Tràng An Boat is located at the heart of the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Bình Province. It lies on the southern edge of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam, approximately 90 km southeast of Hanoi. This is a majestic and magnificent mountainous area formed by a multitude of uniquely shaped limestone karsts reflected in winding, crystal-clear streams that connect hundreds of caves and pristine, mysterious valleys. This place has been considered a particularly important national monument by the Vietnamese Government and recognized as a world heritage since 2014 by UNESCO.
The Tràng An tourist area is famous for its network of caves such as: Ba Giọt Cave, Địa Linh Cave, Tối (Dark) Cave, Sáng (Light) Cave, Ao Trai Cave, Seo Cave, Lấm Cave, Đại Cave… and valleys like: Trần Temple Valley, Mây Valley, Wine Brewing Valley (Nấu Rượu), Khống Valley, Nội Lấm Valley… The recently discovered and developed water-through caves, long and beautiful, will surely astonish visitors.
“Halong Bay on land”
Trang An is also called the “Halong on land”, but there are major differences. Trang An offers a lot more cultural and historical background. You don’t find any luxury cruise ships sailing through the landscape, but only the small rowing sampan boats fit in the narrow rivers. But taking a rowing boat and going gently over the small rivers between towering karst mountains and jungle fits perfect in the magical scenery.
Kong Skull Island movie location
In 2017, Trang An was one of the most important film locations of the blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island”. A couple of months later after the movie, the local tourist board opened a small part of the movie set of “Kong: Skull Island” to visit. In particular, a reconstructed jungle tribe village in the film one, with locals dressing up as the aborigines in the film.
The best time to visit Trang An
From January to March of the lunar calendar is the best time for you to visit Trang An. At this time, the weather is not too cold, the sky is clear and there is little rain, so it is quite convenient for sitting on the boat and visiting the scenic spots. This season is also the season with a lot of festivals taking place here, which can be combined with visiting festivals or going to pagodas to pray for peace.
If you go in July-September, then in Trang An at this time, it is the ripe rice season. It is the best time for those who like to see the golden rice fields in the cuisine. In June, the weather is a bit hot, but the sky is clear and there is little rain. In addition, this is the time when the lotus blooms are also very suitable for sightseeing. In November and December, the weather is bad, it rains a lot, so you should avoid traveling to Trang An at this time.
Trang An boat tour
To see the impressive landscape of Trang An you have to take a boat trip. With a rowing boat you go over the river, past the towering limestone mountains, through caves and you can visit a number of temples. There are currently three boat routes in Trang An, one of which you must choose (all the same price). In all three boat routes you will see the beautiful landscape, but there are a few small differences:
Route 1
Route 1 was the first boat trip and during this tour you visit most caves, 9 in total. You also go to 3 temples and pagodas.
Route 2
Route 2 is new and now also the most popular, because it has a good mix of caves and other sights. During this Trang An boat trip you will visit three caves, two temples and King Kong village; a part from the Kong Skull Island film set.
Route 3
In route 3 you also visit 3 caves, 1 of which with 1 km is also the longest in Trang An. You also visit 2 temples and the film set in King Kong Village.
Which should I choose?
In route 2 and 3 you go to King Kong Village from the latest Kong movie. Route 1 is nowadays the most peaceful route, but has many caves. Route 2 is the best mix of sights, but it is also the busiest.
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
Tips
- If you plan to do a Trang An Tour in the middle of the day, don’t forget to bring an umbrella, sunscreen and hat to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
- Bring water and snacks as this boat trip takes approximately 3 hours.
- Every boat has an extra paddle. If you want, you can use them for rowing.
EcoTravel is honored to come with you to enjoy this unique temple!
