Eager to explore an exceptional natural and cultural site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site that's just a two-hour drive from Hanoi? Then dont miss out on Tam Coc during your next trip to Vietnam.

Considered one of the most spectacular landscape sites in the northern part of the country, Tam Coc is characterized by its incredible limestone formations that majestically rise above vast expanses of rice fields, crossed by the tranquil Ngo Dong River. In this article, you will discover the best activities to fully enjoy this natural gem commonly referred to as the terrestrial Halong Bay.

About Tam Coc - Bich Dong

The Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area is a part of the Trang An scenic complex, a UNESCO-recognized cultural and natural heritage site in 2014. With a vast area of 350.3 hectares, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is surrounded by a system of limestone caves and numerous valuable historical and cultural relics.

Tam Coc is a tourist attraction with three limestone caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. All three caves are connected by the winding Ngo Dong River. Bich Dong consists of Bich Dong Pagoda and a cave. The name "Bich Dong," meaning green cave, was given by Mr. Nguyen Nghiem (the father of the great poet Nguyen Du) due to the emerald green color covering the mountains, caves, rivers, fields, and skies in this area. Bich Dong is renowned as the "second most beautiful cave in the south" ranking only after Huong Tich Cave in Huong Son. One side of Bich Dong borders the Ngo Dong River running along the mountainside, while the other side features picturesque rice fields.

Tam Coc is close to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda, the world's largest Buddhist pagoda, the Phat Diem Cathedral, the cradle of Vietnamese Catholicism, and so many more attractions. This place of natural beauty was where famous films, such as "Indochine" by Régis Wargnier and "King Kong" were filmed.

Things to do in Tam Coc

Tam Coc Boat Tour

Tam Coc, meaning "three caves," consists of Hang Ca (main cave), Hang Hai (second cave), and Hang Ba (third cave). All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River penetrating through the mountains. Tam Coc boat tour is the first one developed in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area.

Visitors exploring Tam Coc from the Cac Wharf will sit on small boats, gliding gently on the Ngo Dong River in a serene atmosphere to experience the purity of the caves. Following the boat's pace, visitors will immerse themselves in the greenery of the picturesque rice fields along both banks of the Ngo Dong River, with majestic mountain ranges. Every flood season, water inundates the fields making the area resembling an on land Ha Long Bay. Hang Ca is the largest and most beautiful cave in Tam Coc, which was able to retain the most stalactites out of the three caves. The boat continues to take visitors to the second cave, Hang Hai, a shorter and narrower cave. The cave ceiling is adorned with beautiful rock formations resembling clouds. Upon arriving at the third cave, Hang Ba, the river becomes narrower. The cave is about 50 meters long with a lower roof than the other two, so watch out for your head!

A Tam Coc boat ride takes about 2 hours. The scenery of Tam Coc, especially along both sides of the Ngo Dong River, may change with the rice seasons (green rice, golden rice, or the silver color of water on the fields).

Entrance fee: 120,000 VND/person/turn

- Children under 1.4 meters: 60,000 VND/person/turn

- Boat ticket: 150,000 VND/boat/turn (4 Vietnamese guests or 2 foreign guests).

- Free for children under 3 years old.

Bich Dong Temple

Next up on the tour is Bich Dong, which consists of a cave and a pagoda. Bich Dong is known as the "second most beautiful cave in Vietnam'' after Huong Tich Cave. Bich Dong Pagoda is situated on a mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, constructed since the early Le Dynasty. Inside the pagoda, there is a large bell cast during the reign of Le Thai To (1428-1433) and tomb towers of the venerable monks who contributed to the construction of the pagoda. During the Canh Hung period (1740-1786), the pagoda underwent restoration and expansion, now including the Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda, arranged in the shape of the chinese letter "三" (Three) along the mountainside.

To enter the Lower Pagoda (Chua Ha), you have to cross a three-span stone bridge, under which is a lotus pond. With its five sections, two floors, and eight curved roofs, the pagoda is constructed with smooth, polished stone blocks at the foot of the mountain and houses Buddha statues like any other pagodas in Vietnam.

After visiting the Lower Pagoda, you continue to the right, climbing 80 stone steps to reach the Middle Pagoda. The pagoda has a partially external, partially cave-embedded architecture, consisting of three sections dedicated to worshiping Buddha. On the left side, there is the "Bich Son Thien Tu Bi" steele, recording the history of Bich Dong Pagoda, erected during the reign of King Le Du Tong (1705-1729). On the right side, there is a stele from the Canh Hung period, carved directly into the mountainside. Above the roof of the Middle Pagoda, on the vertical rock wall, the words "Bich Dong" in Han characters (meaning Green Cave) were carved by Lord Trinh Sam, who visited the pagoda and gave it its name. 

An additional 21 stone steps leads you to the cave, and beyond the cave is the Upper Pagoda. This pagoda is located at the highest position, near the summit of the mountain. The temple has a statue of Guanyin and two shrines dedicated to the Mountain Deity and the Earth Deity on either side. Next to the temple is a water pond called "Cam Lo water pond" of Guanyin. Also, standing from a higher vantage point, you’ll see five peaks surrounding Bich Dong Pagoda, known as "Ngu Nhac Son," resembling the petals of a lotus flower.

Thai Vi Temple - Thien Huong Cave

Thai Vi Temple is a place of worship dedicated to the kings Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, the generals Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai, and Queen Tran Thi Dung. In the past, the Tam Coc mountainous region was where the Tran family built the Vu Lam royal residence during the resistance against the Mongol invaders. Visitors can walk to Thai Vi Temple which is about 2 km from Tam Coc wharf.

Thien Huong Cave is located on the way to Thai Vi Temple. The cave has a height of approximately 60 meters, a depth of 40 meters, and a width of 20 meters. Due to a dent at the top of the cave, the locals also refer to it as “Động Trời” or Sky Cave. Nestled inside the cave is a shrine dedicated to Mrs. Tran Thi Dung, the wife of King Ly Hue Tong. She was known for imparting the skill of lace embroidery to the people of Ninh Hai commune.

Attractions near Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Co Vien Lau ancient village

Co Vien Lau is an area of ancient houses, which was included in the Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist site by the Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Tourism in 2008. Co Vien Lau is located right next to the Tam Coc wharf and on the way to Thai Vi Temple.

The ancient houses in Co Vien Lau are mainly constructed from the Nguyen Dynasty, showcasing the unique and distinctive cultural characteristics of traditional Vietnamese architecture. In addition, the interiors of these houses also display various artifacts such as wooden carved decorations, traditional wooden beds, tea cabinets, and more.

Thung Nham - Bird garden

Thung Nham - Bird garden is an ecotourism site is situated right close to Tam Coc, within the Trang An scenic complex. This tourist area is located in Hai Nham village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, about 5 km west of Bich Dong Pagoda. The main attractions include Vai Gioi Cave, Mermaid Cave, and the Bird Valley.

Vai Gioi Cave has an area of about 5000m2 and is divided into three separate layers: Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Down in the Hell Layer, there are bizarre-shaped stalactites, each subject to one's imagination. The Earth Layer is flatter and is connected to the Heaven Layer by artificial stairs. The Heaven Layer, situated up high, provides a panoramic view of the sky, the rice fields, and distant mountains.

After passing through the cave, tourists will arrive at the Bird Valley. Before them lies a picturesque scene of tens of thousands of chirping birds flying and perching on the branches.

Hang Mua (Mua Cave)

Hang Mua, or Mua Cave, a part of the Trang An scenic complex, has become a tourism "hotspot", especially for mountain climbing enthusiasts, and often included in Tam Coc tours in Ninh Binh. To reach the Hang Mua Viewpoint, tourists must climb approximately 500 stone steps. Then they are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of majestic mountains, winding rivers and golden rice fields in front of them.

When to visit Tam Coc

Tam Coc is particularly beautiful from January to March in the lunar calendar. when the weather is pleasant, cool, and with less rain.

On the first days of the lunar new year, there are interesting spring festivals held at the Trang An scenic complex and in Tam Coc, such as the festival at Bai Dinh Pagoda. You can choose to explore Ninh Binh during this time and immerse yourself in the festivity.

If you happen to visit Tam Coc in the late May to early June period, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the vibrant ripening rice fields.

How to get to Tam Coc

Tam Coc is located approximately 7km from the city center of Ninh Binh and about 90 km from Hanoi. You can reach it by motorbike, bus, or train. If you choose to travel by motorbike, you can follow Highway QL1A, heading to Ninh Binh.

Alternatively, you can opt for the train from Hanoi or Saigon if you have enough time. From Hanoi, you can catch trains such as SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, or SE19. From Saigon, the SE8 train will bring you to Ninh Binh.

Where to stay in Tam Coc

Tam Cốc Mountain View Homestay

Tam Coc Mountain View Homestay will provide travelers with the experience of living in a picturesque natural setting while enjoying excellent services. True to its name, this location allows guests to admire the mountain ranges of Tam Coc.

Address: Road to Thai Vi Temple, Van Lam, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Phone: 0833 665 96

Price range: 420,000 VND – 600,000 VND

La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay

Located 100m from Tam Coc, La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay is another great accommodation. The highlight is the restaurant, which offers a diverse menu of Asian and European dishes, and its vicinity, being only a few steps away from the sights.

Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province

Phone: 094 611 27 53

Price range: 300,000 VND – 1,000,000 VND

Tam Cốc Garden Homestay

Tam Coc Garden Homestay charms visitors with its rustic beauty resembling a peaceful house from the countryside. The homestay also offers some group activities for guests, such as campfires and bike rides.

Address: Dam Khe Trong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

Phone: 037 825 3555

Price range: 350,000 VND – 500,000 VND

Conclusions

In conclusion, Tam Coc - Bich Dong is one of the must-visit sites in northern Vietnam. This haven of peace and nature offers an ideal opportunity to recharge away from the bustling streets of Hanoi and to discover the authentic Vietnamese countryside.
 

=> Ninh Binh Day Tour