1 Day
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 24 pax
Tour start: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Tour end: 7:30 PM
Looking for a quick escape from the busy streets of Hanoi? Our Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh is the perfect day trip for anyone who wants beautiful views, peaceful nature and a bit of local history.
You will explore ancient temples, cycle through quiet villages and take the iconic Trang An boat ride through limestone mountains and cave tunnels. It is one of the most relaxing and rewarding day tours you can do from Hanoi.
Let’s explore Trang An together.
CHILDREN‘S PRICE
Notes: In the case of 2 children in a family, the children’s price is applied for the first child under 9 years. The Adult’s price will be applied to the second child.
Trang An is one of Ninh Binh’s most famous landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is known for its calm rivers, limestone mountains and ancient temples surrounded by nature. Many people call it Halong Bay on Land, but quieter and more peaceful.
What makes Trang An special is how untouched it feels. When you sit on the small rowing boat, you move slowly through green waterways, pass through long cave tunnels and see temples built hundreds of years ago. There are no engines, no loud crowds and no rush. Everything feels calm and local.
The Trang An boat tour has three different routes. All of them offer caves, temples and beautiful scenery, but each route has its own vibe. Here is a quick breakdown so you can pick the one that fits your style.
Route 1 offers a complete journey, featuring famous caves like Sang Cave and Toi Cave, where you can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Along the way, you will visit important sites like Tran Temple, known for its rich history and spiritual importance.
Route 2 gives a balanced mix of nature and culture. It is slightly shorter but still offers beautiful mountain views and calm waterways. You will also stop at important cultural sites like Dia Linh Cave and Khong Temple.
Route 3 is quick and scenic, with Dot Cave being the highlight. Dot Cave is a captivating underground passage that feels like a journey to another world. You will also visit three temples that showcase Vietnam’s rich spiritual traditions.
All three routes are peaceful and easy, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery no matter which one you choose.
This tour gives you a full look at why Ninh Binh is one of the most loved destinations in northern Vietnam. As locals who run this trip every week, we know exactly what makes each part of the journey special.
You start your day leaving Hanoi for the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh, where the noise slowly fades and the green mountains begin to appear.
The first cultural stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, a quiet historic area that tells the story of Vietnam’s early kings. The temples are small and traditional, surrounded by limestone cliffs that create a beautiful backdrop for photos.
From there, you move into the countryside. The cycling route is one of the highlights for many of our guests.
The road is flat and easy, passing rice fields, village houses and small lakes. You can stop at Bich Dong Pagoda, explore the cave-temple built into the mountain, or simply enjoy the peaceful scenery. This part always feels authentic and local.
The Trang An boat ride is where the landscape truly becomes spectacular. A local rower takes you through a network of rivers and caves that wind between tall limestone mountains. Some caves are long and low, so you dip your head as the boat slides through the darkness.
When you come out the other side, the scenery opens up into hidden valleys and temples built right into the cliffs. You will also pass the filming village from Kong Skull Island, a fun spot for photos and a look into how the movie was created.
To finish the trip, you visit Hang Mua, one of the most famous viewpoints in Vietnam. The climb is short but steep, and the reward at the top is a wide-open view of rice fields, the Ngo Dong River and dramatic limestone peaks.
The whole experience feels balanced: a bit of culture, a bit of adventure and a lot of stunning nature. For backpackers and first-time visitors, it is one of the easiest and most complete day trips you can do from Hanoi.
Trang An is beautiful most months of the year, but some seasons offer a better and safer experience, especially for outdoor activities and the boat ride.
The best time to visit Ninh Binh is March to May and September to November. These months have comfortable temperatures, clear skies and calm water conditions. The landscapes are green, the caves are easy to explore and the Hang Mua viewpoint looks stunning from the top.
During the rainy and stormy season, the weather can change quickly and some activities may not operate. Heavy rain also reduces visibility on the river and makes the Hang Mua climb slippery, so we do not recommend visiting during stormy periods.
If you travel in the cooler months from December to February, mornings can be cold and foggy but still enjoyable with the right warm layer.
Trang An is one of the most photogenic places in northern Vietnam, and there are a few spots where you will always get great shots. Here are the local tips we always share with guests so you can make the most of your camera or phone.
On the Trang An boat ride
The river views are best when the boat comes out of the caves. Keep your camera ready for the sudden light changes, limestone cliffs and reflections on the water. Sit on the edge of the boat for wider angles.
Inside the caves
Photos inside caves are possible if your phone handles low light well, but the best shots are usually taken right at the entrance or exit where natural light hits the rock formations.
Bich Dong Pagoda
If you stop here during the cycling session, the stone bridge in front of the cave pagoda is a classic photo spot. Morning light is soft and clean.
Hang Mua viewpoint
This is the most famous photography spot in Ninh Binh. The best time to shoot is late afternoon when the sun hits the rice fields and limestone mountains. Take your time at the top to capture different angles of the valley and the Ngo Dong River.
With clear weather and the right timing, Trang An delivers some of the best landscape photos you will get in Vietnam.
The boat ride takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on the route and water conditions. Each boat usually carries 4 people, and local rowers set the pace, so the ride always feels smooth and relaxing.
Route 1 has the most caves and feels more adventurous, which many travelers enjoy. Route 2 is balanced with both nature and temples and is ideal for first timers. Route 3 is the fastest option and works well if you want something light but still scenic. All routes offer calm river views and limestone mountains.
Yes. The activities are gentle and flexible. The boat ride is calm, and our guides are experienced with families. For the Hang Mua climb, kids can go up if they have energy, or stay with an adult at the base to enjoy drinks and views.
Light, breathable clothes work best. Comfortable shoes are important for cycling and the Hang Mua climb. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a small towel. If you travel during winter months, a light jacket is helpful for the boat ride.
Ready to explore one of the most peaceful and iconic landscapes in northern Vietnam? Our Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh gives you everything in one easy day: ancient temples, countryside cycling, the famous cave boat ride and the Hang Mua viewpoint.
We keep the group size comfortable, the schedule smooth and the experience friendly and local. If you are staying in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we pick you up right at your accommodation and take care of everything from transport to guiding.
If you need help choosing a date or have questions about the tour, message us anytime on our social channels:
Round trip transfer by shuttle bus Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Ha Noi
English-speaking tour guide
Lunch
Bicycle visit Bich Dong Pagoda
All entrance fees are indicated in the itinerary
Trang An ferry ticket
Beverage during lunch
Personal expenses
Any service that is not indicated in our itinerary
Tips & Gratuity
Our guide will pick you up at your accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and start the 120 km bus journey through the verdant landscape to Ninh Binh.
(Make a stop on the way for a rest)
Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with the temple of King Dinh dating back to the 17th Century.
You will have 30 minutes of free bicycle ride to explore Bich Dong Pagoda or walk around the villages, shopping for souvenirs.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with the local cuisine
Our guide will take you to visit Trang An on a boat down the Sao Khe River winding at the foot of limestone mountains, around primeval forests and reed forests, passing through 9 main caves with very strange names such as Sang Cave, Hang Cave, etc.
Afterward, the visitors will experience the thrill when the boat enters the deep cave, admire the strange shape of the stalactites in the cave, and immerse in the natural scenery here.
The best thing is that you will be able to see with your own eyes the scene that the King Kong movie filmed here, each picturesque scene in the movie will appear right in front of you. You will be able to take photos and see the actual Aboriginal village in the blockbuster movie Kong Skull Island.
Visit Mua Cave– known as the miniature Great Wall.
(Mua Cave with 486 stone steps is located at the foot of Mua mountain in the eco-tourism complex in Khe Dau Ha village. This place is known as the “muse of tam Coc” or “The Great Wall of Vietnam” with majestic scenery of mountain peaks, a bit of poetic beauty of ripe golden rice fields or ghost-filled towers)
Get on the bus and return to Hanoi
Arrive back to your accommodation in Old Quarter
Please note that an additional charge will apply for bookings on December 31, 2025, January 1, 2026, and during the Tet Holiday (February 16–20, 2026); some tours may not operate during Tet, so kindly contact us in advance to confirm final prices and availability