Route 3 in Trang An Ninh Binh: A Comprehensive Review and Guide

31/12/2023

Which Trang An Ninh Binh route is the most beautiful? This article shares a detailed Trang An boat tour experience, especially Trang An Boat Route 3.

Overview of boat tour in Trang An

Why Trang An?

Trang An is one of the most famous attractions in Ninh Binh where you can join in many exciting activities.

Trang An is located in northern Vietnam, approximately 7 kilometres west of Ninh Binh City, about 100km from Hanoi. The area is characterized by karst limestone formations, limestone mountains, and a network of caves. Because Trang An is surrounded by water, the best way to explore this place is by boat. A boat tour in Trang An serves 4-5 people, if your group is small, you need to share your boat with others.

In addition, the area has historical significance, with evidence of ancient human habitation and religious sites. It is home to several temples and pagodas. You will have some stops to explore some historical sites along your boat tour.

Trang An Ticket Prices and Other Fees

The admission fee for Trang An, Ninh Binh includes the ticket price, boat ticket, and parking fee. Currently, the ticket prices for Trang An are as follows:

Trang An admission ticket is priced at 250,000 VND per adult.
For children with a height between 1m and 1.3m, the ticket price is 120,000 VND per child.
Admission is free for children with a height under 1m.
Parking fees vary and are approximately 10,000 VND per vehicle.

Ticket sales hours are as follows:

Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

***Please note: The ticket price is the same for all boat route

Why Route 3 in Trang An?

There are 3 different boat routes in Trang An. Each visits different caves and temples, with different lengths and times. Among them, Boat Route 3 is the longest and most comprehensive of the three main boat routes.

Length: Approximately 3 hours
Distance: Around 6 kilometers

Route 3 highlights: Boat station - Trinh Temple – Dot and May Cave – Suoi Tien Temple – Dia Linh Mountain – Dai Cave – Hanh Cung Vu Lam Temple – Kong: Skull Island Film Set - back to the boat station (approximately 3 - 3.5 hours).

One of the reasons why Trang An stands out from the other is the magnificent Dot Cave. This fantastic wonder is 1,000 meters long and is a natural cave. It has impressive stalactite shapes and feels like it's keeping some ancient secrets. In summer, when you go inside the cave, it’s so cool. How amazing it is if your hand can touch the water and the ceiling at the same time. Sometimes, you need to watch your head to avoid stalactite. The boat rider will guide you, so don’t worry, it’s safe.

After Dot Cave, you'll navigate Van Cave and Dai Cave, each with unique charm and rock formations. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the interplay of light and shadow dancing on the cave walls.

Detailed Trang An Boat Route 3

Route number 3 takes visitors through 3 caves and 3 spiritual points in a closed itinerary, lasting approximately 3 hours.

Let's explore the temples and caves in the order that you would encounter them during the boat tour:

Den Trinh – Trang An Route 3

As the first destination in Trang An Route 3, "Trinh" means presentation. The ancient Den Trinh, also known as the Dot Temple, was built over a thousand years ago in the shape of the letter "Dinh". After several renovations, the temple now worships the "Four Pillars of the Court" of the Dinh dynasty. These four divine beings, along with King Dinh Tien Hoang, played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion of the 12 feudal lords, uniting the country, and establishing Dai Co Viet.

In front of the temple, there are two large stone carp, and below, many carp are regularly fed by the temple caretakers.

Hang Dot – Trang An Route 3

Being the longest cave in Trang An and similar ecological landscapes in the province, Hang Dot stretches 1,000 meters with glittering and mystical stalactites. Inside the cave, there is a spacious and cool area with a high ceiling. It takes about 30 minutes to paddle through the cave on a boat.

Hang Van - Trang An Route 3

The next part of Trang An Route 3 passes through the Cloud Valley with an area of about 12,000 square meters. Visitors explore the Cloud Cave (Hang Van), which is 360 meters long.

Den Suoi Tien – Trang An Route 3

This place worships Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong and his consort. Every spring, people celebrate the festival of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, parading on the river with a hundred boats, passing through ten caves into the Fairy Stream. They pray for national peace, favorable weather, abundant harvests, and happiness for everyone.

Nui Dia Linh – Trang An Route 3

Standing majestically above the water like a pen tower, Nui Dia Linh is nicknamed the "Halong Bay on Land" in the Trang An Ecological Complex.

Hang Dai - Trang An Route 3

With a length of 200 meters, Hang Dai lives up to its name, being spacious and well-airy.

Hanh Cung Vu Lam – Trang An Route 3

Hanh Cung Vu Lam served as a military base for the Tran dynasty, located in the core area of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. It was a strategic location for the early Tran kings to strengthen their forces during the resistance against the second and third Mongol invasions. This place is also associated with events where Tran kings practised Buddhism and expanded the Buddhist teachings. The area of Hanh Cung includes 7 worship sites.

In the past, visitors will take a boat ride to Kong Island, formerly used as the backdrop for the famous film "Kong – Skull Island before concluding the tour. However, to save the natural environment, this site is now closing.

Tips for a perfect boat trip in Trang An

To make your trip to Trang An, Ninh Binh more enjoyable, here are some important notes you can consider applying:

If you intend to take photos, you can ask the boat driver to pause so that you can comfortably capture pictures and record beautiful moments here.
Always carry a life jacket during the journey. You can remove the life jacket when taking photos, but it's advisable to limit this.
Remember the boat number you are on; this will help you find your boat more quickly.
It's recommended to visit Trang An in the morning when the weather is not too hot. During this time, you'll have better photo conditions without intense sunlight interference.
Equip yourself with items like a hat, cap, umbrella, etc., to be prepared for adverse weather conditions.
In the Trang An tourist area, there are temple areas, so it's advisable to choose modest and respectful attire to show reverence for these sacred places.
If you wish to purchase souvenirs, inquire about the prices beforehand.

Other activities in Trang An Ninh Binh

Trang An Ecological Complex has expanded its offerings with the addition of Kayak boat tours. Therefore, alongside the traditional boat services, tourists now have an additional option to experience the beauty of Trang An. There are two Kayak routes available for exploration; however, participants are advised to ensure safety and possess good physical fitness.

Overall, Route 3 in Trang An, Ninh Binh, invites adventurers to embark on a memorable journey through nature and history. From limestone wonders to ancient temples, this route encapsulates the essence of the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.

If you are a first-time traveller, consider a tour. Tours can handle ticket purchases, transportation, and a professional tour guide.

01-day tour in Trang An Ninh Binh

02 days tour in Trang An Ninh Binh

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