Trang An Boat Tour: My Experience
Why Trang An Boat Tour Is Unmissable
Trang An boat tour is one of the most popular things to do in Ninh Binh, but before you book it, you probably want to know the real costs, what your options are, and whether it is actually better than the Tam Coc boat tour.
I wondered the exact same thing.
I had already done the Tam Coc boat ride and thought it was good. Nice scenery, calm river, classic Ninh Binh experience. Then I tried Trang An and realised it was on another level.
What confused me at first were the differences. The routes, the caves, the ticket prices, the timings, and all the talk online about which one is “better.” It is not always obvious when you are standing there at the ticket counter deciding where to go.
One moment I will not forget is passing a small temple floating on the river, surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. It felt surreal. Quiet. Almost cinematic. That was the point where I thought, this might be my favourite thing I have done in Ninh Binh.
If you are a solo traveller or a couple trying to figure out which boat tour to choose, how much you will spend, and whether Trang An is worth your time over Tam Coc, this will make that decision much easier.
Read my guide to the best things to do in Ninh Binh.
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🇻🇳 Trang An Boat Tour Quick Guide 🇻🇳
🕒 Best Time to Visit: February to April – Mild weather, lush green scenery, comfortable temperatures.
🎒 What to Pack: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap, reusable water bottle, small backpack, light breathable clothing, comfortable sandals or trainers, light rain jacket in rainy season, extra layer for cool winter mornings, phone or camera with strap, power bank, cash for tickets or snacks, insect repellent.
🚣 Must-Do Experience: Tam Coc or Trang An boat ride through limestone caves
🚆 Getting There: 2–2.5 hour train or bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh town, then short taxi ride to Tam Coc/Trang An
⚠️ Tip: Arrive right at opening time. The first boats out are quieter, the water is calmer, and the light is much better for photos.
Where Is Trang An?
Trang An complex is located in the small region of Tam Coc, close to Ninh Binh.
Many people take the Trang An boat tour from Hanoi, or if you want to explore all the great things to do in Tam Coc, you can stay there too.
Read My Post About Whether Ninh Binh Is Worth Visiting
Trang An VS Tam Coc
Both Trang An and Tam Coc offer a boat tour, but if you only have time for one, I suggest Trang An.
Why? Because overall, I feel it’s better. It’s longer, you get an umbrella included in the boat tour, and you can include it as part of a group tour to visit some of the best places in Tam Coc, so it makes sense. Trang An has more character.
The Hành Cung Vũ Lâm in the river, there’s Thung Hang Vạng park that you pass by, and overall, it felt more impressive with taller limestone cliffs.
When I visited, we all grabbed a cool drink and ice cream at Laika Cafe on the way back to the minivan. After spending time in the sun for a couple of hours, it’s badly needed.
Tam Coc is great too, with a lot of similar things, so I would only do this if you were stuck for time and really wanted to see the Tam Coc route.
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Getting Trang An Boat Tour Tickets
I recommend booking a ticket in advance to guarantee a place.
While there are no reservations needed, you can pretty much park your bike or car and get tickets at the counter.
There is an ATM across from the ticket office if you need cash, but just bring some in case it isn’t working – that can happen in Vietnam.
Alternatively, you can book a tour like I did, which includes a 2-hour boat ride through Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
I recommend this tour because when I went, we were given umbrellas, the lady operating the boat was very friendly, and it includes the Mua Cave tour, which was one of the highlights of my trip in Ninh Binh.
Which Route To Take?
You will have to choose a route once you land at Trang An Complex.
To be honest, we didn’t have a choice, and we all went on route number 2. This includes visiting 3 caves and 3 temples, all spectacular and all left me with my mouth wide open in awe.
Route 1 has 9 caves, Route 2 has 4 caves, and Route 3 has 2 caves.
Route 1 is easily the most time-consuming, which can take up to 3 to 4 hours. In the heat, it was even tough for me for 2 hours. So keep that in mind to bring lots of water, suncream, sunglasses, and a hat.
Even a light top to cover your body.
Route Comparison
| Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Trình Temple | Hang Lấm (Lam Cave) | Trình Temple |
| Hang Tối (Dark Cave) | Hang Vàng (Golden Cave) | Hang Mây (Cloud Cave) |
| Hang Sáng (Morning Cave) | Hang Thánh Trượt (Thanh Truot Cave) | Đền Suối Tiên (Suoi Tien Temple) |
| Nấu Rượu (Cooking Alcohol Cave) | Đền Suối Tiên (Suoi Tien Temple) | Hang Địa Linh (Dia Linh Cave) |
| Trần Temple | Hang Dài (Dai Cave) | Hang Đại (Dai Cave) |
| Ba Giọt Cave | Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam Palace) | Hành Cung Vũ Lâm (Vu Lam Palace) |
| Hang Seo (Seo Cave) | Kong Film Studio (Aboriginal Village) | |
| Hang Sơn Dương (Son Duong Cave) | ||
| Phủ Khống (Khong Temple) | ||
| Chùa Báo Hiếu (Bao Hieu Pagoda) | ||
| Hang Khống (Khong Cave) | ||
| Hang Trần (Tran Cave) | ||
| Hang Quý Hậu (Quy Hau Cave) |
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My Experience
The boat takes a maximum of 4 people, and all include lifejackets.
We were assisted into the boats, only a short walk away from the ticket office. I could hear a buzzing drone zipping past our heads as we left the pier along the water.
I was so thankful umbrellas were included. I got roasted on the Tam Coc tour because they weren’t included then, and the officials wouldn’t let me go back to buy one. Don’t make this mistake.
I could record on my phone and camera as the lady operating the boat pushed us all around flawlessly with her feet. I chatted to a Dutch couple on my boat, and we all had a great experience.
My biggest tip is to ensure you have lots of water and some snacks, should you feel faint.
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What Were The Caves Like?
The caves were so much fun to explore.
When I took the boat, I was surprised by how little space there was between my head and the top of the cave.
Maybe a few metres. Less in other parts. So I had a little panic when I was passing through because of the confined space, but I came out the other side and was exhilarated.
Many boats will enter together, and you’ll meet boats coming from the opposite direction. Most people smiled and looked like they were having fun.
Approaching the cave was always amazing because of just how tall these limestone cliffs are. You enter into darkness lit by only the driver’s torch, and you can see the stalactites and stalagmites hanging from above.
It’s brilliantly fun.
What Were The Temples Like?
The temples were also similar to the ones found at Ninh Binh.
We hopped off our boat for a toilet break and took maybe 10 minutes walking around the temples. To be honest, they were just like the ones on land: peaceful but with much more extraordinary surroundings.
Limestone cliffs can be found in Ha Long Bay, but this was on land, with the beautiful river there too.
For me, the best part was Hành Cung Vũ Lâm with Thủy Đình Tràng An on the water. This is the iconic shot that encapsulates the Ninh Binh landscape.
I had to pinch myself many times on this Trang An boat tour.
Tipping The Boat Operator
This is optional.
I tipped 200,000 dong, which amounts to almost $8.00, as did the Dutch couple who were on my boat. I felt this was a fair tip, as did the others.
You can give more, and while it’s optional, I couldn’t walk away without giving something extra because it’s not an easy thing to do in the heat.
When I did the Tam Coc boat tour, my driver asked me for a tip of 100,000 dong. So you might have the driver asking for a tip, too.
After experiencing this Trang An boat tour, you’ll be happy to give a tip, I’m sure.
Best Tours To Trang An From Hanoi
If you’re doing a quick trip through Vietnam and don’t have time to spend a few days in Ninh Binh, you can do some incredible day tours.
If you only have a few days, check out the package tour deals below:
Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh/Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Tour: Essential tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi. Pickup by limousine bus and includes water and entrance fees.
Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Trang An/Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Day Tour: Includes the ancient Hoa Lu and Mua Cave, which were some of my favourite things to do and see in Ninh Binh.
From Hanoi: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Cave Trip: Different variations and includes pickup from Hoan Kiem Lake and includes Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Best Time To Go To Trang An Complex
While I visited in early August, it was very hot in the sun, and some days had heavy rain.
Overall, I felt this was a great time to go. However, the cooler weather that’s more enjoyable is found between February and April. For far fewer tourists, September, October and November are good choices.
I’ll push August too, however. While it’s officially the rainy season, it could be spectacular to witness the boat ride with heavy rain – something like a movie.
My Trang An Packing List
This is very important.
Don’t skip the items that will make your boat tour in Trang An a better experience.
Some things I recommend bringing include sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, long sleeves that are breathable so you don’t get too hot, water, snacks for energy and cash to tip the boat driver. I was given an umbrella, which was the most important item of all.
It was included in the tour.
Having a waterproof camera like a GoPro (I use the GoPro 13) in case you drop it into the water. This handy float handle makes sure it doesn’t sink to the bottom.
This is a clutch camera to have in Southeast Asia.
Is The Trang An Boat Tour Worth It?
My experience in Tam Coc showed me that the Trang An boat tour was not only worth it but possibly the best thing to do in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh.
The tall limestone cliffs and caves make for a special experience.
When you pass into the shade, enjoy it; when the sun’s out, it’s hot. Travelling solo, I met loads of cool fellow travellers from different parts of the world. Many couples did the tour as well and loved it.
It’s a perfect way to slowly see the best landscape that Vietnam has to offer.
Make sure you check out my Southeast Asia packing list and discover why travel insurance is so important – I got sick in Tam Coc and had large hospital bills.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
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FAQs
Is Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Tour Better?
I did both tours, and for me, Trang An was better, but not by much. Trang An feels more isolated, like no people are around for kilometres. I loved the temples floating on the water and moving through Cave Hai and Gioi Ravine. Tam Coc feels more leisurely, and you can enjoy all the limestone cliffs in Tam Coc, entering through caves too, but you need to bring your own umbrella. I learnt that the hard way.
What’s the Best Time of Year for Trang An?
In spring, from February, March and April, you can enjoy the best conditions for Trang An. Whilst I visited in early August during the wet season, we had no rain and sun all day. It was perfect. My advice is to check the weather and ideally go early in the year.
Are There Different Trang An Tour Routes?
There are three different routes. My tour included the Classic & Cave Focus, with 9 caves and 3 temples. Whilst I can’t comment on the other tours, I have no doubt they were as extraordinary as my experience. Before booking, check exactly what you want and book the right tour for you. For me, the classic tour did everything and more. If you can afford the more expensive tours, then go for it. My tour lasted 2 hours and was worth every penny.
