Our Ninh Binh Adventure – Tam Coc and Trang An
Last December, we had an unforgettable journey through Vietnam, and one of the highlights of our trip was exploring Ninh Binh. Known for its stunning limestone karsts, peaceful river landscapes, and historical sites, this place left us mesmerized. Among the top attractions, Tam Coc and Trang An stood out as the most breathtaking destinations. Let us take you through our experience!
Trang An Boat Ride – A Serene Experience
After an exciting bike ride through the scenic countryside, we reached Trang An, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its serene boat rides. The boat journey was nothing short of magical. As we glided through emerald-green waters, surrounded by towering limestone mountains, we passed through natural caves and ancient temples hidden within the karsts.
Trang An offers three different boat routes, each providing a unique experience:
Route 1 – Includes 9 caves and 3 pagodas, featuring the famous Wine Cave, where traditional wine is stored in clay pots. This is the shortest route, lasting around 2 hours.
Route 2 – Covers 4 caves and 4 pagodas, taking around 3 hours.
Route 3 (Our Choice) – The most exciting and longest route, lasting 3 hours, featuring 3 caves and 4 pagodas. The highlight of this route was Dot Cave, an incredible 1-kilometer-long natural cave that left us in awe.
We also visited a film shooting location during our ride, though we couldn’t recall the movie’s name. The entire experience was peaceful, surrounded by untouched nature, and felt like a dream.
Tam Coc – A Breathtaking River View
Another must-visit place in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc, often called the “Halong Bay on Land.” The best time to visit is early morning when the air is fresh, and the water is calm. As we rowed along the river, we were surrounded by golden rice fields, towering limestone peaks, and lotus flowers floating on the water. Birds chirped around, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
From the top of Mua Caves, we enjoyed a mesmerizing aerial view of Tam Coc’s winding river cutting through the lush landscape. On our way, we also searched for mountain goats, which are known to live on the karst formations and can be seen from below.
Why You Should Visit Tam Coc and Trang An
Natural Beauty – Towering limestone mountains, lush greenery, and peaceful waters create a postcard-perfect view.
Serene Boat Rides – Glide through scenic landscapes, explore mysterious caves, and visit hidden temples.
Adventure & Exploration – Climb Mua Caves for a stunning panoramic view, or bike around the countryside for a closer look at local life.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Tam Coc and Trang An was truly a surreal experience. The peaceful boat rides, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness make Ninh Binh a must-visit destination in Vietnam. If you love nature, adventure, and tranquility, this is the place to be!
Have you visited Ninh Binh before? Share your experiences in the comments below!
