If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already searched endless blog posts, YouTube videos, and social media posts about how to have the best possible experience in Vietnam, only to become overwhelmed by the endless list of dos and don’ts.
In this post, we are going to keep it simple. The question we are here to answer is: Which is better, the boat tour in Trang An or the one in Tam Coc?
Our honest answer? Trang An. Keep reading to see why…
1.Trang An
Located about a two-hour drive south of Hanoi, Trang An is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province. Often referred to as an inland Ha Long Bay, Trang An offers spectacular and dramatic boat rides along the Sao Khe River, through towering limestone karsts and mysterious caves.
Departing from the central Tran An Wharf, tours run from 7am to 5pm, with three different routes to choose from. Route 1 is the longest, taking around three hours, and is also the most immersive. The route takes you through nine natural caves and stops at three spiritual sites, including the historic Trinh Temple and Tran Temple.
We highly recommend arriving around 7am and taking the first tour of the day for a quieter, more peaceful and contemplative experience. At less than $10 per person, the tours are also extremely reasonably priced. Tickets can easily be purchased on site, either from the self-service ticket machines or the staffed counters. It’s best to bring some cash with you, just in case card payments aren’t available.
Traditional wooden sampan boats can generally accommodate up to four adults and are rowed by hand by local boatmen, meaning there’s no engine noise to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Your rower might even invite you to take a turn at the oars and join in with the rowing!
Trang An guarantees a calm, peaceful and serene experience. Around every bend, the landscape changes dramatically, inspiring an overwhelming sense of awe that stays with you long after the journey ends.
2. Tam Coc
Tam Coc is the more widely known and recognised destination in Ninh Binh Province. Famous for the iconic way local rowers skilfully use their feet to paddle traditional sampan boats, the Tam Coc boat tour is an obvious choice for many visitors—and for good reason. Who wouldn’t want to glide along the Ngo Dong River, through stunning rice fields and surrounded by towering limestone mountains?
The tour lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours and takes you through three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Tours depart from Tam Coc Wharf, also known as Van Lam Pier. Tickets can be purchased directly from the ticket counter and cost less than $10. As with Trang An, it’s best to bring some cash, as card payments may not be available.
So why does Tam Coc rank second compared to Trang An? The honest answer is over-tourism.
The calm and peaceful experience you might dream of while rowing down this stunning river can be somewhat tainted by the persistent pressure from some rowers to buy souvenirs, often at inflated prices, or to give a generous tip. To be quite honest, we found this made the journey back quite uncomfortable and took away from what should have been a relaxing experience.
That said, if you’re aware of this beforehand and factor it into your budget and expectations, we still think Tam Coc is well worth visiting.
So, which is better: Trang An or Tam Coc?
For us, Trang An wins hands down.
Both boat tours offer spectacular scenery, limestone karsts, caves and a glimpse into the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Tam Coc is certainly worth visiting, particularly if you want to see its famous rice fields and Ngo Dong River. But if you only have time for one boat tour, we would choose Trang An for a more peaceful, immersive and memorable experience.
Our advice? Choose Trang An, arrive early, take your time and let the scenery do the talking. You won’t regret it.
