If you’re headed to Ninh Bình, a rowboat ride through Tràng An should be on your list. It’s one of the most popular things to do here, and for good reason. You’ll float through caves, visit temples, and take in views you won’t see anywhere else.

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Where is Tràng An

What to bring with you

What to do next

Where is Tràng An

Tràng An is located 8 kilometers from the center of Ninh Bình, located inside the Tràng An Landscape Complex, here on Google Maps. It's easy to reach by bicycle, motorbike, or Grab ride.

For more on what season to visit, check this section of our blog covering Ninh Binh.

When to visit

Tràng An’s boat tour runs daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a popular attraction, so arrive between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid crowds and waiting in queues.

Tickets

You’ll buy your tickets inside the main building before heading to the boats. You’ll have the option to choose between a few different options – none of which are translated into English. Choose the cheaper option if you only want to go on a boat ride. Choose the most expensive option if you want to check out Đảo Khê Cốc and hike to Khe Coc Island (more on these below).

After purchasing your tickets, turn left and walk through the building. You’ll go downstairs to get to the other side of the river where the boats depart.

Each boat holds up to four people, and you will be grouped with other visitors if your group doesn’t fill the boat. If you want a private boat, you’ll need to buy four tickets.

Although you can pay for tickets by card or cash, bring cash to tip your rowboat guide or buy drinks and snacks at some of the temples along the route.

You don’t need to choose a specific boat route when you buy your ticket—that happens later, at the boat dock.

Rowboat routes

Each rowboat ride is similar. You’ll be rowed through caves, and be given about ten to fifteen minutes to explore each temple stop. Some of the temple stops have restrooms and concessions. Remember your boat number to find your boat upon returning from the temples.

Lifejackets are required. Listen to your guide while going through the caves.

Route 1:

9 caves
3 temples

Including 5- to 10-minute hikes up uneven stairs to reach two of the temples

3 to 3.5 hours
This is the route we chose

Route 2:

4 caves
3 temples
2 to 3 hours
Highlights: Kong Skull Island and a floating pagoda
Most popular

Route 3:

3 caves
3 temples
3 hours
Highlights: Kong Skull Island

Temples etiquette

You’ll need to dress appropriately, covering your knees and shoulders, to visit the temples. While you’re at the temples you should be respectful and quiet. Do not take photos inside the temple, don’t eat at the temples, and do not talk on your phone or smoke.

If you choose to enter a temple, remove your shoes, sunglasses, and hats. Do not point your feet at other worshippers, or at statues.

Đảo Khê Cốc

If you purchase the more expensive ticket, you can catch a golf cart ride to Đảo Khê Cốc after your boat tour. We’d recommend eating, either at Trang An or in town, before exploring this area. We did not, and this cut our trip short here.

Once you arrive at Đảo Khê Cốc, you’ll give them the last of your ticket stubs. Here you’ll find a cultural site featuring how prehistoric people once lived here. Although we liked visiting here, we were disappointed that there weren’t signs or guides explaining what we were seeing.

Wander to the end of the walking path to find these floating structures and make sure to go inside the largest structure for more information and activities.

Khe Coc Island

Khe Coc Island is included with your ticket to Đảo Khê Cốc. From there, you’ll catch a boat where you can walk to a beautiful viewpoint. Looking back on it, we’re disappointed we opted to leave to get lunch instead of continuing on here.

What to bring with you

The rowboat ride is very exposed. Bring sun protection, water, and snacks. If you plan on choosing route one or exploring Khe Coc Island, wear a good pair of walking shoes. Otherwise, most shoes or sandals would do just fine. Your shoes will not get wet getting in and out of the boats.