ℹ️ Information about Trang An
🔍 What to do + see in Trang An
🚍 How to get to Trang An
☀️ When to visit Trang An
🏡 Accommodation in Trang An
❓ FAQ + Tips for Trang An
📸 Photos of Trang An Complex
Trang An Landscape Complex – a spectacular scenic landscape complex.
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- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is an fascinating area of spectacular landscapes and limestone karst peaks, one of Ninh Binh’s most visited tourist spots, about 100 km south of Hanoi. Its main central area is located in the so-called Trang An Ecotourism Complex, where you can enjoy some boat tours in the amazing karst sceneries.
- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex has a total of 3 areas (Hoa Lu, Gia Vien and Nho Quan Districts), some of which are a few kilometers away – Trang An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic area. All three of these areas offer several interesting historical monuments, pagodas, caves, temples and and archaeological treasures.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is written in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
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- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex covers an area of about 7,000 ha and Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam, was strategically established right here in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. Hoa Lu Ancient City is about 4 km north and Tam Coc is about 7 km south of Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat wharf).
How to get from Hanoi to Trang An? ➜
- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is the 8th UNESCO – recognized World Heritage Site in Vietnam, on June 23rd 2014 was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its cultural, historical and geological heritage. At the boat wharf of Trang An Ecotourism Site, you can also see a number of preserved and discovered archaeological exhibits, hundreds and thousands of years old.
What you can do and see in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh?
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- At Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, you have a variety of options what to do and see. The entire area offers a number of historical monuments and beautiful nature sceneries, and one of the most popular tourist activities are the boat tours in the scenic areas of Trang An Ecotourism Site and Tam Coc scenic area.
- Boat trips at Trang An Ecotorusim Site take about 2-2.5 hours, right here you can see the most beautiful sceneries, caves and smaller temples and pagodas. In Trang An you can choose from 3 boat routes in total, it can not be excluded that these routes will change in the future. Other popular activities in the area include cycling trips and explorations and trips to historic sites (Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda…).
1. Boat tours – Trang An Ecotourism Site, Tam Coc scenic area
2. Cycling – the whole area around Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
3. Exploring and trips to the historic sites – (Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda…)
Boat routes in Trang An Landscape Complex – click on the picture for high resolution:
The best way how to get to Trang An Complex is to travel by motorbike/bicycle.
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- How to get to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex? Trang An Complex is about 100 km from Hanoi and only about 10 km from the Ninh Binh Railway Station. Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is very easy (by bus or train), you can book your bus or train tickets online.
- The entire neighborhood of Ninh Binh lies in the lowland so it is easy to move there. The best way is to rent a motorbike or bicycle (in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc), it is a cheap way of transport in this area. You can also take a taxi or mototaxi (Xe Om) from Ninh Binh to Trang An Ecotourism Site.
Book accommodation in Trang An / Ninh Binh ➜
1. Travel by motorbike or bicycle in Ninh Binh (the best, cheap option)
2. Travel with a tourist agency from Hanoi
3. Travel by taxi or mototaxi from Ninh Binh to Trang An
🎫 Book your train or bus tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh / Schedule:
(You can change your departure and arrival, eg. Hanoi > Trang An Wharf, Hanoi to Tam Coc…)
What is the best time to visit Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh?
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- You can visit the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh throughout the year. The most beautiful pictures/views are in the summer or in the period before rice harvesting in the area of Ninh Binh. Rice harvest season in this area is from September – October, these months are very good for visiting this area and area is colorful. Winter time can be cold and also rainy, so prepare some light warm clothes. Below there is a current weather in Trang An Landscape Complex. Read this article: Weather in Ninh Binh.
Opening time of Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tours) – Monday – Sunday – 7 am – 16 pm.
Saturday + Sunday – the most visited days. I recommend to visit this place in the early morning.
1. Skip the misty, foggy, rainy weather
2. September > October – rice harvest season in this area
What about accommodation in Trang An Ecotourism Site? Where to stay?
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- Ninh Binh and its Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex offers many accommodation options. You can use there various hotels, resorts, guesthouses, hostels, bungalows. Some of the accommodation facilities you can also find near the Trang An Ecotourism Site, but also in Tam Coc. The advantage is that you stay within the reach of the most beautiful sceneries and boat tours. Choose from these accommodation options near the Trang An Ecotourism Site:
Accommodation at the Trang An Ecotourism Site:
▶️ Trang An Farm Stay ★
▶️ Hoalu Eco Homestay ★★
▶️ Buffalo Eco Garden ★★★
▶️ Ham Rong Homestay ★★
▶️ Trang An River View Homestay ★★
▶️ Trang An Eco Homestay ★★★
▶️ Trang An Retreat
▶️ Green Mountain Homestay ★
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex:
1. How to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh / Trang An?
2. Where is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?
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- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is about 100 km south of Hanoi and about 10 km west of Ninh Binh Railway Station in Ninh Binh. Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex consists a total of 3 areas – Trang An Landscape Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc – Bich Dong scenic area.
3. Where is the Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tours)?
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- Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tours) is in the center of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, about 4 km south of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and about 7 km north of Tam Coc scenic area.
4. Tam Coc or Trang An? Which boat tour/ride to choose?
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- It can be said, these areas are quite similar, boat trips and karst/limestone sceneries. But in my opinion Trang An Ecotourism Site is better and nicer, it offers a little more and this place is better organized for tourists, unfortunetely there are some tourist scams in Tam Coc. If you decide between these two places try Trang An Ecotourism Site.
5. How to travel from Ninh Binh town to Trang An Ecotourism Site?
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- The best way is to rent a motorbike or bicycle in Ninh Binh or Tam Coc. You can also take a taxi/mototaxi from Ninh Binh to Trang An Ecotourism Site or Tam Coc.
6. How large is Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?
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- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex covers an area of about 7,000 ha, some sources report up to 10,000 ha.
7. What to see in Trang An Ecotourism Site (on the boat tour)?
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- Trang An Ecotourism Site has lots of interesting places, eg.: Khong Temple, Thanh Cao Son Temple, Trinh Temple, Tan Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, Vu Lam Royal Step, Dia Linh Mountain, Kong Skull Island film set and also plenty of caves.
8. When is the best time to visit Trang An Landscape Complex?
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- Theoretically, you can visit the Trang An Landscape Complex throughout the year. The best time to visit Trang An Landscape Complex is in the summer-autumn months. In September – October there is a harvest rice season in this area.
9. What is the opening time of the Trang An Ecotourism Site?
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- The opening time of the Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tours) is Monday – Sunday – 7 am – 16 pm. In my opinion the best time to visit is in the early morning. Weekend days in Trang An Ecotourism Site can be very overcrowded.
10. Is it possible to accommodate at the Trang An Ecotourism Site?
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- Yes, you can accommodate near the Trang An Ecotourism Site or Tam Coc/Mua Caves, there are some nice and good reviewed homestays, bungalows, resorts: Trang An Farm Stay ▶️ Hoalu Eco Homestay ▶️ Buffalo Eco Garden ▶️ Ham Rong Homestay ▶️ Trang An River View Homestay ▶️ Trang An Eco Homestay ▶️ Trang An Retreat ▶️ Green Mountain Homestay.
11. What is the price of ticket to Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tour)?
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- Price of the ticket to Trang An Ecotourism Site (boat tour) is about 10 USD/pp (200 000 – 250 000 VND).
12. How long does the boat tour takes in Trang An Ecotourism Site?
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- The boat tour in Trang An Ecotourism Site takes about 2-2,5 hours, depends on the route which you choose. During the boat trip you have about 10-20 minutes stop to visit some temples.
13. Is there a parking lot for motorbikes at the Trang An Ecotourism Site?
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- Yes, sure, there is a parking lot for motorbikes, buses, cars right at the entrance to the boat wharf of Trang An, parking ticket costs about 10 000 VND (0,5 Usd).
14. Is it possible to buy some food at the Trang An boat wharf?
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- Yes, at the boat wharf of Trang An Ecotourism Site is possible to buy food. There is a big restaurant.
15. How to go to Ninh Binh from Noi Bai Airport?
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- Traveling from Noi Bai Airport to Ninh Binh offers a range of transportation options to suit every traveler’s preferences. Whether you opt for the economical convenience of buses, the comfort of private taxis, or the adventurous combination of bus and train travel, your journey promises to be filled with excitement and memorable experiences awaiting you in the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh.
Trang An Scenic Complex (Tràng An) – Information:
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- Location: Ninh Binh (Ninh Xuân, Hoa Lư district) – Vietnam
- How far is it: About 10 km from Ninh Binh town (95 km from Hanoi)
- Ticket: 200-250 000 000 VND (about 10-13 USD, buy tickets at the spot)
- Tourist attraction: Scenic area, temples, boat tours
- How to get there: Motorbike, Bicycle, Taxi from Ninh Binh town
- How to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh: You can take a train or bus
- How to travel from Hanoi to Trang An: You can take a limousine or minivan
- Opening time: Sun – Sat (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
- Protected zone: 6.026 ha (14.890 ac)
- Update: Kong Skull Island movie set was removed in September 2019
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh – Photos:
| Facts about Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. UNESCO World Heritage Site: |
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases a mesmerizing blend of natural and cultural treasures. Recognized for its exceptional karst formations, lush valleys, and historical significance, it was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2014. This designation acknowledges its outstanding universal value. |
| 2. Karst Landscape Wonders: |
Trang An is celebrated for its captivating karst landscape, characterized by limestone formations that have been shaped by time and water. These formations create a stunning tableau of cliffs, caves, and crystal-clear waterways that wind through verdant forests. It’s a geological masterpiece that invites explorers and nature enthusiasts to witness the wonders of nature. |
| 3. Cultural Tapestry: |
Beyond its natural beauty, Trang An is an open book of Vietnam’s rich history and culture. The complex houses numerous archaeological sites, temples, and pagodas, many of which date back to ancient dynasties. Visitors can delve into the intricate tapestry of tradition and spirituality that intertwines with this picturesque landscape. |
| 4. Scenic Boat Tours: |
Exploring Trang An is a captivating experience that often begins with scenic boat tours. Local rowers navigate narrow waterways, taking visitors through a labyrinth of limestone caves and tranquil pools. These journeys lead to hidden valleys and pristine lakes, offering a unique perspective on the complex’s natural wonders. |
| 5. Hollywood Film Locale: |
Trang An’s ethereal beauty captured the attention of Hollywood filmmakers when it served as a location for the movie „Kong: Skull Island.“ The stunning landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s epic scenes, catapulting Trang An into the global spotlight and introducing its magnificence to a worldwide audience. |
| 6. Biodiversity Hotspot: |
Trang An is a sanctuary for biodiversity. Its diverse ecosystems support a wide range of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered ones. Researchers and conservationists are drawn to the complex to study and protect its unique flora and fauna, making it a vital ecological hotspot. |
| 7. Spiritual Sanctuaries: |
Amidst the natural grandeur, Trang An hosts a collection of spiritual sites, such as temples and pagodas. The Trinh Temple, perched on a hilltop, offers panoramic views of the complex and adds a touch of spirituality to the landscape. These sites provide not only cultural depth but also moments of tranquility for visitors. |
| 8. UNESCO Cultural Landmarks: |
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex encompasses several UNESCO Cultural Landmarks, each reflecting its historical and architectural significance. These landmarks are emblematic of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and have been preserved to ensure that the legacy of the past continues to inspire and educate future generations. |
| 9. Sustainable Tourism: |
Trang An is committed to sustainable tourism practices. It encourages responsible visitor behavior to protect the environment and cultural heritage of the complex. Initiatives aim to strike a balance between preserving the delicate ecosystem and providing an unforgettable experience for travelers. |
| 10. Majestic Sunsets: |
As the day draws to a close, Trang An reveals a spectacular treat in the form of breathtaking sunsets. The changing hues of the sky cast a warm, golden light over the limestone peaks, creating a magical atmosphere. Watching the sun dip below the horizon amidst this natural wonder is an enchanting and unforgettable experience. |
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