Ninh Binh & Trang An: Rowing Through the Terrestrial Ha Long Bay & Ancient Capital Hoa Lu
Trang An Ninh Binh river boats in a cave. Photo Benjamin Smith.
Khao Sok National Park
Explore The Cheow Lan Lake, enjoy canoeing and Bamboo Rafting, take a bath with elephants, ride ATVs and practice rafting, all with licensed English Speaking Guides.
Discover Khao Sok Lake Tours →Often celebrated as "Ha Long Bay on Land", Ninh Binh is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural and natural wonderland where calm rivers meander through thousands of vertical karst pinnacles blanketed in tropical foliage.
The Serene Sampan Journey of Trang An
Board a traditional wooden sampan rowed gracefully by local boatwomen—often using their feet with astonishing dexterity—to glide through a network of illuminated limestone caves including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave.
"Gliding past yellow rice fields and limestone cliffs with only the splash of oars and birdsong is the ultimate antidote to modern urban frenzy," writes travel columnist David Lee.
Highlights You Cannot Miss
- Hang Mua Peak (Dragon Viewpoint): Climb 500 stone steps carved into the mountainside for a breathtaking panoramic 360-degree vista over Tam Coc river valley.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel: Walk through the historic 10th-century capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties set against protective natural mountain fortresses.
- Bich Dong Pagoda: A 15th-century tiered cave pagoda accessed across a picturesque stone bridge over a blooming lotus pond.
Rent a vintage bicycle or electric scooter to explore the quiet countryside trails linking limestone peaks, goat farms, and tranquil homestays.