The property also includes Hoa Lu, the old capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries AD, as well as temples, pagodas, paddy-field landscapes, with villages and sacred sites.

Its four best features are

1. Mixed natural and cultural heritage

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is the first site in Vietnam to receive UNESCO mixed natural and cultural heritage world recognition.

The Ninh Binh provincial People’s Committee will hold a three-day celebration on January 22-24, 2015 at Bai Dinh Pagoda in honour of the event, to include the award presentation ceremony. 

The complex spans a total area of 12,000 hectares. It symbolizes the magic, mystery and majesty of the natural world.

2. Most caves in Vietnam

With 48 caves, Trang An now has the most caves in the country. Each cave with its different name is attached to a story such as Sinh, Dia Linh, Ba Giot, Nau Ruou and Quy Hau.

The longest cave is 2km. Every cave connects to each other, forming a circle. Tourists visit the caves by boat.

3. Most unique tree in Vietnam

The 1,000-year-old Cay Thi in Khong temple is considered the most unique tree in the nation.

Tourist must sail by boat through 13 majestic caves that spread 13 km to Khong temple.

4. Most spectacular bird sanctuary

The Thung Nham bird sanctuary spanning an area of 334.2 hectares consists of 46 kinds of birds, some of them are listed in the Red Book of endangered species.