The price list for sightseeing and boat trips at the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex applies uniformly to all three waterway routes:
Trang An Ticket Price List (Latest Update)
| Object | Ticket Prices | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (Height over 1.3m) | 300,000 VND per person | Includes rowboat fee and entrance fee to attractions. |
| Children (Height from 1m – 1.3m) | 150,000 VND / child | Children’s tickets |
| Children under 1 meter tall | Free of charge | No charge |
| Elderly people (over 60 years old) | 150,000 VND per person | Please bring your Citizen Identification Card for verification at the counter. |
| Rent a private boat | 1,200,000 VND / boat | Suitable for small groups of less than 4 people who don’t want to join a tour. |
| Hire a tour guide | 300,000 VND / route | A tour guide will accompany you on the boat to provide commentary. |
- Capacity regulations: Each hand-rowed bamboo boat can carry a maximum of 4 to 5 adults to ensure safe carrying capacity. If you are traveling alone (1-2 people), the management will arrange for you to share a boat with other tourists.
Where to buy tickets?
- Direct purchase: Go to the ticket counter at the Trang An boat dock entrance. They accept cash, card payments, or QR code scans.
- Online Purchase: You can pre-order through the official TRANG AN HERITAGE website to get a QR code for quick ticket verification, avoiding long queues on weekends or during the holiday season.
Tourist Area Opening Hours
- Summer: 06:00 – 16:45
- Winter: 07:00 – 16:30
(The ticket counter will stop accepting the last passengers around 16:00 to ensure the boat returns to the dock before dark).
Suggested 3 Boat Routes in Trang An
After purchasing your ticket and arriving at the ferry terminal, you will choose one of three closed-loop waterway routes (starting and ending at the same point):
- Route 1 (3.5 – 4 hours): Passes through the most caves (9 caves and 3 ancient temples). Suitable for those who like to admire natural stalactites deep inside the mountains.
- Route 2 (2.5 – 3 hours): Passes through 4 caves, stopping at Suoi Tien Temple and the ancient Vu Lam Royal Palace. This route is very popular because it has a photo-worthy spot with a floating pavilion in the middle of the river.
- Route 3 (2.5 – 3 hours): The highlight is the trek through the over 1,000m long Hang Dot Cave (the longest water cave in Trang An) and also a visit to Vu Lam Royal Palace.
If you need further advice on how to get from Hanoi to the boat dock or would like to combine a visit to Trang An with Mua Cave/Bai Dinh Pagoda in one day, please let me know!
Introduction to Ninh Binh An Spillway
The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Ninh Binh) is one of Vietnam’s most famous and valuable tourist destinations. It proudly holds the distinction of being the first and only mixed World Heritage Site in Southeast Asia recognized by UNESCO (in 2014), satisfying both stringent criteria for Culture and Nature.
Here are the most distinctive features that define this heritage region:
Magnificent Nature: “Ha Long Bay on Land”
Trang An boasts a karst landscape formed over millions of years, creating a giant ink painting-like scene:
- Flooded valley system: Towering limestone mountain ranges embrace crystal-clear, tranquil rivers, where you can see the mossy bottom.
- Mysterious underwater caves: Trang An boasts dozens of stunning natural underwater caves (such as the 1,000m long Dot Cave, Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Nau Ruou Cave…). Small boats can travel through the heart of the mountains from one valley to another.
Historical and Spiritual Depth
Beyond its stunning landscapes, Trang An is also a land steeped in the glorious history of the nation:
- Military base during the Tran Dynasty: This site preserves the relics of Vu Lam Royal Palace, where the Tran kings chose as a secure base to hide their troops, practice asceticism, and direct the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol invaders during the 2nd and 3rd wars.
- Ancient temples: Nestled at the foot of the mountains along the boat route are sacred temples dedicated to meritorious officials and generals of the Dinh and Le dynasties, such as Trinh Temple, Tran Temple, Cao Son Temple, Khong Palace, etc.
Core Experience: Riding in a Bamboo Boat
The only way to explore Trang An is by taking a ride on rustic bamboo boats paddled by local people, a journey lasting from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
- You can choose one of three enclosed boat routes, winding through caves and stopping to admire the scenery at ancient temples and pagodas along the riverbank.
- The experience of checking in at the ancient Water Pavilion rising amidst the calm water has become an iconic image attracting millions of international tourists.
The Ideal Time to Visit
- Spring (January – March in the lunar calendar): The weather is cool and pleasant, perfect for combining a boat trip in Trang An with a New Year’s prayer visit at Bai Dinh Pagoda right next door.
- Rice harvest season (May – June): The entire Trang An valley is covered in the vibrant golden color of ripening rice paddies, contrasting with the green of the rocky mountains and the river.
3 Ninh Binh – Trang An 1-Day Tour Itineraries
Below are 3 of the most popular and optimal one-day Ninh Binh tour itineraries, departing from…
Hanoi offers comprehensive coverage of key attractions tailored to your personal preferences.
1. Best-Selling Route: Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave
The perfect journey combining spirituality, heritage river wonders, and mountain climbing for panoramic views.
- 07:15 – 07:40: A limousine will pick you up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and depart for Ninh Binh.
- 09:45: Arrival Bai Dinh Pagoda. Take an electric tram tour to visit the 13-story pagoda, the Three Worlds Hall, and the corridor of 500 Arhat statues.
- 12:15: Lunch buffet featuring mountain goat specialties and crispy rice at a local restaurant.
- 13:30: Arrival Trang An boat dock. Take a 2.5-hour hand-rowed boat ride through pristine caves and the Vu Lam Royal Palace ruins.
- 16:00: Check-in at Mua Cave. Conquer the 500 stone steps to admire the panoramic view of the Ngo Dong River winding through the valley.
- 17:30: Gather and board the bus to return to the capital.
- 7:30 PM: Arrived back in Hanoi.
2. Historical and Cultural Route: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
This itinerary is suitable for those who enjoy learning about feudal history and exploring peaceful rural villages.
- 07:30 – 08:00: The vehicle will pick you up in Hanoi and depart for Ninh Binh.
- 10:00: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Offer incense and listen to explanations at the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hành.
- 11:30 AM: Conquer the summit of Hang Mua mountain before the sun gets too strong to take photos and check in at the top of the ancient tower.
- 12:45: Lunch and a short break at the restaurant.
- 14:00: Arrive at Tam Coc boat dock. Experience a ride in a bamboo boat along the Ngo Dong River, admiring the winding limestone cliffs alongside the rice fields.
- 16:15: Cycling leisurely through the village roads around the Tam Coc area.
- 17:15: Board the bus and depart for Hanoi.
3. Less Crowded Ecological Route: Tuyet Tinh Coc – Trang An
The route is leisurely, requiring minimal mountain climbing, and focuses entirely on the tranquil river scenery.
- 08:00: Depart from Hanoi and travel directly to the core area of the Hoa Lu ancient capital heritage site.
- 10:15: Visit Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave). Walk through the tunnel inside the mountain to admire the tranquil, emerald-green lake surrounded by towering cliffs.
- 12:00: Enjoy a lunch of Ninh Binh specialties in the Truong Yen area.
- 13:30: Explore Trang An. Purchase tickets for either Boat Route 2 or Route 3 to travel through the pristine long caves and check in at the stunning floating Water Pavilion.
- 16:45: The boat returned to the dock, and we boarded a limousine to return to Hanoi.
Ninh Binh – Trang An Tour Itinerary (2 days 1 night)
Below is a detailed itinerary and estimated cost table for the most optimal 2-day, 1-night Ninh Binh – Trang An tour, helping you fully explore the beauty of this heritage site.
Summary of the Ninh Binh – Trang An Tour Itinerary (2 days, 1 night)
- Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tuyet Tinh Coc (Valley of Love) – Mua Cave (Overnight stay in Trang An/Tam Coc)
- Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An Heritage Boat Trip – Hanoi
Detailed Itinerary for the 2-Day, 1-Night Ninh Binh – Trang An Tour
Day 1: A Historical Journey & Conquering Mua Mountain Peak
- 07:30 – 08:00: A limousine will pick you up in Hanoi and depart for Ninh Binh via the highway (approximately 2 hours).
- 10:00: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Visit the ancient temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hành.
- 11:00: Travel to Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tien Cave) right next door. Walk through the mountain tunnel to admire the crystal-clear lake surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs.
- 12:15: Enjoy a buffet/set menu lunch at a local restaurant featuring specialties such as mountain goat meat and crispy, delicious burnt rice.
- 13:30: Arrive at your homestay or hotel in the Trang An/Tam Coc area, check in, and rest for a short while.
- 15:30: Check-in at Mua Cave. Challenge yourself by climbing nearly 500 zigzag stone steps, mimicking the Great Wall of China, to reach the summit of Mua Mountain and watch the sunset over the winding rice valley below.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Free time in the evening to stroll around Hoa Lu Old Town (Ninh Binh City) and admire the shimmering lanterns, or relax at the homestay.
Day 2: Visiting Buddhist Sites & Taking a Trang An Heritage Boat Trip
- 07:30: Have breakfast at the accommodation. Check out.
- 08:30: The bus will take the group to the Bai Dinh Pagoda spiritual complex. Visit the structures that hold Southeast Asian records, such as the Corridor of 500 Arhat statues, the Dharma Master’s Hall, the magnificent Three Worlds Hall, and the 13-story Pagoda.
- 11:30: Lunch at a restaurant near the Trang An area.
- 13:00: Arrive at Trang An Ecological Park boat dock, buy tickets for a hand-rowed bamboo boat ride lasting approximately 2.5 – 3 hours [vnexpress.net].
- Tip: You should choose Route 2 or Route 3 to pass by the beautiful floating pavilion in the middle of the river and visit the ancient Vu Lam Royal Palace.
- 16:30: The boat docks. Gather to board the limousines for departure back to the capital.
- 18:30 – 19:00: The bus arrives back in Hanoi, ending the trip.
Estimated Costs (If Traveling Independently)
If you travel independently, the basic cost per person will range from approximately 1,500,000 VND to 1,900,000 VND, including:
Round-trip limousine service: 300,000 VND – 400,000 VND per person.
Motorbike rental in Ninh Binh: 120,000 VND/day (excluding fuel).
Accommodation (Homestay/Bungalow): 400,000 VND – 600,000 VND/night (split in half if traveling with 2 people).
Fixed entrance fee:
- Trang An entrance fee (including boat): 300,000 VND/person.
- Entrance fee to Hang Mua Cave: 100,000 VND/person.
- Entrance fee to Tuyet Tinh Coc: 50,000 VND/person.
- Round-trip electric vehicle fare to Bai Dinh: 60,000 VND/person.
Food and drinks: Approximately 450,000 VND (for 3 main meals and 1 breakfast).
(If you book a package tour from travel agencies in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the all-inclusive price for transportation, meals, tickets, and hotel usually ranges from 1,650,000 VND to 2,200,000 VND per person, depending on the room type per night).
Important Note
- Prepare your belongings: When taking a boat trip on Trang An for 3 hours outdoors with almost no shade, you absolutely must bring a wide-brimmed hat, an umbrella, and sunscreen
. - Dress code: On the second day of your spiritual visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, please wear respectful clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
To help you choose the best option, please let me know:
- Are you planning to travel independently (booking your own services) or would you prefer to find a package tour from Hanoi?
- Are there children or elderly people traveling with you so I can suggest suitable accommodation?
Contact
- Hotline/ Whatsapp/Line/Viber: +84 986282217
- Email: contact@vietflametours.com
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/vietflametours
- Websites: https://vietflametours.com/
