Tam Coc Ninh Binh: A comprehensive guide for your day tour

Contents

Tam Coc Vietnam is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” (Source: Collected)

Tam Coc Ninh Binh is a highlight of Vietnam travel, showcasing the scenic beauty of Ninh Binh with its limestone formations and winding waterways. Visitors to Tam Coc can conveniently discover a wide range of natural, historical, and cultural wonders, all while enjoying tranquil boat rides amidst lush greenery.

1. About Tam Coc Ninh Binh Vietnam

Where is Tam Coc in Vietnam? Tam Coc Vietnam is a famous tourist area located in Van Lam Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Ninh Binh City. “Tam Coc” translates to “Three Caves,” consisting of Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave, nestled along the Ngo Dong River, beneath lush greenery and limestone karsts.

Specifically, Ca Cave is the largest and longest cave, stretching 127 meters, with an entrance over 20 meters wide. The cave’s chamber is cool, adorned with numerous stalactites in various shapes. Hai Cave is smaller, stretching 60 meters. Ba Cave, the smallest at only 50 meters in length, is considered the most beautiful of the three caves, resembling a meticulously carved archway with exquisite details.

How to get from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc? – With a 6-kilometer distance, you can easily travel by motorbike or car (Source: Collected)

Visitors to Tam Coc Ninh Binh will embark on a single boat ride that takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The small boats gently glide along the Ngo Dong River, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Amidst the tranquil atmosphere here, one can truly appreciate the essence of nature. There are no car horns, only the gentle rustle of the wind, the chirping of the birds, and the rhythmic dripping of the water.

2. How much is the ticket price of Tam Coc Ninh Binh?

The all-inclusive ticket prices for Tam Coc Vietnam are as follows:

• Adults: 250,000 VND (over 1.3 meters tall)
• Children: 120,000 VND (from 1-1.3 meters)
• The elderly: 120,000 VND

*Note: This ticket price has included the admission to Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh and the boat ride.

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3. Top attractions in Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Vietnam offers various attractions, such as the Three Caves, Thai Vi Temple, Thien Huong Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda, Linh Coc Pagoda, Thung Nham Ecotourism Area, etc. Each attraction boasts natural, cultural, and historical beauty for visitors to explore.

3.1. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is a sacred site in Tam Coc Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the oldest Vietnamese pagodas with nearly 600 years of history. The pagoda was constructed from rustic lim wood, with curved moss-covered roofs and intricately carved stone columns. Inside the pagoda, there is a large bell cast during the reign of King Le Thai To (1428 – 1433), Buddha statues, and stupas of monks. After climbing hundreds of steps amidst lush greenery to reach the pagoda, visitors can light incense and experience serenity amidst the peaceful ambiance.

3.2. Thai Vi Temple

Visitors to Tam Coc Ninh Binh cannot miss out on Thai Vi Temple, a sacred temple dedicated to the Tran Dynasty. It is nestled amidst surrounding green rice fields and hills. Here, visitors can admire the architectural structures deeply rooted in culture, with gilded lacquered boards and artifacts dating back to 1689. Additionally, visitors can listen to stories from the golden age of the Tran Dynasty and witness hau dong rituals – a folk performance recognized by UNESCO as an intangible heritage.

3.3. Thien Huong Cave

Is Tam Coc Ninh Binh worth visiting? Absolutely! (Source: Collected)

Thien Huong Cave captivates visitors with its sparkling beauty and impressive stalactites. The cave is nearly 60 meters high, 40 meters long, and 20 meters wide, with its ceiling resembling a giant bell. Inside the cave is Linh Tu Temple, a sacred site dedicated to Heroic Mother Tran Thi Dung. It features typical shrine architecture, with delicate carvings of Vietnamese dragons and phoenixes. The allure of the cave lies not only in natural beauty but also in the cultural values of this place.

3.4. Tien Cave

Tien Cave is a beautiful natural attraction near Tam Coc Vietnam. It is a complex of three large caves adorned with magnificent stalactites. These caves have vaults ranging from 15 meters to 50 meters wide, offering spacious and cool environments. Natural transformations have created fascinating shapes of stalactites inside the caves, resembling trees, wheat, fairies, dragons, elephants, lions, and clouds in various colors. The wonder of these stalactites will surely leave visitors in awe.

3.5. Linh Coc Pagoda

Visit Linh Coc Pagoda to feel a sense of peace (Source: Collected)

Linh Coc Pagoda is also a worth-seeing attraction on any Tam Coc Ninh Binh tour. Situated on Moc Mountain, the pagoda has simple architecture, bringing a sense of peace with a vast field in front. Linh Coc Pagoda dates back to the time of King Tran Thanh Tong, featuring a spacious courtyard, ancestral halls, and temple chambers housing many solemn statues. Here, visitors can offer their prayers for a peaceful life or simply admire the tranquil scenery of the countryside.

3.6. Thach Bich Pagoda

This is a prominent attraction included in the Thach Bich – Thung Nang tourist route in Tam Coc Ninh Binh. With many historical relics preserved amidst beautiful landscapes, it was the site where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong gained his enlightenment. From Thach Bich Wharf, visitors can easily reach Thach Bich Pagoda to explore its architecture and cultural values. Built in the 13th century, Thach Bich Pagoda is considered the evidence of the spread of Buddhism to Ninh Binh.

3.7. Thung Nang

There are many exciting activities in Thung Nang, from boating to climbing hills (Source: Collected)

In Tam Coc Ninh Binh, Thung Nang is an unmissable stop, featuring a vast, deep, blue lake surrounded by towering limestone mountains. Sitting on a gently drifting boat, visitors can admire beautiful caves with stalactites in various shapes, immersing themselves in pristine nature, and listening to stories about the local life. Visitors can also climb hills for panoramic views and explore surrounding spots such as a primeval forest, But Cave, a bird garden, and Chua Cave.

3.8. Thung Nham

Thung Nham Ecotourism Area attracts visitors to Tam Coc Ninh Binh with diverse activities, including fishing, exploring flooded forests, caving, and bird watching. Here, visitors can sit on boats and watch the birds flying freely in the sky at Thung Nham Bird Park. It is the habitat of many rare bird species listed in the Red Book. Additionally, visitors can discover other attractions such as Vai Gioi Cave, But Cave, Tien Ca Cave, the Thousand-Year Banyan Tree, and the Valley of Love.

4. Detailed itinerary for the Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh tour

What to do in Tam Coc Ninh Binh? Taking a Tam Coc boat tour (Source: Collected)

A Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh will take you through many attractions that are waiting for you to discover. It begins from Dinh Cac Wharf, where you will sit on a small boat and glide gently along the Ngo Dong River. Along this stretch, you will encounter Van Mountain, and about 600 meters to the right is Thai Vi Temple. Next, you will visit Ca Cave and Hai Cave. Further downstream, about 2 kilometers away, you will arrive at Fairy Stream, then Ba Cave. The journey continues to Bich Dong Pagoda. Afterward, you will visit Dark Cave. Finally, you will ascend about 40 steps to reach Thuong Pagoda, the highest temple located near the peak of Bich Dong Mountain.

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5. Guide to enjoying your trip to Tam Coc Ninh Binh to the fullest

To have a convenient journey to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Tam Coc Vietnam, don’t miss out on the following information about transportation, Tam Coc restaurants, Tam Coc weather, and necessary items to prepare.

5.1. How to get to Tam Coc?

The distance from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is approximately 110 kilometers, which takes nearly 1.5 hours to cover. Travelers can reach Tam Coc Ninh Binh by car via the Hanoi – Ninh Binh expressway or by motorcycle via National Road 1A. If you are not fond of driving by yourself, taking a limousine bus ride is the most convenient option, with pick-up and drop-off points at Tam Coc Wharf. Limousine bus ticket prices range from 170,000 to 200,000 VND per trip. Alternatively, you can take a coach ride from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. There are many coach companies that offer service on this route, which is priced at about 80,000 VND, often departing from My Dinh Bus Station and Giap Bat Bus Station in Hanoi.

You can get from Hanoi to Tam Coc Ninh Binh in 1.5 hours by limousine bus (Source: Collected)

5.2. When is the best time to visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh?

According to Ninh Binh weather, there are two main seasons: the rainy season (from May to October) and the dry season (from November to April). The best time to visit Tam Coc is from May to the middle of June, which is also the best time to enjoy a boat tour on the picturesque Ngo Dong River. It marks the beginning of the rainy season, coinciding with the harvest season. During this period, the golden rice fields offer an impressive sight. Additionally, visiting Tam Coc Ninh Binh during the dry season ensures an uninterrupted journey free of rain. If you wish to participate in Ninh Binh’s vibrant festivals, it is best to make your visit from the first lunar month to the fourth lunar month.

5.3. What to wear to Tam Coc Ninh Binh?

Visiting Tam Coc Vietnam, for convenient exploration and to capture beautiful photos, you can consider the following clothing suggestions:

• Jeans and t-shirts: Suitable for the cool Tam Coc weather, ideal for those who appreciate simplicity. They are also convenient for outdoor activities and visiting sacred sites.
• Ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) with a conical hat: This outfit exudes a gentle beauty which fits perfectly with the peaceful, rustic, and natural surroundings of Tam Coc Ninh Binh.
• Maxi dress or bohemian dress: These long dresses not only make you elegant but also help you stand out amidst the lush greenery of Ninh Binh’s nature.

Prepare your clothes to take beautiful photos amidst the stunning backgrounds in Ninh Binh (Source: Collected)

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Tam Coc Ninh Binh stands as a testament to the natural splendor of Vietnam, captivating travelers with its picturesque landscapes and serene ambiance. Whether cruising along its meandering rivers or exploring its ancient caves, Tam Coc Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

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