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Blessed by nature, Vietnam is truly a dream destination for many. One of the stunning places to visit here is Trang An, which has existed for centuries and continues to mesmerise visitors with its charm. Aside from the rich history, Trang An Vietnam welcomes you with breathtaking natural beauty that is sure to leave you awestruck. From the rivers and mountains to caves and ancient architecture, every corner of Trang An has something unique to offer. Plan a trip to this amazing place and find yourself amidst nature like never before.
About
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A part of Ninh Binh province, Trang An happens to be an eco-tourism site that stretches across 2,000 hectares of land and is famous for its waterways, limestone mountains, and caves. The landscape developed over 250 million years ago and supports a diverse ecosystem. According to historical records, Trang An was used as a natural defence by Emperor Đinh Tiên Hoàng in the 10th century. During that time, the area was known as Vu Lam Palace. Today, Trang An draws visitors with its breathtaking scenery, steep cliffs, clean flowing rivers, and lush greenery. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 because of its natural beauty.
Location
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Trang An is in Ninh Binh Province, in northern Vietnam, which is about 99.5 km from Hanoi. Sitting in a peaceful valley, Trang An is surrounded by lush greenery, limestone mountains, and beautiful rivers. The area is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws thousands of tourists every year. Spread across 2,000 hectares of land, it offers a mix of nature and history that makes it a perfect escape from the busy city life.
How To Reach
Photo: Lưu Ly / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Trang An is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. After landing, it will take you around 2 hours to reach Ninh Binh by bus or train. Once in the province, you can hire a taxi to Trang An.
By Rail: Travelling by train is an affordable way to reach Trang An. Many trains run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh throughout the day. You can board the train from Hanoi Railway Station and reach Ninh Binh Railway Station in 2.5 hours. From there, book a taxi or board the bus to Trang An.
By Road: Many tourists choose to travel by road because it allows them to enjoy scenic views on the way. Many buses and limousine shuttles run regularly between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Once you reach Ninh Binh, it won’t take you much time to Trang An by taxi or motorbike.
Places To Visit In Trang An, Vietnam
When it comes to Trang, Vietnam’s top tourist places, you are spoiled for choice. Here are some of the most popular ones you shouldn’t miss:
1. Mua Cave
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While there are many beautiful attractions in Trang An, Mua Cave is probably the most stunning of them all. Climbing 500 stone steps, you reach the top and see the real magic unfold before your eyes. From the peak, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the rice fields and limestone mountains that make you feel like you are standing on top of the world. Along the way, you will spot dragon statues, gardens, and traditional gates that further enhance the beauty of the place.
Location: Thôn Khê Đầu Hạ, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
2. Tam Coc
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Among Trang An Vietnam tourist attractions, you cannot miss Tam Coc, which is famous for its lush green rice fields and big limestone cliffs. Also known as “Ha Long Bay on Land,” visiting Tam Coc offers you a unique experience that is unlike anywhere else. The best way to explore the site is by boat, which takes you through peaceful waterways and caves. While gliding through the water, you will see towering rocks on both sides that look incredibly beautiful and perfect for photography.
Location: Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM
3. Hao Lu
Hao Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, is not to be missed when you are in Trang An. Several centuries old, the site is rich in history, culture, and old architecture that feels like stepping back in time. While you are in Hao Lu, you will see many temples and pagodas that are not unique but tell powerful stories from the past. Visiting Hao Lu helps you to learn a lot about early Vietnamese history and traditions. For the best experience, you should book a tour guide.
Location: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
4. Bai Dinh Pagoda
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When looking for Trang An Vietnam places to visit, Bai Dinh Pagoda needs to be at the top. As one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Vietnam, it is simply breathtaking and houses several giant statues of Lord Buddha. As you walk around the pagoda, you will come across a 13-story stupa, the main highlight of the place. Climbing the stupa allows you to enjoy a lovely view of the whole area. Besides that, you have long corridors and hundreds of stone Arhat statues to explore.
Location: Xã, Gia Sinh, Gia Viễn, Ninh Bình, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
5. Cuc Phuong National Park
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The oldest and largest national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong, is nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers. From the moment you enter the park, you are greeted by a rich biodiversity. The entire area is full of trees, rare plants, and wildlife. As you go deeper into the park, you will see various animals, including monkeys, squirrels, and birds. There are also many caves inside the park, like the prehistoric Cave of Man, which has evidence of ancient human life. As a rescue centre, the park supports endangered animals and protects them from the outside world.
Location: Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình 432857, Vietnam
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Where To Stay
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Since Trang An is close to Ninh Binh City, you will find many places to stay nearby. For a peaceful experience, choose a homestay near the rice fields or river. These small, family-run spots offer clean rooms, home-cooked meals, and beautiful views that are perfect to enhance your stay. However, if you want more comfort, there are hotels and resorts with modern facilities. Some of the popular options include Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat, Trang An Spring Garden Homestay, and Trang An Ecolodge.
Where To Eat
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When visiting Trang An, you get a chance to enjoy tasty local Vietnamese food. There are many small restaurants and street food stalls in and around Ninh Binh, so finding a good place to eat won’t be a problem. For the best taste, try places like Ngoc Linh Restaurant, Trang An Skyline Restaurant, and Trang An Heritage Garden Restaurant. These places offer delicious food at a reasonable price.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Trang An is during the dry season, which runs from January to March. During these months, the weather is cool, and the sky is clear, making it perfect for sightseeing. In case you plan your trip around April, you can attend the local festivals and see the rice fields before harvest. Even October to December is a good time to visit, as the weather remains cool and there are fewer tourists around.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
A 7 to 10-day trip to Trang An will likely cost around ₹60,000 to ₹1,20,000 per person, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities. However, the cost may vary depending on your preferences. To ensure you don’t spend recklessly, setting a budget is essential.
Tips For Travellers
- Boat tours are one of the main highlights of Trang An, and there are three different routes involved. To make the most of your visit, try to cover all of them.
- When going hiking or biking in Trang An, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes for a better experience.
- There are many places to see and explore in Trang An, so you need to have your itinerary ready in advance.
- During the high season, Trang An remains highly crowded, so book your hotel and other reservations in advance.
- Some places in Trang An may not accept digital payment, so carrying cash is a good idea.
With its historical sites, limestone mountains, and serene rivers, Trang An Vietnam is sure to leave an impression on your mind. Each attraction is unique and has something special to offer. So, if you find yourself in Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to explore this beauty. For travel tips, you can seek help from TripXL.
Cover Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
