Trang An Boat Tours: Vietnam’s Most Scenic Attraction

Introduction

After spending 3 days on a cruise in Ha Long, our next adventure in Vietnam was Tam Coc/Ninh Binh.

We based ourselves near Tam Coc during our stay in Ninh Binh and spent a few days exploring the region and all the boat tours. Between the classic Tam Coc boat tour and the quieter Vân Long Nature Reserve, we thought we had already seen the best of the area. But Trang An turned out to be the highlight, a place that really stood out from the rest. And we understood why it was a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Floating on a small rowing boat with an Australian couple, we found ourselves surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and caves so low we had to duck our heads to squeeze through. Here everything is breathtaking. It’s no wonder Trang An is often called “Ha Long Bay on land.”

There’s also a bit of movie magic here—parts of Kong: Skull Island were filmed in these landscapes, and you can easily see why. It feels raw, dramatic, and otherworldly. Compared to Tam Coc, which gets busier, Trang An felt calmer and gave us more time to really take in the scenery. For us, it was the highlight of Ninh Binh.

Read: All the best Things to do in Tam Coc/Ninh Binh

Why visit?

Trang An is one of those places that really make Ninh Binh special. The boat ride takes you through a series of caves and waterways surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and hidden valleys. Every turn feels a bit different—sometimes wide open with views stretching out across the karst peaks, other times so narrow you’re ducking into a cave with only a faint light at the end.

What makes it unique is the variety. Unlike Tam Coc, which mostly runs along one stretch of river, Trang An feels like a maze of waterways, with different routes leading you through caves, temples, and open landscapes. It’s calmer too, which gave us more space to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

There’s also a cultural side here. Along the way, you pass small temples tucked into the cliffs and riverbanks, adding a sense of history to the natural beauty. And if you’ve seen Kong: Skull Island, you’ll recognize some of the dramatic backdrops, which makes the whole experience feel even more cinematic.

For us, it was the combination of peaceful atmosphere, incredible scenery, and that little touch of adventure that made Trang An stand out from the other boat tours in the area. It’s no wonder it’s often called “Ha Long Bay on land.”

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc

How to get there

Trang An is located just a few kilometers outside of Ninh Binh city, so it’s very easy to reach once you’re in the area. From Tam Coc, where we stayed, it was only a short drive by scooter or taxi—around 15 minutes. Most guesthouses and hotels in Ninh Binh can help arrange transport, and scooters are a fun way to get around if you’re comfortable with local traffic.

If you come by scooter or car, there’s a large parking lot by the entrance. Parking is cheap—expect to pay around 10,000–20,000 VND for a motorbike and a bit more for a car.

If you’re coming from Hanoi, Trang An can be visited as a day trip. Many organized tours from Hanoi include transportation to Ninh Binh, a boat ride at Trang An, and sometimes a stop at other attractions, such as Hoa Lu or Mua Caves. It’s a long day, but a good option if you’re short on time and want to experience Ninh Binh without staying overnight. Of course, you can also take a complete tour from Ninh Binh that includes Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour

For us, basing ourselves in Tam Coc made the most sense. That way, we could combine Trang An with other boat tours and explore the area at a slower pace. Whether you do it independently or as part of a tour, getting to Trang An is simple and straightforward.

When to visit

Trang An can be visited year-round, but the experience changes a lot with the seasons.

• Spring (March to May): Spring is one of the best times to go. The weather is mild, usually between 20–28°C (68–82°F), and the landscape is lush and green. If you’re lucky, you might also catch the rice fields turning a fresh, bright green, which makes the scenery even more beautiful.
• Summer (June to August): This is the hottest and wettest season, with temperatures around 28–35°C (82–95°F). It can be humid, and sudden rains are common, but the cliffs and forests look dramatic against the heavy skies. Bring a hat and plenty of water if you’re visiting in summer.
• Autumn (September to November): Another great time to visit, with cooler, drier weather around 24–30°C (75–86°F). The rice fields shift into golden tones in early autumn, which makes the boat rides even more scenic. It’s also a quieter time compared to spring and summer.
• Winter (December to February): Winter is cooler, with temperatures between 15–20°C (59–68°F), and it can sometimes get misty or foggy. While you won’t see the vibrant colors of the rice fields, the mist over the cliffs creates an atmospheric and very peaceful setting.

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon rides are the most enjoyable. The light is softer, it’s less hot, and the atmosphere feels calmer than in the middle of the day.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

How to Visit

The Trang An experience is all about the boat ride. You start at the main ticket area, where rows of traditional sampan-style boats line up along the river. Each boat normally seats four people, and if you want to have the boat entirely to yourself, you’ll need to buy all four tickets. Otherwise, you’ll likely be paired with other travelers.

From there, a local rower—often rowing with both hands and feet—takes you through caves, temples, and wide stretches of river. The pace is slow and steady, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views.

When buying your ticket, you’ll need to choose one of the three main routes. Each one takes about three hours, but they vary in caves, temples, and atmosphere:

• Route 1: Trinh Temple – Tran Temple – Phu Khong (~3 hours): This is the route with the most caves, up to nine in total, including one that you pass through in both directions. It also includes three important spiritual sites, most notably Tran Temple, considered the heart of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Along the way, you’ll dive into legends of the Dinh dynasty at Trinh Temple and Phu Khong. This is the most complete route if you want both nature and history.
• Route 2: Thanh Cao Son Temple – Suoi Tien Temple – Vu Lam Royal Steps (~3 hours): This route combines four caves and three spiritual sites. Cao Son Temple is dedicated to one of the three guardian deities of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, while Suoi Tien Temple honors the national hero Saint Quy Minh, a general from the Hung Kings era. Every year, a large festival is held here on the 17th and 18th of the third lunar month. It’s a beautiful choice if you want to connect more with the cultural side of Trang An.
• Route 3: Trinh Temple – Dot Cave – Vu Lam Royal Steps (~3 hours): This route passes through three caves and three temples, including Dot Cave, the longest and most beautiful cave in Trang An, stretching over 1,000 meters. It also traces the roots of both the Dinh and Tran dynasties. On this route, don’t miss the Thuy Dinh Water Pavilion and Phuong Hoang Mountain, two of the most photographed spots in Trang An.

We went with the classic Trang An boat Tour Route 1, and it was really nice. We also had a nice time with the Australian couple that was with us on the boat.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Tickets & Opening Hours

Boat tours at Trang An are very straightforward. Tickets cost 250,000 VND (about 10€), per adult (size over 1,3m) and 120,00 VND (about 5€) for children (size between 1m and 1,3m).

If you want to avoid possible lines in the Trang An Complex, you can buy your ticket online.

Each boat carries up to four passengers. If you’d rather have the boat to yourself, you’ll need to pay for all four seats. The ticket covers the full boat ride with your chosen route, and there’s no additional fee to enter temples or caves along the way.

Tours from Hanoi that include Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour cost 40€ per person. Tours from Ninh Binh that include Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour cost 23€ per person.

Trang An is open daily, usually from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last boats departing in the afternoon. Each trip takes around three hours, depending on the route you choose and how busy it is on the river.

It’s a good idea to arrive earlier in the day, especially during weekends or Vietnamese holidays, when it can get crowded. The morning and late afternoon departures are also the most pleasant in terms of light and temperature.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Is it Worth It?

For us, Trang An was absolutely worth it—and honestly, the highlight of Ninh Binh. We had already done the boat rides in Tam Coc and Vân Long, and while both were beautiful, Trang An felt more impressive, more varied, and calmer despite being popular. The mix of caves, temples, and open waterways kept the ride interesting from start to finish.

It’s also not just about the scenery but the feeling of the place. Sliding into a cave so low you have to duck, then coming out into a hidden valley surrounded by cliffs, feels a little magical. The temples scattered along the river add cultural depth, and the fact that Kong: Skull Island was filmed here makes it feel even more cinematic.

Yes, three hours might sound long for a boat trip, but time passed quickly, and we never felt bored. Compared to Tam Coc, where the route is more linear, Trang An really gives you a sense of exploring a maze of waterways. If you’re only going to choose one boat ride in Ninh Binh, this should be it.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early or late: The middle of the day gets hot and crowded. Morning and late afternoon rides are cooler, quieter, and have softer light for photos.
• Pick your route carefully: All three routes take about three hours, but they focus on different caves and temples. Route 1 is the most complete, Route 2 leans cultural, and Route 3 is great if you want a mix of scenery and iconic spots.
• Sharing vs. private boat: Boats are meant for four passengers. If you want a private ride, you’ll need to buy all four tickets. Otherwise, you’ll likely share with other travelers.
• Bring water and snacks: There aren’t many options once you’re on the boat, and three hours under the sun can feel long without a drink. A hat and sunscreen are a must too.
• Keep your camera handy: The scenery changes constantly, and you’ll want it ready when you glide out of a cave into a hidden valley. But don’t worry—the pace is slow enough that you’ll never miss the shot.
• Respect the rowers: Most of the rowers are local women, and rowing for hours is hard work. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated—small amounts go a long way.
• Avoid weekends if possible: Trang An is a favorite with both domestic and international visitors, so weekdays are usually calmer.

Read: All the best Things to do in Tam Coc/Ninh Binh

Where to stay

When it comes to staying in Tam Coc, you’ll find plenty of options that fit all styles and budgets. From homestays in the middle of the rice fields to eco-lodges with pools, the atmosphere here is calm and surrounded by nature. If you only plan to stay a night or two, it’s best to be close to the Tam Coc town center so you can easily walk or bike to restaurants and boat tours. But if you want to relax and wake up with rice paddies at your doorstep, look for something just outside of town.

• (€): Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow: A cozy and affordable place with bungalows set among the rice fields. You can rent bikes here, and the staff is super welcoming.
• (€€): Halise Home and Retreat Ninh Binh: A mid-range guesthouse with clean, comfortable rooms and a lovely family-run atmosphere. Great if you want something authentic but with a bit more comfort.
• (€€€): Tam Coc Garden Resort: One of the most beautiful stays in the area. Surrounded by gardens and paddies, with a pool and stylish rooms, this is the spot to treat yourself and enjoy a peaceful escape.

Here are all your accommodation options in Tam Coc