Planning a boat tour in Ninh Binh but unsure which destination suits you best? In this guide, we compare Trang An, Tam Coc, and Van Long Nature Reserve to help you decide. From cost and crowds to scenic beauty and local experiences, discover which boat tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, culture, and tranquility.
Everything you should know about Ninh Binh boat tour before going
How to get to Ninh Binh?
Getting to Ninh Binh is relatively straightforward, you can take a shuttle bus or a private car. The journey takes about 2-3 hours by road. Once in Ninh Binh city, you can rent a motorbike or use taxis to reach the boat tour locations.
- By shuttle bus: This is the most popular and convenient option. Buses depart regularly from Hanoi’s Giap Bat bus station and take approximately 2-3 hours to reach Ninh Binh. The journey is comfortable, with air-conditioned coaches and sometimes even WiFi on board. Tickets cost around 100,000-150,000 VND (4.5-6.5 USD).
- By private car: If you prefer more flexibility and comfort, you can hire a private car or join a tour from Hanoi. This option is pricier but allows for stops along the way and door-to-door service.
How many places to take a boat ride in Ninh Binh?
Ninh Binh boasts three primary locations for boat tours: Trang An, Tam Coc, and Van Long Nature Reserve. Each offers a unique experience, showcasing different aspects of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Let’s compare these options to help you choose the best one for your trip in the section below.
Boat ride through Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long Nature Reserve?
To help you decide which boat tour is best for you, let’s compare these three options based on various factors. Below is the infographic about the pros and cons of these 3 popular Ninh Binh boat tours:
Cost and crowd
- Trang An: As the most popular site, Trang An tends to be the most expensive and crowded. Expect to pay around 200,000 VND (9 USD) per person. During peak seasons (April-May and September-October), it can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Tam Coc: Slightly less expensive than Trang An, with tickets around 150,000 VND (7 USD) per person. It can also get crowded, but generally less so than Trang An.
- Van Long: The least expensive option at approximately 100,000 VND (4.5 USD) per person. It’s also the least crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
Scenery
- Trang An: Known for its impressive limestone karsts, numerous caves and grottoes, and ancient temples. The landscape here is diverse and dramatic.
- Tam Coc: Often called “Ha Long Bay on rice paddies,” Tam Coc is famous for its beautiful rice fields surrounded by karst formations. The scenery changes with the seasons, with lush green paddies in summer and golden hues during harvest time.
- Van Long: Offers the most untouched natural scenery. It’s a wetland nature reserve with tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding karsts. It’s also a paradise for bird watchers.
In short: All three offer breathtaking views of limestone karsts and water. Trang An is known for its caves and grottoes. Tam Coc boasts beautiful rice fields. Van Long stands out with its untouched nature and bird-watching opportunities.
Duration
- Trang An: Tours typically last 2-3 hours, covering a longer route through various caves and stops at temples.
- Tam Coc: The standard boat ride is about 2 hours long.
- Van Long: Offers shorter trips, usually around 1.5 hours, which can be ideal if you’re short on time.
Which one is the most well-organized?
- Trang An: Well-organized with set routes and professional boatmen. The experience feels more structured and touristy.
- Tam Coc: Can feel a bit more chaotic, especially during peak times, but is still manageable. The atmosphere is more relaxed than Trang An.
- Van Long: The most relaxed and least structured of the three. It offers a more spontaneous experience.
Local Experience and Commercialization
- Trang An: While beautiful, it feels the most commercialized. The experience is polished but can lack authenticity.
- Tam Coc: Offers a mix of local flavor and tourist amenities. You’ll see local life along the river, but there’s still a significant tourist presence.
- Van Long: Provides the most authentic local experience. It’s less developed for tourism, allowing for more genuine interactions with local people and nature.
Conclusion
- Trang An is ideal for those who want a well-organized tour with diverse landscapes and don’t mind crowds.
- Tam Coc is perfect for travelers seeking a balance between natural beauty and cultural exposure.
- Van Long is the best choice for nature enthusiasts and those looking for a peaceful, authentic experience away from tourist crowds.
After comparing these factors, each location offers a unique experience suited to different preferences. Consider your priorities – whether it’s stunning scenery, cultural immersion, or tranquility – when choosing your boat tour in Ninh Binh.
Useful information of Trang An, Tam Coc, Van Long Nature Reserve
Trang An boat tour
- Price: Around 200,000 VND (9 USD) per person
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- How to Get There: Located about 7 km from Ninh Binh city center. Easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle.
What to expect
At Trang An, you’ll embark on a mesmerizing journey through up to nine caves, each with its unique formations. As you glide along the clear waters, you’ll be treated to stunning views of limestone karsts reflected on the surface. The tour includes visits to ancient temples, such as Trinh Temple, adding a cultural dimension to your natural adventure.
Film enthusiasts might recognize some locations from “Kong: Skull Island.” Your experience is enhanced by professional boatmen who often serenade passengers with traditional Vietnamese songs, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
Helpful tips
For the best experience, consider arriving early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Don’t forget to bring essentials like a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to stay comfortable throughout the tour. It’s advisable to have waterproof bags for your electronics as you might encounter some water splashes. Wear comfortable shoes as you may need to duck in caves.
Tam Coc boat tour
- Price: About 150,000 VND (7 USD) per person
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
- Duration: 2 hours
- How to Get There: Located 7 km south of Ninh Binh city, easily reachable by bike, motorbike, or taxi.
What to expect:
The Tam Coc boat tour offers a captivating journey through three beautiful caves: Ca, Hai, and Ba. As you row along the river, you’ll witness local life unfold before your eyes, with fishermen casting nets and farmers tending to their fields. The landscape is dominated by impressive limestone karsts jutting out from lush rice paddies, creating a scene often described as “Ha Long Bay on land.”
Your journey will take you past the picturesque ruins of the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda. One of the highlights is experiencing the unique foot-rowing technique employed by local boatmen, a testament to their skill and the area’s traditions.
Tips:
- Best visited in May – June when the rice fields are lush green
- Be prepared for vendors trying to sell handicrafts at the turning point
- Tip your boatman if you enjoyed the ride, but don’t feel pressured
- Combine with a visit to nearby Bich Dong Pagoda or Mua Cave
Van Long Nature Reserve
- Price: Approximately 100,000 VND (4.5 USD) per person
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- How to Get There: Located 25 km north of Ninh Binh city, best reached by taxi or motorbike.
What to expect:
Van Long Nature Reserve offers a tranquil boat ride on clear, calm waters, providing a stark contrast to the more touristy experiences elsewhere. This wetland reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot various bird species and even the endangered Delacour’s langur.
The unspoiled nature and fewer tourists create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a more authentic experience. The reserve is particularly beautiful during sunrise or sunset, when the limestone karsts are perfectly reflected in the still waters, creating breathtaking photo opportunities.
- Peaceful boat ride on clear, calm waters
- Spot various bird species, including the endangered Delacour’s langur
- Enjoy unspoiled nature with fewer tourists
- Spectacular sunset views if you go late afternoon
- Opportunity for great photography with karst reflections in the water
Tips:
- Bring binoculars if you’re interested in bird watching
- Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photos
- Consider combining with a visit to nearby Kenh Ga Hot Springs
Suggested Ninh Binh Itinerary Including Boat Ride
For an unforgettable Ninh Binh experience, we recommend two boat tours in Tam Coc and Trang An, as these are the most popular options. If you prefer to include Van Long Nature Reserve instead, please get in touch with us here or email us at [email protected]. We specialize in organizing private tours to Vietnam and Indochina countries, and we’ll tailor your trip to match your travel preferences perfectly.
Itinerary including visiting Tam Coc: Amazing Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3 days
Tours taking Trang An boat trip: Ninh Binh Private Tour 2 days
