Overview
Trang An Landscape Complex, also known as Trang An Grottoes, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Hoa Lu district of Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. This scenic landscape features towering limestone karst peaks, lush greenery, and a network of waterways that create a serene and picturesque setting.
The site is recognized for its exceptional natural beauty and its historical significance as the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.
Location
Address
Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
Neighborhood: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Coordinates
20.773200, 105.951200
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
September to November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
warm and pleasant
- • blossoming flowers
- • lush greenery
summer
hot and humid
- • dense vegetation
- • water activities
autumn
cool and dry
- • clear skies
- • cool temperatures
winter
cool and damp
- • misty landscapes
- • cooler temperatures
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book boat tours in advance
- Bring insect repellent
- Check weather conditions
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate
- • boating activities
- • uneven terrain
Medical facilities: first aid available on site
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, credit cards
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, walking shoes or sandals, inappropriate clothing
Booking Tips
- • 1-2 weeks
- • official website or local tour operators
- • 48 hours
- • available for boat tours
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Trang An Heritage
Size: 30 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Local weather updates
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes
Charging Stations: Rest areas, Cafes
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Ninh Binh Airport
Distance: 15 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Rich historical significance, beautiful natural scenery
Historical Significance: Ancient capital of Vietnam, site of historical battles and royal palaces
Insider Tips
- Early morning visits offer free boat rides for the first visitors
- Best local food can be found at the small eateries near the main entrance
- Local guides often share hidden gems and lesser-known stories
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Vietnamese coffee at the nearby cafes
- • Ask for a local guide who can share historical insights
- • Visit nearby Tam Coc for a similar but less crowded experience
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Vietnamese, English, French
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Main entrance
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low angle for dramatic karst peaks
Result: Great shot of the entrance with towering limestone peaks
Boat dock
Best Time: Mid-morning
Tips: Wide angle for the expanse of the landscape
Result: Stunning view of the river and karst peaks
Caverns
Best Time: Afternoon
Tips: Use natural light filtering through the cave openings
Result: Mystical and serene cave interiors
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Tam Coc
Distance: 3 km
Walking: 40 min
Type: Landscape
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Distance: 10 km
Walking: 2 hours
Type: Religious
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Distance: 2 km
Walking: 30 min
Type: Historical
Reviews
Based on 1,500 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book boat tours online in advance"
- "Visit early in the morning for the best experience"
- "Bring a waterproof camera for the boat tour"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (22)
NINH BINH MEMORABLE DAY: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, boat trip Tam Coc, Trang An optional
From Ninh Binh: Trang An Grottoes, Bai Dinh Pagoda & Mua Cave
Luxury Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave full day w round trip from Hanoi/ Ninh Binh
Luxury Ninh Binh Day Tour from Hanoi – Explore Hoa Lu & Trang An
Luxury Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave 1 Day Tour - By Limousine & Small Group
One day with Hoa Lu Capital, Mua Cave and Trang An Grottoes (Small Group tour)
Amazing Ninh Binh Full Day: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (VIP tour: group 7 people)
Ninh Binh 2D/1N from Hanoi: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Bai Dinh - Trang An
Ninh Binh Private Tour Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave Full Day
Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave Day Tour: Boat, Bike, Buffet Lunch
NINH BINH package tour in 2 days/ 1 night: visit world heritage site & eco tour
Luxury Trang An - Bai Dinh 1 Day Tour From Hanoi: By Limousine & Small Group
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village- Hoa Lu - Trang An Small Group Tour
Hoa Lu - Trang An Boating - Mua Cave Daily Trip
Full Day Tour to Trang An and Bai Dinh from Hanoi
Hanoi: Luxury Small Group Bich Dong, Trang An & Mua Cave Day Tour
Beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia holidays and package in 15 days water way
12-Day Vietnam Discovery Tour
From Hanoi: Private 2-day Hoa Lu - Tam Coc & Bai Dinh - Trang An
9-Day Tour of Vietnam with Airport Pick Up
2 Day Tour Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave - Bich Dong - Cuc Phuong
12-Day Private Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia from Hanoi
Quick Info
Available Tours
422
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
1,500
Adult Entry
150,000 VND