Tourists explore Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex by rowing kayaks. — VNA/VNS Photo Thùy Dung

NINH BÌNH — Visitors to Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in the northern province of Ninh Bình can now explore the world cultural and natural heritage site on kayaks instead of traditional boats.

The kayak tours have recently been launched by the management board of Tràng An Ecotourism Site to diversify and promote local tourism.

The introduction of the tours is also part of the campaign 'Vietnamese People Travel Within Việt Nam' launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

According to a representative of the management board of Tràng An Ecotourism Site, 100 tourists were invited to trial the service and give feedback in June prior to its official operation.

Currently, Tràng An Ecotourism Site has 15 kayaks, which will be increased if there is more demand, serving about 20 tourists each tour.

The management board has also arranged staff to instruct visitors on basic rowing skills. Rowers will be equipped with life jackets and accompanied by a rescue team driving motorboats.

Tourists are required to have their body temperature checked and wash their hands with disinfectants before each trip, in addition to wearing masks. — VNA/VNS Thùy Dung

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists will be required to have their body temperature checked and wash their hands with disinfectant before each trip, in addition to wearing masks.

On the new service, tourists will depart from Tràng An wharf, paddling along the water through the picturesque mountain scapes. After passing historical places along the voyage like Vũ Lâm Palace or Thủy Đình (pavilion on water), the tourists will row back to their starting point. The total length of the round trip is about 3km.

The kayaking services cost from VNĐ250,000-400,000 (US$11-17) each trip depending on single or double boats and departure time.

Most of the tourists who have experienced Tràng An Ecotourism Site via kayak said they were satisfied with the service and expressed their wish to return to the site.

“I have been to Tràng An Ecotourism Site many times but it is the first time I have tried kayaking there,” said Phạm Ngọc Diệp, a tourist from Hà Nội.

“I was worried at first because I had no rowing skills. After being enthusiastically guided by the staff, I was so excited to be able to row the kayak myself to explore and get immersed in the surrounding scenery.

“The new service has offered me with not only an exciting experience but also the opportunity to get exercise. I will highly recommend it to my friends when they visit the site,” she said.

According to Phạm Duy Phong, director of Ninh Bình Tourism Promotion Information Centre, it is the first time Ninh Bình Province has offered a kayak service to tourists.

“This type of service will offer a new experience, being suitable for tourists from 20 to 40 years old. It is also one of the tourism products expected to stimulate demand and increase services to attract more tourists Tràng An Ecotourism Site and to Ninh Bình Province,” he said.

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex has a total of 40 tourism spots of historical, cultural, art and natural vestiges including 20 recognised as national heritages.

In 2014, it was recognised as a mixed cultural and natural heritage by UNESCO thanks to its outstandingly natural and cultural values. — VNS