Ninh Binh, the land of the ancient capital Hoa Lu, has long been famous for its majestic natural beauty and profound historical and cultural values. In the heart of Ninh Binh, Trang An tourist area emerges like a watercolor painting, where mountains, rivers, and caves harmonize, creating a masterpiece recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage. This summer, join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) to explore Trang An, an ideal eco-tourism destination, promising you unforgettable travel experiences.
Boat tour in Trang An Ninh Binh
Trang An is not just a tourist spot, but also a journey to discover the pure beauty of nature, where you can immerse yourself in a peaceful, tranquil space, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a magnificent cave system, rolling limestone mountains, and gentle winding rivers, Trang An overwhelms visitors with the beauty that nature has bestowed upon this land. Let’s explore the most detailed Trang An Ninh Binh travel experiences to prepare for your upcoming trip!
A Glimpse into Trang An Ninh Binh Tourist Area
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was honored by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2014, marking a significant milestone, affirming the global value of this land. Trang An is not merely an eco-tourism area, but also a living natural museum, preserving historical and cultural imprints of the nation.
With a core zone area of up to 6,172 hectares, Trang An boasts a diverse and rich ecosystem. It is a harmonious combination of majestic mountains and forests, a dense river system, and lush green rice fields. Visitors to Trang An will admire the unique beauty of million-year-old limestone caves, picturesque valleys, and ancient historical relics.
Trang An Ninh Binh complex recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Trang An is located in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, bordering Gia Vien, Nho Quan districts, and Tam Diep city. This convenient geographical location makes Trang An an ideal destination for short or long trips, especially on weekends or holidays.
Historically, Trang An was chosen by King Dinh Tien Hoang as the Southern Citadel to protect the Hoa Lu capital. Therefore, when coming to Trang An, visitors not only immerse themselves in the beauty of nature but also have the opportunity to explore historical and cultural landmarks, and stories about a heroic era of the nation.
Trang An eco-tourism area is about 7km from the center of Ninh Binh city, with convenient transportation. Visitors can easily travel to Trang An by various means such as car, motorbike, or bus.
Trang An is a conservation area and habitat for diverse flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit Trang An Ninh Binh Tourist Area
Trang An Ninh Binh is beautiful all year round, each season bringing its own unique beauty. However, to have a complete and meaningful trip, choosing the right time is extremely important.
January – March (Early Spring): This is the ideal time for spring travel and exploring Trang An. The weather is cool, not too cold, very suitable for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. In spring, Trang An puts on a new coat with fresh green buds, and the air is fresh, bringing a feeling of relaxation and comfort. However, this is also the peak tourist season, with a large number of visitors flocking to Trang An, so you should prepare yourself for queuing to buy boat tickets.
May – June (Harvest Season): If you want to admire the brilliant beauty of golden ripe rice fields, May and June are the perfect time. Trang An in this season is like wearing a bright yellow cloak, creating a peaceful, poetic, and strangely charming scene.
July – September (Autumn): Autumn in Trang An brings cool, pleasant air, and gentle sunshine, no longer as harsh as summer. This is a suitable time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Trang An, away from the summer heat.
Best time to visit Trang An Ninh Binh for sightseeing
Each season, Trang An has its own beauty and different experiences. Depending on your preferences and personal schedule, you can choose the most suitable time to explore Trang An Ninh Binh eco-tourism area.
Getting to Trang An Ninh Binh Eco-Tourism Area
Traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh is quite easy and convenient. From Hanoi, you can choose many different means of transport to get to Ninh Binh, then move to Trang An.
Bus: Buses are the most popular and cost-effective means of transportation from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. You can catch a bus at major bus stations such as My Dinh, Giap Bat. Reputable bus operators such as Minh Dung, Dong Chin, Quang Thang… have many trips to Ninh Binh every day with ticket prices ranging from 70,000 – 90,000 VND/person. Arriving in Ninh Binh city, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Trang An.
Motorbike: Motorbike is an ideal choice for those who love freedom and exploration. You can travel along National Highway 1A or Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway to Ninh Binh. The road is quite easy and there are many beautiful scenes for you to admire along the way. From the center of Hanoi, follow the direction of Van Dien – Thuong Tin, then turn into National Highway 1A and go straight to Ninh Binh. In Ninh Binh, follow the signs to Trang An.
Private Car: If you want to travel more comfortably and proactively, a private car is a good option. You can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie expressway or National Highway 1A to Ninh Binh. Travel time by private car is about 2 – 2.5 hours.
Train: Train is also an interesting means of transport to Ninh Binh. You can buy train tickets at Hanoi station and choose trains to Ninh Binh. At Ninh Binh station, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Trang An.
Transportation options to Trang An Ninh Binh eco-tourism area
The Majestic Beauty of Trang An Ninh Binh’s Natural Landscape
Trang An is famous for its poetic and picturesque scenery, magnificent cave system, and unique historical and cultural relics. When you come here, you cannot miss the following attractive attractions:
Exploring Magnificent Caves
Experiencing a boat ride on the clear Sao Khe River, weaving through magical caves is an activity not to be missed when coming to Trang An. You will admire the shimmering, mysterious beauty of stalactites and stalagmites created by nature over millions of years.
Dia Linh Cave: Dia Linh Cave is about 300m long, famous for the magnificent beauty of sparkling stalactites like jewels. Inside the cave, you will feel like you are lost in a giant treasure with natural golden light.
Nau Ruou Cave (Wine Brewing Cave): Nau Ruou Cave brings curiosity to visitors because of the faint aroma of wine in the cave. Legend has it that in the past, people used underground water in the cave to brew wine to offer to King Dinh.
Ba Giot Cave (Three Drops Cave): Ba Giot Cave is famous for its wet, colorful stalactites. Legend has it that anyone who catches 3 drops of water from the stalactites in the cave will have good luck in love and life.
Sang Cave – Toi Cave (Bright Cave – Dark Cave): Sang Cave and Toi Cave are two adjacent caves, offering an interesting exploration experience. Toi Cave becomes darker as you go deeper, with a cool, mysterious space. Sang Cave, on the contrary, has natural light as you go deeper, with a length of about 112m.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong, also known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, is a famous scenic complex located near Trang An. Coming to Tam Coc, you will take a boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, admiring the golden rice fields stretching along both sides of the river and exploring unique caves such as Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Bich Dong is an ancient pagoda nestled in the mountains, built in a unique Oriental architectural style.
Boat ride to see golden rice paddies and caves in Tam Coc
Dong Am Tien (Tuyet Tinh Coc – Am Tien Cave/Love Valley)
Dong Am Tien, also known as Tuyet Tinh Coc, is a clear blue lake located in the heart of limestone mountains. The scenery here is as beautiful as a painting, bringing a feeling of peace and tranquility. Coming to Dong Am Tien, you will immerse yourself in pristine nature, enjoying the fresh and relaxing atmosphere.
Visitors admire the stunning natural scenery of Dong Am Tien
Exploring Ancient Historical and Cultural Sites When Traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh
Not only famous for its natural beauty, Trang An is also a place that preserves precious historical and cultural values.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a particularly important national relic complex of Vietnam, once the capital of Dai Co Viet under the Dinh, Tien Le, and Ly dynasties. Coming to Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, admire ancient architecture, and learn about the nation’s heroic history.
Unique architecture of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital preserving ancient beauty
Vu Lam Royal Temple
Vu Lam Royal Temple is located amidst poetic natural scenery, a unique architectural work built from the Tran Dynasty. This place was once where Tran kings came to practice and work. Vu Lam Royal Temple has ancient, serene beauty, an ideal destination for those who want to learn about Vietnamese history and Buddhist culture.
Panoramic view of Vu Lam Royal Temple surrounded by mountains
Den Trinh Temple ( trình Temple)
Den Trinh Temple is a famous temple in Trang An, worshiping 4 gods of the Dinh Dynasty, generals who managed the king’s gold and silver. Den Trinh Temple has traditional Vietnamese architecture, with sophisticatedly carved patterns. This is a spiritual destination attracting many tourists to pray for luck and peace.
Accommodation Options When Traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh has many diverse accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and cozy homestays. Near Trang An tourist area, you can refer to some favorite accommodation options below:
Hang Mua Ecolodge
Hang Mua Ecolodge is located in a prime location, near Hang Mua and other famous tourist attractions. The resort has a large area, built in harmony with nature, bringing a peaceful and relaxing space. Rooms at Hang Mua Ecolodge are beautifully designed, comfortable, with views overlooking mountains and rice fields.
Hang Mua Ecolodge for a peaceful weekend getaway
Trang An Retreat
Trang An Retreat is a beautiful resort nestled in the mountains of Trang An. With rustic architecture, close to nature, Trang An Retreat offers a quiet, relaxing resort space. Bungalows here are simply but delicately designed, using environmentally friendly materials.
Trang An Retreat surrounded by pristine and majestic mountains
In addition, you can search for other hotels and homestays in Ninh Binh city or near Trang An on online booking websites to choose accommodation that suits your needs and budget.
Top Must-Try Dishes When Visiting Trang An Ninh Binh Tourist Area
Ninh Binh cuisine is imbued with rustic, rural flavors but no less attractive. When coming to Trang An, don’t forget to enjoy the following famous specialties:
Cua Dong Rang La Lot (Field Crab Fried with Wild Betel Leaves): A rustic dish made from small field crabs, fried crispy with fragrant wild betel leaves. Field crab fried with wild betel leaves has the natural sweetness of crab, the characteristic aroma of wild betel leaves, very delicious with rice.
Crispy fried field crab with wild betel leaves, a Ninh Binh specialty
Bun Cha Quat (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli Noodles – Fan-Grilled Style): Ninh Binh’s Bun Cha Quat is different from Hanoi’s Bun Cha. The patties are made from minced meat, grilled over charcoal, large patties, charred on the outside, and soft and sweet on the inside. Bun Cha Quat is usually served with raw vegetables and sweet and sour dipping sauce.
Banh Da Ca Ro (Crispy Rice Pancake with Perch Soup): Banh Da Ca Ro is a famous specialty of Ninh Binh. Soft and chewy Banh Da served with boneless perch meat, sweet and flavorful broth. This dish is both nutritious, delicious, and very eye-catching.
Souvenirs to Buy When Traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh
After a trip to Trang An, you can buy Ninh Binh specialties as gifts for family and friends.
Nem Chua Yen Mac (Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll): Nem Chua Yen Mac is a famous specialty gift of Ninh Binh. Nem is made from lean pork thigh, roasted rice powder, pork skin, and guava leaves. Nem Chua Yen Mac has a mild sour, slightly spicy, and characteristic delicious taste.
Yen Mac fermented pork roll, a specialty souvenir from Ninh Binh
Com Chay Ninh Binh (Ninh Binh Crispy Rice Crust): Com Chay Ninh Binh is a snack loved by many people. Com Chay is made from glutinous rice, fried crispy, served with rich dipping sauce. Ninh Binh Com Chay has many types such as Com Chay with pork floss, Com Chay with fried shallots, Com Chay with shrimp paste…
Ninh Binh crispy rice crust, a delicious souvenir
Mam Tep Gia Vien (Gia Vien Shrimp Paste): Mam Tep Gia Vien is a famous specialty of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh. Mam Tep is made from fresh small shrimp, seasoned and naturally fermented. Mam Tep Gia Vien has a harmonious salty and sweet taste, delicious, often used to serve with white rice or boiled meat.
Gia Vien shrimp paste with a balanced salty taste
You can buy these specialties at markets and specialty stores in Ninh Binh.
Trang An Ninh Binh Travel Cost Reference
The cost of traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh depends on many factors such as length of stay, means of transport, type of service, and personal needs. Below is a reference cost table for a 2-day 1-night Trang An trip from Hanoi:
- Hanoi – Ninh Binh bus (round trip): 200,000 VND/person
- Hotel (1 night): From 200,000 VND/room
- Motorbike rental (1 day): 100,000 VND/bike
- Sightseeing tickets, meals: Approximately 1,000,000 VND/person
Minimum total cost: Approximately 1,500,000 VND/person
Travel costs for Trang An Ninh Binh vary depending on itinerary and needs
Suggested 2-Day 1-Night Trang An Ninh Binh Itinerary
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hang Mua
Day 1:
- 7:30 AM: Depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours).
- 9:45 AM: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, explore King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple.
- 10:30 AM: Move to Hang Mua, conquer the top of Mua Mountain to admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc and Trang An.
- 12:30 PM: Have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy Ninh Binh specialties.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at Trang An tourist area, take a boat to visit tourist routes, explore caves and temples.
- 5:00 PM: Check in to the hotel and rest.
- Evening: Freely explore Ninh Binh city, enjoy local cuisine.
Day 2:
- Morning: Freely visit other tourist attractions in Ninh Binh such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc – Bich Dong (if not visited on day 1) or nearby tourist spots.
- Noon: Have lunch and shop for souvenirs.
- Afternoon: Depart back to Hanoi.
Flexible itinerary for a 2-day 1-night trip to Trang An Ninh Binh
This itinerary can be flexibly adjusted according to your preferences and time.
Important Notes for Traveling to Trang An Ninh Binh Eco-Tourism Area
- Clothing: Choose comfortable, neat, and easy-to-move clothing. Prepare sports shoes or low sandals for easy movement and mountain climbing.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing. In summer, bring a hat, sunscreen. In winter, bring warm clothes.
- Personal items: Bring mosquito repellent, personal medicine, personal hygiene items.
- Cash: Bring enough cash to spend on sightseeing, eating, and shopping activities.
- Ask for prices: When buying souvenirs or using services, ask for prices in advance to avoid being ripped off.
- Environmental protection: Do not litter indiscriminately, maintain general hygiene at the tourist area.
- Safety: Pay attention to safety when participating in activities such as mountain climbing and boating.
Important travel tips for visiting Trang An Ninh Binh eco-tourism area
Top-Notch Entertainment and Resort Destination Lynn Times Thanh Thuy in Northern Vietnam
If you want to combine Trang An tourism with luxury resort, Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy is a great choice. The resort is located in Phu Tho, not far from Hanoi, offering a luxurious and classy resort space with many attractive amenities and services.
Wyndham Lynn Times Thanh Thuy is famous for its Ohayo Onsen & Spa hot spring bath service of Japanese standard, vibrant Hokkaido pedestrian street, unique Japanese cultural museum, Sky Onsen Pool infinity pool, and Relax Zone entertainment area. This is an ideal destination for families, friends, and couples who want to enjoy a memorable vacation.
Ohayo Onsen & Spa service at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
Hokkaido pedestrian street at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
Japanese Cultural Museum at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
Japanese Cultural Museum interior at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
Sky Onsen Pool at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
Living Well zone at Lynn Times Thanh Thuy
This summer, plan a trip to Trang An Ninh Binh to discover the majestic natural beauty and experience interesting things in the ancient capital land. Hope the Trang An travel experiences that “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) shares will help you have a truly memorable trip!