninh Binh province, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its spectacular landscape. The scenery is so amazing that we’ve listed it as a must do in our Ninh Binh itinerary , as well as our 2 week Vietnam itinerary! There are three routes to choose from on the Trang An boat tour, with some offering the chance to visit the King Kong film site, as well as a variety of different caves and temples. Kayak tours are now also available at the Trang An Ecotourism Site, offering a different way to see the area’s natural beauty. Find out all you need to know with this guide to the Trang An boat tour in Ninh Binh!

Table of Contents

How to get to the Trang An Landscape Complex

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh to the Trang An Landscape Complex is to rent a scooter/motorbike.

It should cost around 100,000-150,000 VND per day to rent a scooter or motorbike, and the drive from Tam Coc should take around 20 minutes.

The other cheap option for getting from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh to the Trang An Boat Tour is to rent a bicycle. Some hotels and guesthouses offer them for free if you’re staying there, but it’s also possible to rent a bike easily in Tam Coc.

It’s possible to cycle from Tam Coc to Trang An in around 45 minutes if you go at a reasonable pace.

Alternatively you can take a taxi to the Trang An Landscape Complex. There are a few different taxi operators in Ninh Binh town as well as Tam Coc, so ask around to get the best price for a taxi to Trang An.

If you do opt to take a taxi then we also recommend visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda as part of a day trip from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh.

Best time to do the Trang An Boat Tour

The best time of day to take a boat trip tour in Trang An is either early morning or mid-to-late afternoon, as that way you can avoid the intense midday heat. By taking a tour at one of these times you will also avoid the crowds of day trippers from Hanoi that usually arrive around midday or early afternoon.

If possible you will want to take the Trang An boat tour on a relatively clear day for the best views of the amazing scenery.

When we visited it was quite misty at first so we went elsewhere and came back an hour later by which time it had cleared up, so we suggest doing the same if it’s misty when you arrive.

There is no definitive best time to visit the Trang An Landscape Complex, but you may want to take into account the area’s rainy and dry season. Rainy season in Ninh Binh runs from May to October, with dry season running from November through to April.

Although we would definitely recommend avoiding doing the Trang An boat tour during public holidays such as TET where people have reported to queuing for 3 hours.

If you don’t mind the rain then May, June, September and October can be good months for the Trang An boat tour as you should get a combination of lush green scenery and yellow rice fields.

Entrance fee for Trang An Boat tour

As of 2024 the ticket price for the Trang An boat tour is 250,000 VND per person, as long as there are 4 people in the boat. Once you have purchased your tickets from the counter you will need to queue before taking your boat trip.

You will need to wait until you have a group of 4 people wanting to take the same route before your boat will depart, but thankfully this shouldn’t take long as it’s normally fairly busy.

If you don’t want to wait then it’s possible to take a private boat trip in Trang An but you will have to pay an extra 250,000 VND for each empty seat.

Tickets for the Trang An boat tour cost 250,000 VND per person regardless of whether you take route 1, route 2 or route 3. Find out all you need to know about the different routes below!

Trang An Boat Trip Routes

There are 3 routes for the Trang An boat tour, each of which visit different spots within this UNESCO World Heritage Site. All of the routes provide amazing views of the landscape and scenery, with the main difference being the number of caves and temples you visit.

The Trang An boat trip routes also vary in duration, with route 1 lasting around 3 hours, route 2 taking around 2½ hours, and route 3 being around 2 hours.

One of the most famous locations on the Trang An boat tour is the King Kong film site. Routes 2 and 3 include a stop at the film site, so make sure to pick one of those routes if you’d like to visit there.

You will also have chance to get off the boat to explore the temples at various stops throughout your visit. Your boat will wait for you to have a look round before continuing on to the next stop.

Whichever route you choose it is mandatory to wear a life jacket on the boat trip through Trang An. It’s also worth noting that the routes may vary depending on the water levels in the caves, particularly during rainy season.

Find out more about the different Trang An boat tour routes and what they have to offer below.

Trang An Boat Tour Route 1

If you want to see as much of the Trang An Landscape Complex as you possibly can then route 1 is a good option. It’s the longest route and visits 9 different caves and 3 temples over the course of around 3 hours.

Unfortunately this route doesn’t visit the famous King Kong film site, but the beautiful nature more than makes up for that!

Stops on Trang An Route 1 : Trinh Temple – Toi Cave– Sang Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Khong Palace – Bao Hieu Temple– Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave

Temples : 3

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Trang An Boat Tour Route 2

Route 2 of the Trang An boat tour takes you through 4 caves and visits 2 temples, whilst leading you through some spectacular scenery.

It’s probably the best option for anyone with claustrophobia as there are fewer caves than route 1, and route 3 visits the longest cave in Trang An.

This route is one of the two routes that offers the chance to visit the famous King Kong film site. On top of that, you will also get a view of the wonderful Vu Lam Royal Step, which is an extremely picturesque spot.

Stops on Trang An Route 2 : Lam Cave – Tranh Cao Son Temple – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Palace – King Kong film site

Temples : 2

Duration : Approximately 2 ½ hours.

Trang An Boat Tour Route 3

Although route 3 is the shortest option, it still has plenty to offer in terms of caves, temples and the famous King Kong film site. It takes you through the impressive Dot Cave, which stretches for 1,000 metres and is the longest cave in the Trang An Landscape Complex.

Another highlight of route 3 is the chance to see the impressive Vu Lam Royal Step – one of the most beautiful spots in the complex. The scenery throughout the route is stunning as you’re treated to brilliant views of limestone karst mountains throughout the trip.

Having opted for this route ourselves we can safely say it does not disappoint. If you’re claustrophobic though you may prefer route 2 to avoid visiting the longest cave in the complex.

Stops on Trang An Route 3 : Trinh Temple – Dot Cave – May Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave –  Vu Lam Palace – King Kong film site

Duration : Approximately 2 hours.

Click here to look at tours from Hanoi that include a visit to Trang An!

Trang-An Boat Tours

If you are interested in doing an organised tour of Trang An and other places in Ninh Binh. Then check out this group tour by GetYourGuide.

From 1,300,000 VND you can do a tour that includes a trip to Trang An by boat, Hoa Lou and Mua Caves some of the most beautiful places to visit in Ninh Binh! Click here to book your tour with Get Your Guide!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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Trang An Boat Tour: A Guide to Ninh Binh's Best Attraction

Looking for the best boat route in Trang An? 

Here is an extensive guide that will help you decide which route to take. In this Trang An boat tour guide, we’ve included everything you need to know to make sure you make the most of your trip. From the best time to visit to avoid the crowds to our own boat experience and updated prices so you know what to expect. 

We’ve also included many of our top Trang An tips you don’t want to miss!

Planning a Last Minute Trip to Trang An?

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here are the links to the top rated tour, hotel and other services you can book right away that will let you experience Trang An and more.

Transportation: Van Transfer (Most Comfortable)

Where to Stay: Muong Village Ninh Bình (Highly Rated)

Best Tour from Hanoi: Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip (#1 Best Seller) 

Protect yourself from unexpected emergencies . Buy your travel insurance with COVID cover at Heymondo and get 5% off for being our reader !

Overview of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a breathtaking landscape of karst mountain peaks and submerged caves. 

Because of the natural beauty of the area, Trang An has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ninh Binh, and the best way to explore it is by a boat tour. 

How to Get to Trang An Complex 

Trang An is a scenic area located in Ninh Binh , about 100km away from Hanoi. To get to the boat tours, head to the entrance and pay for your ticket price before you get on the boat.

Read: Plan your Trip to Ninh Binh: 2 Day Itinerary

Here are the two most convenient ways to reach Trang An from Hanoi: 

Van: This is the most comfortable way to get to Trang An from Hanoi. Take the van that leaves daily from the old quarter and they drop you off at the entrance of Trang An complex. The van seats from 9 to 11 people and a ticket starts at 11 USD. Book your van here !

Private Car: A great option for families or a group of friends is to take a private car from Hanoi. It’s convenient and you’ll be able to leave whenever. Booking a private car costs at least 50 USD. Book your car here !

Trang An Boat Tours from Hanoi

For the most convenient way to reach Trang An, you can book day tours that leave from Hanoi that include a boat tour to the complex. We only recommend it if you don’t have much time or if you want everything to be taken care of for you. Otherwise, you can easily do the Trang An boat tour on your own. 

Here are the most highly recommended Trang An Boat Tours from Hanoi:

Trang An Opening Hours

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex opens daily from 7am to 6pm .

Because the boat ride takes at least two hours, we recommend starting no later than 4:30pm so that you have enough light for the entire tour. 

Trang An Boat Tour Price

The ticket costs approximately 11 USD per person. 

You don't need to book it in advance. Simply go to the ticket booth near where the parking is. You’ll also find stores where you can buy food and drinks before you board the boat. 

After buying your ticket, you’ll get down a flight of stairs, which will take you on a path to the boat dock, where lots of local boat rowers are waiting. A staff member will ask which route you’ll take as you wait in line, and if you go alone, you'll be paired with other tourists as each boat can carry up to four people.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit the Trang An Complex anytime during the year. However, the best time to visit for the best weather conditions is between February and March . During these months, the weather in Ninh Binh is just right for a boat trip. It's not too hot or too cold.

The best time of day to take the boat tour is early in the morning, before 9am. You can also take the tour later in the afternoon around 4pm. However, it’s not a great time for photography as you won’t have much light towards the end of the tour. 

Trang An is a popular tourist attraction and many people come for day trips from Hanoi. If you want to get the most out of your trip and avoid the crowds, go as early as you can before the tour buses from Hanoi arrive. 

Read: Best Time to Visit Vietnam

Trang An Boat Routes

Trang An Scenic Complex has three boat routes available. While each route provides unique experiences to various caves and temples, all routes provide scenic views of Trang An.

Depending on the route you take, as well as how long you decide to stay at each stop, we recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to see the Trang An complex. 

Route #1: Ultimate Cave and Temple Journey

Includes: 9 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 3 Hours

This is the longest route in Trang An and covers the majority of the caves. The caves here do not overlap with the caves visited on routes 2 and 3.

The boat route takes you through 9 caves and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, and Khong Temple - Bao Hieu Pagoda).

Route #2: Perfect Mix of Caves and Temples

Includes: 4 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Route 2 is ideal for those looking for a good mix of caves and religious sites. After Dai Cave, the boats from Route 2 take the same route as Route 3 to Vu Lam Royal Steps.

This route takes you through 4 caves and 3 temples (Thanh Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps). 

Route #3: Underground Cave Adventure

Includes: 3 Caves and 3 Temples

Duration: 2 hours

This route features Dot Cave, the longest underground cave expanding 1km in Trang An. If you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip this one. 

This route takes you through 3 caves and 3 temples (Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Royal Steps). This route used to stop at King Kong Island, where they used to film the movie, but as of 2020, you can no longer visit the movie set.

What is the Best Trang An Boat Route?

The best Trang An boat route ultimately depends on your personal preferences, as each route has its own unique charm and scenic views that can only be accessed by boat. Whatever route you choose, you're guaranteed to have a one-of-a-kind experience. 

To help you decide, here is a quick summary of the routes in Trang An complex. 

Route 1: You have enough time and are interested in visiting caves. 

Route 2: You want to visit a mixture of caves and religious sites and don’t have a lot of time. 

Route 3: You are interested in visiting the longest underground cave in Trang An. 

What to Expect on Route #3 | Our Boat Experience 

We visited Trang An near the end of May during our trip to Ninh Binh. We started the boat tour at 4:30pm and took route #3. In total, the tour took us 2 hours . Your time will vary depending on your route and how long your group spends at each stop. 

Here's what to expect on boat route #3 in Trang An. 

Weather in May

We visited Ninh Binh in May and there was a heat wave during the week we were there. The weather was very hot and humid, and there were days where temperatures were as high as 41℃. The midday heat was very uncomfortable and even early mornings and late afternoons were hot and humid. 

Since we started later in the afternoon, there were not many people and we had to wait for about 10 minutes before we got on the boat. If you’re alone, you might have to wait a bit more before you get paired with the other group.

Trinh Temple

From the boat wharf, you will be rowing for a while until you reach the Trinh Temple, which is located at the foot of a mountain. The temple is small with three areas to visit. The main one is in the middle with a huge incense burning pot at the front. 

Remember: Dress modestly if you want to enter the temples in Trang An. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted inside temples and pagodas. 

A short distance from the Trinh Temples is the Dot Cave also known as the Dark Cave. It is one of the features of route #3 as it’s the longest underground cave in the Trang An Complex, expanding 1000m long. It took us about 15 minutes to pass through. You might want to skip this route if you’re claustrophobic. 

The cave has light bulbs scattered around, so you can see the stalactite formations. You will have to duck your head as your rower professionally manoeuvres the boat to some of the bigger gaps in the cave.  

Tip: If you're tall, sit in the front row so you can get on the floor and stretch your legs over the front of the boat. This way, you won't have to keep ducking while you're in the underground cave. 

After the Doi Cave, you will row for a bit to enjoy the towering karst mountains until you reach Van Cave. It is about 400 meters long and took us 4 minutes to pass. It is also much wider than Doi Cave with less stalactites to see so you don’t have to duck that much. 

Wanting to experience one of the biggest cave systems in Vietnam? Read our guide to the Tu Lan Cave System in Phong Nha to discover why it's one of the most adventurous things to do in Vietnam. 

Suoi Tien Temple

As you approach Suoi Tien Temple from the Van Cave, you will notice other boats from Route #2. This is a lovely temple set among limestone cliffs. You will walk past a large area with a hut at the beginning and well-kept gardens, after that you will cross a bridge to a large temple with intricately designed gates. 

After the Suoi Tien Temple, you will pass through some of the best karst formations in Trang An. Although our rower did not speak English, he tried his best to point out some notable places in the complex, such as the King Kong Mountain or birds around the area. 

Dai Cave is the shortest cave you will pass in route #3. It’s only about 300 meters long and takes at least 3 minutes to pass. 

Vu Lam Royal Steps

It will become busier as you approach the Vu Lam Royal Steps. It's because right in front of the Royal Steps is one of Trang An's most iconic temples: the temple in the middle of the lake. 

Tip: Ask your rower to take you close to the temple so you can get a better look.  

The Vu Lam Royal Steps are made up of four large temples, with the main one in the center and in the back. Roofs and step railings are beautifully designed. You’ll find few people going around the temple because most are drawn to the temple in the middle of the lake.

You will head back to the wharf after visiting the Royal Steps. It’s a bit of a long paddle back, so you might want to help your rower back to the wharf. 

Tam Coc or Trang An Boat Tour?

Both Tam Coc and Trang An boat tours offer unique and beautiful views of Ninh Binh. Choosing between the two depends on what you want to experience and your personal preference. 

We recommend taking the Trang An boat tour if you want to explore more caves and temples, and the Tam Coc boat tour if you want to see beautiful limestone cliffs and rice fields.  

Read more about our Ultimate Guide to Tam Coc in 2023 so you can decide which boat tour is right for you!

Where to Stay Near Trang An

There are plenty of great options available in the area close to Trang An Complex. From budget-friendly guesthouses to comfortable bungalows, you can find a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. Here are the most highly rated accommodations close to Trang An Complex. 

Where to Eat Near Trang An

There are many food options you can choose from if you’re looking for places to eat near Trang An Complex. There are many shops by the ticket booth where you can buy food and drinks. There are also shops by the boat wharf and at the temples that sell cold drinks and small snacks. 

Another popular option is the Trang An Riverside Garden Restaurant , which offers local food at reasonable prices. We recommend trying out their braised pork and also their selection of fresh juices. Apart from the food, the restaurant overlooks the peaceful lake and karst mountains. 

If you’re looking for Korean food, there is a popular Korean Restaurant located in Ninh Binh City. It’s about a 10 minutes drive from the Trang An Complex but worth the drive if you’re craving for authentic Korean dishes. 

Other highly rated restaurants in the area include the Nhà Hàng Xuân Thắng and Moon Garden Restaurant. 

Top Trang An Travel Tips

Here are our top travel tips for visiting the Trang An Scenic complex in Ninh Binh Province to make the most out of your boat tour. 

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You'll be climbing in and out of the sampan boat. Also, if you want to enter the temples, don't wear shorts or a sleeveless shirt.

2. Bring sun protection : Trang An can get quite hot, especially during the summer months. Don’t forget to bring sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid getting sunburnt.

3. Start early: Trang An can get quite busy, so we recommended starting your tour before 9am to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. 

4. Stay hydrated: Bring water. You can buy bottled water at the temples, and there are also restroom facilities available.

5. Bring small cash: So you can buy some snacks while on tour and also to tip your rower at the end. You can find an atm machine by the ticket station. 

6. Use the paddles: Each boat has four extra paddles that you can use. This will not only help your rower, but you’ll also get to experience paddling in calm waters.  

7. No reception: You won't have any reception while you're on a tour. So make sure you're not expecting anything important during that time and plan accordingly.

8. Taxi Fares: There are many taxi drivers waiting at the front. Expect to pay around 4USD one way and 8USD for a round trip. To avoid the hassle, organize a driver with your accommodation. 

Looking for more Vietnam travel tips? Read our 17 things to know before you travel to Vietnam to fully prepare for your next trip!

And that’s the comprehensive guide to visiting Trang An in Ninh Binh!

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. In the meantime, check out our ultimate Vietnam itineraries to help you plan your Vietnam trip. It’s designed for first time travelers and we’ve included the must-visit places in Vietnam! 

If you've already been to Vietnam, we have a number of off-the-beaten-path destinations for you to visit, including the northwest , Cao Bang region , and the Mekong Delta .

Some links in this Trang An Boat Tour Guide may be affiliate links.

This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!

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Trang An Boat Tour Review: Everything You Need To Know

By: Author Mark and Kristen Morgan

Posted on Published: March 6, 2020  - Last updated: December 18, 2023

Categories Asia Travel Blog

A Trang An boat tour is one of the most popular activities in Ninh Binh , Vietnam. The 2-3 hour boat ride passes through caves, temples and limestone karsts. Tickets cost 250,000 VND per person or you can purchase the entire boat for 1,000,000 VND if you want a private experience.

In this guide, we are going to show you everything you need to know about the Trang An boat tour.

Our Trang An Experience

We spent 27 days traveling through Vietnam in  October 2018  as part of our 18 month trip around the world. During this trip, we stayed for three nights in the Ninh Binh region and took the Trang An Boat ride. It was one of our favorite experiences in central Vietnam. Read more  about us .

To make planning easy for you, we’re going to walk you through how to get to Trang An, how to buy tickets and what you can expect on the boat tour.

About The Region

Dubbed the Halong Bay on Land , this stunning region has been altered very little by human influence so you truly feel as though you’re a centuries old explorer discovering new territory before the world was fully mapped.

Ninh Binh was once the hidden gem of Vietnam, but it can no longer hold that title. The secret is out, and UNESCO declared Trang An a world heritage site in 2014 .

Hollywood then swooped in and built a movie set on the Trang An complex to film Kong: Skull Island in 2017. As you can imagine, this had a huge impact on tourism in the area.

Today, the tour is more popular than ever and you can take a boat tour any day of the week from 7:00am-4:00pm .

Further Reading : The best things to do in Ninh Binh

How To Get To The Trang An Boat Tour

Use the map below to see directions from Tam Coc and Ninh Binh to Trang An.

• Address : 7W39+7G5, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
• Location : Google Maps

The Trang An boat tour is located within the Ninh Binh Province of Vietnam. It’s only 5 miles away from the popular tourist destination of Tam Coc and 6 miles from Ninh Binh train station. You can reach the boat tour by motorcycle or bicycle from Tam Coc or Ninh Binh. We hired a motorbike for the day from our hotel in Tam Coc and drove it to Trang An.

You can rent a motorbike for  100,000-150,000 VND  ($4-6) per day. Fuel for a full day will set you back no more than $3. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle for  50,000 VND  ($2) per day. Many hotels even offer free use of bicycles in Tam Coc.

It should take about  15 minutes  to ride your scooter from Tam Coc town to the ticket booth for the Trang An boat tour. The roads are in fairly good shape and you’ll often find yourself cutting through gorgeous green fields with limestone towers sprouting up around you.

Travel Tip : If you’re planning to visit Hang Mua and Bich Dong the same day, it would be much quicker and more efficient to go by motorbike.

Getting To Ninh Binh Independently

Are you planning to travel independently to Ninh Binh? Once you arrive at Ninh Binh train station, hire a motorbike right outside for roughly 150,000 VND ($6) and follow our map to the Trang An Boat Tour.

There are no airports close by so travel by plane isn’t an option. But you can take a bus from Hanoi and many other popular spots on the typical Vietnam tourist trail. We took a bus directly from Halong Bay to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

Use 12Go Asia to check the best available options for travel. You’ll find the cheapest and quickest options are typically by bus or train .

Further Reading : What to expect on a Vietnam sleeper bus

Best Ninh Binh Tours From Hanoi

Another option would be to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh with Tam Coc and Trang An included as part of a full day organized tour with  transport completely covered .

Most tours include entrances fees for the Trang An Boat tour, Mua Cave Viewpoint, Hoa Lu ancient capital and Bich Dong Pagoda.

Here are top rated tours from Hanoi to Trang An :

• 12 hour day tour – Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, experience the Trang An boat ride, climb up to Mua Cave and enjoy stunning panoramic views as you cycle around the gorgeous countryside of Ninh Binh.
• Popular day trip option – Visit the Trang An cave complex via rowing boat, see the temples of Dinh King and Le King, enjoy a buffet lunch and climb up Mua Cave with an english guide.

Motorcycle And Bicycle Parking

The Trang An complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means there are no scams when it comes to parking for your boat tour . If you’ve already been to Mua Caves or the Bich Dong Pagoda , you’ll know exactly what we are talking about.

You’ll park your bicycle or motorbike in a legit parking lot and pay a set fee that will be the same for everyone. There’s no worrying about bartering or concern about paying the same as everyone else. This structured parking system is one of the best reasons to choose the Trang An boat ride over the Tam Coc option .

The parking fee for motorcycles is 15,000 VND ($0.62) and the parking fee for bicycles is 10,000 VND ($0.41). We also felt very comfortable leaving our motorbike parked which was a relief.

Once you’ve parked up, cross the road to the entrance. You’ll walk over a bridge and see boats to your right as they set off up the river towards.

Trang An Boat Tour Tickets

Carry on walking straight towards the wooden rails and get in line so you can purchase your Trang An boat tour tickets. We arrived at 9:00am and there was no one in line.

By the time we left at 1:30pm, the ticket line was extremely long. If you want to avoid the lines, you should try to visit as early in the day as possible .

Buying tickets for the boat ride at Trang An is easy. We liked that the whole process was hassle free . Prices are clearly stated and there are no vendors trying to sell items to you.

A ticket for the Trang An boat tour costs 250,000 VND (about $11) per person. There is a 3 people minimum per boat so if you are a couple or plan to ride solo, you may be sharing the boat with another group.

If you want to want to have the entire boat to yourself, you can purchase all four tickets for the boat. Therefore, your total cost would be 1,000,000 VND (about $41).

A child ticket costs 120,000 VND (about $5), but if your child’s height is under 1m, they will receive free entry for the Trang An boat tour.

Once you have your tickets in hand, walk over to the dock and you’ll be escorted into the next available boat . You’ll have to wait in a line until the boat can be filled to either 3 or 4 people.

In our case, we shared with just one other solo traveler, a lovely woman from the Netherlands. Because there was no one else in line, they let us disembark with 3 of the 4 seats filled .

Trang An Boat Tour Routes

Before you purchase a ticket and run to the boats, you’ll have to choose one of the three routes for your boat ride . Near the ticket counter you will find a map on a wooden board displaying the details each boat tour route.

The boat ride lasts about 2-3 hours depending on which route you select. Here is a simplified version of the three Trang An boat tour options:

• First route – 9 caves and 3 temples
• Second route – 4 caves and 3 temples
• Third route – 3 caves and 3 temples

Each route is a little bit difference so we will explain each one below in detail. But the price is the same no matter what Trang An route you choose.

Here is what you can expect from the first route:

Trinh Temple – Toi Cave – Sang Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave– Son Duong Cave – Khong Palace – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave

Highlights of Trang An boat tour Route 1 :

• 9 caves and 3 temples
• Longest option with the most grottoes
• Duration about 3 hours

If you want to see many caves and geological features such as stalactites , this is the route for you. We chose this first route and it was incredibly peaceful . However, if you are claustrophobic, you might want to choose route 2 or 3 because you will go through less caves.

Here is what you can expect from the second route:

Lam Cave – Thanh Cao Son Temple – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple – Kong Skull Island Film Set

Highlights of Trang An boat tour Route 2 :

• 4 caves and 3 temples
• Medium length route
• Film location of King Kong Skull Island
• Duration about 2.5 hours

We like this route because it’s a good combination of caves and attractions . This route will also make a stop by the filming location of Kong: Skull Island. But this is usually the most crowded route because it’s a medium length route with a film location.

Here is what you can expect from the third route:

Trinh Temple – Dot Cave – Van Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple – Kong Skull Island Film Set

Highlights of Trang An boat tour Route 3 :

• 3 caves and 3 temples
• Shortest length route
• Dot Cave is 1,000m long
• Duration about 2-3 hours

Take this route if you want to see less caves and experience more of Trang An’s gorgeous scenery . It’s the shortest route, but it features Dot Cave, the longest cave in the Trang An Landscape complex.

This third route is a good option for those who want to go through a very long cave , see the King Kong filming location and visit many spiritual sites.

Travel Tip : If you want to shorten your ride, you can opt to skip any of the attractions during your visit.

Caves On The Tour

The moment your boat driver pushes away from the dock, let yourself relax and be consumed by unrivaled tranquility.

You are in rural Vietnam, venturing into areas only accessible by boat . There are numerous limestone rocks jutting out of the ground surrounded by water. Just imagine King Kong appearing from out behind one of them.

Expert boat drivers will guide your boat towards low hanging entrances to caves as the spectacular limestone karsts meet the water’s surface.

The drivers know exactly which angles and paths to follow through the caves. There are spot lights positioned in the caves to allow some visibility but not too much that it ruins the atmosphere.

There are 30 valleys and 50 caves throughout the entire Trang An complex, although your boat will only pass through 9 caves at the most. You can expect to see various species of birds, flora and fauna along the way. Beautiful lotus flowers are in bloom during the summer months too.

Each time you leave a grotto, you are met with stunning views of open waterways, vegetation and limestone hills sprinkled emerald green by trees.

This is a wonderful serene environment where it’s easy to forget the outside world. You will lose perspective of direction as the river meanders left and right.

Overall, we were impressed by how well our driver navigated the route and showed us points of interest throughout the entire journey.

Travel Tip : Our route 1 tour lasted about 3 hours which was a little too long for us. In hindsight, we would have chosen one of the shorter routes.

Temples On The Tour

Along the way, you will stop at various temples. At these locations, you will be able to leave the boat and explore the surrounding areas.

Every time you leave the boat, be sure to see as much as possible. You’ll find small temples and pagodas. One temple in particular has a fairly difficult peak to summit if you enjoy a challenge.

At this summit stop off, there is a large stone staircase to walk up, which is hard work in the heat and humidity . We haven’t told you the name of the temple in order to keep your ride a bit of a mystery.

Granted, the view from the top is nothing to shout home about. However, once you descend and follow the path all the way around to the end, there is a small shrine where tourists leave food as an offering .

This climb is best done earlier in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day . Each time you leave your boat, the driver will row on alone and pick you up at another location a short walk away.

One such occasion the boat passes through a man made tunnel that leads under a towering rock. This is one of our favorite photos from the entire day.

Travel Tip : Be sure to wear appropriate clothing or bring a sarong to cover up for the temples at Trang An.

Tam Coc Vs Trang An Boat Tour

There are often comparisons drawn between the Tam Coc and Trang An Boat tour. This is the question everyone always wants to ask when they visit Ninh Binh.

Personally, our research and experience from other visitors told us the Tam Coc boat tour is a prime scamming spot . We read many reviews and heard from fellow travelers about the boat drivers on the Tam Coc tour stopping mid journey and demanding a big tip or refusing to row back.

We liked how the Trang An boat tour was legitimately controlled due to its UNESCO status. So the advantage of the Trang An boat tour is that it’s regulated and hostility is minimized .

Additionally, Trang An is supposed to be a more scenic boat tour. We can’t confirm the claim as we didn’t take the Tam Coc boat tour but we can confirm Trang An is a beautiful complex to glide slowly around.

But the final decision maker for us was that the boat drivers at Trang An are treated fairly .

However, one of the downsides to the Trang An boat tour is that it’s not conveniently located right in town like the Tam Coc boat tour. So if you are short on time, Trang An might be difficult for you.

Further Reading : 30 key things to know about Vietnam

Tips For Your Boat Ride

We’ve covered everything you need to know in this guide, but here are a few tips to keep in mind for your visit to the UNESCO complex:

• Trang An is open everyday from 7:00am-4:00pm . The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have experiencing a lost world feeling with minimal people around.
• Tickets for the boat tour are priced at 250,000 VND . You will be placed in a boat of 3-4 unless you pay for the entire boat.
• Be sure to wear sturdy footwear . You’ll be climbing in and out of the boat all day plus a few of the temples have areas where you can explore with stairs and uneven ground.
• Take as much water as you can fit into your day bag . You will be exposed for about 90% of the boat journey so you may also want to bring a hat.
• You can use an extra set of oars in the boat . We helped row for part of our journey. It gave us such an appreciation for the men and women who do this everyday.
• Tipping is appreciated . The man or woman who guides your boat will pick up another tour once your tours has ended. Although it is not required to tip, it’s a nice gesture and a small amount will go a long way to help the locals.

Looking for a place to stay nearby? We stayed at Tam Coc Dream Homestay and here are a few top rated hotel options for the region:

• Tam Coc Sunrise – Budget
• Tam Coc Wonderland – Mid-range
• Tam Coc Garden – Luxury

Tam Coc is a gorgeous rural town perfectly located among all the best things to do in Ninh Binh.

In Conclusion

So is it worth visiting the Trang An boat tour in Ninh Binh?

Yes! According to  TripAdvisor , the Trang An Grottoes are the best thing to do in Ninh Binh. We agree with this rating because you will get to see one of the most attractive places in Vietnam. You should include this stunning UNESCO site on your Vietnam itinerary.

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We hope our detailed guide to the Trang An Boat Tour in Ninh Binh helps you enjoy your time in Vietnam!

Please let us know if you have any questions about the Trang An Boat Tour or Vietnam in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

Enjoy this Trang An guide? Pin it for your visit!

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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Friday 6th of March 2020

Love that hotel view! Looked like an incredible day!

Mark & Kristen Morgan

Thanks Braden! The boat tour was really relaxing and later that day we went up to the summit of Mua Cave for that view over the Ngo Dong river ... definitely one of our better days in Vietnam!

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Trang An boat tour, Suggested itinerary, Price & Travel Experience

Are you ready for an adventure that will transport you to an enchanting “Inland Ha Long Bay”? Look no further than Trang An in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its closely clustered limestone mountain ranges and diverse ecosystems.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the travel experiences in Trang An – Ninh Binh, sharing valuable information about ticket prices, featured attractions, and insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.

Explore the beauty of Nature & Cultural Relics in Trang An

Trang An, an eco-tourism area and scenic landscape complex, is located in Ninh Binh Province. It holds the distinction of being Vietnam’s first mixed heritage site recognized by UNESCO for its cultural and natural significance. This breathtaking destination has captivated audiences worldwide through its appearances in films like “Tam Cam – The Untold Story” and the blockbuster hit “Kong: Skull Island.” Beyond its cinematic fame, Trang An boasts a rich history, geological formations, and a multitude of attractions waiting to be explored.

Trang An Sightseeing Ticket Prices

To experience the wonders of Trang An, you’ll need to purchase a sightseeing boat tour ticket. Here are the current prices:

• Adult Ticket (over 1.3m tall): 250,000 vnđ/person
• Child Ticket (1m – 1.3m tall): 120,000 vnđ/person
• Children under 1m tall: Free
• Private Boat: 1,250,000 vnđ/boat
• Tour Guide: 300,000 vnđ/tour

Please note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

Full-Day Package Tours from Hanoi to Trang An

For those seeking a hassle-free and inclusive package tour from Hanoi to Trang An in one day, Vivu Halong offers all-inclusive one-day tours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Designed for small groups of less than 20 guests, these packages include a limousine bus from Hanoi, a buffet lunch, entrance tickets to various attractions, and a knowledgeable tour guide to accompany you throughout the journey.

The tour departs at 7:00 AM, picking up guests from hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter area, and concludes at 7:30 PM. With multiple tour options to choose from, you can choose your favourite packages:

Here are some of the available tour options:

Booking contact

• Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo :  +84.789.455.888
• Phone/ WhatsApp :  +84 961 250 100
• Email: [email protected]

How you will experience in Trang An

When you arrive in Trang An, you’ll find a plethora of attractions and activities to indulge in. Here are some highlights:

Cultural Relics

Trang An is home to a wealth of cultural relics that offer insights into the region’s history. Explore the Tu Tru Pagoda, Trinh Temple, Tran Ninh Binh Temple, Vu Lam Palace, Phu Khong Palace, Cao Son Temple, and Suoi Tien Temple. These ancient sites showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area and provide a serene environment for contemplation and reflection.

Beautiful Caves & limestone karsts in Trang An

Trang An boasts a diverse range of caves, each with its own unique characteristics. Admire the beauty of Dia Linh Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, and Cave Boi Cave as you sail through the waterways on a traditional boat. Marvel at the intricate formations and immerse yourself in the natural wonders that lie within these ancient caverns.

Kong: Skull Island Film Set

For movie enthusiasts, a visit to the Kong: Skull Island film set is a must. Step into the world of the blockbuster hit and capture unique photos with the iconic characters and landscapes that brought Trang An into the international spotlight. This cinematic experience adds an exciting element to your Trang An adventure.

Trang An Boat Tour Routes

Trang An offers three boat tour routes, each showcasing different aspects of its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Choose the route that appeals to you the most:

Route 1: The Classic Journey

This route takes you on a 3.5 to 4.5-hour adventure through Trang An’s stunning landscapes. Explore Trinh Temple, Dark Cave, Light Cave, Wine Making Cave, Tran Temple, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Phu Khong Cave, Bao Hieu Pagoda, Khong Cave, Tran Cave, Quy Hau Cave, and return to the boat dock.

Route 2: The Scenic Delight

Embark on a 2.5 to the 3-hour journey that showcases the scenic beauty of Trang An. Discover Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, Suoi Tien Temple, Dai Cave, and Vu Lam Palace before returning to the boat dock.

Route 3: The Enchanting Escape

Explore the enchanting side of Trang An on this 3 to 3.5-hour boat tour. Visit Trinh Temple, Cloud Cave, Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream), Dia Linh Cave, Dai Cave, Vu Lam Palace, and Kong Film Set (indigenous village), and return to the boat dock.

Trang An Kayak Tours

For a more adventurous experience, consider joining one of Trang An’s kayak tours. These tours allow you to paddle through the waterways and explore hidden corners of Trang An. Here are two kayak routes to choose from:

Embark on an 8km kayak adventure that takes you through Tam Quan Gate, Dark Cave Entrance, Quy Hau Cave Entrance, and Ngoc Mountain. Marvel at the banyan tree under Tam Quan Gate, pay respects at Trinh Temple and enjoy the tranquility of the water as you paddle along.

Embark on a 5km kayak journey that includes a visit to Kong Island Dock, Thuy Dinh Temple, and Vu Lam Palace. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Trang An as you explore these fascinating destinations.

Get ting to Trang An

To reach Trang An, you have several transportation options. Here are some suggestions on how to get to this captivating destination:

If you prefer limousine transfer service from Hanoi Old Quarter to your places in Trang An, with door-to-door pick up at the hotel, check the Vivu Halong’s limousine service

Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

If you’re starting your journey from Hanoi, you can choose from various modes of transportation.

• Local Buses from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations offer frequent services to Ninh Binh.
• Limousine buses , such as Trang An Limousine, Ninh Binh Excursion Transport, Huu Binh Limousine, and X.E Vietnam, provide a more comfortable option.
• Alternatively, you can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, with options like SE1, SE3, SE5, and SE7 available.
• If you prefer to drive, you can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, which takes approximately one hour. Motorbike enthusiasts can enjoy a scenic ride from Hanoi, taking the Van Dien – Thuong Tin direction and then National Highway 1A to reach Ninh Binh.

Getting from Ninh Binh to Trang An

From Ninh Binh, it’s a short distance of approximately 7km to Trang An. You can rent a motorbike, take a motorbike taxi (xe ôm), or a taxi to reach your destination. If you’re using a limousine service, you can request to be dropped off at Trang An. Simply follow Trang An Road from the center of Ninh Binh City, and you’ll soon arrive at your desired destination.

Must-Visit Places in Trang An – Ninh Binh

When you embark on your journey to Trang An, make sure to include these recommended places in your itinerary:

• Trang An Eco-tourism Area: Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of Trang An. Explore the limestone mountains, caves, and serene waterways that make this area truly unique.
• Tam Coc – Bich Dong : Discover the charm of Tam Coc and the enchanting Bich Dong Pagoda. Take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River and marvel at the karst formations that dot the landscape.
• Ancient Capital Hoa Lu , Dinh Temple, Le Temple: Step back in time and explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Visit the Dinh Temple and Le Temple, which pay homage to the Dinh and Le dynasties, respectively.
• Mua Cave – Ninh Binh Panoramic Viewpoint: Climb the 500 steps to the peak of Mua Cave and be rewarded with a panoramic view of Ninh Binh. This vantage point offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and the winding river below.

Hotel and Restaurant Recommendations in Trang An

To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Trang An, consider staying at one of the many accommodations nestled amidst nature.

• Trang An Farm Stay
• Trang An Retreat
• Lotus Field Homestayand
• Trang An Nature House

They are just a few options that offer stunning views and a peaceful ambiance.

For restaurants: Trang An Restaurant, Trang An Boat Restaurant, Binh An Restaurant, and De Chinh Thu Restaurant are some excellent choices to indulge in the flavors of Ninh Binh.

Experience the Unforgettable Beauty of Trang An

Trang An is a destination unlike any other, where nature and culture intertwine to create a truly mesmerizing experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the wonders of Trang An – Ninh Binh. Pack your bags, set out on your adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this enchanting “Inland Ha Long Bay.”

Remember to check the latest information and plan your journey accordingly to make the most of your visit. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, delve into the rich cultural heritage, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Trang An.

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BOOKING INFORMATION

Worldwide Walkers

Trang An Boat Tour 2023: A Beautiful Experience in Nature

In this travel guide, we share our experience and everything you need to know about the Trang An boat tour in Vietnam.

Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a quiet and tranquil place. The only sound you hear are bamboo paddles working their way through a calm river. Everywhere you look, you see green; the color of nature. Thick green plants are covering big limestone cliffs that reflect into the riverbed, making even the river look green.

There are no land in sight – all you see is water, cliffs, and caves – so you have to stay in the boat, and just let yourself be part of this nature experience.

This is Trang An.

We absolutely love this place! So naturally, we’re dedicating this blog post to the Trang An boat tour and everything that comes with it.

We’ll start the blog post with some important information such as how to get there, opening hours, price, and routes on the Trang An boat tour. Then we’ll share our own personal highlights followed by a bunch of pictures from the trip. We hope you’ll enjoy this travel guide to the famous Trang An Boat Tour.

AFFILIATE LINKS DISCLOSURE: Dear Reader, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here .

Trang An boat tour information

In this section, you’ll find all the practical information about the Trang An boat trip.

How to get to Trang An

From Ninh Binh and Tam Coc

The Trang An boat tour is approximately 8 kilometers away from both Ninh Binh and Tam Coc .

So it’s super easy to rent a scooter or a bicycle and go there by yourself. Parking fee for motorbikes are 15.000 VND and parking fee for bicycles are 10.000 VND (notice these parking prices may have gone up).

For those who feel uncomfortable on two wheels, taxis are also an option.

There are approximately 100 kilometers between Hanoi and Trang An, which makes the boat ride a perfect day trip. You can easily go here on a group tour if you don’t want to go by yourself: Day tour from Hanoi to Trang An, Mua Caves & Hoa Lu

Trang An boat tour opening hours

The Trang An boat tours are open from early morning to late afternoon: 7 AM – 4 PM .

Trang An boat tour ticket price

250.000 VND for adults.

Children may get a discounted ticket price, but it’s measured after height, not age. It’s just like going on a rollercoaster, except if you’re shorter than 1 meter then you get a discounted price and still get to go.

There are four seats in each boat. So if you are two people and you want to have a boat to yourself, you have to buy the remaining two seats. One boat alone will cost 1.000.000 VND.

Remember to bring a bit of extra cash to tip your boat guide. They row you around for hours in the hot sun for a very fair price! It’s not mandatory, but we still tipped our boat lady 50.000 VND as a thank you.

How long is the boat tour in Trang An?

The boat tour will last between 2,5 – 3 hours depending on which route you choose and how long you visit the temples around the Trang An landscape complex.

What to bring for the boat ride?

Water, snacks, a hat for the sun, a camera, and SPF 50 all the way!

You will be exposed to the sun during the whole tour except for when you sail through the grottoes in Trang An. So remember to bring a good sunscreen.

Some people bring an umbrella to cover themselves from the sun, but please don’t do that. Glenn and I were sharing a boat with another couple who was sitting in front of us. The first half of the boat ride we didn’t get to experience any of the beautiful scenery in Trang An. Damn umbrella was in the way.

Luckily, our boat guide was friendly enough to point out to the couple in front of us that we should switch seats halfway, so we also got some really great views on the way.

Trang An boat tour routes

There are 3 different boat tour routes in Trang An, and we’ve tried 2 of them. They all offer something different, yet they are all very beautiful, so it’s not like you can choose wrong.

From what we’ve seen so far, this place is covered with caves, limestone cliffs and lily pads. So no matter which route you choose, you will experience the beautiful landscapes.

If you can’t decide on a boat tour, then ask yourself these questions:

• Do I want to go through as many caves as possible? Then route 1 is the best option.
• Do I want to take a faster route? Then route 2 is ideal.
• Do I prefer to spend most of the tour watching the scenery? Then go with route 3.

Now let’s dive into the 3 different routes and see what they offer.

Route 1 (9 caves & 3 temples)

Highlights : This is the boat tour in Trang An that offers the route with most grottoes. Make sure to look out for all the pretty stalactites when you go through the caves.

Our favorite temple on this route was the Den Tran temple, which is a small, beautiful stone carved temple that you can only reach by walking up the steps over a small hill.

Duration : Within 3 hours you will visit 9 caves and 3 temples.

In our opinion, this is the most adventurous boat tour in Trang An because of all the caves you go through. However, if you’re claustrophobic you might consider Route 2 or 3 where you will go through fewer caves.

Route 2 (4 caves & 3 temples)

Highlights : The Thanh Cao Son Temple is a gorgeous temple situated in the middle of the river in Trang An. You’ll also go past the film location where they shot King Kong Skull Island.

Duration : Within 2,5 hours you’ll visit 4 caves and 3 temples.

Route 2 is the shortest boat ride, so it’s a good fit for those who have less time to explore Trang An. Also, this is probably the best route for those who suffer from claustrophobia since the caves aren’t that long. The longest cave is Thanh Truot, which is 320 meters long.

Route 3 (3 caves & 3 temples)

Highlights : The Dot cave (Hang Dot) is supposedly the longest of all the grottoes in Trang An. The Dot cave is 1000 meters long and has a lot of beautiful stalactites.

Duration : Within 3 hours you’ll visit 3 caves and 3 temples.

This is the route to take if you prefer to go through less caves and instead spend more time watching the beautiful scenery in Trang An. It’s also the route for those who want to experience going through a very long cave.

Reasons to go on the Trang An boat tour

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should visit this fantastic place in Vietnam – and why we will be coming back in the future for more boat rides in Trang An.

As mentioned earlier, we’ve been on the Trang An boat tour twice during our trips to Vietnam.

Once in September and once in November. On our first tour in September, we went on Route 2. And on our second time in November, we went on Route 1. Since we’ve never been on route 3, we can’t comment on our experience with this boat ride in Trang An.

1. Landscapes in Trang An

The landscapes in Trang An are what people come for. It’s also what we came for in the first place.

Since 2014, the landscapes in Trang An has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site . That says a lot about how beautiful the scenery is.

During the boat trips on Route 1 and Route 2, we saw some of the most incredible rock formations we’ve ever seen. Trang An is known for its many limestone cliffs, and they surely didn’t disappoint!

The boat ride gives you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in Trang An’s landscape. It feels like you’re a part of it – like you’re actually playing a part in nature. For me, that feeling was amazing.

So in both Route 1 and 2, you will get amazing scenery, and the same will count for Route 3 since the landscape is the main reason for visiting Trang An in the first place.

2. Trang An grottoes

We definitely preferred Route 1 to Route 2.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think you can choose a wrong or an ugly route, but I must admit that we did have a favorite.

The reason why we both loved Route 1 was because of all the caves you sail through.

The Trang An Grottoes are small caves that lead through the limestone cliffs, and some of these caves are hundreds of meters long. Rowing through the grottoes in Trang An was definitely one of our travel highlights in Vietnam!

It’s pretty adventurous to pass through all these caves. Now, I’m a nervous person by nature, so I was obviously a bit anxious every time we entered a new cave. But to my surprise, I actually found the whole experience very peaceful.

All we could hear in the caves were the sound of our guide silently rowing the paddles through the river while stalactites full of minerals were dripping from the cave ceiling.

The grottoes in Trang An are just amazing.

On our next trip to Trang An, we want to do the final boat tour – Route 3. And we honestly can’t wait to pass through the 1 kilometer long Dot cave.

3. Ecotourism

Apart from all the beauty that surrounds you, one of the best things about the Trang An boat ride is that you leave no footprint behind. Literally… You sit in a boat most of the time.

If you’re searching for the boat tour’s starting point on Google, just type in, “Trang An Ecotourism Zone Management”. I love that they use the expression, “eco-tourism”.

Even though it’s a very touristic place in Vietnam, it’s fortunately not ruined by humans.

The boats don’t have any motors. So the only fuel that moves you down the river is manpower, which means that the river doesn’t get polluted. A boat tour in Trang An is certainly much more eco-friendly than a luxury cruise in Halong Bay .

We also didn’t see any trash in the nature. That’s unfortunately a rare sight in many touristic places in Southeast Asia.

The place is also full of wildlife – mostly birds – which is always a good sign. And we think there is an unspoken rule about just sitting quietly while enjoying the place. None of the tourists were yelling or being loud.

All in all, the whole experience was very eco-friendly. You leave no footprint behind, yet you gain so much in return – your mind is forever full of beautiful memories.

So let’s work hard to leave Trang An like it is and not trash up the place in the future!

A photo journal from Trang An

We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the boat tour in Trang An. It’s honestly still one of our travel highlights of Vietnam and we encourage everyone to visit this place.

Thanks for reading! And feel free to leave a comment with any questions or wonderings you might have about this wonderful place.

Read more blog posts from this area in Vietnam:

• Things to do in Tam Coc
• Visit Mua Caves Viewpoint
• Visit the Thai Vi Temple

Hi, I'm Cecilie! And I'm the writer behind our travel blog. I only write about places that we've personally been to and want to recommend to you. I'm passionate about creating truthful travel guides, which can help you plan your own trip. When I'm not traveling or writing, you'll find me on a hiking trail, in a coffee shop, or in a shoe store around Copenhagen.

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Hi! How did you book the tour through the caves? I’m trying to set up a reservation online, but haven’t seen any options for the shorter boat tours (only day long tours). Thanks!

Hi Dani, how exciting that you’re visiting beautiful Trang An! All the boat tours take approximately 2,5-3 hours and we booked them directly at our arrival. I think that the only way to book beforehand is by joining a tour group. If you want a quicker tour, then you can also book boat tours in Tam Coc which only takes 1,5-2 hours. Enjoy! 🙂

Hi Cecilie, Can you provide the WhatsApp, Facebook or website to see details of the cruise? I am looking for day tours in the area….Day tours leaving early in the morning from Haiphong & Cat Ba. I will be renting a place to day in Haiphong or Cat Ba to make that happen. Please and thank you 🥰

Hi Angelique, unfortunately I don’t think they have a Facebook page or a website where they post the details. I just did a search and I can’t find anything… I know that there are tours leaving from Hanoi and Ninh Binh but I’m not sure about Cat Ba. Try to ask around or see if you can pay a private driver to take you there and back. We went from Cat Ba to Tam Coc (right next to Trang An) via a private taxi and that worked well 😊 Sorry for the late reply. I hope you get there – it’s so beautiful! Hugs.

Written content is very useful for readers and Images are very attractive. I really enjoyed a lot reading it.

We’re happy to hear it 🙂

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What to expect on the Trang An Boat Tour in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Last updated on March 15th, 2024

Want to see Ninh Binh’s striking limestone towers from the water? Learn what to expect on the Trang An boat tour, including the costs, route options, and more! One of the best things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam is the Trang An boat tour. Ninh Binh is nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land” and this boat tour makes it very clear why. Over the course of 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll be paddled among lush limestone towers, through caves, and have the chance to witness and explore multiple temples. It is a magical experience!

Watch our two days in Ninh Binh where we took a Trang An boat tour, visited the Mua Caves, the Bich Dong Pagoda, and more! 

While there are multiple boat tour options in Ninh Binh, including the famous Tam Coc, in our opinion, Trang An is the must-do experience. And in this guide we’re sharing all of our reasons why, plus everything you need to know before you hit the water. Such as the cost, how to get a private boat, the different routes, and what to expect along the journey.

What is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?

Trang an boat tour- cost & logistics.

• How to get tickets Trang An boat tour tickets

Trang An boat tour route options

What to expect on a trang an boat tour, is the trang an boat tour worth it, should you do the trang an or tam coc boat tour, how to get to the trang an boat tour, when is the best time to visit trang an, when is the best time of day to do the trang an boat tour, what to bring on the trang an boat tour, looking for more things to do in ninh binh.

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site, just minutes from Ninh Binh, Vietnam. It is a gorgeous landscape of limestone karst peaks, covered in thick rainforest jungle, which reach heights of almost 200 meters (~650 feet). Between these towering rocks you can find flat valleys, winding waterways, temples, and caves. Besides its obvious scenic beauty, this protected area is also recognized because of the archaeological findings in the caves. These findings reveal that there has been continuous human activity in this area for over 30,000 years! Note: During our visit to the area we heard locals pronounce Trang An as “Chahng Ahn.”

Here’s a quick glance at the Trang An boat tour logistics. We’ll cover everything in more depth throughout this guide! Location The Trang An boat wharf is a bit north of the Tam Coc area in Trang An. This is where you’ll park, purchase your tickets, and get on the boat.  Hours The Trang An boat tour is open everyday from 7 AM to 4 PM.  Parking Parking costs 15,000 VND for a motorbike and 10,000 VND for a bicycle. Make sure to have cash!  Cost  The Trang An boat tour costs 250,000 VND (~$10.25 USD) per person, plus a tip, which we will share more about later. 

Are the boats private? The boats are not private. They can carry up to 4 passengers, plus the driver, so you could have strangers in the boat with you. If you’d like it to be private you would need to pay for the other spots, which would cost a total of 1,000,000 VND (~$41 USD) per boat. This is what we did!

How to get Trang An boat tour tickets

After parking your motorbike or bike, you will want to head to the ticket office . There are no reservations or set boat times, so you can arrive whenever you’d like. Once at the counter, you do not need to know which route you want to take. The only information you will need to provide is how many people are in your party.  If you want a private boat, this is where you tell them, because you’ll need to pay for the entire boat. It costs 250,000 VND (~$10.25 USD) per person and the boats carry 4 passengers, so you’ll pay 1,000,000 VND (~$41 USD) at the ticket counter. You can pay in cash or card, which is nice.

After purchasing your ticket, you’ll be given a receipt. From here, you’ll go down some stairs and through a tunnel to get to the other side of the road. When you pop back out, you’ll be right by the water and by where the boats leave.

Now for the tough part…choosing which route to take! There are three route options to choose from for the Trang An boat tour. They all cost the same and last between 2.5-3 hours, but each offer a slightly different experience.  Here’s a quick breakdown of all three route options!

Route 1 (9 caves and 3 temples)

Route 1 takes you through 9 caves and 3 temples. So if you want to go through as many caves as possible, then this is your pick!   Temples on this route: Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, Khong Palace, Bao Hieu Temple Caves on this route: Toi Cave, Sang Cave, Nau Ruou Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave, Khong Cave, Tran Cave, Quy Hau Cave This is also the longest of the three routes. If you aren’t comfortable in tight spaces for extended periods of time, you might want to choose 2 or 3.

Route 2 (4 caves and 3 temples)

Route 2 is possibly the most popular route because it is a middle length option in terms of time. It’s a great mix of caves and temples!  Temples on this route: Thanh Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple Caves on this route: Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, Dai Cave  One interesting thing about the area is that parts of the movie “Kong: Skull Island” were filmed here. For a couple years after the release (2017) there was a movie set you could tour on Routes 2 and 3. They have since torn down the movie set, but your boat driver will surely point it out to you. 

Route 3 (3 caves and 3 temples)

Route 3 is best if you want to see the least amount of caves and spend most of your time outside enjoying the scenery. It is the shortest of the 3 routes, but it does include the Dot Cave which is the longest cave in the area at 1 km long!  Temples on this route: Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple Caves on this route: Dot Cave, Van Cave, Dia Linh Mountain, Dai Cave  

What is the best route? 

No matter what route you take you’ll see a great mix of caves, temples, and immaculate scenery. So there really is no “best route.” It all depends on what you are more excited to see! We had a tough time deciding which to go with, but we ultimately decided to go with Route 3 .  What made our decision was we had just got done with a big cave adventure the previous few days, so we wanted to spend more time admiring the outside scenery than seeing more caves. Plus, we thought going into the longest cave sounded pretty cool…and it sure was!

Getting to the boats

After getting your ticket, crossing the street, and figuring out which route you want to take, you’ll want to head to the boats. You will tell them which route you want and they’ll give you a driver. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to wait in line for the next available boat. Or if it isn’t very busy, you may have to wait for your boat to fill with the required four people. Once you are assigned to your boat and driver, you’ll put on your life jackets (mandatory) and off you go!

Experience on the boat

Regardless of the route you choose, the overall boat experience is about the same. Your driver will paddle you through the water (you can help them if you’d like!) and possibly point out major landmarks. Our driver did not speak English, but she knew a few words, like “King Kong” and we also used Google Translate to speak with her. She was very kind and offered to take multiple photos of us. We had a great experience with her! Along the tour, your driver will paddle you through the tight caves (they are pros!) and up to the different temples on your route. Whenever you get to a temple, your driver will stop and let you off the boat to explore. You typically get about 10-15 minutes at each temple, before meeting your boat driver back at the boats.  Since all of the drivers wear the same shirt, you may wonder how you’ll find your driver again. Ours always remembered who we were and each boat is numbered, so we suggest learning your boat number.

Going through the caves

Besides the scenery from the water, the caves were our favorite part of the tour. It’s pretty impressive how well the drivers can maneuver these boats through the tight caves. They know the perfect line to take and how to get through without even bumping a wall! But be warned: some of the ceilings of the caves are very low and you’ll need to duck your head! For Route 3, going through the 1 km long Dot Cave was such a neat experience! It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get through the cave, which feels extremely long, especially compared to the others on the route. We loved it and are very glad we chose Route 3 so that we could go into this one. 

Visiting Temples

When visiting the temples on the Trang An boat tour, make sure to be respectful and follow all rules. According to the signage at the temples, you are not allowed to take photos inside, smoke, talk loudly or talk on the phone, and eat food. You also need to cover your shoulders and knees. On Route 3, we got to see three temples. And each one was very different! The first (Trinh) was a quick stop, right where the boat dropped us off. Temple number two (Suoi Tien), required us to walk a bit to get to, as it was tucked into the mountains. And the third temple (Hanh Cung Vu Lam) had multiple buildings to check out, plus a pagoda on an island.

Food and toilets

There are a couple restaurants in the main ticket area, along with an ATM and toilets. Along the route, specifically at the temple stops, you will find a snack stand and toilets as well. 

Should you tip your driver?

Tipping isn’t technically required at the Trang An boat tour, but you should tip your driver. They work VERY hard to paddle!  Unlike the Tam Coc boat tour, where drivers can be aggressive about tips, you will not find that here. Our driver did not ask for a tip, but they will expect one.  We read that it’s customary to tip at least 25,000 VND (~$1 USD) per person. However, we would suggest 50,000 VND (~$2 USD) per person at minimum. Personally, we tipped 250,000 VND (~$10 USD) total. And there were a few reasons for this:

• We had the entire boat to ourselves. In theory, this would have meant less of a tip for our driver, since she only had two passengers.
• Our driver was very patient with us filming. We for sure took longer than we were supposed to at many of the stops.
• In Vietnam, we personally preferred to tip extra. What may seem like a small amount to us can mean a lot to them.

We think the Trang An boat tour is 100% worth it! The serene, tranquil beauty, with the towering limestone peaks, temples, and caves, make this a must-do as part of any Ninh Binh itinerary . It was one of the most beautiful activities we did in all of Vietnam.

There is a similar boat tour in Tam Coc, which leaves from the Tam Coc Van Lam Pier . On this tour, you will be paddled through a valley, with fields and limestone peaks surrounding you, as well as go into caves and see temples. And while it is shorter and cheaper than the Trang An boat tour, it comes with some drawbacks.  On this boat tour you’re likely to encounter hassling from vendors, both before the tour and on the boat ride. Sometimes, boats will pull up to your boat and basically corner you until you buy something from them. Your boat driver may even try to guilt you into buying them a snack or drink from the vendors.  We have also read some pretty bad stories about boat drivers stopping the tour half way and demanding a tip or they will refuse to paddle back. They will also demand a tip at the end of the ride.  Of course, not every experience is the same and you may have a positive experience on the Tam Coc boat tour. But from our experience and many others, the Trang An boat tour is hassle free. Since Trang An is inside a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is very well managed. You won’t experience any haggling from vendors, parking scams, or other common tourist scams. So for all of those reasons, we’d highly recommend the Trang An boat tour over the Tam Coc boat tour.

The Trang An boat tour is located in Trang An, a smaller town just north of Tam Coc. 

By bike or motorbike

Getting to the Trang An boat dock is very easy by bike or motorbike from Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, and the surrounding homestays. Many homestays and other accommodations offer to borrow bicycles for free and motorbikes for a small fee. We stayed at Trang An Lamia Bungalow which is a bit north of the boat tour and it was an easy ride on the road. Once you get to the Trang An boat tour, there is lots of parking.

Tour from Hanoi

If you’d prefer to visit the Ninh Binh area through a tour from Hanoi , you have several great options. Deluxe Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group – Cruising, Biking,Hiking, Limousine This action packed small group tour includes the Trang An boat tour, lunch, a bike ride, the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, a guide up the Mua Cave, and more! Entrance fees are included in the price. Private Ninh Binh – Mua Cave – Trang An – Bich Dong Full Day Tour This private tour includes travel in a very nice limo (van) to Mua Cave, Trang An boat tour, bike ride, lunch, and more! Deluxe & Small Group- Bai Dinh Trang An Mua Cave Tour with Limousine Transfer Included in this small group tour is Trang An boat tour, a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Cave, lunch and more. 

Want to save some money on this tour or experience? Book it on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!

Like much of Vietnam, Ninh Binh experiences two main seasons, rainy season and dry season. We would recommend visiting in the dry season during the months of November through April ! The rainy season typically begins in May and ends in October. We visited in late March and the weather was just getting to be pretty warm, but not unbearable. Although we did have some cloudy days, we didn’t experience any rain.  You can still have a wonderful time in Ninh Binh during the rainy season. One perk of visiting during the rainy season (June especially) is that the surrounding rice fields will be lush and green! Also, the lotus and water lilies will be in full bloom! However, it will be very hot and humid in the summer. And there is no shade on the boats. If visiting during the rainy season, make sure to pack the right gear, including a rain jacket , for your boat ride. And possibly an umbrella, but only under one condition. And that’s if you paid for a private boat.  The boats aren’t very big, so if you’re sitting at the front of the boat, your umbrella will be in the couple’s faces behind you blocking their view. And if you’re sitting behind them, then your umbrella will be in the boat driver’s face. If you’re the only two on the boat, then we’d say an umbrella is a great idea.

We’d recommend visiting as early as possible for the most peaceful experience. By midday, the tour groups will have arrived and it will be extremely busy! We got here early in the morning (around 8 AM) so we could avoid the crowds as much as possible. There were a handful of people, but it was very calm compared to some pictures we’ve seen.

Sun protection

There is no shade on the boat and very little relief from the sun along the ride, except for temples and caves. Make sure to bring a hat to cover your face from the sun, as well as sunscreen!

Temple Attire

If you plan to go inside the temples, make sure to have something to cover your shoulders and knees! We suggest something lightweight. I wore a cardigan and it was VERY hot.

While you can pay for your ticket with a credit card, you will want cash to tip your driver.

Snack 

While there are some restaurants and snack shops on the complex, you might want something to snack on during the ride. We’d suggest packing a snack just in case you get hungry.

Water 

Even in the cooler months, it is still warm (and humid) in Ninh Binh. Make sure to pack some water to drink along the way!

You’re going to want to take loads of photos, so bring your camera! You can see what camera we use here .

If you have more time in Ninh Binh, check out our guide with 9+ AMAZING things to do in Ninh Binh . In this guide we share a two day itinerary, plus a bunch of suggestions of where to eat and stay, including a beautiful bungalow with a private plunge pool!

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Trang An boat tour guide & 4 highlights you should not miss

Trang An is known as Halong Bay on land. The spectacular landscape is dominated by towering limestone mountains covered with tropical plants, rivers and hidden temples and pagodas. Trang An is the only place in Vietnam which is both a natural and cultural UNESCO heritage site. The best way to see it’s full glory it to take a Trang An boat tour. With only 100 km from Hanoi you have the choice to visit this place as a day trip or stay among the beautiful rice fields.

What to see in Trang An

Trang an boat tour, other sights around trang an, how to get there, best travel time, accommodation in trang an, recommended tours to trang an.

Trang An has one of the most beautiful and impressive karst mountains in the world. The entire landscape is composed of pointed limestone mountains covered with flowering jungles and rice fields in the valleys between them. The rivers are all interconnected and some extend over a kilometer, making boat trips the perfect way to explore the landscape. Besides from the amazing scenery, there are countless of beautiful natural caves.

The various historical temples and pagodas in Trang makes it also a religious and spiritual place. You can find these ancient religious buildings hidden in the mountains and jungle, often only reaches by boat or climbing, making this place even more mystical.

“Halong Bay on land”

Trang An is also called the “Halong on land”, but there are major differences. Trang An offers a lot more cultural and historical background. You don’t find any luxury cruise ships sailing through the landscape, but only the small rowing sampan boats fit in the narrow rivers. But taking a rowing boat and going gently over the small rivers between towering karst mountains and jungle fits perfect in the magical scenery.

Kong Skull Island movie location

In 2017, Trang An was one of the most important film locations of the blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island”. A couple of months later after the movie, the local tourist board opened a small part of the movie set of “ Kong: Skull Island ” to visit. In particular, a reconstructed jungle tribe village in the film one, with locals dressing up as the aborigines in the film.

To see the impressive landscape of Trang An you have to take a boat trip. With a rowing boat you go over the river, past the towering limestone mountains, through caves and you can visit a number of temples. There are currently three boat routes in Trang An, one of which you must choose (all the same price). In all three boat routes you will see the beautiful landscape, but there are a few small differences:

Route 1 was the first boat trip and during this tour you visit most caves, 9 in total. You also go to 3 temples and pagodas.

Route 2 is new and now also the most popular, because it has a good mix of caves and other sights. During this Trang An boat trip you will visit three caves, two temples and King Kong village; a part from the Kong Skull Island film set.

In route 3 you also visit 3 caves, 1 of which with 1 km is also the longest in Trang An. You also visit 2 temples and the film set in King Kong Village.

Which should I choose?

In route 2 and 3 you go to King Kong Village from the latest Kong movie. Route 1 is nowadays the most peaceful route, but has many caves. Route 2 is the best mix of sights, but it is also the busiest.

Trang An bout tour prices and opening hours

Location : Ecotourism Trang An Boat Tour ( Google Maps ) Price : Tickets can be purchased at the counter in the Trang An Ecological Park parking lot. As soon as you arrive, you will see the tourist center.

• Adults : 200,000 vnd
• Children under 1 meter : 100,000 vnd

Opening hours : 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Duration : 2.5 – 3 hours

• If you plan to do a Trang An Tour in the middle of the day, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
• Bring water and snacks as this boat trip takes approximately 3 hours.
• Every boat has an extra paddle. If you want, you can use them for rowing.

Trang An highlights

1. trang an boat tour.

As mentioned, the Trang An boat tour is the highlight of a trip to this area. Enjoy a traditional rowing boat ride over the stunning stream, between impressive karts mountains.

2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Just 4 km from where the boats leave for the Trang An boat tour, you find Hoa Lu , the ancient capital of Vietnam. The original citadel may no longer exist, but the remaining tenth-century buildings and the beautiful surroundings of Hoa Lu are well worth a visit.

3. Cycling through Trang An’s countryside

The countryside of Trang An is impressive, with extensive rice fields, where you can see buffalos and their owners at work. Steep mountains covered with jungle and some hidden goats jumping from rock to rock. The roads between these mountains and rice fields are flat with little traffic, which makes it ideal for cycling. Cycling in Ninh Binh is extremely popular and most hotels and homestays offer free bicycles to borrow. You can also choose to rent a scooter.

4. Staying overnight

The countryside of Ninh Binh is one of the main highlights for travelers to visit this area. What better place is there to stay then right in this area. The Trang An area has some stunning accommodation, often hidden behind the cliffs and mountains. Expect scenic views from your stay over the countryside or a wetland area. In addition, staying in this area also means staying close to the main things to do in Ninh Binh , so it is easy to reach the main attractions by bicycle or scooter.

Apart from all the temples and the boat trip, there are no other sights in Trang An itself. About 7 km from Trang An is Tam Coc , here you will find another popular boat trip and Mua Cave , the best viewpoint in Ninh Binh.

Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex is 12 km from Trang An and is called Bai Dinh Pagoda . It consists of various temples and more than 500 images of Buddha. The complex is huge but not very old; built in 2003.

There are many tour operators who offer a 1-day or 2-day tour from Ninh Binh or Hanoi. If you choose a day tour to Trang An, transport is included. This usually means that you will be picked up by a tour operator and brought in a shuttle bus or private car.

You can also travel to Ninh Binh from Hanoi, Hue and Phong Nha, among others. Ninh Binh has a train station that connects it to the north and south. Many buses also stop here. Because it is only a 1.5 hour drive from Hanoi you can also hire a minibus or private car at a reasonable price.

From Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc

If you are in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, Trang An is best reached by bike, motorcycle or taxi. You can rent a motorbike or scooter for 150,000 VND per day. A taxi costs around 15,000 VND / km. The best thing is by bike, because the roads between Tam Coc, Ninh Binh and Trang An are quiet and you can cycle between beautiful rice fields.

You can visit Trang An all year round. In contrast to Tam Coc, you have fewer rice fields in Trang An, which means that it is not much nicer in Trang An during the correct rice season. You do have to deal with the rainy season and the drying season. The best weather is in the months from November to April. It can be cold in December and January in particular.

Trang An offers many accommodation options, with hotels, resorts, homestays, hostels and bungalows. The advantage of staying at Tam Coc or Trang An is that you are right in the vicinity of the popular sights, boat tours and located in a beautiful area. You can visit most sights from here by bike. Some recommended accommodations in Trang An are:

• Lotus Field Homestay
• Trang An Farm Stay
• Hoalu Eco Homestay Ninh Binh
• Trang An Retreat
• Trang An Nature House

Are you excited to do the Trang An boat tour, Hoa Lu or just to visit this stunning region? Check our tours to Ninh Binh and Trang An. You can also combine a visit to Ninh Binh with Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Cuc Phuong National Park .

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Local tip! You might like these experiences

Ninh Binh trip: Bai Dinh pagoda, Trang An boat trip & biking day tour from Hanoi

• Explore the largest pagoda temple complex in Vietnam
• Enjoy a bout trip through the grottoes of Trang An by traditional sampan
• Cycle along the rivers on rural roads

Ninh Binh 2 day discovery: Trang An, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu & pagoda’s

• Enjoy a breathtaking boat trip through Trang An
• Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh: Mua Cave
• Learn more about the history of Vietnam at Hoa Lu
• Explore the biggest Buddhist complex is Southeast Asia

Ninh Binh 2 day exploration: Trang An, Mua Cave, Cuc Phuong national park & pagoda’s

• Make a trekking through in Cuc Phuong National park
• Visit the best viewpoint of Ninh Binh
• Make a boat trip through the impressive mountains of Trang An
• Stay in a nice bungalow with cooking class and dinner
• Destination: Ninh Binh
• By: Marnick Schoonderwoerd
• September 23, 2019
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Trang An Boat Tour: What You Need to Know about Ninh Binh’s Best Tour | 2024

Located in Northern Vietnam is a province called Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is known for its stunning natural landscapes and historical sites as well as many cultural attractions. The area is often referred to as the “ Ha Long Bay on Land ” due to it’s limestone karsts that are very similar to the ones in Ha Long Bay Vietnam.

To get a close up view of the spectacular scenery in the area, the Trang An Boat Tour is one of the best ways to do just that. Here’s what you need to know about the Trang An Boat Tour .

About the Ninh Binh Trang An Boat Tour

The Trang An Boat Tour is part of the Trang An Landscape Complex which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Archaeologists found human activity in the area that goes back more than 30,000 years.

Trang An Ninh Binh has numerous cultural and historical sites, including the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, but it is the natural landscape of the area that is the main attraction. The Trang An Boat Tour takes you on a traditional sampan boat along the Ngo Dong River through caves and stops at several temples along the way.

Where is Trang An?

Trang An is located in the Ninh Binh Province just a few miles outside of the city of Ninh Binh. It’s just a 9 minute drive from Tam Coc and a 13 minute drive from the center of Ninh Binh . The boat tour area is circled in red on the map below.

How to get to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is located just 90km south of the Vietnam capital of Hanoi. There are not any airports in Ninh Binh so you have to travel by either bus, train, private car, or motorbike.

If you’re coming from Hanoi, you can easily catch the train. A train ticket from Hanoi will cost around $15 (one way) and will take just a few hours to reach Ninh Binh. From there you can catch a taxi or use the Grab app to get a ride to your hotel. You can search for and buy train tickets in Vietnam at Vietnam Train Tickets .

Vietnam has inexpensive bus transportation that is operated by various bus companies throughout Vietnam. I’ve used 12go.asia to book reservations on buses throughout Vietnam. Just pick your starting location and then your final destination.

Depending on where you’re staying you’ll choose either Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, or Trang An. Make sure you check the reviews when your booking your bus. It’s hit and miss with the bus companies. Bus service is so inexpensive, starting around $5 , and the ride from Hanoi is short at just a few hours that you might be willing to overlook some of the bad reviews.

If you plan on visiting Ninh Binh for just one day you might want to consider booking through a tour company. There are a lot of companies in Hanoi that you can book in person. As you’re walking around the Old Quarter in Hanoi you’ll see big signs in windows along the street with photos of the different places they go.

You can also book one yourself on Viator . You’ll book the tour, get meeting instructions, and come for the day. It will likely leave by 7 or 8 am and you need to plan for a 12 hour day. Find a tour that has the Hang Mua hike and whatever else you want to do while here.

Private Car

You can rent a car however, with gas and insurance, the cost and hassle might not be worth it. I think the other options are much more affordable and so easy to use. But, if you’re set on renting a vehicle or if you are planning on driving throughout Vietnam, then you can rent a car with any of the major car rental companies.

Just make sure you have an International Drivers License . ONLY the person with the IDL should drive the vehicle.

Getting Around Ninh Binh

Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can either take a taxi or Grab, rent a motorcycle or a bicycle.

Taxi – Grab

A taxi or Grab will be the easiest option but will end up costing more if you plan to get multiple rides over several days. It’s still affordable and shouldn’t cost more than $5 but if you have to take several cabs a day then it will add up.

Grab is the equivilent to Uber . Just download the app and look for a ride. You do not need to enter any credit card info but you can if that’s easier for you. Most of the Grab drivers take cash. Just decide on a price for any taxi or Grab before you get in the car.

Renting a motorcycle or scooter is always our favorite option of transportation when we travel. It’s so easy to rent one and it shouldn’t cost more than $4-8 a day . You do not need to know how to shift gears on one. You’ll just turn the key and go.

You can also rent a bike for a few dollars. Some of the hotels or hostels have them for free if you’re staying with them. This will be the most affordable way to get around but you’ll spend a lot of time riding from place to place. If you only have 1-2 days in the area then you might not want to ride a bicycle to places that are further away.

How to get to the Trang An Boat Tour

Once you’ve figured out how you’re getting around you can make your way to Trang An. A taxi will know exactly how to get there. If you’re driving yourself then you’ll want to enter the address below into Google Maps.

Trang An Boat Tour Address : 7W39+7G5, Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

How and where to buy tickets

Once you arrive at the complex, you’ll park if you’ve driven yourself and then head to the main ticket office. You will see signs for everything.

Hours 7am – 4:30pm

Price 250,000 vnd, duration 2.5-3 hours.

Hours of Operation

The Trang An Boat Tour is open from 7am to 4:30pm every day of the week. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and have a much more peaceful boat ride if you show up as soon as they open.

When you arrive at the complex you’ll need to pay for parking if you’ve driven yourself. There’s a huge parking lot and a ticket booth. Parking will cost 15,000 VND for motorcycles and 10,000 VND for bicycles. If you’ve taken a taxi then you don’t have to pay any parking fee.

Ticket Pricing

Tickets for the boat tour costs 250,000 VND per person . That’s about $11 per person. The boat has to have 4 people (plus the rower) on it so you might have to share a ride with others. The other option is to buy more tickets so that you have the boat to yourself.

Although there are three different boat routes the price is the same no matter which one you choose to do.

Trang An Boat Tour routes

The Trang An Complex has three different boat tour routes to choose from. Each one goes a different way than the others so if you choose to do multiple boat tours you’ll see something different each time.

Once you purchase your tickets you’ll walk through the ticket office building (it’s huge) and through an underground tunnel that goes under the road to the other side of street and to the boat dock. You’ll come to the boat rowers and get on the next available boat.

Trang An Boat Tour Route #1 will go through 9 different caves and stop at 3 different temples . The Tran Temple, is the “ heart of Trang An World Cultural and Natural Heritage ” and where you can learn about the Dinh Dynasty.

This is also the longest of all the boat tours lasting around 3 hours.

Trinh Temple > Toi Cave > Sang Cave > Nau Ruou Cave > Tran Temple > Ba Giot Cave > Seo Cave > Son Duong Cave > Khong Cave > Khong Temple – Bao Hieu Pagoda > Tran Cave > Quy Hau Cave

On Route #2 you’ll travel through 4 different caves and 3 temples . On this route you can learn more about the Tran Dynasty.

Lam Cave > Thanh Cao Son Temple > Vang Cave > Thanh Truot Cave > Suoi Tien Temple > Dai Cave > Vu Lam Royal Steps

You won’t get out at the last temple, the Vu Lam Royal Steps, but will only pass close by it.

Route #3 takes you through three caves and three temples . On this route is the Dot cave which is the longest cave at Trang An at 1km in length.

Trinh Temple > Dot Cave > Van Cave > Suoi Tien Temple > Dai Cave > Vu Lam Royal Steps

Which Trang An Boat Tour is best?

Route #1 will take you through the most caves and is the longest route. Route #2 has a good mix of 4 caves and 3 temples. And Route #3 has an even split of 3 temples and 3 caves with one of the caves being the longest at Trang An.

Route #1 is the most popular since it is the longest and has more caves that you pass through. They all have different temples and stunning landscapes so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Best time to visit Trang An

The Trang An Complex is open year round. The best weather is during the drier months between November and April although December and January will be colder. It starts to warm up in March and there isn’t a lot of rain. By May and June it will be really warm and much more crowded but everything will be really green and blooming.

As far as the best time of day to take the Trang An Boat Tour, first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon are best. The morning will be more peaceful and less crowded, at least until the tour buses show up. The middle of the day will be the most crowded and if you’re visiting during the hotter months, it will be very hot. The afternoon will also be hot (in late spring through early fall) but the crowds will have mostly left by then.

Is the Trang An Boat Tour worth it?

Yes, the Trang An Boat Tour is definitely worth visiting! It’s so peaceful, serene, and beautiful and should not be missed. It’s one of the best things to do in the area.

Other Boat Tours in Ninh Binh

Yes, there are other boat tours in the area that you might want to take in addition to the Trang An Boat Tour. Both of these also take you on a scenic tour of the area.

Tam Coc Boat Tour

In Tam Coc, which is just a 9 minute drive from Trang An, you can take a 2 hour boat tour down the Ngo River through rice paddy fields and mountains. The landscape is just as stunning as Trang An, however the Tam Coc Boat Tour is not an UNESCO site and so it’s not as professionally run as Trang An.

There is a set price to ride but there have been reports of boat rowers demanding tips and even refusing to continue on until you’ve paid them money.

Van Long Nature Reserve Boat Tour

The Van Long Boat Tour is a 1.5 hour boat ride through a wetland area through caves and limestone mountains. It’s very popular with bird watchers as there’s a large variety of different birds that call the area home.

Other things to do in Trang An

There is so much to see and do in Trang An and the surrounding areas. You could easily spend 3-4 days in Ninh Binh and fill your days up with seeing all the sights.

Climb 486 steps to one of the best views in Ninh Binh. It’s not difficult at all and will only take about 20-30 minutes to reach the top. It costs just 100,000 VND and there are other things on the property to see so plan on spending about 1.5 hours at Hang Mua.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Much more than just a pagoda, this is Southeast Asia’s large Buddhist complex. There are many buildings and gardens to walk through including towers with ancient Buddhas, several pagodas and corridors with over 500 Buddha statues. It’s free to enter but you will have to pay for parking and you might want to pay to ride in an electric vehicle to get around. The complex is very large. Expect to spend 3-5 hours here if you want to see everything.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu was once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. The site is an important part of Vietnam’s history and is recognized by the Unesco World Heritage Site as one of the four core zones of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. It’s open from 7am – 5pm every day and costs just 20,000 VND to enter.

Essential Tips for the Trang An Boat Tour

What to wear.

You’ll be getting in and out of the boat when you stop at the temples so you’ll want to dress comfortably. You won’t be getting wet, unless it’s raining, so you don’t have to worry about that. Wear comfortable shoes because there are some stops where you can climb up some of the mountains (super easy) to get some good views.

What to bring

Things to consider bringing depending on the weather are sunscreen, a hat, umbrella, raincoat, water, and snacks. Each route is 2-3 hours long so you’ll want to bring water. When you stop at the different temples there will be a place to purchase water and snacks if you need them.

There are toilets near the ticket booth and there are toilets at the different stops for the temples. Just make sure you bring toilet paper with you.

Where to stay

Although the largest town in the area is Ninh Binh, it’s not the best area to stay. You’ll want to be either in Tam Coc or Trang An which is close to all the main sights.

Staying in Tam Coc is my recommendation for the best area to stay in. It has a very small town feel but there are dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from to eat at. There are also a lot of hotels/hostels/homestays too. It’s the most popular area to stay in.

There are a lot of hotels in the Trang An area but they are more spread out. You’ll likely have a restaurant or bar at your hotel and maybe some nearby but you will need to either walk a while to get to something or take a taxi.

More Articles About Ninh Binh

Read about visiting Ninh Binh Vietnam and a list of all the major things to do while there.

Do you want to hike Hang Mua ? Read all about it including which path you should take first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need to book tickets in advance.

No, you do not need to buy tickets in advance at the Trang An Boat Tour.

Is the boat tour safe?

Yes, it’s very safe. The Trang An Complex is a UNESCO site and it is professionaly run. You’ll have to wear a life jacket on the boat although the water is not deep at all.

Which route is the best route in Trang An?

My personal opinion is that you can’t go wrong with any of the routes, however I would say that Route 1 is probably the best since it goes through the most caves and stops at the most important temple on site.

How much does it cost to go on the Trang An Boat Tour

Tickets are 250,000 VND (about $11).

What are the hours of operation at Trang An Boat Tour?

The boat tours operate from 7am – 4:30pm every day.

What is the best month to visit Trang An?

May is probably the best month to visit. Between late April to early June it starts to warm up and everything turns green and the lotus flowers are in bloom.

Is one day enough to visit Ninh Binh?

You can see 2-3 things in a one day visit but you would need about 3 days to see all the best things there are in the area.

Vietnam Travel Booking Resources

Accomodation.

I like to use Booking.com to book my hotel stays. I find it to be one of the best platforms with low rates. Plus, the more you book with them you’ll earn further discounts.

Transportation

Two of the best transportation services in Asia is 12go and the Grab app. Not all countries have Uber but Grab is very similar in Southeast Asia and makes it easy to catch a ride somewhere.

Two of my favorite resources for tours is Viator and Get Your Guide . Both offer affordable tours for different activities all over the world.

Vietnam Visa

You’ll need a Visa when you visit Vietnam and the Vietnamese Government has made it really easy to apply online and print it out at home.

Audra has been traveling and living around the world since the age of 4. She's lived in 4 countries and explores as many new places as possible, always planning the next trip even before the current one is over. Audra has been a professional photographer since 2001 owning a portrait studio for 10 years and photographing hotels. She currently sells her fine art travel photos on Etsy and Amazon.

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Trang An boat tour – prices, routes and tips & tricks

The Trang An boat tour is probably the most touristic activity in Ninh Binh Province. People from all around the globe come here to admire the caves and temples while enjoying a peaceful boat ride. The limestone mountains popping out of the water create an incredible scenery and it’s no wonder so many people fall in love with this place.

If you are in the area, you can also visit the Hang Mua Peak , the Thai Vi Temple or take a boat tour in Tam Coc .

Why you should take a Trang An boat tour

1. admire the breathtaking scenery.

I find the scenery at Trang An boat tour very similar to Halong Bay – tall, round mountains with lush vegetation, surrounded by water. With every turn, the boat ride uncovers more and more stunning landscapes. From time to time, birds fly and sing peacefully. Everything about this place is magical.

-> Read more about all the Ninh Binh must see attractions here .

2. Invest in the local economy

Many Vietnamese people living in the Ninh Binh Province rely heavily on tourism as their main source of income, including the locals who row the boats. By taking a boat tour at Trang An, you are contributing to the local economy. Don’t forget to leave a tip for these hard working people (anything between 20.000 VND and 40.000 VND would be great).

-> Book a tour to Trang An here

About Trang An boat tour

1. Route 1 – 9 caves, 3 temples

This route is designed for those passionate about geology. It is the only tour that will take you through that many caves.

2. Route 2 – 4 caves, 3 temples

This route is the most balanced one with a fair number of caves and temples to visit.

3. Route 3 – 3 caves, 3 temples

If you want to enjoy the limestone mountains, then this route is definitely for you. Most of the tour will be out in the open air.

The ticket office is right on the left side of the map (the one from the picture above). Each boat can accommodate maximum 4 people and the price per person is 200,000 VND.

If you are a group of 2 you will have to look for some partners to fill the empty spots. If you don’t find anybody, you will have to pay the full price of 800,000 VND per boat. However, I would’t stress too much about it as the influx of tourists at Trang An boat tour is very high.

Evey boat has one guide/ rower who sits in the back of the boat. Although the boat tour is safe, make sure to put your life jacket on before starting the tour.

Things to keep in mind:

• If you are planning to take a boat tour in the middle of the day, do not forget your hat and sunscreen home. There is little to no shade along the way.
• Bring water and food (something sweet or a sandwich) as the boat tour will take about 3 hours.
• Each boat has an extra pair of paddles. If you want, you can use them and help your guide. I can imagine that paddling for that many hours per day can get pretty tiring for the guides.

How to get to Trang An boat tour

1. From Ninh Binh city or Tam Coc

If you are staying in any of the above cities, the easiest way to get to Trang An boat tour is either by motorbike or taxi. You can rent a motorbike for one day for about 150,000 VND per day. The taxi will cost you around 15,000 VND per kilometer.

2. From Hanoi

There are many tour companies which offer one day or two day tours to Ninh Binh area. Below are a few suggestions:

• Mua Cave and Trang An tour from Hanoi –   click here
• Bai Ding and Trang An tour from Hanoi – click here

Where to stay in Ninh Binh

I’ve been searching for the best accommodation in Ninh Binh. Below are the best hotels, for every budget:

• Budget –  Tam Coc Craft Homestay  – great location, big & comfortable rooms, very clean
• Mid-budget –  Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort  – amazing pool with a view, good location, spacious rooms, breakfast included
• Luxury –  Aravinda Resort  – amazing location near the limestone mountains, luxurious rooms, super-friendly staff, excellent breakfast

Taking a Trang An boat tour is a must when visiting Ninh Binh. I would recommend spending at least 2 days in the area. Far less touristy than Halong Bay, Ninh Binh offers spectacular views and many attractions to choose from. Read below which other tourist hot spots you can visit in the area.

May the travel bug bite you!

More about nearby attractions:

• Ninh Binh must see attractions  –  click here
• Thai Vi Temple  – a peaceful place in Ninh Binh –  click here
• Hang Mua Peak  – the best view in Ninh Binh –  click here
• Bich Dong Pagoda –  a Ninh Binh must see –  click here
• Tam Coc boat tour  – Ninh Binh –  click here

Pin it for later!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Very informative article, I will keep it in mind for when I visit Vietnam

So happy to hear this!

Thank you for putting this helpful info together! I feel better prepared going into the ride.

I am so happy to hear this! Ninh Binh is incredible!

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Discover Ninh Binh

Tràng An is simultaneously a World Heritage site, a major tourism attraction, an extremely important archaeological and historical site and a massive nature reserve. As the Trang An Landscape Complex, it encompasses over 6000 hectares including the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest, joined together by “special use” land corridors.

Outside of these protected areas, it can be a maze of both paved and unpaved roads, winding streams and walking tracks that link together the hundreds of small villages and farming communities gathered in the surrounding rich alluvial plains. But as a town, it barely exists at all.

Global Significance

In many ways, Trang An is Ninh Binh. Or rather, Ninh Binh provides the support system for Trang An. Designated as “of global significance” by UNESCO in 2014, due to its stunning karst landscape and a long history of some 30,000 years of human habitation, the Complex itself covers a massive area. However a further 6000 hectares have also been set aside as a “buffer zone” surrounding the area, protecting the natural beauty and keeping the biological diversity intact.

With the addition of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, the Cuc Phuong National Park and the recent plans for expansion of the Day River Estuary Biosphere Reserve in Kim Son, Ninh Binh Province is curating a massive chunk of Vietnamese cultural and geological history. Rebuilding many architectural and historical sites includes promoting eco-tourism as a viable industry, both as a means to fund the program but also a way to retain this unique environment for future generations.

The ravages of covid forced the closure of many local businesses and many locals suddenly made redundant. We live in hope that International and domestic tourists will return again in such numbers to continue the viability of this natural and ancint dream world as one of the crown jewels of Vietnamese tourism.

Trang An Boat Rides

Perhaps the most well-known and loved part of the Trang An eco-tourism area is the famed boat rides along a tributary of the Hong River (itself a tributary of the Red River). The journey through rice fields, over sparkling water gardens and through half submerged underground caves has thrilled thousands. The 2016 Hollywood block buster King Kong featured many scenes filmed in Tam Coc and Trang An, further enhancing its image and until Covid, helped create a booming influx of visitors.

Similar to its older cousin at Văn Lâm in Tam Coc, the Trang An Boat Wharf offers three separate routes, all showcasing the stunning natural panorama that is Ninh Binh’s signature claim to fame. While many pundits will compare Trang An to an inland Halong Bay, here at Discover Ninh Binh we believe that it is much more than that. While the romance and adventure of an overnight cruise on Halong Bay is undeniably attractive, Trang An offers a way to get up close an intimate with the heartland of North Vietnam’s unique and diverse natural beauty plus the opportunity to interact with the temples, pagodas and shrines that witnessed the very foundation of the Vietnam nation.

Water Everywhere

Geographically speaking, Trang An has been submerged by sea, not once but several times in its 250 million year history. Even now it is subject to intermittent flooding and an intricate series of dykes and sluice gates have been developed over the years to counter the numerous fresh water river systems that provide Ninh Binh with the foundations of its rich fauna, flora and aquatic diversity. A pleasant result has been the return of huge numbers of birds, plants and animals as well as providing a rich breeding ground for all things aquatic.

A simple boat ride from Trang An will introduce even the most jaded traveler to an most enjoyable, unique and exciting journey through one of the most interesting and beautiful environments in Vietnam, if not the world. More tightly controlled than its counter-part in Tam Coc, Trang An also shows that sustainable, non-intrusive and entertaining tourism is possible and indeed, profitable.

Trang An Wharf is around 7 km from Ninh Binh city and is reached easily along good all weather roads. Priced at around 250k VND for adults and 120k for children between 1 and 1.3 meters in height (below this travel free), you have a choice of three different routes.

Tour 1 is the longest of the three, taking 3 to 5 hours to thoroughly explore all of the attractions, including spiritual and exhilarating caverns. A mix of scenic travel, caves and temples, the itinerary here is as follows:

The second route winds through Lam, Vang, Thanh Truot and Dai caves, Suoi Tien tempe. Route 2 will transport visitors “back in time” to the 13th century, taking in sites and temples from the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400). Known as a strong, progressive and artistic dynasty that fought off the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty attacks and consolidated the Dai Viet nation, with the Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam palace) as an iconic example of their architectural brilliance.

This tour focuses on the historical and religious relics from that period as well as several caves and, of course, the fantastic scenery. The trip’s final destination will be to pass by the well-known Hollywood filming site of Kong: Skull Island and overall the tour takes around 2-3.5 hours, dependent on how long you and your fellow passengers stay at each site. Tour 2’s itinerary is as follows:

Route 3 focuses on the geological and aquatic wonders of the Trang An experience. Guests will visit many caves with the highlight being Hang Mây , a natural cave with a length of more than 1000m with crystals and stalactites extending like jewels. Route 3 typically takes from 2 to 3.5 hours, again dependent on how long you and your fellow passengers stay at each site. Route 3 itinerary is as follows:

As all tours take several hours to complete, guests are reminded to wear loose clothing, bring a hat or umbrella, a waterproof bag for any electronics, and some liquid refreshments. There are some wonderful spots for an impromptu picnic and times where you will exit the boat and explore the temples and gardens.

The sun reflecting off the clear stream can heat things up considerable so staying cool and hydrated is important. While you are surrounded by cool, fresh water, Trang An is a nature reserve and no swimming or bathing is allowed.

In an attempt to improve the experience, your guide will often present guests with a survey of their experience.  Alternatively, if you have anything that makes you unhappy or dissatisfied during your trip, please contact the management via social network or the hotline number mounted on the boat.

Tickets Please

Ticket price (for any of the routes):

A new attraction is the availability of individual kayak hire.  You cannot enter any caves and must keep clear of the official tour boats, otherwise you are free to explore the river and the magnificent Karst scenery at your own pace. Kayak Rental cost are as follows:

If you drive to Trang An wharf, there is a large parking area at around 25k VND per motorcycle. To one side of the parking area is a “market” place selling souvenirs and refreshments, so if it is a hot day and you have forgotten your hat or water bottle, you have the opportunity to make any last minute purchases.

Stated opening hours are 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Generally the attraction is most busy between the hours of 10am and 3pm when the tour buses from Hanoi will arrive and depart.

Trang An Boat Tour in Vietnam — Which Route Is The Best?

Trang An ecotourism complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty that Northern Vietnam has to offer. Located less than 6 km from nearby Ninh Binh and around 100 km from Hanoi, the Trang An boat tour has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. Avoid the tourist trap that Tam Coc has become and visit Trang An instead.

Learn about the different rowing boat route options available at Trang An and my recommendation as to which is the best.

Although you’ll get to see the towering limestone mountains and majestic caves no matter which boat ride you choose to do at Trang An, not all routes are created equal—except for the price and duration. All Tang An boat routes cost 200,000 VND per person or just under $9 USD and last approximately 3 hours. Children under 1 meter are half price or 100,000 VND.

After a logical process of elimination, I ended up choosing to embark on Route 3 in Trang An. While we’ll look at what each route has to offer below, I landed on Route 3 because it not only boasted the longest cave of 1 km long in all of Trang An, but it also stopped at Kong Skull Island which is the filming location for the 2017 King Kong movie.

Trang An Boat Route 1

Most people who choose Trang An Route 1 do so because you visit the largest number of caves—nine in total. While you visit nine caves on Route 1, you do not get the chance to visit the longest cave at Trang An which can only be done on Route 3.

Caves on Route 1 include:

• Nau Ruou Cave
• Ba Giot Cave
• Son Duong Cave
• Quy Hau Cave
• Cooking Wine Cave

All caves on this route are exclusive to Route 1 meaning there is no overlap with Route 2 or 3.

In addition to caves, you’ll visit three spiritual sites. At these spiritual sites, you’ll learn the history of the Dinh Dynasty when you visit the Trinh Temple and Khong Palace.

Probably most importantly, Route 1 exclusively stops at the Tran Temple which some consider to be the heart of the Trang An world cultural and natural heritage site.

Bottom line : If you want to maximize your cave experiences and time in the row boat and/or visit the Tran Temple, Route 1 is your best choice.

Tran An Boat Route 2

Route 2 offers a good balance between caves, natural beauty, and spiritual site visits. You’ll visit four caves and three spiritual sites in addition to the King Kong filming location called Skull Island.

The caves of Route 2 include:

• Thanh Truot Cave
• Dai Cave – 150 meters long

All caves on Route 2 are exclusive except for the Dai Cave which visitors also boat through on Route 3.

As far as spiritual sites are concerned, Route 2 stops at the Thanh Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and the Hanh Cung Vu Lam spiritual site. At all three of these spiritual sites, you’ll take a step back into time and learn about the history of the Tran Dynasty.

As a bonus that’s not well-advertised, just outside of Dai Cave is the magnificent Vu Lam Royal Step. Although you don’t stop here and just see it from a distance, this man-made structure is a spectacle worth seeing. You also follow this same path from Dai Cave to Hanh Cung Vu Lam and Skull Island on Route 3.

Also similar to Route 3, Dia Linh Mountain and Kim Quy Mountain are among the endless natural beauty that you’ll see on Route 2.

Last but not least, Route 2 also stops at Skull Island which is the filming location for the 2017 King Kong movie.

Bottom line : For a nice balance between stopping at spiritual sites and boating through caves, Route 2 is a good option for you, especially if you are a King Kong fan.

Trang An Boat Route 3

While Route 3 only takes your rowing boat through three caves, one of these caves is Dot Cave—the longest cave in Trang An of 1 kilometer in length. In addition to this, you’ll also boat through Van Cave which is a lengthy 600 meters long.

• Dot Cave – 1000 meters long (also known as May Cave)
• Van Cave – 400 meters long

In addition to caves, Route 3 also stops at three spiritual sites including Trinh Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and the Hanh Cung Vu Lam spiritual site.

As a bonus that’s not well-advertised, just outside of Dai Cave is the magnificent Vu Lam Royal Step. Although you don’t stop here and just see it from a distance, this man-made structure is a spectacle worth seeing. You also follow this same path from Dai Cave to Hanh Cung Vu Lam and Skull Island on Route 2.

Similar to Route 2, Dia Linh Mountain and Kim Quy Mountain are among the endless natural beauty that you’ll see on Route 3.

Last but not least, Route 3 also stops at Skull Island which is the filming location for the 2017 King Kong movie.

Bottom line : In order to boat through the longest cave of 1 kilometers long in Trang An, see the King Kong filming location, and visit multiple spiritual sites, Route 3 is perfect for you.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by luc zimmermann (@lucs.lens) on Aug 6, 2019 at 9:44pm PDT

Vietnam Boat Trip in Trang An Review

While I initially was leaning towards Route 1 because it sees the most caves, I reasoned with myself and ended up choosing Route 3 because it had the longest cave, Dot Cave, which is 1 kilometer long. In addition, Route 3 also stops at 3 spiritual sites as well as Skull Island.

Although I wasn’t too interested in the history of the spiritual sites, I found them to be stunningly beautiful. Not only was each temple and spiritual site beautiful in it’s own respect, the fact that it was located amongst the sheer limestone cliffs made these sites extra special.

My favorite part was probably Dot Cave which was the longest cave in Trang An. Dot Cave is a total of 1 kilometer long and it takes close to 15 minutes for the paddler to drive through. I went in July 2019, and while it was hot outside the cave, it was even hotter inside. The opposite was true inside Van Cave which had a nice cool breeze for the entire 400 meter length.

In all, I my whole experience at the Trang An landscape complex was peaceful and relaxing. I won’t soon forget the natural beauty that I witnessed on Route 3. I think, regardless of which route you choose, you’ll have a similar experience.

You made it this far! Seems like you’re interested in Vietnam travel. I vlogged my Vietnam travels, so you can watch those videos here on YouTube .

Traveling without spending a fortune is one of my specialities, so go here for some of my best budget travel tips .

Do you have any questions about Trang An, Ninh Binh, or backpacking Vietnam or Southeast Asia in general? Let me know in the comments below.

After years of backpacking the world solo, Tony is an expert when it comes to budget travel. Discover why Tony quit his job to travel on the cheap, and follow him on YouTube for all the latest.

1 thought on “Trang An Boat Tour in Vietnam — Which Route Is The Best?”

Thanks Tony, this was helpful.

Do you know how I can book a boat tour directly? I’ve spent hours researching on-line and all of the tours are from Hanoi. My lodging will be in Tam Coc.

And any advice on how I could also book directly other chargeable locations eg a podaga or temple would be much appreciated.

Any thoughts on how I could get from location 1 to location 2 (eg the boat tour to a podoga)? Are taxis always available waiting at each location? Or is this all local enough where I could ride a bike around?

Many thanks. Steve

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An Incredible Trang An Day Tour From Hanoi

Table of Contents

Trang An is a large ecological toursim are belonging to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with the total area of 12.000 hectares, located at Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province , around 100 km away from Hanoi.

It was ranked as the the national heritage of great importance by Vietnam government and recognized as the first cutural and natural heritage of Vietnam by UNESCO

• Read more: Incredible Things To Do In Trang An Landscape Complex | Top Ideas For Visitors

Trang An Boat Ride becoming an attractive tourist attraction with the granted beauty, Trang An ecological toursim area is the first choice of a lot of local and foreign tourists.  This place is an extremely ideal spot for you to relax so let’s check this article for valuable experience of taking Trang An tour!

More for you:

• Trang An Grottoes, A uniqueness of Ninh Binh?
• 7 Best Ninh Binh Things To See for 2024
• Trang An Boat Tour – A Spectacular Boat Ride in Ninh Binh

The best time for travelling to Trang An

With the typical weather of Trang An ecological complex, you can choose to come to Trang An any time of the year. However, to find about about its own characteristics, January – March (according to the lunar calendar) woule be better.

This time is the time when Trang An festivals take place; therefore, you can combine doing sightseeting of great views and explore the typical characteristics of festivals here like Trang An festival togethere with water and faith processions on the river

Transportation

• You can travel to Trang An from Hanoi by bus at Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam Bus Station. Buses run daily on various times.
• When reaching Ninh Binh city, you can rent a motorbike or grab a taxi to Trang An ecological toursim area in Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh for 7-10km.

If you have your private car or motorbike available, from Hanoi city, you follow Van Dien – Thuong Tin way, then highway 1A through Hanam province for around 2- 3 hours then reach Ninh Binh city.

Besides, you also can follow the highway Hanoi – Ninh Binh to reach Ninh Binh province. From the city center, you continue moving to Trang An four-way intersection, you will seen an instruction sign to Trang An complex

Interesting places

Arriving Trang An, you need to buy an entrance ticket and boatmen will take you on boat controlled by hands with the capacity around 4-5 people/boat. Two routes for you to choose as following:

Near by interesting places:

• Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Tam Coc – Ninh Binh
• Bich Dong Pagoda
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Am Tien Cave

Route 1 – 9 Caves

• Tran Temple –Khong Pagoda, you will have the chance to visit 12 caves and 3 spiritual spots on Sao Khue river of 15km circularly as following: Trinh Temple, Toi cave, Sang cave, Nau Ruou cave, Tran cave, Ba Giot cave, Seo cave, Son Duong cave, Khong temple, Tran cave, Quy Hau cave. This is going to take you around 3 hours

Route 2 – 5 Caves

• Vu Lam royal palace, you are taken to visit three special places for around 3 hours: Trinh temple, Dot cave, May cave, Suoi Tien temple (Fairy Stream temple), Dia Linh mountain, Dai cave, Vu Lam imperial palace.

After that you will visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – cultural and spiritual toursim area to do sightseeing and Buddha rites

>>> Book: Deluxe Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Small Group – Limousine Transfer with 20% Sale Off

Route 3 – 4 Caves

• Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Dot Cave – May Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple
• And the last option will be for a relaxing purpose. This route has the least of destination and shortest time spent, so you will have a quick view of the Trang An.
• If you want to see limestonemountains, photographers: you have to travel less and have more time to take photos , this road is definitely for you. Also, the pace of the trip is slower, so you have more time for sightseeing.

>>> Let’s visit our website for all Best Ninh Binh Tours available for every budget. Check out for the Best Deals on Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour

Best things to do in Trang An

• Farm Trip in Trang An Landscape Complex
• Explore Caves by Boat Trip
• Trang An Panoramic View By Helicopter
• Kayaking – A new way to discover Trang An Complex

Enjoy specialities

• Taking a trip to Ninh Binh, you surely should not miss the opportunity to try special foods like: mountain goat meat, scorched rice, Yen Mac spring rolls, Lai Thanh – Kim Son wine.
• If you choost mountain goat meat, you can go for rare meat goat, meat goat spring rolls, steamed goat meat, goat meat burned with Kim Son wine, roasted goat meat, blood pudding from goats, etc…, which are both tasty and nutritious
• Besides other foods from Tong Truong tilapia, Nho Quan wine, Gia Vien small shrimp paste are all traditional meals of Trang An residents

Travelling expenses

• Total expenses for Hanoi – Trang An tour for 1 day
• Meals: 150.000 – 250.000 VND/per person
• Boat ticket at Trang An: 250.000 VND/per person
• Electric car(if you visit Bai Dinh pagoda): 60.000 VND/per person (return ticket)
• Ticket for visiting Bao Thap (Bao Tower): 50.000 VND/per person
• So with only around 500.000 – 700.000 VND, you can enjoy a full day in Trang An, and we hope that the below information is valuable for your trip.

>>> Follow our itinerary or get your own FREE one here <<<

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Trang An Boat Tour Routes-Which route is the winner? Local advice

Trang An boat tour routes - Which route is the winner? Mostly our customers will pick route two or route three. That’s the most beautiful in Trang An . Route two is the perfect route combination when visiting caves and other outstanding attractions.

1. Trang An boat tour route overview

Trang An boat tour route

Trang An, also call Halong bay on the land - is one of the most worthy  places to visit in Ninh Binh – Believe Me. The magnificent scenery is surrounded by towering limestone mountains, many tropical plants, rivers, and mysterious ancient temples. Trang An natural wonder is a cultural and natural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 2014. Its located 100 km from Hanoi and 7km from Ninh Binh city.   >>> Read more: How can go to Trang An from Hanoi   A lot of visitors recommend Trang An – a place must visit in the north of Vietnam. Trang An Opening hour: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM every day The price is the same for the three routes is 250.000vnd/ person Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours

Trang An boat tour price

>>> Read more  Ninh Binh tours  with the best prices, services, and itinerary

2. Trang An boat tour best route

Trang An has three routes in total. All are amazing, you can see the beautiful scenery, virtual living between natures, but there are a few small differences:

Route 1: You will pass nine caves, three temples, and pagodas

Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Dark and Bright Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave– Son Duong Cave – Khong Palace – Bao Hieu Temple– Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave – Habour.

Visitors depart from the pier

Route 2: Four caves, three temples

This is a new option, and many visitors choose the perfect combination when visiting caves and other outstanding attractions. Visitors can see three caves, two temples, and a King Kong village. Boat Wharf – Lam Cave – Thanh Cao Son Temple – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple -Habour  

Visitors can see a lot of Limestone Mountain on the way.

Route 3 : Three caves, three temples

You also visit three caves on route three, including a 1 km long cave, two temples, and the movie takes place in King Kong village. Boat Wharf – Trinh Temple – Dot and May Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple – Kong: Skull Island Film Set -Habour

Explore the longest cave of Trang An

Mostly our customers will pick route two or three. That's the most beautiful in Trang An Route 2 is the perfect route combination when visiting caves and other outstanding attractions. Route 3, with the longest cave of Trang An Landscape Complex (about 1,000m), still retains the natural wild beauty and magical glittering colors of stalactites with various shapes.   If you are still unsure how to plan a good boat trip in Trang An , feel free to contact Go Viet Trip  for further information and advice! You may also like: >>>   Tam Coc boat tour - "Halong bay on land" >>>   Conquer Mua cave - Great wall of Vietnam

>>> Click here to get  free itinerary planning for Trang An boat tour or Ninh Binh tours We hope that this article will help you find the best route in Trang An  if you need more help. Please feel free to contact us: Email:  [email protected]  or hotline  +84968667589 . We are guarantee about quality and prices.  Get a full refund if you do not feel happy with our services.

Author  Hoan Nguyen

Hoan Nguyen has over 10 years of experience working in the tourism sector and operator. He has traveled to many places in Vietnam and around the world.

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Trang An or Tam Coc: Which Boat Tour in Ninh Binh Vietnam is Best

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

Categories Vietnam

Ninh Binh, Vietnam is known for its stunning river boat tours and often referred to as the Ha Long Bay on Land . The waterways in the area take you along limestone cliffs, colorful rice paddies, and through narrow caves. There are two different boat tours, Trang An and Tam Coc , each offering a similar yet unique passage through the river. 

In this guide, we will dive into the similarities and differences between the Trang An and Tam Coc Boat Tours.

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy .

Difference Between The Trang An & Tom Coc River Boat Tours

Trang An Boat Tour

• Boats must have 3-4 passengers
• Guide rows with his/her hands
• Travel under up to 9 caves & 3 ancient temples
• Paddle past the famous scene from Kong Skull Island
• 3 different routes to choose from
• Tours are a loop rather than out & back (always new scenery)
• Can get off and walk in/around ancient pagodas
• Smaller & longer caves
• Cleaner water
• Snacks for purchase at some of the temples
• No “professional” photographer
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tam Coc Boat Tour

• Boat can go with just a group of 2 (but can also hold 4 passengers)
• Guide rows with his/her feet
• Travel under 3 caves
• Paddle below the famous Mua Cave Viewpoint
• Tour goes through beautiful rice fields
• The boat tours offer only 1 route (out & back)
• Larger but shorter caves
• Dirtier water
• Snacks are sold after the last cave via local people on boats
• “Professional” photographers on the water (can purchase your photo at the end of the tour)

Overall, we liked the Trang An boat tour best. But it was our first boat tour, so this might have a little something to do with why we enjoyed it better. 

How To Get To The Trang An Boat Tour

There are a few different options for getting to the Trang An Boat Tour, such as car, taxi, pedal bike, or motorbike. 

There is a parking lot across the street from the Trang An Boat Tours. Cost for parking is 15k ($0.63 USD) for a scooter (motorbike) and 10k ($0.42 USD) per bicycle. Make sure you take your ticket and keep it with you, because you will need to show it again when you leave the parking area with your scooter or bike. 

If you are traveling from Hanoi or nearby city, use the website 12goasia to find a bus, train, or taxi ride into Ninh Binh.

Different Routes For The Trang An Boat Tour

There are three different routes to choose from when taking the Trang An Boat Tour. Each offers a loop route so you are always experiencing new scenery and only going through each cave once.

Here are the details for the 3 different Trang An Boat Tour routes:

• Trinh Temple
• Nau Ruou Cave
• Tran Temple
• Ba Giot Cave
• Son Duong Cave
• Khong Palace (aka: Bao Hieu Temple)
• Quy Hau Cave
• Summary: Tour with the most caves, not for claustrophobic tourists
• Thanh Cao Son Temple
• Thanh Truot Cave
• Suoi Tien Temple
• Dia Linh Mountain
• Kim Quy Mountain
• Vu Lam Royal Steps Temple
• Kong Skull Island Movie Set
• Summary: Good happy medium of everything: scenic, caves, temples. Most popular route.
• Summary: Goes through the longest cave (Dot Cave) with an amazing stalactite system, technically the shortest but most scenic route.

Route 1 is technically the longest route and will take the longest amount of time. Route 2 is slightly shorter, and Route 3 is technically the shortest route. All claim to be 3 hrs long, but it all depends on how much time you spend off the boat at each pagoda. 

Jake and I typically just got off to check out each spiritual place, took some photos, walked around, then got back on the boat. Ultimately making the tour shorter and only taking about 2 hours rather than the suggested 3 hours.

Price For The Trang An Boat Tour:

The ticket price is the same no matter which Trang An route you choose. The cost is 250k VND ($10.50 USD) for adults, and 120k VND ($5 USD) for children. But any children under 1 m (3’ 3”) ride free.

Before heading to the boat launching area, you must first purchase your ticket from the ticket booth across the street first. Once you purchase your ticket, you can head to the underground tunnel toward the boat wharf. Here there will be a ticket checkpoint. 

Once your ticket is scanned, head toward the river to find a tour guide (aka boat rower).  There will be someone directing you to the right boat depending on the route you choose. You might have to wait for other passengers if you are traveling in a group of fewer than 4.

What To Expect On The Trang An Boat Tour

The boat fits up to 4 passengers, therefore, you are likely to be sharing the boat with strangers. Each boat won’t leave with just one or two passengers, so you might have to wait for another traveler or two before the boat takes off. Or you can purchase four tickets (1m VND ($42 USD)) to have a private boat tour.

We found the tour guides to not speak much English, so we didn’t really learn much along our tour.

At each temple you will be dropped off to explore the area. It is important to remember your boat number, because you won’t be getting back on the boat in the same place. Once you are finished exploring the temple, you will walk to the pick up location and find your boat # with the same boat rower. 

When going through the caves, there are lights in place so it won’t be completely dark. You will likely need to duck in certain areas so you won’t hit your head. So people with mobility issues may have trouble.

There are additional paddles in the small boats. You don’t need to row, but it can be helpful and take some of the workload off the boat rower. 

At the end of the tour, you can choose to tip your boat rower or not. It is not customary in Vietnam, but it can be a nice gesture. 

How To Get To The Tam Coc Boat Tour

The Tam Coc boat tour is situated right in the city center. Therefore, if you are staying in Tam Coc, you can likely walk to the boat tour. But if you are staying in Trang An or a nearby city, you can get here via car, taxi, or motorbike. 

There are a handful of places you can park your bike or scooter in the city. We parked our scooter here , right next to this public restroom and near the Tam Coc Boat Tours. We paid 10k VND ($.42 USD). 

It was covered parking and there was an attendant standing right outside the area. It didn’t seem super official, but it was cheap and we just took the gamble. Everything ended up being fine and our bike was there when we got back! (Refer to the map above for direct links to parking, ticket booth, and boat launch point).

If you are traveling from Hanoi or other nearby city, use the site 12goasia to find direct routes via bus, taxi, or train.

Route For The Tam Coc Boat Tour

There is only one route for the Tam Coc Boat Tours, which is out and back. The tour starts from the city, down the Ngo Dong River. It passes through 3 caves, which you will pass through again on your way back.

Price For The Tam Coc Boat Tour

There is an extra cost of 120k VND ($5 USD) per person for sightseeing tickets in the Tam Coc area. Children under 1.4m (4’6″) are 60k VND ($2.5 USD), children under 3 are free.

There is an additional cost if you want to go on the Tam Coc boat trip. It’s an additional 150k VND ($6.30 USD) per boat. So for a couple, the total cost would be 120k VND x 2 (sightseeing entrance fee) + 150k VND (for the boat) = 390k VND ($16.50 USD). 

We are not really clear on why there is a separate sightseeing fee, but you need to pay both to go on the boat tour.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket booth right in front of the Ngo Dong River (you will see TONS of boats lined up ready to take tourists). Do note, they only take cash, but there are many ATMs within walking distance from the ticket booth.

What To Expect On The Tam Coc Boat Tour

Foreign tourists can have their own private tour with just 2 passengers. Vietnamese People will need 3-4 passengers for each boat.

The Tam Coc boat ride is out and back and travels through 3 caves. There is only one route to choose.

There are lights in the cave, but you might need to duck in certain areas so you won’t hit your head. 

At the last cave, there will likely be local people offering snacks for purchase. After passing under the last cave, you will turn around and head back. 

Again, our tour guide did not speak fluent English, so it was hard to communicate, and we didn’t learn much along the tour.

The Tam Coc Boat Tour is more about the scenery and rowing through the stunning rice fields. So you won’t experience the same spiritual places like you do on the Trang An Boat Tour. 

When Is The Best Season For Ninh Binh Boat Tours: Trang An or Tam Coc

The best time to visit Ninh Binh for the Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour is from late May to early July to experience the colorful rice paddies. This is considered harvest season, so you can witness the yellow fields. You can also witness the colorful rice fields in October as well (but will likely be a beautiful green). 

Winter (November-May) is Ninh Binh’s dry season. So this can also be a good time to visit Ninh Binh. But the rice fields won’t be in full swing, and you will often see the farmers out there replanting in the paddy fields.

We visited mid-January and the temperatures were in the 40’s-50’s which we found pretty chilly out on the water. The rice fields were also pretty brown and not vibrant yellow or green.

The months of August and September should be avoided because of heavy rainfall and storm season. 

Best Time Of Day To Do Ninh Binh Boat Tours

Also, if you want to avoid the crowds, you should do the boat tour in the early morning . This avoids many of the large tours leaving from Hanoi and you will likely have more of the river/temples to yourself. 

We did our Trang An boat tour in the afternoon and poorly timed our tour with a large group who were very loud and took away from the serene nature you are surrounded by. So ideally, we would have done the tour in the morning if we were to do it again.

What To Bring On The Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Tours:

• Snacks (boat tours are 2-3 hrs/ snacks are available for purchase near the last cave on the Tam Coc tour or at the temples for the Trang An Tours)
• Layers (we visited in January and it was cold!)
• Good Shoes (you climb in and out of the boat, so I’d suggest tennis shoes/no flip flops)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Umbrella (can be both good for rain or shade from the sun)

Ninh Binh Boat Tours From Hanoi (Epic Day Trips & Multi-Day Tours)

If you want to take the hard part out of coordinating your own trip to Ninh Binh, then consider going with a tour operator instead.

Day Trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi: (Best Value)

This tour leaves from Hanoi and provides a full day of adventures in Ninh Binh. There are 6 different attractions you can choose from: Hoa Lu ancient capital, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Trang An. There are different itineraries to choose from, so prices may fluctuate. The tour returns back to Hanoi at the end of the day. (Transportation, lunch, & entrance fees included) .

Luxury Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi : (Best Day Trip Option)

This tour starts from Hanoi, and brings you to Ninh Binh. Groups are no larger than 9 people maximum. First, you meet with a local family to explore Vietnamese culture. Then, head to the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda where you will learn about the history of Buddhism. Then you head out on the Tam Coc River Tour, followed by a bike ride through the rice paddies and villages. Followed by a hike up to Mua Cave. The trip returns back to Hanoi at the end of the day. (Transportation, entrance fees & lunch included)

Unique Multi-Day Trip Including Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay:

If you are short on time and want to see the best sights in Northern Vietnam, these multi-day tours could be a great option.

Hanoi: 3-Day Luxury Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise :

This cruise picks guests up in Hanoi and heads to Ninh Binh to visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu (aka Ninh Binh), climb to the Hang Mua viewpoint, and take the scenic Trang An Boat Tour. Then the next day you head to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise. Finally, head back to Hanoi. (Transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, & all meals (except dinner in Ninh Binh) included)

5-Day Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay 5 Star Cruise – Ninh Binh Tour :

This unique 5-day tour starts off with a pick-up from the Hanoi airport and provides transportation to the city center. Day 2 is a Hanoi City Tour exploring the unique attractions in the city. Day 3 you head to Ninh Binh where you explore Bai Dinh Temple Complex, a ride on the Trang An boat tour, followed by a hike up the Mua Caves Lookout. On Day 4, you head to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise. Then, the following day, head back to Hanoi. (Transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, & all meals included)

Check Out Our Video on Both Trang An & Tam Coc Boat Tours

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• Consider checking out the amazing mountain town of Sapa, Vietnam for more stunning scenery

Is Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Tour Better?

We were lucky enough to go on both the Trang An and Tam Coc boat tours to compare the two. Personally, we really enjoyed both tours with the stunning scenery, so you really can’t go wrong with either. But there are a few differences that make each tour stand out in different ways. 

Both tours took around 2 hours, but they can be extended depending on the temples you explore. Or anywhere you stop to walk around. So some tourists can expect their tours to be anywhere from 2-3 hrs long.

Pros & Cons of the Trang An Boat Tour

The Trang An Boat Tour is technically more expensive by 110k VND ($5 USD). Which in USD is really not much of a game changer in price. But it can be a little harder to get to since there are no hotels or hostels located near the boat wharf. And you will likely be paying for a taxi or for bike/scooter parking, which can add to the overall price. 

The Trang An Boat Tour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which means it is in a protected area and you are less exposed to scammers.

A bonus to the Trang An Boat Tour is the 3 different routes to choose from. If you love caves, then route 1 is best for you. If you want a happy medium between scenery, temples, and caves, then route 2 is perfect for you. And lastly, if you want to experience the longest cave in Trang An, then route 3 is a unique experience for you. 

Don’t think too harshly about the route decision, as they are all a loop and meander along beautiful landscapes of limestone mountains, unique caves, and visit spiritual places. 

One drawback is the boat having to be full with 3-4 passengers. While pairing with another couple wasn’t a huge deal, we always had to switch between front and middle seats. So if you are big into photography, having people sit in front of you could be annoying. And when you get off at the temples, you might be waiting for the other pair to get back to the boat or vice versa (which can be added stress).

Pros & Cons of the Tam Coc Boat Tour

The Tam Coc tour, like mentioned above, is cheaper by 110k VND ($5 USD). Another bonus is the location in the city. If you ride a train or bus into Ninh Binh, you are likely to be dropped off in the city here and won’t need to pay for parking. 

The Tam Coc boat trip meanders through the rice paddies and offers beautiful natural landscapes. You can also see the Mua Caves Viewpoint along the ride, which is just a cool sight to see. 

Another bonus for the Tam Coc boat ride is that foreign travelers can have their own private boat. So we were able to have the boat driver stop wherever we wanted for photos or for literally anything.

But the Tam Coc Boat Tours is not located in a World Heritage Site, so it does have more exposure to pushy vendors and scammers. There was an instance when the local people had us stop for snacks before the last cave.

We politely declined, but once we made it back through, we decided to just support the locals by getting a little snack of fresh pineapple. The ladies tried to get us to buy our boat rower a soda and chips, but we just asked if he would rather that or tip him cash at the end (he wanted the cash). 

Coming from the United States, tipping doesn’t really make us feel uncomfortable. But if you are from a country that doesn’t tip, the Tam Coc tour definitely made us feel a little more pressured to tip our tour guide. (Some Google Reviews have stated some people felt very uncomfortable, and at times they were asked for more money halfway along the trip).

Overall, if I had to choose just one, I would choose the Trang An Boat Tour. I personally like loop adventures and enjoyed the scenery on this tour more. But if you are only in Ninh Binh for a short time and staying in the Tam Coc area, I’d probably just do the Tam Coc for convenience.

Save This ‘Trang An vs Tam Coc Boat Tour Comparison’ For Your Planning

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Feel the Grip

The all-new Tour Flex Pro from Softspikes® in the key 3 forefoot spike locations and Silver Tornado spikes in the lateral and heel offer exceptional traction in all conditions and give your feet great grip on the ground when you’re going all out for the pin.

All-Round Response

We stitched a Zoom Air unit directly to the upper instead of being set into foam, so it responds to every step. A full-length plate beneath the Air unit helps increase energy return. Cushiony foam under the heel delivers an extremely smooth ride.

Old-School Look

Full-grain leather has a supple feel and sophisticated look, nodding to golf shoes from past generations.

Locked-In Feel

An internal strap stretches over then secures your foot, conforming to its shape.

More Benefits

• Molded 3-D collar helps you stay stabilized.
• Internal foam pods cushion your heel.

Product Details

• 2-year waterproof warranty

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Pinehurst #10 opened last week. Want to play it?

2024 Masters tee times: Saturday pairings for Round 3 at Augusta National

The 2024 Masters continues on Saturday with the third round.

David Cannon/Getty Images

The 2024 Masters gets serious on Saturday, April 13, with the third round at Augusta National Golf Club . You can see the complete Masters Saturday tee times for Round 3 at the bottom of this post.

Featured tee time for Masters Saturday

Scottie Scheffler , the No. 1 player in the world and pre-tournament betting favorite, finds himself right where everyone expected him to be at the halfway point of this week’s Masters: in the lead.

But he’s not alone on top of the leaderboard, and he won’t be in the final pairing on Saturday.

That honor belongs to Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa , who have matched Scheffler’s 36-hole score of six under.

DeChambeau and Homa will tee off for Saturday’s third round at 2:45 p.m. ET. Scheffler will set off with Nicolai Hojgaard at 2:35 p.m. ET.

You can watch Saturday’s round of the 2024 Masters on TV via CBS, with Round 3 coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET. Or you can watch streaming coverage all day Saturday via ESPN+ , Masters.com, the Masters app, Paramount+ and the CBS Sports app, including exclusive early action, featured group coverage and much more.

Check out the complete Saturday tee times for the third round of the 2024 Masters below.

2024 Masters tee times for Saturday: Round 3 (ET)

9:35 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama 9:45 a.m. – Thorbjørn Olesen, Russell Henley 9:55 a.m. – José María Olazábal, Luke List 10:05 a.m. – Tom Kim, Jake Knapp 10:15 a.m. – Si Woo Kim, Adam Scott 10:25 a.m. – Jon Rahm, Grayson Murray 10:35 a.m. – Chris Kirk, Tony Finau 10:45 a.m. – J. T. Poston, Keegan Bradley 10:55 a.m. – Rory McIlroy, Camilo Villegas 11:05 a.m. – Joaquín Niemann, Min Woo Lee 11:25 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Phil Mickelson 11:35 a.m. – Adam Hadwin, Jason Day 11:45 a.m. – Denny McCarthy, Vijay Singh 11:55 a.m. – Erik van Rooyen, Will Zalatoris 12:05 p.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Shane Lowry 12:15 p.m. – Patrick Cantlay, Neal Shipley (A) 12:25 p.m. – Corey Conners, Harris English 12:35 p.m. – Brooks Koepka, Taylor Moore 12:45 p.m. – Tiger Woods, Tyrrell Hatton 12:55 p.m. – Xander Schauffele, Eric Cole 1:15 p.m. – Sepp Straka, Matt Fitzpatrick 1:25 p.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Lucas Glover 1:35 p.m. – Adam Schenk, Patrick Reed 1:45 p.m. – Byeong Hun An, Cameron Smith 1:55 p.m. – Danny Willett, Ryan Fox 2:05 p.m. – Cameron Young, Tommy Fleetwood 2:15 p.m. – Ludvig Åberg, Matthieu Pavon 2:25 p.m. – Cameron Davis, Collin Morikawa 2:35 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Nicolai Højgaard 2:45 p.m. – Max Homa, Bryson DeChambeau

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Tiger Woods during the third round of the 2024 Masters Tournament. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Was in discomfort ‘all day’ in carding highest-ever round at Augusta National

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AUGUSTA, Ga. – A hobbled Tiger Woods said he will be back for the final round of the 88th Masters Tournament on Sunday despite being in obvious discomfort for parts of Round 3 when he shot 82, his highest-ever score at Augusta National.

The round was his seventh score of 80 or higher in any event, and his fourth in a major.

He winced after some shots, like his second at the par-4 ninth, and made uncharacteristic mistakes that had some wondering if he would withdraw. Still, when asked to identify the biggest challenge he faced, he did not mention his battered body.

“The fact that I was not hitting it very good or putting well,” he said. “I didn't have a very good warmup session, and I kept it going all day today. Just hit the ball in all the places that I know I shouldn't hit it. And I missed a lot of putts. Easy, makable putts. I missed a lot of them.”

Woods, 48, has endured multiple back operations, and after being forced to withdraw from last year’s Masters flew to New York for right ankle fusion surgery. He said earlier this week that he is physically challenged by any shot that isn’t on a tee box, a nod to Augusta’s hilly terrain.

What’s more, Woods has not completed four rounds in an official PGA TOUR event since The Genesis Invitational in early 2023.

On Saturday he acknowledged that he was in pain “all day” throughout the third round, like when he tried to shape a left-to-right approach shot out of the trees to the ninth green. (He made bogey.) He was limping slightly and sweating profusely upon walking off the last hole.

Woods insisted after Round 2 that he had a chance to add to his five Masters titles.

Alas, his hopes ended abruptly Saturday. Although he birdied the difficult par-4 fifth hole, Woods seemed to lose focus as he bogeyed the par-3 sixth and then made back-to-back double-bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes. He bogeyed the ninth for a front-nine 42.

“It's just that I haven't competed and played much,” he said. “When I had chances to get it flipped around and when I made that putt at 5, I promptly three-putted 6 and flub a chip at 7 and just got it going the wrong way, and when I had opportunities to flip it, I didn't.”

The 82-time PGA TOUR winner insisted he would return for the final round Sunday.

“My team will get me ready,” he said. “Kolb (physical therapist Kolby Tullier) has been awesome. It will be a long night and a long warmup session, but we'll be ready.”

Cameron Morfit is a Staff Writer for the PGA TOUR. He has covered rodeo, arm-wrestling, and snowmobile hill climb in addition to a lot of golf. Follow Cameron Morfit on Twitter .