A small boat carries tourists through the lakes and caves of Trang An in the northern province of Ninh Binh

Less than 100 kilometers from Hanoi, the landscape at Trang An is like another planet.

The giant limestone karsts are stirring as you paddle down small rivulets surrounded by rich-green hills and crystal clear water.

Four kilometers from the former capital of Hoa Lu – in the middle of the countryside in the northern province of Ninh Binh – quiet, tranquil and peaceful are the first words that come to mind as you relax to the sound of water lapping against the side of your small boat.

The boats are rowed by local women who double as guides, recanting local stories and history.

The tiny boats pass through small pristine lakes between caves and rivers.

Toi (Dark) is a pitch black cave that stretches 315 meters. Large limestone outcrops looming at the entrance and exit give the cave a surreal, mystical feel.

The 100-meter Sang (Light) cave boasts mysteriously colored stalactites and stalagmites.

Khong cave is barricaded by a parapet and houses the Khong palace, where seven loyal mandarins from the Dinh dynasty (968-1010) are worshipped.

The cave’s thi (Chinese fig) tree is a thousand years old.

Grottoes such as Nau ruou (Distilling wine), Sinh, Si, Seo and Son Duong (Chamois) are also popular attractions at Trang An.

The water near the entrance of the 260-meter long Nau ruou is known for its purity and is used to make the local specialty: Ruou tien Vua (Wine offered to the king).

It is said that three drops of water from Ba giot (Three drops) cave will bring good luck and blessings.

The Trang An caves used to provide fishermen with perfect shelter from storms.

A tour to Trang An can be combined with a trip to the nearby Tam Coc grottoes and/or a tour of the ancient capital at Hoa Lu.

Tourists can contact Vietravel Co., located at 190 Pasteur Street, Dist. 3, HCMC, by phone at (08) 3 822 8838 or via e-mail at info@vietravel-vn.com for tours to Trang An from both Hanoi and HCMC.

Reported by Cam Nhi