Trang An Landscape Complex

The Trang An Landscape Complex is a karst landscape and cultural complex in Ninh Binh province, northern Vietnam, noted for limestone towers, caves and a system of river valleys with historic temples. It combines natural karst formations with archaeological and historic sites including the ancient capital area of Hoa Lu.

Scenic boat passages that go through caves and beneath towering limestone cliffs, temple sites associated with Vietnam’s early dynastic capitals, and panoramic viewpoints over the surrounding paddy fields and karst peaks. Boat tours commonly form the principal visitor experience and last from under an hour to several hours depending on the chosen route.

The area contains archaeological remains and historic structures tied to the Dinh and Le dynasties of the 10th and 11th centuries; it has been managed as a landscape where cultural heritage and natural features are interlinked. Conservation and tourism management focus on protecting caves, temples and ricefield landscapes.

Trang An lies in Ninh Binh province in northern Vietnam, about 90 kilometres south of Hanoi, set within a lowland plain punctuated by steep limestone towers and river channels.

• Boat caves: Boat trips through the cave systems travel along inland waterways for routes typically between one and several kilometres and are the standard way to experience the karst scenery.