This time last year, we were gearing up for an unforgettable adventure to Vietnam! We were incredibly excited because it was only the second time we ventured outside Europe and the first time was six years before, for our honeymoon in South Africa. This trip to Asia was particularly special because it was the first big trip I planned all by myself. I was really nervous that something might go wrong, but everything turned out perfectly. If I had to pick up just one place that I will cherish forever from this trip, it would be Ninh Binh / Tam Coc, with the highlight being the Trang An boat tour! Here is everything you need to know.
During the journey, the boat will go through caves, lakes surrounded by tall rocky mountains and stop at some very old Buddhist temples. The people who row the boats have a special way of rowing, using their arms and legs. The tour lasts about 3 hours and goes into the center of the Trang An Landscape Complex, which is protected by UNESCO.
Which is the best route in the Trang An?
- It's best to take Route 1, even though most tour groups pick the shorter Route 2 or Route 3. After about 20 minutes, they go in a different direction and you won't see them again.
- Route 1 doesn’t go by a place from the movie Kong: Skull Island, but you'll see lots of beautiful scenery and temples without too many people around.
- Here's what you'll see on the first route: Harbor – Trinh Temple – Dark Cave– Bright Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Tran Temple – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave– Son Duong Cave – Khong Palace – Bao Hieu Temple– Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave – Harbor.
- There are 9 caves and 3 temples on this route, making it the longest option with the most caves to explore.
Ticket Price
- You can buy tickets at the ticket office on the left side of the map. Each boat can have up to 4 people, when we visited the price 250,000 VND per person (no matter which route you take). If there are only 2 of you, you'll need to find 2 more people to fill the boat. However, prices may change over time, so it's best to check with the ticket office for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices.
Important information to be aware of before your visit
- It's a good idea to take the tour early in the morning or around 2:30 pm to avoid big crowds and finish before sunset.
- If you plan to take the boat tour during the middle of the day, don't forget to bring your hat and sunscreen. There's hardly any shade along the way.
- Bring water and some snacks (like a sandwich or something sweet) because the boat tour lasts about 3 hours.
- The easiest way to get to the Trang An boat tour is by motorbike or taxi. You can rent a motorbike for about 150,000 VND per day or take a taxi for around 15,000 VND per kilometer.
Finally, the most asked question, Trang An vs Tam Coc Boat Ride, which one to choose?
Both Trang An and Tam Coc boat tours in Vietnam offer beautiful experiences. Trang An has caves and temples surrounded by tall rocky hills. Tam Coc has a peaceful boat ride through green fields and cliffs. Whether you like history or nature, both places are great for a memorable trip so if you have the time, I recommend visiting both. However, if you can only choose one, definitely opt for Trang An.
You can find this information and more in my complete itinerary, which covers the most stunning destinations in Northern Vietnam.
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