Trang An: Gliding Through Vietnam's Mystical Caves & Emerald Waters

Some places leave you speechless. Trang An in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam, is one of those rare destinations that feels like stepping into another world—a world where towering limestone karsts rise from still waters and time seems to slow down with every paddle stroke.

Arrival at Trang An

The moment I arrived at Trang An, I knew this was going to be special. The scenic complex stretches as far as the eye can see—a vast network of waterways weaving between ancient limestone mountains that have stood here for millions of years. The air was fresh, the sky reflected perfectly in the still waters, and there was an almost sacred silence that made you want to whisper.

Local rowers in conical hats waited patiently by their traditional bamboo boats, ready to take visitors on a journey through this UNESCO World Heritage site. The excitement was building!

The Legendary King Kong Mountain

As our boat glided deeper into the scenic complex, our rower pointed excitedly toward a massive limestone karst rising dramatically from the water. "King Kong!" she said with a smile. And suddenly, I saw it—the unmistakable silhouette of the legendary ape, frozen in stone for eternity.

This is the famous King Kong Mountain, and it's no coincidence. Trang An was one of the filming locations for "Kong: Skull Island" (2017), and you can see why Hollywood chose this place. The sheer scale of these ancient rock formations, the mist that clings to their peaks, the prehistoric atmosphere—it all feels like stepping onto a movie set. Standing before this natural monument, I half expected to see the giant ape himself emerge from the jungle!

Our rower, a skilled local woman, used her feet to paddle—a technique unique to this region that allows for hours of rowing without fatigue. It's mesmerizing to watch as she navigated us past the towering karst, sharing stories of how the film crew transformed this landscape into Skull Island.

The Boat Ride of a Lifetime

As we approached the first cave, I held my breath. The entrance was a dark mouth in the towering cliff face, and we had to duck low as the boat slipped inside. Darkness enveloped us, broken only by the soft echo of water dripping from ancient stalactites and the gentle splash of the oar.

Then, light appeared at the other end—a glowing portal revealing yet another breathtaking lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic cliffs. Between the caves, we floated through waters of the most incredible emerald green—the color comes from the limestone sediment and the reflection of vegetation that clings to every surface. It's the kind of green you see in dreams.

We passed through nine caves in total, each revealing a new secret paradise. The limestone karsts tower hundreds of meters above, their surfaces weathered into dramatic shapes by millions of years of wind and rain. Some look like sleeping giants, others like ancient temples reaching for the sky.

A Temple Among the Waters

Just when I thought this journey couldn't get more magical, our boat pulled up to a hidden temple nestled among the karsts. Stepping off the boat and walking up ancient stone steps, I entered a sanctuary that felt frozen in time.

Inside, the temple took my breath away. Ornate golden chandeliers hung from wooden beams, their warm glow illuminating intricate carvings and sacred altars. The craftsmanship was extraordinary—every detail spoke of centuries of devotion and artistry. Chinese characters adorned the pillars, and the scent of incense filled the air.

This wasn't just a tourist stop—this was a living place of worship. Local Vietnamese still come here to pray and pay respects to their ancestors. I stood quietly, taking in the golden Buddha statues, the offerings of fruit and flowers, and the peaceful energy that seemed to radiate from every corner. It was a reminder that Trang An isn't just about natural beauty—it's deeply connected to Vietnam's spiritual heritage.

Feeding the Fish & Finding Peace

One of the most peaceful moments was stopping to feed the fish. Hundreds of colorful koi and carp gathered around our boat, creating ripples in the otherwise glass-like water. There's something meditative about this simple act—watching the fish dance beneath the surface while surrounded by such natural grandeur.

Our rower paused here, giving us time to just... be. No rushing, no schedule, just the gentle bob of the boat and the symphony of birdsong echoing off the cliffs. This is the Trang An experience—not just seeing beauty, but feeling it.

Local Flavors: The Humble Rice Cracker

No visit is complete without trying the local rice crackers. Watching the locals prepare them—spreading rice batter on hot coals, letting it puff up and crisp—was as fascinating as eating them. Topped with spring onions and sesame, these simple crackers were the perfect snack between adventures. Crunchy, savory, and absolutely addictive!

A Mesmerizing Experience

Words can only do so much justice to this place. It's the kind of destination where you put your phone down (after taking photos, of course!) and just breathe. The combination of natural beauty and the simple joy of floating through caves makes Trang An a must-visit for any traveler to Vietnam.

If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, don't just stick to Hanoi or Ha Long Bay—make the journey to Ninh Binh. And while you're here, don't miss the nearby Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to complete your Ninh Binh experience!