Trang An Caves, Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

River in Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Mortel

Trang An, Ninh Binh is one of the top sights in Ninh Binh for travellers who love dramatic scenery and gentle adventure. About 90 km south of Hanoi, this eco-tourism area is a maze of jade-green rivers threading through steep limestone karsts, with temples and cave shrines tucked into hidden valleys. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, it preserves over 30,000 years of human activity and layers of history from prehistoric settlements to imperial defences.

Boat routes wind through cave tunnels, past flooded forests and beneath sheer cliffs, revealing both natural wonders and traces of the Dinh and Tran dynasties that used Trang An as a southern shield for Hoa Lu and later as Vu Lam Palace during resistance against the Mongol-Yuan invasions. Add in its starring roles in films like Kong: Skull Island, Blood Letter and Tam Cam: The Untold Story, and it is easy to see why this landscape is a highlight of any walking tour of Ninh Binh and its surrounding countryside.

History and Significance of Trang An
Things to See and Do in Trang An
How to Get to Trang An
Practical Tips on Visiting Trang An
Where to Stay close to Trang An
Is Trang An Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Trang An
Nearby Attractions to Trang An

History and Significance of Trang An

Trang An Eco-tourism Site sits within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a more than 2,000-hectare area of limestone mountains, flooded valleys and winding waterways in Ninh Binh Province. The karst system here is around 250 million years old, shaped by erosion into towers, ridges and cave systems. Archaeological evidence from caves and rock shelters shows that humans have lived in and moved through this landscape for over 30,000 years, using its rivers and caves for shelter, food and ritual.

In historical times, Trang An became strategically important to early Vietnamese states. In the 10th century, when King Dinh Tien Hoang established Hoa Lu as the capital of Dai Co Viet, this area formed a natural southern barrier for the royal citadel. Limestone cliffs, narrow valleys and braided waterways created a defensive maze that was difficult for invaders to penetrate. During the Tran Dynasty, Trang An served as Vu Lam Palace, a kind of hidden royal base and spiritual retreat used during the resistance against the Yuan Mongol invasions, allowing kings to regroup and practise Buddhism while coordinating military efforts.

Today, Trang An is valued not only for its natural beauty but also as a cultural and historical archive. Temples like Trinh Temple and Suoi Tien Temple, sites like Hanh Cung Vu Lam and caves that once sheltered warriors or wine brewers all contribute to its UNESCO status. The combination of cultural relics, living villages, agricultural fields and protected ecosystems makes it a rare example of a landscape where nature and human history are closely intertwined and still very visible to visitors.

Things to See and Do in Trang An

Most visitors experience Trang An by boat from Trang An Wharf, about 7 km from Ninh Binh city. Here you buy your ticket and choose between three main rowing-boat routes, each taking you through a different mix of caves, temples and viewpoints. Boat tickets are around 250,000 VND for adults and 120,000 VND for children between 1 and 1.3 metres in height, with free entry for children under 1 metre, and each journey lasts from around 2 to 5 hours depending on the route and how much time you spend at stops.

Tour 1 is the longest, focusing on cave exploration with nine caves and three temples. You depart from the boat wharf and visit Trinh Temple before gliding into Dark Cave (Hang Toi) and Light or Morning Cave (Hang Sang), where stalactites hang above the river like stone curtains. Wine Brewing Cave (Nau Ruou Cave) gives you a glimpse into the past, when this cool chamber was used to produce wine for kings, with old jars still in place. The route continues through Ba Giot Cave, Seo Cave, Son Duong Cave and others, interspersed with visits to Khong Temple, Bao Hieu Pagoda and further caverns before looping back to the wharf. It is the most in-depth choice if you love the combination of caves and spiritual sites.

Tour 2 is the shortest, taking around 2 hours and passing four caves and three temples. It winds through Lam Cave, Golden Cave (Vang Cave), Thanh Truot Cave and Dai Cave, with stops at Thanh Cao Son Temple and Suoi Tien Temple. This route leans more into Tran Dynasty heritage, with sites linked to Vu Lam and 13th-century architecture. The finale is the Kong: Skull Island film village, where you can see the recreated “aboriginal village” used in the movie, which is especially fun for film fans.

Tour 3 focuses on Trang An’s geological and aquatic side, with three caves and three temples over about 2-3.5 hours. The star is Hang May (Cloud Cave), over 1,000 metres long, where the boat passes under a low ceiling adorned with crystals and dense stalactite formations. You also visit Dia Linh Cave and Dai Cave, Suoi Tien Temple, Trinh Temple, Vu Lam Palace and the Kong film set before returning to the wharf. This route is ideal if you want extended cave time plus a good overview of the area’s religious and historical spots.

Along all routes you will encounter specific caves and sites with their own stories. Light Cave and Dark Cave sit side by side; the former glows with natural light that highlights karst formations, while the latter lives up to its name, requiring artificial light to appreciate the stalactites. The Wine Brewing Cave recalls its role in crafting special wines for royalty. Caves like Sinh, Si and Ba Giot are tied to a tragic love story of a young man and a princess, adding a poignant human layer to their spectacular interiors. Temples such as Trinh Temple, with its “Four Pillars of the Court” dedications, and Suoi Tien Temple, with its river festival honouring Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, root the landscape deeply in Vietnamese spiritual tradition. Hanh Cung Vu Lam, once a Tran Dynasty military base and Buddhist retreat, brings you back to the drama of the Mongol invasions, while the Kong film set offers a playful, modern contrast.

How to Get to Trang An

The nearest major entry point is Hanoi, whose Noi Bai International Airport handles most international and domestic flights into northern Vietnam. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc) on Booking.com. From Hanoi, you travel south to Ninh Binh Province before continuing to Trang An Wharf.

By train, regular services on the north-south Reunification Line run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Railway Station in around 2-2.5 hours.Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. From Ninh Binh, Trang An Wharf is about 7 km away and can be reached in roughly 10-15 minutes by taxi, motorbike or private car. Many hotels and homestays can arrange transfers for you.

You can also reach Trang An by bus from Hanoi, with frequent departures from Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stations heading to Ninh Binh and surrounding areas. Alternatively, you can use a private car, motorbike or organised tour from Hanoi or Ninh Binh, following the main highway south and then local roads to Trang An Eco-tourism Site. This option gives you the flexibility to combine Trang An with nearby attractions such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda in one or two days.

Practical Tips on Visiting Trang An

Suggested tips: Wear light, breathable clothing and bring a hat, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for phones and cameras, as you will be on the water for several hours and the sun reflecting off the river can be intense.
Best time to visit: The dry season from November to June offers pleasant weather and clearer skies; just after Tet (January-February) brings fresh green rice fields, and late May-June offers golden harvest views.
Entrance fee: 250,000 VND/person
Opening hours: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Official website: http://trangandanhthang.vn/
How long to spend: Plan 2-5 hours depending on the route you choose: Tour 1 is the longest (3-5 hours), while Tours 2 and 3 usually take 2-3.5 hours including stops.
Accessibility: Boarding low metal boats and sitting for several hours can be challenging if you have mobility or back issues; there are no toilets on the boats, so use facilities at the wharf before departure.
Facilities: Trang An Wharf has ticket counters, toilets, small shops and food stalls; some landing points along the routes have simple services and shaded areas for resting or picnicking.
Photography tip: Early morning or late afternoon gives softer light on the cliffs and water, and caves can create dramatic backlit shots; keep your camera in a waterproof bag when not in use to protect against splashes.
Guided tours: Consider a guided day tour from Hanoi or a local guide in Ninh Binh who can explain the legends, dynasties and religious sites linked to each cave and temple as you pass.
Nearby food options: Simple eateries near the wharf and in nearby villages serve local dishes, while Ninh Binh city and Tam Coc offer a wider range of restaurants and homestays for pre- or post-tour meals.

Where to Stay close to Trang An

Staying close to Trang An lets you enjoy early or late boat departures with fewer crowds and combine the landscape with nearby sites. For a nature-immersed base near the rivers and karsts, Trang An Retreat offers bungalow-style accommodation surrounded by greenery. Another good option is Trang An Ecolodge, which blends simple comfort with direct access to local boat routes and cycling paths. If you prefer a slightly livelier setting with more dining choices but still within a short drive of Trang An, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort makes a convenient base between Trang An, Tam Coc and Hoa Lu.

Is Trang An Worth Visiting

If you want to understand why Ninh Binh is called “Ha Long Bay on land”, Trang An is essential. The combination of cave passages, towering karst peaks, temples on the water's edge and quiet stretches of river makes it one of the most atmospheric landscapes in Vietnam. You are not just ticking off a single viewpoint: you are moving through a living, breathing heritage site where geology, ecology, history and local life meet. With flexible boat routes, film locations to recognise and a wide choice of nearby sights, Trang An is easily one of the must-see places in Ninh Binh and a highlight of many Vietnam itineraries.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (540)

Trang An Grottoes tour in Hoa Lư, Trường Yên offers scenic, peaceful boat trips through green waters and limestone caves with several route options and organized boarding; visitors report long, typically three-hour rides (tickets about 250k VND) that can be crowded at peak times, but praised the stunning landscape, helpful boarding system and friendly local rowers who do hard manual work and appreciate tips; practical notes from reviewers: bring water, sun protection and consider taking a shorter route if heat or crowds are a concern, and some caves may be inaccessible when flooded.

Anh Nguyen

3 months ago

"Trang An Ninh Binh is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that exceeded my expectations! The scenery is stu ing, with tranquil waters and lushsurroundings. I took the limousine from Hanoi, which took over an hour but was worth it for the convenience (200k VND/person, easily bookable via app). At Trang An, I enjoyed a great drink at the Starbucks store, which had a lovely Japanese/Korean vibe. Ticket prices are 250k VND/person, and can be bought online for a smooth experience. The queueing system for the boat rides is well-organized, and there are several route options to choose from. I opted for Route 2, which took me on a scenic tour around Trang An, although I skipped the big pagodas and temples due to time constraints. If you have more time, I recommend visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda as well. The boat ride takes over 3 hours, and the water was a beautiful greenish hue this season. I spotted some aquatic plants and even caught a glimpse of the Kong movie film studio. To make the most of your visit, I recommend going early in the morning. Overall, Trang An Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a serene getaway. Highly recommended! Let me know if you'd like any changes!..."

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Matty Bengloff

a week ago

"It’s kind of like a Disney World boat ride, but in the real world - What I mean by that is there are large crowds and there are a long line of boatspaddling in front and behind you, all following the same route, but the scenery is stu ing and it’s fun experience as long as you know what it is going into it. Each boat is rowed by a local and it’s definitely hard work so if you go, make sure you are kind and tip them at the end!..."

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Divya K

3 months ago

"We couldn’t go into the caves because it was flooded, it’s a pity because I was looking forward to that. But other than that, very nice peaceful boatride - they take you for 2.5 hours on the lake, I don’t know how the women manually ride the boat for so long!! Quite serene and beautiful...."

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FAQs for Visiting Trang An

Depending on the route, expect anywhere from about 2 hours for the shorter tours up to 3-5 hours for the full cave-heavy itinerary, including time spent walking around temples and viewpoints.

Tour 1 is best if you want the most caves and temples and do not mind a longer trip, Tour 2 is the shortest and includes the Kong film set with a focus on Tran Dynasty heritage, and Tour 3 is ideal if you want to experience the longest cave, Hang May, and a good mix of geology and spiritual sites.

Yes, as long as everyone is comfortable sitting in a small boat for several hours; boarding and disembarking can be a bit tricky, so younger children and older visitors may need a helping hand and should wear life jackets.

Most travellers simply buy tickets on arrival at the wharf, but during peak holidays and weekends it can be busier, so arriving earlier in the day is wise, especially if you have a tight schedule.

Swimming or bathing is not allowed, as Trang An is a protected nature reserve; activities are limited to the licensed rowing boats that follow designated routes.

Nearby Attractions to Trang An

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Vietnam's first royal capital, with temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le set among limestone hills and ponds.
Tam Coc Boat Tour: A scenic sampan journey along the Ngo Dong River through three caves and rice fields, often described as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Bich Dong Pagoda: A three-tier pagoda complex built into a limestone cliff, reached via a stone bridge and offering views over rice paddies.
Mua Caves Viewpoint (Hang Mua): A steep climb of around 500 steps to dragon and pagoda viewpoints with some of the best panoramas in Ninh Binh.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve: A tranquil wetland and bird reserve north of Ninh Binh, ideal for quieter boat trips and wildlife watching away from the main tourist hubs.

The Trang An Caves appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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