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 bustling city? Our Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh is the ideal choice to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural history of this stunning destination. This day trip is perfect for immersing yourself in Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From the serene Trang An boat ride to the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, your journey will be filled with unforgettable memories.
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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural sites. Located in Ninh Binh province, Trang An is known as the ‘Halong Bay on Land.’ It offers a calm escape for travelers filled with adventure and cultural experiences. This blog is your complete guide to the Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh. Whether you are planning your Vietnam trip or looking for a memorable experience, we will provide all the details you need, from the tour routes to helpful tips for visitors.
Let’s dive in and explore the beauty of Trang An!
Trang An is a beautiful spot full of natural and cultural treasures. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Here, you will find striking limestone hills, winding rivers, and thick forests. Taking a boat tour allows you to see this untouched area where you can discover caves, temples, and historical sites.
What makes Trang An special is its mix of stunning views and rich culture. As you travel on the green waters, you will pass by ancient pagodas and shrines that are centuries old. This blend of nature and history helps visitors connect with Vietnam’s past while enjoying its breathtaking scenery.
Many people visit Trang An for its peaceful atmosphere, which is a nice change from the busier tourist spots in Vietnam. If you are looking for a unique experience with amazing sights, Trang An is the perfect choice.
The Trang An Boat Tour offers three exciting routes, each showcasing the beauty of the region. Each route is designed for different interests and schedules. Choose the route that best matches your adventure style and time, and let Trang An wow you.
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 offers a balanced experience, making it popular among international tourists. You will glide through calm waterways surrounded by limestone peaks. You will also stop at important cultural sites like Dia Linh Cave and Khong Temple. This route is slightly shorter than Route 1, providing a taste of what Trang An has to offer without feeling rushed.
Route 3 is short but beautiful. It offers stunning nature and important cultural sites. 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. This route is perfect for a quick yet memorable adventure.
If you are in Hanoi and want to go to Ninh Binh, the trip will take about 2 to 3 hours. You can travel by private car, bus, or train. A private car is the most comfortable and convenient option, especially for international tourists. It provides door-to-door service, flexible timing, and privacy. Public buses and tourist shuttles frequently run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. This is a budget-friendly option that costs around $5-10 USD, but it may take longer because of multiple stops. The train ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is scenic and relaxing, taking about 2 hours. Once you arrive, you will need local transport to reach Trang An.
When you get to Ninh Binh, Trang An is a short distance away. To get from Ninh Binh to Trang An, you can take a local taxi or use ride-hailing apps like Grab for a convenient 15-minute ride to Trang An. For those who want an adventure, renting a motorbike is popular. It costs about $7-10 USD per day and allows you to explore at your own pace. If you are staying close by, biking to Trang An is a beautiful and eco-friendly option.
No matter how you choose to travel, the journey to Trang An is part of the adventure. With Ninh Binh nearby and good transport from Hanoi, it is easy and rewarding to reach this amazing destination.
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Departure from Hanoi
Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Then, take a scenic 120-kilometer bus ride through Vietnam’s green countryside to Ninh Binh province. There will be a rest stop along the way for refreshments and a quick break.
10:30 AM: Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
Visit the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Then, see the temple of King Dinh, dating back to the 17th century, and learn about its history from your guide. You can take pictures of the ancient buildings against the beautiful landscapes.
11:30 AM: Bicycle ride to Bich Dong Pagoda
Enjoy a 30-minute bike ride through charming rural villages. Also, you can discover Bich Dong Pagoda, a spiritual site in the mountains, or explore the villages and shop for unique souvenirs. You should definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring a small bag for souvenirs.
12:15 PM: Have lunch at a local restaurant
Enjoy a delicious lunch with authentic Vietnamese food at a local restaurant. You can trry regional dishes like goat meat, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables.
1:30 PM: Time for Ninh Binh Trang An boat tour
Take a traditional boat and enjoy a journey down the Sao Khe River. Sail through beautiful limestone mountains, ancient forests, and reed fields.
Pass through 9 caves, including Sang Cave and Hang Cave, each with its own unique shape. Enjoy the peaceful nature and see filming locations from the movie Kong: Skull Island, including a real Aboriginal village.
4:00 PM: Visit Mua Cave
You end the day with a climb up Mua Cave, also known as the “miniature Great Wall of Vietnam.” Now, you will have to climb 486 stone steps to reach the top of Mua Mountain, where you’ll find amazing views. Take in the sights of mountain peaks, green rice fields, and beautiful towers.
5:30 PM: Board the bus for a comfortable ride back to Hanoi after a full day.
7:30 PM: Arrive back at your hotel in the Old Quarter, bringing your adventure to a close.
This recommended Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh gives a good mix of cultural sights, natural beauty, and fun activities, perfect for tourists wanting to experience Ninh Binh in just one day.
Trang An is a beautiful place to explore Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures. You can paddle through calm waters surrounded by limestone hills, visit ancient caves, and see sacred temples at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Trang An, you will also learn about Vietnam’s history, nature, and local people. You can enhance your trip by visiting nearby attractions like Mua Cave for stunning views or Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is the country’s largest Buddhist complex.
Ready for your adventure? Book your Trang An boat tour Ninh Binh with Vietnam Backpacker Hostel today for a smooth and personalized experience you will remember forever!
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
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