Situated near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years. They illustrate the occupation of these mountains by seasonal hunter-gatherers and how they adapted to major climatic and environmental changes, especially the repeated inundation of the landscape by the sea after the last ice age. The story of human occupation continues through the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the historical era. Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Viet Nam, was strategically established here in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. The property also contains temples, pagodas, paddy-fields and small villages.
Located within Ninh Binh Province of North Vietnam near the southern margin of the Red River Delta, the Trang An Landscape Complex (Trang An) is a mixed cultural and natural property contained mostly within three protected areas; the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the Trang An-Tam Coc-Bich Dong Scenic Landscape, and the Hoa Lu Special-Use Forest. The property covers 6,226 hectares within the Trang An limestone massif, and is surrounded by a buffer zone of 6,026 hectares, mostly rural land with rice paddy fields. There are about 14,000 residents, the majority of whom are families involved in subsistence agriculture, but much of the property is uninhabited and in a natural state.
Trang An is of global significance as an outstanding humid tropical tower-karst landscape in the final stages of geomorphic evolution. It is composed of a variety of classical karst cones and towers and a network of enclosed depressions connected by an intricate system of subterranean waterways, some of which are navigable by small boats. The area is unique in having been invaded by the sea several times in the recent geological past but is now emergent on land. The blend of towering mountains draped in natural rain forest, with large internal basins and narrow cave passages containing quietly flowing waters, creates an extraordinarily beautiful and tranquil landscape.
The property is of sufficient size and scope to encompass almost the entire limestone massif, with a full range of classic tower-karst landforms and associated geomorphic processes. All caves and other sites known to be of archaeological significance are included. The very rugged topography has generally isolated the property from intensive occupation and utilization, and much of its interior remains in a natural state. Within the extensive natural areas of the property there are no structures that obstruct the scenery or detract from the aesthetic appeal. Occupied areas are mainly small traditional villages and associated gardens and rice paddy fields tended by subsistence farmers. The greater part of the property is enclosed within three officially designated protected areas, and contains a number of other sites protected by Government Decree. A large buffer zone surrounds the property and is designed to protect it from external impacts. It contains many small villages together with gardens, farms and rice paddies, and also the recently reconstructed Bai Dinh Pagoda complex.
Containing outstanding global values, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is a combination of natural - spiritual and historical values that have been honored by Unesco as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage. With outstanding values in terms of natural landscape, ecological diversity and geological formation, this place is definitely a wonderful tourist destination for travelers from all over the world who enjoys the magnificent scenery and culture.
Currently, Trang An Eco-tourism Area is operating 04 sightseeing routes:
Route 1: Boat wharf - Trinh Temple - Toi Cave - Sang Cave - Nấu Rượu Cave - Trần Temple - Nấu Rượu Cave - Ba Giot Cave - Seo Cave - Son Duong Cave - Khong Cave - Khong Palace - Tran Cave - Quy Hau Cave.
Route 2: Boat wharf - Lam Cave - Cao Son Temple - Vang Cave - Thanh Truot Cave - Suoi Tien Temple - Thung Voi - Dia Linh Mountain - Kim Quy Mountain - Dai Cave - Vu Lam Palace.
Route 3: Boat wharf - Trinh Temple - Dot Cave - Van Cave - Suoi Tien Temple - Thung Voi - Dia Linh Mountain - Kim Quy Mountain - Dai Cave - Vu Lam Palace.
Phuong Hoang Route: Boat wharf - Lam Cave - Cao Son Temple - Vang Cave - Thanh Truot Cave - Goc Gao - Dai Cave - Vu Lam Palace.
Trang An Landscape Complex
Address: Ninh Xuan Commune, Hoa Lu City, Ninh Binh Province
Tel: 0229.3620.335
Entrance fee:
- Person > 1.3m: 250,000 VND/person
- Children 1-1.3m: 120,000 VND/person
+ Elderly (over 60 years old): 120,000 VND/person
+ Children <1m: free
+ Tour guide: 300,000 VND/tour