Tam Coc in Ninh Binh: Explore Vietnam’s Stunning “Halong Bay on Land”
Naturally blessed with verdant green rice paddies and soaring limestone cliffs, Tam Coc, Vietnam is an appealing destination for visitors in Northern Vietnam. Just a two-hour drive away from Hanoi, it is the perfect spot for a Ninh Binh day tour.
Recognized as part of the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tam Coc offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a must-visit stop on any Ninh Binh itinerary.
1. Where is Tam Coc in Vietnam? How to get to Tam Coc from Hanoi?
- Address: Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Boat ticket: ~150,000 VND/person (prices may vary)
1.1 Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, Vietnam's location
Tam Coc Ninh Binh is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site with both cultural and ecological significance. This tourist attraction is renowned for its spectacular landscape of limestone mountains, caves, and rice paddies.
Tam Coc is located about 100 km from Hanoi (2 hours by car). Travelers can reach Ninh Binh by train, bus, or private car, and then take a short drive to the Tam Coc boat pier.
1.2. How to get to Tam Coc, Vietnam?
To get to Tam Coc Ninh Binh from Hanoi, you can go either by bus, motorbike, or car. It takes around 2 hours to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City.
How to get to Tam Coc from Ninh Binh? It is about 11 kilometers away from the city and can be reached by motorcycle or car.
Depending on your budget and time, you can choose any of the above means of transportation. However, taking a van to Tam Coc in Vietnam with a tour guide who can offer a wealth of knowledge and local insight is the best option. A tourist bus for the Vietnam Tam Coc tour from Hanoi is another great option if you do not mind traveling with other visitors.
2. When is the best time to visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh?
The best time to visit Tam Coc, Vietnam depends largely on what experiences you expect to have during this Vietnam travel.
For those who like chilly weather and festivals, the period from January to April is ideal. Visiting Tam Coc Ninh Binh at this time, you can see lush rice fields on the two banks of Ngo Dong River. Numerous local festivals occur during the Tet Holiday, which often falls between mid-January and mid-February, also.
Tam Coc weather from May to June is also ideal. Tam Coc rice fields turn golden, and the lagoon outside the entrance to Bich Dong Cave is filled with blooming lotuses. However, Tam Coc weather will be hot and humid during summer days, and there is a likelihood of rainfall.
Tam Coc weather from May to June is also ideal. Tam Coc rice fields turn golden, and the lagoon outside the entrance to Bich Dong Cave is filled with blooming lotuses. However, Tam Coc weather will be hot and humid during summer days, and there is a likelihood of rainfall.
3. Things to see on your tour to Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh
3.1 Tam Coc Caves
The phrase “Tam Coc'' refers to three caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. They were created by the erosion of cliffs over millions of years by rain, waves, and geological changes. Visiting these marvelous caves is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Tam Coc, Vietnam.
- Ca Cave: The longest cave among the three (127 meters long and 20 meters wide).
- Hai Cave: On a boat that travels in the 60-meter-long cave, you can observe the dazzling stalactites that hang from the cave's dome.
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Ba Cave: In comparison to Ca Cave and Hai Cave, this cave has a lower ceiling, making it rather unique.
3.2 Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple, part of Vu Lam Palace complex in Tam Coc, is the worship place for Emperors Tran Thai Tong and Tran Thanh Tong, Empress Tran Thi Dung, and Generals Tran Hung Dao and Tran Quang Khai. When the Tran Dynasty was battling the Mongolians, they established the complex in Tam Coc’s mountains.
3.3 Thien Huong Cave
On the route from Ngo Dong Tam Coc River to Thai Vi Temple lies Thien Huong Cave. Roughly 15 meters above the ground, it is a dry, well-lit cave. The cave is 20 meters wide, 40 meters deep, and approximately 60 meters high.
An altar honoring Tran Thi Dung, the wife of Emperor Ly Hue Tong, is located deep in the cave. She was the one who passed her embroidery skills to the residents of the Ninh Hai community in Ninh Binh.
3.4 Bich Dong Caves and Pagodas
Visiting Bich Dong (Green Cave) is one of the best things to do in Tam Coc. Bich Dong is surrounded by lush forests, Tam Coc rice fields, rivers, and lakes. The lotus pond and the entrance of Bich Dong are among the most iconic landmarks of Ninh Binh.
Bich Dong is made up of three different layered structures: the Lower (Ha), Middle (Trung), and Upper (Thuong) pagodas. The looming figures and incense smoke inside each cave pagoda give off an ethereal atmosphere. It will take around 2 hours to reach the Upper Pagoda, but the breathtaking vista of Tam Coc, Vietnam it offers will be well worth the time and effort!
3.5 Xuyen Thuy Dong Cave
This is a dark, submerged cave that is approximately 350 meters long and 6 meters wide. The cave's walls and ceiling are quite flat and have a very distinctive arch shape.
The entrance to Xuyen Thuy Dong cave is on the opposite side of Bich Dong Pagoda at the back of the mountain. From here, tourists can do some climbing to reach the pagoda.
3.6 Tien Cave
Tien Cave (Fairy Cave) is one of the most stunning Tam Coc caves Vietnam. The cave is about a kilometer away from Bich Dong Pagoda. The cave ceiling is filled with stalactites that sparkle in a variety of hues
Looking from outside, the cave resembles a majestic castle. Natural changes have created the unusual shapes of the stalactites in the cave. You can even hear odd sounds when you tap on the cave's rocks.
3.7 Linh Coc Pagoda
This Tam Coc, Vietnam attraction is nestled on Moc Mountain. The pagoda was established during the reign of Emperor Tran Thanh Tong. It is located halfway up the mountain. In front of the pagoda lies a charming water field. This place is famous for its gloomy cave and unique structure.
Tam Coc, Vietnam and nearby areas are also home to many other appealing attractions, namely Co Vien Lau, Thung Nang, Thung Nham Bird Park, Thien Ha Cave, Hang Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Citadel, and so on. These places are best visited on a day trip or a 2-day trip from Hanoi.
4. Tips for the best experience in Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
- Wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen for boat rides.
- Bring cash in small denominations for tickets, food, and souvenirs.
- Ask before photographing locals rowing the boats.
- Combine Tam Coc with nearby attractions like Trang An, Mua Cave, or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for a full-day trip.
- Book tickets early during peak rice season as it gets crowded.
With its serene rivers, golden rice fields, and dramatic limestone cliffs, Tam Coc truly deserves its title as the “Halong Bay on land.” Whether you’re gliding along the Ngo Dong River, exploring caves, or cycling through the countryside, Tam Coc offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural heritage.
After exploring Tam Coc – the “Halong Bay on land” with its winding rivers, golden rice fields, and magnificent limestone caves, travelers can return to Hanoi and enjoy comfort and relaxation at Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the hotel is just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Temple of Literature. With elegant design infused with traditional Vietnamese charm and rejuvenating spa services, Tonkin Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa is the perfect retreat to unwind after your Ninh Binh adventure while immersing yourself in the vibrant rhythm of the capital.
👉 You might also like:
- Trang An Landscape Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mua Cave: The Best Viewpoint in Ninh Binh
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: The Largest Buddhist Complex in Vietnam
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