Blog Details

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - The “Ha Long Bay on Land” of Ninh Binh

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary natural and cultural destinations. Featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, Trang An captivates visitors with its emerald rivers winding through towering limestone mountains, lush tropical greenery, and tranquil rice fields - a landscape often described as “Ha Long Bay on land.”

Location and Overview
Located about 100 kilometers south of Hanoi and roughly 10 kilometers west of Ninh Binh City, Trang An covers a vast area that includes Trang An Ecotourism Complex, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Tam Coc–Bich Dong Scenic Area. On June 23, 2014, UNESCO recognized Trang An as Vietnam’s eighth World Heritage Site, honoring its outstanding cultural, historical, and geological significance. Visitors can explore ancient caves, archaeological sites, and relics dating back thousands of years, reflecting the harmony between nature and human civilization.

Getting There
Traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is simple and convenient. Visitors can take a bus or train, then rent a motorbike, bicycle, or taxi to reach Trang An. Exploring by motorbike or bicycle is particularly popular, allowing travelers to enjoy the peaceful countryside and breathtaking scenery at their own pace.

What to Do in Trang An
Trang An offers a perfect blend of ecotourism, spirituality, and history. Visitors can embark on serene boat journeys through emerald waterways, passing through a network of 13 caves and grottoes, as well as several sacred temples. Each cave — such as Toi (Dark), Sang (Bright), and Nau Ruou (Wine-Brewing) — possesses unique beauty, with shimmering stalactites and the soothing sound of flowing water.

For those who prefer hiking, a 1.6-kilometer trail from Cay Bang Wharf leads to Tran Temple (also known as Noi Lam Temple), dedicated to God Quy Minh, the 18th Hung King. Along the way, seven octagonal wooden pavilions provide resting spots where travelers can admire panoramic views of the mountains.

A standard boat tour typically lasts about three hours, offering an immersive experience of nature, history, and spirituality. The combination of peaceful river valleys, dramatic cliffs, and sacred sites makes Trang An an unforgettable journey into Vietnam’s heartland.

Best Time to Visit
Trang An is beautiful year-round, but the scenery is particularly stunning from May to October, when the rice fields turn golden and the weather is warm. During winter, the atmosphere is cooler and sometimes misty, adding a mystical charm to the limestone landscape. The ecotourism site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with weekends being the busiest. Early morning visits are recommended for the most tranquil experience.

Where to Stay
Ninh Binh offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses and eco-friendly bungalows. Many travelers choose to stay near Trang An or in Tam Coc to remain close to the area’s most scenic boat tours and cultural attractions.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a masterpiece of nature and history, a place where emerald waters, limestone mountains, and ancient legends intertwine. Whether gliding along its tranquil rivers or exploring centuries-old temples, visitors are sure to feel the timeless beauty and spiritual serenity that make Trang An one of Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations.