Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is honored to become the first and only mixed heritage, dual world heritage in Southeast Asia. The complex is increasingly attractive and prominent on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world. Join Origin Vietnam to learn more about Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex!

1. Where is Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?

Trang An scenic complex is located in 12 communes and on the border between Hoa Lu district and Gia Vien district, Nho Quan district, Tam Diep city and Ninh Binh city. The core area of ​​Trang An is mainly in Truong Yen and Ninh Hai communes of Hoa Lu district.

The distance from the geometric center of Trang An complex to Ninh Binh city is about 8 km to the West. About 100 km to the South of Hanoi city center and about 125 km from Noi Bai airport – Hanoi.

2. How is Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex Unique?

The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex covers an impressive area of ​​6,172 hectares, surrounded by a buffer zone of 6,268 hectares, mainly rice fields and villages. The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex consists of three adjacent protected areas: the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Historical and Cultural Relic Site, the Trang An – Tam Coc – Bich Dong Scenic Landscape Complex and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Primitive Forest.

Trang An Eco-tourism Area is located in the center of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, covering an area of ​​2,168 hectares. This place is known as a majestic and magnificent mountainous area created by the myriad of mountain shapes reflecting on the winding, meandering streams connecting hundreds of caves and wild, mysterious valleys.

Besides Trang An Eco-tourism Area, Tam Coc – Bich Dong possesses peaceful countryside scenery and an impressive limestone cave system. In addition, this tourist complex also owns Bich Dong Pagoda with traditional architecture and historical relics related to Vu Lam Palace of the Tran Dynasty of Vietnam.

It is worth a visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Along with its beautiful landscapes, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a destination rich in cultural and historical values, contributing to making Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex a dual world heritage site. The ancient capital possesses a quiet yet majestic beauty and is a golden mark marking a heroic period of the nation.

In particular, inside the complex is the sacred Bai Dinh pagoda, the largest and most beautiful pagoda in Southeast Asia. The pagoda holds many records for area, size and number of Buddha statues, bell towers, etc. in Vietnam and Asia. In addition, the Trang An scenic complex also has a system of historical and cultural relics, famous tourist destinations such as Thung Nham Bird Garden, Mua Cave, Thien Ha Cave, and Thung Nang, which have been and are the choice of many tourists to visit and learn about the Heritage site.

With its unique and distinct values ​​in terms of culture and geology – geomorphology, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex was honored to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and World Natural Heritage in 2014.

3. When is the best time to travel to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?

Trang An scenic complex, Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam, is located in a humid subtropical climate zone with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.

The best time for tourists to visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is in early spring, from January to March of the lunar calendar. At this time, the climate is cool, sunny and less rainy, ideal for exploring, visiting interesting destinations and experiencing the unique festival atmosphere, imbued with traditional colors here.

4. How to get to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex?

4.1. Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city

4.1.1. Travel by bus

Buses are the means of transportation to Ninh Binh chosen by many tourists from the North and North Central Vietnam. There are many bus companies from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day with different schedules that you can find on google map here.

If departing from Hanoi, visitors can buy tickets at major bus stations: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station to Ninh Binh bus station. Travel time between the two provinces is about more than 1 hour. Some reputable bus companies that visitors can refer to: Hai Thang, Anh Vu, Thuy Duong, Hoang Thin, Anh Dong…

4.1.2. Traveling by train

Ninh Binh is a province with the North-South railway running through it, so visitors can easily buy tickets and get here by train. The travel time is quite long due to having to go through many stations, but it can help visitors save money and experience a new feeling when taking the train.

For visitors departing from Hanoi, tickets can be purchased at Hanoi station with many trains at different times of the day. Trains from Hanoi passing through Ninh Binh: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and SE19.

4.1.3. Travel by motorbike or personal car

Traveling by motorbike or private car is suitable for tourists who love to explore, this will definitely be the perfect choice. This form of transportation will help tourists be proactive about time, freely enjoy the beautiful scenery during the Ninh Binh travel journey.

For tourists traveling by motorbike, departing from Hanoi city center, go straight along Highway 1A to the South. It takes about 2 hours to reach the tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Tourists traveling by motorbike should wear helmets and bring all necessary documents when participating in traffic.

For tourists traveling by private car, departing from Hanoi city center, follow Giai Phong street, pass Giap Bat bus station, turn and go straight on CT01 Hanoi – Ninh Binh highway. Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the tourist attractions in Ninh Binh.

4.1.4. Travel by plane

Ninh Binh is a province without an airport, so tourists from far away who want to travel here by air must buy tickets to Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.

Tourists buy tickets from their place of residence to Noi Bai airport by buying tickets online or at the ticket counter. Then, tourists choose means of transportation such as buses, motorbikes, cars to get to Ninh Binh.

4.2. Travel from Ninh Binh city to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Tourists from far away, traveling to Ninh Binh by bus or train can use the self-drive motorbike rental service to move freely or rent a taxi. Some reputable motorbike rental shops for tourists to refer to: Duc Anh, Duc Thang, Viet Dung… Tourists can go from Ninh Binh city to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex by the following ways:

• Visitors depart from Ninh Binh city, follow Hai Thuong Lan Ong street for about 3km then turn right onto DT491. Then, go another 700m then turn left onto Trang An street and continue for another 3km to reach the core area of ​​the complex.
• Visitors depart from Ninh Binh city, follow Hai Thuong Lan Ong street for about 1.5km then turn right onto Le Thai To street. Then, go about 1.5km then turn left onto Trang An and go straight for about 4.5km to reach the core area of ​​the complex.

5. Discover the beauty of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Join Origin Vietnam to check out the famous tourist attractions that visitors should not miss in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex right below!

5.1. Trang An Eco-tourism Area

Trang An Eco-tourism Area is located in the core area of ​​Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. The tourist area is famous for its majestic mountain scenery and beautiful limestone karst towers creating a mysterious natural cave complex. Along with that are long-standing cultural heritages such as temples and pagodas, combined with natural scenery to bring visitors a poetic and lyrical space.

Trang An Eco-tourism Area has clear blue water reflecting the majestic, overlapping cliffs. The tourist area has 31 lakes and lagoons connected by 48 caves. Among them are water caves up to 2km long and each cave has its own beauty and possesses vivid and beautiful limestone stalactites.

5.2. Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a key tourist area of ​​Vietnam. Bich Dong is known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” with a dry cave and a water cave piercing through the mountain. Tam Coc means 3 caves including Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, created by a Ngo Dong River flowing through the mountain.

Along the Ngo Dong River, visitors will feel the cool, fresh air, admire the majestic limestone mountains and stalactites in the caves with unique shapes. On both sides are golden rice fields and ancient pagodas, hidden behind the green canopy of ancient trees.

5.3. Hang Mua (Mua Cave)

Mua Cave is located at the foot of Mua Mountain, shaped like a large upside-down bell, about 800 square meters wide. This place is considered a miniature “Great Wall” of Vietnam. The highlight is the system of beautiful and majestic stone steps leading to the top of the mountain, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery and immense ripe rice fields.

Ngoa Long Peak is the highest and most beautiful place. To reach the top, visitors must conquer nearly 500 stone steps. Each step has its own magic, creating beautiful photo angles with majestic scenery and natural green patches. On both sides of the steps are majestic ancient dragon and phoenix reliefs. All create a beautiful natural landscape, attracting millions of visitors here every year.

5.4. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is an architectural complex of great historical value and was also the first capital of the centralized feudal state of Vietnam. After more than 1000 years of history, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital still retains architectural works built in the 17th century such as: walls, caves, tombs, temples and pagodas.

The most prominent construction here is the temple of King Dinh and King Le with unique carvings. Coming to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visitors can not only admire the complex of relics with unique architecture, but also learn about the heroic history of the Vietnamese people.

5.5. Bai Dinh Pagoda

Bai Dinh Pagoda is known as a large pagoda complex, holding the most records in Asia and Vietnam. The pagoda has the largest area in Vietnam, including: the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda area and the new Bai Dinh pagoda area. Bai Dinh Pagoda attracts tourists by its outstanding architecture with large, majestic blocks bearing the strong imprint of Vietnamese pagoda architecture.

The temple is notable for its many shrines and large and small Buddha statues. In particular, the temple has a corridor called the La Han corridor, spread throughout the temple grounds with 500 La Han statues arranged along the entire corridor.

With a very large campus, visitors to the pagoda can both visit and enjoy the scenery, and find a peaceful place to purify their souls. Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual tourist destination where visitors from all over the world come to burn incense and worship Buddha every year.

5.6. Thung Nang Tourist Area

Thung Nang possesses a wild, quiet space with cool blue water and a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. If you want to come here, you have to go by boat and there are some low caves where you have to bend your head low if you don’t want to hit the rocks on the cave ceiling. 

While on the boat, visitors will admire the natural scenery with lush reeds, green rice fields, rolling mountains and clear water that allows you to see the bottom.

When arriving at the cave in Thung Nang, visitors will feel cool, comfortable and cannot help but admire the stalactites with many different sizes and shapes on the cave ceiling. In addition, visitors can also visit Mang Mountain, Vang Mountain, Coc Mountain or even Thung Nang Temple, which are all prominent places attracting tourists in Thung Nang.

5.7. Thung Nham Bird Garden

Thung Nham Bird Garden is one of the largest nature reserves in Northern Vietnam and an important part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. It’s a terrain advantage when it is hidden deep in the mountains of Hoa Lu.

The bird garden is also an ideal home for many bird species, about 40 species and more than 50,000 birds living. The bird garden is located in the middle of the cool Tien Lake, with an area of ​​about 18 hectares.

Visitors can row a boat along the Fairy Lake to admire the natural scenery and many species of birds such as storks, herons, teals, red-whiskered bulbuls, and teals, especially two rare species listed in the Red Book: Heng He and Hong Hoang. Visitors should come here around 5pm to see flocks of birds flying around, returning from foraging. You may check out travel schedule to Thung Nham from our website with special offer.

5.8. Galaxy Cave

Thien Ha Cave is located on Tuong Mountain in Truong An Range, one of the most beautiful caves in Ninh Binh Province. To get to the cave, visitors must take a boat for 1km, then walk another 500m through the trails to reach it. The cave has dry and wet caves, creating a magical and interesting beauty.

Thien Ha Cave is likened to “the Milky Way on the mountain”, attracting visitors at first sight. When exploring the cave, visitors have the opportunity to visit beautiful rocks, strange shapes and a cool and peaceful space. Therefore, it would be a mistake if visitors missed this attractive place.

5.9. Royal Palace of Vu Lam

Vu Lam Palace is part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with unique architectural works and majestic mountain scenery. Coming here, visitors will be surprised by the poetic and charming scenery. 

This place stands out with its ancient houses of unique beauty and simple design. It also preserves many artifacts of great historical value of the Vietnamese feudal dynasty.

To get to Vu Lam Palace, visitors will sit on a boat and see interesting sights. Such as the temples of the kings, Lord Ang La, the Mother Goddess Temple, and mysterious caves. In addition to the opportunity to explore the unique history and culture of the Vietnamese people. Visitors can also admire the majestic and poetic beauty of nature here.

6. Enjoy specialties at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also for its rich traditional cuisine. Let’s find out about the specialties here!

6.1. Crispy rice

When coming to Ninh Binh, tourists will see burnt rice sold at every tourist spot in the province. Ninh Binh burnt rice is elaborately prepared by mixing two types of dry rice and sticky rice together. Then, the rice is fried until it expands evenly, becomes crispy, golden and spongy, adding a little salty pork floss and special spices.

In particular, burnt rice brings a delicious, crispy, fatty flavor and the salty taste of shrimp paste. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh, you should enjoy this burnt rice specialty or buy it as a gift for family and friends.

6.2. Mountain goat meat

Goats in Ninh Binh are raised naturally on the mountain slopes. So the meat is very firm, moderately soft, not too tough and has a characteristic aroma. What creates the special flavor of Ninh Binh mountain goat dishes are the traditional spices of the people here.

There are many dishes made from goat meat for visitors to enjoy. Such as: raw goat with lemon, stir-fried goat, grilled goat, grilled goat, burnt rice with goat sauce, goat cooked with plum wine, steamed goat, stewed goat, goat hot pot… Visitors can eat with raw vegetables, ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness of mountain goat meat.

6.3. Eel vermicelli

Eel vermicelli has long been a famous specialty of Ninh Binh. The special feature of Ninh Binh eel vermicelli is that it is made from vermicelli and fresh eel. The broth is simmered from eel bones and marrow bones for many hours, creating a sweet taste.

When eating, you will clearly feel the sweetness, chewiness, natural fatty aroma, not fishy of eel and often eaten with herbs, chopped banana flowers, a little lemon and chili spices, both delicious and strange. This will definitely be a dish that all tourists to Ninh Binh love.

6.4. Yen Mac sour sausage

Nem chua Yen Mac is a specialty dish that is elaborately prepared by the locals, giving it a distinct and distinctive flavor compared to other types of nem chua. The pork used to make nem must be lean butt meat, sliced ​​into soft, thin pieces, mixed with pork skin and rolled in rice bran.

Nem is served with fig leaves, herbs, perilla leaves, guava leaves and dipped in fish sauce with lemon, garlic and chili. Combining these leaves will create a more delicious and unique flavor for nem chua.

7. Accommodation when traveling to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

As the top tourist destination in Ninh Binh as well as in Vietnam. Therefore, it will not be too difficult to find an ideal place to stay in this area, from budget to 5-star services. Let’s take a look at some of the accommodations recommended by the origin vietnam travel consulting team.

7.1. Hotels and motels in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

For the convenience of long-term trips to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, we have compiled the most prestigious and quality hotels and motels for visitors to refer to:

• Tam Coc Family Hotel. Address: Team 3, Tam Coc, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Dream Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Valatco Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• August Hotel. Address: Cau Vom, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• The Long Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Yen Nhi Hotel. Address: Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Duc Tuan Hotel. Address: Van Lam Village, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Lang Viet Co – Co Vien Lau. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Thang Loi Motel. Address: 66 QL1A, Ninh My, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

7.2. Beautiful Homestays in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

For tourists who love nature and plants, choosing a homestay is the most suitable choice. Origin Vietnam has compiled a list of Homestays with beautiful views, quality and amenities for tourists to refer to:

• Nguyen Shack. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Sierra Homestay. Address: Xuan Thanh, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Westlake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Valley Homestay. Address: Dong Cung, Khe Ha, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ham Rong Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Smile Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc Mountain View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Limestone View Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Independence Bamboo Homestay. Address: 479 B, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Tam Coc River View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Lotus Field Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Ninh Binh Greenland Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
• Hoa Lu Backpacker Homestay. Address: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

8. Some notes when traveling to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

To have a complete, economical and wonderful Ninh Binh tour to Trang An Scenic Complex – Ninh Binh. You should note some useful travel experiences below:

• Trang An scenic complex has many outdoor attractions, so visitors should prepare hats, sunscreen. And other personal belongings to protect themselves.
• Check the weather forecast before departure to avoid going on rainy and stormy days, which may affect your trip.
• You should book hotels, motels, and homestays at least 2 weeks before your trip to have more options and avoid running out of rooms.
• When visiting sacred places, visitors should dress modestly to show respect and not make noise that affects other visitors.
• Bring full identification documents for convenience when checking in for flights, checking into hotels, and renting cars.
• While traveling, you should pay attention to protecting public property and not littering at tourist attractions.
• When visiting each tourist destination, visitors should buy local specialties to enjoy and as gifts for relatives and friends.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is an ideal tourist destination for you to enjoy the majestic, unique and diverse natural beauty. At the same time, you can explore historical, cultural and spiritual relics. Beside enjoy the fresh, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the countryside.

If you are still wondering or wondering about this place, please contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. With a team of enthusiastic and experienced consultants. We hope to soon accompany you and help you have a memorable tour Vietnam to explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in the most complete way.