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What to do in Trang An Ninh Binh

  Jul 12, 2023

  By Ms. Minh Thu

Overview

You’re planning to visit Trang An for your upcoming Ninh Binh tour, but you still don’t know what to do in Trang An, Ninh Binh. Don’t worry, Vietnam Escape Tours will help you compile the most interesting activities to do here. As you know, Trang An is one of the most well-known tourist locations in the north of Vietnam is the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which is situated in Ninh Binh Province. The Vietnamese government views Trang An Ninh Binh as a particularly significant national landmark, and UNESCO has designated it as a world heritage site since 2014. Let’s explore this destination right away!


Highlights of Trang An Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu Capital

Over the course of history with so much time, up to now, the image of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital has not been intact but still retains the values of the nation. And one of the destinations in Trang An that you must not forget is the temple of King Dinh - King Le built right on the foundation of this sacred Hoa Lu Capital.


Hoa Lu Capital


Bai Dinh pagoda

Located in the north of the Trang An heritage complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a place that you should visit. This is a spiritual architectural complex that has set many records in Vietnam as well as in Asia. One of the Trang An travel experiences that you definitely have to do is being able to go to Bai Dinh Pagoda to pray for the best for your loved ones.


Bai Dinh pagoda


Dia Linh Cave - Dark Cave - Bright Cave

Dia Linh Cave is 1,500m long, connecting to the Tran Temple valley. The cave has many turns and is currently only partially exploited. Going deep into the cave, one can see that there are wide and flat places, but there are very narrow places, only about 3m wide.

Passing Dia Linh Cave, visitors continue to the Dark Cave (Toi Cave). It is very dark in the cave; you must bring a flashlight to see the cave. The cave is 315m long, in the cave there are many stalactites with different shapes. The temperature in this cave is usually higher than 2-3 degrees Celsius because in the middle of the cave, there is a hot spring…

Next to Dark Cave, visitors visit Bright Cave (Sáng Cave). This cave is short, only about 100m, so the cave always receives light from the two entrances of the cave.


Dia Linh Cave


What to do in Trang An Ninh Binh

Trang An Boat Tour

A Trang A boat excursion in Ninh Binh Province takes you to a world of water where you will go through ominous tunnels and see breathtaking karst formations that can only be reached by boat.

The 'Halong Bay on Land' has been remarkably little affected by human activity, giving you the impression that you are a long-gone explorer exploring an uncharted region before the earth was completely mapped.


Trang An boat tour


Trang An Farm Trip

Anyone who wishes to work as a farmer will join the locals in learning how to cultivate rice, irrigate a field, and catch fish. Numerous tourists in Ninh Binh take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the custom of wet rice cultivation because of the popularity of those photos of the farmers. Consequently, parents and their kids from industrialized countries love going on a farm tour. You can join these unique trips in Gia Vien, Nho Quan, or Hoa Lu District.


Trekking in Cuc Phuong National Park

The park offers an excellent opportunity to see Vietnam's natural beauty up close, and the tourist industry's revenue helps to protect the park's animals and boost the local economy. You can get basic maps from park officials to locate the clearly designated trailheads. To get the most out of both short and long hikes, a guided trip is the best and most wise option. There are also options for longer hikes to the Ngoc Son and Pu Luong nature reserves, overnight treks, and camping excursions.


Cuc Phuong National Park


Trang An Panoramic View By Helicopter

Since the Trang An Heli Tour was introduced, visitors have had the opportunity to take in a bird's-eye perspective of the Trang An terrain complex in the northern province of Ninh Binh. A normal tour lasts for 10 minutes and allows for a maximum of four people to ride each ride. Visitors undergo an enjoyable experience at different altitudes, usually hovering between 150 and 200 meters above the terrain. A Trang A picturesque complex offers views of a magnificent natural setting, all of which may be appreciated from a great height.  The excursion offers the chance to see a number of well-known locations, including the Tam Coc-Bch Dong tourist attraction, the Bai Dinh pagoda spiritual complex, and the Hoa Lu complex, which served as the previous capital.


Kayaking

Tourists don't need to be particularly experienced to maneuver the kayak, and a crew of lifeguards is constantly on duty in case mishaps occur. Tourists can freely go to any tourist spots they want such as Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple and return to the place of departure. The whole trip is about three kilometers long. Currently, there are only 15 boats in use for 20 tourists each time. The management board will increase its fleet once the demand picks up. According to them, the response has been positive with many promises of return trips.


Biking

Cycling in Ninh Binh is one of the best things to do. In reality, this region is among the top places in Vietnam to go cycling. Flat valleys with less traffic are found in between the imposing limestone mountains' highlights. The province is therefore a great location to rent a bike and explore the stunning landscape. Biking in Ninh Binh brings you through beautiful rice fields, small rivers, towering limestone cliffs, and buffaloes and goats walking freely over the roads.


Foreign tourists biking in Ninh Binh


How to get to Trang An, Ninh Binh


Limousine | Private Car

The most practical and cozy mode of transportation is a private vehicle. Your worries about needing to drive yourself, using route maps, and maintaining your privacy will be allayed.


Bus

Although public transportation is less expensive than limos or private vehicles, it is less convenient to reach Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. To board the bus to Ninh Binh, you must go to the Giap Bat bus terminal, and the trip will take two to three hours. To go to the hotel you are staying at from here, you will need to rent a different vehicle.

It is a vehicle worth considering even though it is not convenient and costs only 2.85 USD for a one-way ticket. You can reserve a bus ticket if your hotel is close to the bus station, but if it's too far away, this may not be the best option.


Train

There are five rail trains that run between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, the first leaving the station at 6:00 in the morning and the last at 22:15. One-way tickets cost roughly $4.20 USD and can be purchased online in advance or at the station.


Motorbike

Renting a motorcycle to get to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is definitely a smart idea if your luggage isn't too heavy and you enjoy having the freedom to roam around. A motorcycle can be rented for approximately 100,000–150,000 VND per day. You are free to travel, but you may encounter weather issues and endure a lengthy drive.


Best time to visit

All throughout the year, especially during breaks, special occasions, and festivals, people visit Trang An Complex. As a result, throughout certain seasons it will be extremely congested. The best days to visit are regular weekdays during the dry season if you want to have the entire beautiful scenery to yourself. Then you won't have to worry about other people interfering with your enjoyment of the magnificent vistas in the cool weather.


Tips for the trip

- If you plan to embark on a Trang An Tour from Hanoi during the day, please don't forget to pack hats and umbrellas to shield yourself from the sun and precipitation.

- You should always use a life jacket when sailing, we strongly suggest. It is a part of the price of the Trang An boat tour.

- Wearing comfortable, sweat-wicking shoes and gear is important when hiking.

- Dress appropriately for the occasion when you visit temples.


Conclusion

Now, you have seen that there are many interesting activities in Trang An, Ninh Binh, haven't you? So, if you come here, experience as many activities as possible, and share with your friends and others so more people know about this great place!