Aside from familiar landmarks such as Múa Cave and Sơn Đoong Cave, recently, travelers have been sharing their experiences about a relatively new destination called "the miniature Great Wall" or "the heart of Hoa Lu ancient capital" known as Ancient Trang An. It is said that Ancient Trang An may be one of the most captivating landscapes, steeped in both history and culture, in Ninh Binh tourism.
Exploring Ancient Trang An, the 'Heart of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu'
A Brief Introduction to Ancient Trang An
In addition to being known for famous landmarks such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Trang An, and Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh is also famous for Ancient Trang An, a place of breathtakingly untouched beauty that attracts thousands of visitors eager to explore its hidden wonders from both the past and present.

A poetic scene at the Ancient Trang An Monument - Illustration
While the ancient capital of Hoa Lu is considered the cradle of the Đại Cồ Việt state, the scenic Ancient Trang An is perhaps the area that carries the deepest historical marks in Ninh Binh tourism. It is known that Ancient Trang An is located not far from Trang An, yet it is on a smaller scale, only encompassing a section of the Sào Khê River that flows through it.

The scenic Ancient Trang An, where historical marks are deeply embedded - Illustration
It is not an overstatement to say that Ancient Trang An may be the land that carries the most profound historical marks related to King Đinh Bộ Lĩnh and the establishment of an entire dynasty. Therefore, to honor and preserve these historical traces, the journey to explore the Ancient Trang An monument is thoughtfully designed, allowing visitors to personally learn about the history of Ninh Binh through the ancient footsteps of King Đinh.
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The Journey to Explore Ancient Trang An
Just like the scenic Trang An, the Ancient Trang An monument is introduced to domestic tourists through the rhythmic rowing along the historical Sào Khê River, where visitors can either listen to the slow narration recalling memories from local boatmen or enjoy the echoes of folk songs resonating across the mountains and waters.
According to local accounts, both sides of the Sào Khê River were once the battlefield where King Đinh arranged his troops for the historic battle against the Ngô forces. Today, the banks of this river have transformed into a peaceful village named Trang An, where residents live quietly alongside the mountains, resonating with the ups and downs of Đại Việt's history.

Sailing through Ancient Trang An - Illustration
The boat drifts, carrying the emotions of travelers who find themselves in this sacred land, where the breath of history is more tangible than ever in the mountains and valleys that surround them.
When the boat reaches the entrance of Luồn Cave, visitors will have the opportunity to admire historical traces from the Đinh and Early Lê dynasties, etched directly into the rock, enduring through the ages alongside the rivers and mountains. Additionally, visitors can explore archaeological relics found inside the cave. Luồn Cave is also a site of deep spiritual significance, notably the Giải Oan well beside Đại Cave, described as a deep vertical well leading to the earth's core, a place of harmony between heaven and earth, where the divine meets the earthly realm...

The remaining monuments in Ancient Trang An - Illustration
After exploring the famous historical sites of Ancient Trang An, visitors can begin their ascent up the winding mountain path. From a distance, this path resembles a miniature version of the famous Great Wall of China. From the mountaintop, budget travelers can enjoy a panoramic view of the pristine Trang An landscape, with its towering mountains, villages, and vast fields.
Along with other remarkable scenic spots in Ninh Binh tourism, Ancient Trang An promises to be an ideal destination for many travelers, adding to the list of famous landmarks in Ninh Binh.
