Trang An Tourism Area is situated within the scenic complex of Trang An, in Ninh Binh province, just under 100 kilometers away from the capital city of Hanoi. It is no wonder that this place is a popular choice for travelers from the northern region seeking an eco-tourism and spiritual retreat during holidays or weekends. Let’s discover whether this location truly lives up to its reputation as a “glimpse of paradise on Earth.”
A Brief Overview of Trang An Tourism Area
Area The Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is spread across multiple districts in Ninh Binh province and is the only “dual” heritage recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam. This heritage complex includes the interconnected landscapes of Trang An, Tam Coc, Bich Dong, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and the special-use forest of Hoa Lu.
In this complex, Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, is situated in the north, Tam Coc – Bich Dong in the south, and Trang An Tourism Area in the central location. From the city center of Ninh Binh, it’s just a short 8-kilometer drive to reach Trang An. The area attracts visitors with its charming natural landscapes, famous spiritual sites, unique festivals, and enticing local specialties.
Best Time to Visit Trang An Tourism Area
During each season of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, Trang An adorns itself with a new charm. At different times of the year, travelers can find something worth discovering here:
- In spring, visitors can immerse themselves in unique festivals such as the Trang An Festival (in the middle of the 3rd lunar month) and the Co Lau Festival (8th to 10th day of the 3rd lunar month).
- Summer is enchanting with ripe golden rice fields and fragrant lotus ponds.
- Autumn offers pleasant and comfortable weather, ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.
- Winter transforms Trang An into a misty wonderland, resembling a scene from a fairyland.
Notable Attractions in Trang An Tourism Area
Cultural and Spiritual Sites
Visitors to Trang An Tourism Area can explore famous cultural and spiritual sites such as:
- Den Trinh, where four guardian spirits of the Dinh Dynasty are worshipped.
- Den Tran Ninh Binh, a temple established by King Dinh Tien Hoang to venerate the Quy Minh deity, the guardian of the southern gate of the Hoa Lu ancient capital.
- Den Tu Tru, where four great deities from the Dinh Dynasty are honored for their contributions in helping King Dinh Tien Hoang defeat 12 warlords and establish the Dai Co Viet state.
- Phu Khe, a place of worship for seven high-ranking officials in the Dinh Dynasty.
- Vu Lam Hanging Palace, a must-visit check-in spot.
Mysterious Caves
Trang An boasts numerous enchanting caves, including:
- Dia Linh Cave, with a length of nearly 1,500 meters and a fascinating stalactite system.
- Nau Ruou Cave, featuring an underground watercourse over 10 meters deep and hundreds of alcohol vats distilled from the water in this cave.
- Boi Cave, revealing traces of prehistoric people from around ten thousand years ago.
- Sang Cave, Dark Cave, and Ba Giot Cave, all worth exploring for tourists.
Transportation in Trang An Tourism Area
Given the watery terrain, boats are the primary mode of transportation in Trang An Tourism Area. Travelers can choose from three traditional boat routes departing from the boat station:
Route 1: Boat Station – Den Trinh – Dark Cave – Light Cave – Nau Ruou Cave – Den Tran – Ba Giot Cave – Seo Cave – Son Duong Cave – Phu Khong – Bao Hieu Pagoda – Khong Cave – Tran Cave – Quy Hau Cave – Return to the boat station.
Route 2: Boat Station – Lam Cave – Vang Cave – Thanh Truot Cave – Den Suoi Tien – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Hanging Palace – Return to the boat station.
Route 3: Boat Station – Den Trinh – Cloud Cave – Suoi Tien Cave – Dia Linh Cave – Dai Cave – Vu Lam Hanging Palace – Return to the boat station.
Additionally, Trang An Tourism Area also offers kayak boat services with two main routes:
Route 1: Boat Station – Den Trinh – Tam Quan Gate – Dark Cave Gate – Quy Hau Cave Gate – Ngoc Mountain.
Route 2: Boat Station – Kong Island – Thuy Dinh – Vu Lam Hanging Palace.
What to Eat in Trang An Tourism Area?
Mountain Goat Meat: When visiting Trang An Tourism Area, you must savor the renowned mountain goat meat, a local specialty of Ninh Binh. The goats are naturally raised on rocky hills, grazing on a variety of herbs and grass, resulting in tender, lean, and exceptionally flavorful meat.
Mountain Snails: These snails inhabit the rocky caves and only come out during the rainy season. Travelers who visit Trang An from April to August have the opportunity to enjoy this delicacy. Mountain snail meat is crispy, sweet, and fragrant, and it is prepared in various delicious ways, such as steamed, stir-fried with tamarind sauce, in salads, or grilled.
Cá Rô Tổng Trường: This type of fish, known as Cá Rô Tổng Trường, inhabits the submerged caves of Tổng Trường Yen, which is now part of the Trang An World Heritage Complex. Cá Rô Tổng Trường has firm, sweet, and fragrant meat, often used to make sour soups, dried dishes, stir-fries, or fried preparations.
With its convenient transportation and proximity to Hanoi, Trang An Tourism Area is undoubtedly a worthy destination for every traveler exploring Vietnam. Let’s hit the road!
