Beside Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong are the most well-known tourist sites in Ninh Binh Province & named locally as “Halong bay on land” for its similar poetic, awe-inspiring views and inspirational natural scenery. Popular day trips or stopover tours often include Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, another famous historical relic, in their Ninh Binh travel itinerary. Below is a quick guide khổng lồ Tam Coc – Bich Dong by Vietnam Travel’s tour experts.
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Tam Coc – Bich Dong in Ninh Binh are named locally as “Halong bay on land” for its similar poetic, awe-inspiring views & inspirational natural scenery
Bich Dong Pagoda is a three-tiered ancient pagoda on the nearby đần độn Nhac Mountain dated to lớn 1428 under the Ly Dynasty, comprising Lower – Middle – Upper Pagodas in ascending order. Bich Dong literally means “Green Pearl Grotto” because it’s surrounded by magnificent scenery of mountains, waterways, fields and sky covered by green mist. This picturesque landscape is added by charming và mysterious Tam Coc site. In English, Tam Coc means “Three Caves”, including First Cave (Hang Ca) – Middle Cave (Hang Giua) – Last Cave (Hang Cuoi).
Location & transportation to lớn Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is situated at Ninh hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. To lớn access this tourist site from Hanoi, you could travel by train, by motorbike or by private car/van khổng lồ Ninh Binh City, which is about 100km south of Hanoi or almost 2-hour drive. Tam Coc – Bich Dong is 11 km from Ninh Binh City và can be approached by motorbike or private car/van, except train.
The most convenient way lớn travel from Hanoi to Tam Coc – Bich Dong Complex is taking 2-hour private transportation
You could choose any type of above transportation, depending on your travel interest và budget. But if you want to lớn relax và enjoy most of the drive to lớn Ninh Binh, the best option is taking private car và a local guide who could provide abundant source of information & local knowledge for your short valuable holiday.
Travelling by bus or train is the most economical way but a bit time-consuming as you have lớn follow bus/train schedule. And from the bus/train drop off point in Ninh Binh, passengers have to lớn take a xe taxi transfer khổng lồ Tam Coc – Bich Dong site.
Riding motorbike or driving yourselves to Ninh Binh is not a bad idea, but traffic in Vietnam is bit different lớn the rest of the world & most of visitors would not choose that.
Best time lớn visit
There is no exact answer for the question: “When is the best time khổng lồ visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong?” because it remains the chất lượng beauty all year round. The answer depends on each person’s expectation & travel interest.
Spectacular aerial view of Tam Coc landscape captured from the mountain top
* January to April is suitable for those who like cool weather and festival activities. This is also the time to see green rice fields along two banks of Ngo Dong River when you visit Tam Coc. During Tet holiday (late January or early February), locals organize a lot of festivals so the vibe is really great.
Tam Coc shimmers in the golden color of ripened rice paddies và summer sunlight
* May to lớn June is when the weather is hot, humid with rainfalls but tourists will have chance to lớn witness magical scene created by mother nature. The floating rice fields on the two sides of the Ngo Dong River will turn into golden color, while the lagoon right at the entrance gate lớn Bich Dong Grotto is highlighted with blossom lotus flowers.
Things lớn do
Take the rowing boat ride along Ngo Dong River
Boating along Ngo Dong River
Known as “Halong bay on land”, Tam Coc is a must-see place for first time visitors in Ninh Binh. The 2-hour boat ride in Tam Coc will start from Van Lam Pier, run along Ngo Dong River, beautiful rice paddies, chất lượng limestone karsts and pass underneath three caves. Just remember to lớn keep your head low in the boat khổng lồ avoid hitting on the low ceilings of these quality mountain erosions. With 127m in length & 20m in width, Hang Ca (First Cave) is regarded as the longest one & contains most fascinating natural arts deep inside. You may feel amazed of how your boat captain uses their legs khổng lồ row the wooden paddles. Don’t forget lớn turn on your camera to record these beautiful moments. Here, you may feel lượt thích disappearing from the real world và getting lost in such a hidden fairy site.
Entrance fee: 120,000 VND/ visitorBoat fee: 150,000 VND/ boat (4 Vietnamese per boat/ 2 foreigners per boat).Visiting time: About 2 hours.
Explore Bich Dong Pagoda và Cave
Irresistible fairytale beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda in the lotus blooming season
No Ninh Binh itinerary would be perfected without a visit khổng lồ Bich Dong, which is located 2 km from Tam Coc. Much like its name as “Green Pearl Grotto”, Bich Dong nestles in the jungle of mountains, rivers, water, rice fields around in green. To lớn come deeply into the chambers of Bich Dong – the “second most beautiful grotto in Vietnam”, tourists will walk on a stone bridge over a lotus pond & pass through the entrance gate. Situated at the grandiose ngớ ngẩn Nhac mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda’s ornate gate itself is one of the most iconic sights in Ninh Binh. Not as a usual pagoda, Bich Dong consists of 3 separate layered pagodas which are Lower (Ha), Middle (Trung) & Upper (Thuong) Pagoda on different levels. Inside each cave pagoda, looming statues và the smoke of burning incense create an otherworldly atmosphere. It will take about 2 hours to lớn reach the Upper Pagoda lớn enjoy the magnificent view of Tam Coc region from above but it is definitely worth the effort!
Visitors can take leisure biking from Tam Coc to Bich Dong to lớn enjoy the beautiful & peaceful countryside landscape along the way.
Entrance fee: Free.Visiting time: About 2 hours.
Attractions near Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Thai Vi Temple (Đền Thái Vi)
Thai Vi Temple dated 13th century and worships Kings và Generals of Tran dynasty
Thai Vi Temple is about 1.5 km away from the main Tam Coc tourist pier, so worth doing a quick detour. If you not in the rush, you are highly recommended to take a walk or bike ride along small village path from Tam Coc boat pier khổng lồ this peaceful và atmospheric temple. The surrounding limestone karsts and rice fields are stunning. The temple distinguishes itself from others with chất lượng features of worship and typical Vietnamese culture. Bầu Vi Temple dated 13th century and worships Kings & Generals of Tran dynasty. Its architecture style followed the concept of “Internal attack with outside support” (Nội Công nước ngoài Quốc in Vietnamese). In addition, main parts of the temple were built from stone, as well as the altar và worshiping items, which make tourists admire the stone carving art of Ninh Binh’s sculptors. If luck, you may have an opportunity khổng lồ witness a ceremony, khổng lồ meet an old shaman (custodian) or a monk và get interesting stories and legends about the temple.
Mua Cave (Hang Múa)
Mua Cave is situated 3 kilometers from Tam Coc. After finishing the boat ride in Tam Coc, the leisure stroll khổng lồ Thai Vi Temple, tourists will continue the journey to tải Cave in the later of the day to enjoy the cool air & the stalactites which are formed in many shapes and sizes. It is also considered as a miniature version of the Chinese Great Wall. Lớn reach on the đứng đầu with the magnificent panoramic 360-degree views of Tam Coc with rice fields on Ngo Dong River, visitors must prepare good physical conditions to lớn finish 500 stone stair-steps.
If you can embark on higher climb, make your way up lớn the đứng top of the mountain to see the Lying rồng statue sits. From this peak, you’ll marvel at the patchwork quilt of green rice fields below, the snaking rivers weaving in, out, và around the ancient karsts. The panoramic view is best enjoyed in sunset, when the sun slowly hides its glowing vanilla beams under the jungle-covered tops of limestone mountains. Also, make sure you wear proper shoes, especially in the rainy season as the steps can become slippery.
Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel – the economic và political centre of Dai co Viet, the kingdom which predates Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries
Hoa Lu was the economic và political centre of Dai teo Viet, the kingdom which predates Vietnam, in the 10th & 11th centuries. Most of what you’ll see today at Hoa Luu Citadel is a reconstruction that was built in the 17th century. It contains several temples and statues that stand in beautifully created parks. Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel is worth investing in a guided tour of Ninh Binh as hearing beautiful piece of Vietnamese history & stories will really bring the experience lớn life.
Suggested restaurants in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Your trip khổng lồ Tam Coc – Bich Dong may not be completed without tasting some local dishes. The most signature specialties here are fried rice crust (cơm cháy) served with goat meat (thịt dê). Fried rice crust is made from steamed rice, then being soaked into hot oil pan until it turns yellow and crispy. It is eaten as a delicious snack when being dipped in warm sauce. The goat meat has a gamey flavor & it is cooked into many dishes such as fermented goat meat, steamed goat meat, grilled goat meat, rare goat meat.
Goat meat – the most signature specialty in Ninh Binh, can be cooked into many dishes such as fermented goat meat, steamed goat meat, grilled goat meat, rare goat meat
Good restaurants below are recommended for tourists khổng lồ try those specialties with price range from 10 USD per person.• Anh Dzung Garden Restaurant – Tam Coc Village, Van Lam Commune, Ninh Binh District).• Minh Toan Restaurant Father Cooking – Tam Coc Village, Van Lam Commune, Ninh Binh.• Golden Rice Restaurant (fine dining option) – Ninh Binh Hiddem Charm Hotel, No. 9, Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist center, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
Places khổng lồ stay
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is one of the most popular tourist sites in Ninh Binh with many choices for overnight accommodations from budget to lớn luxury category. Within the scope of this article, we will provide the best options for every budget, depending on good review from our fellow clients.
Budget Options
•Tam Coc Paradise Homestay – great location, great chance to communicate to local family, tasty meals cooked by hospitable hosts.
•Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort – great value for money, swimming pool with amazing view to lớn surrounded limestone karsts.
Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort
Mid-budget Options
Hidden Charm khách sạn & Resort
Hidden Charm khách sạn & Resort – amazing pool with a view, good location, spacious rooms, breakfast included.
Luxury Options
Aravinda Resort – amazing location near the limestone mountains, luxurious rooms, super-friendly staff, excellent breakfast.
Conclusions
Whether you take day trip or longer journey to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the most comfortable và convenient means of transportation is taking private car with escorted English speaking guide. We are always available for pick up & drop off service from your hotel in Hanoi by private oto being suitable with the number of people in your group, together with arrange your trip khổng lồ Tam Coc – Bich Dong and surrounding areas. It will dispel your worries about having to lớn drive yourself in Vietnam’s chaotic và complicated traffic, about the road map, as well as having a completely private space on the car without sharing with strangers.
Two of our Ninh Binh’s best-selling day tours & excursions are Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (day trip) and Ninh Binh Excursion (2 days/ 1 night). We also địa chỉ cửa hàng many other Ninh Binh’s itineraries into our tour packages, tương tác our Vietnam Travel’s consultants for more details.
Information – Tam Coc How to explore Tam Coc How to get khổng lồ Tam Coc Interesting places map of Tam Coc Book a tour to lớn Tam Coc Book Accommodation
Tam Coc in Ninh Binh – beautiful & easily accessible place from Hanoi.
What lớn visit if you are in Hanoi and have more time? You have plenty of choice to stay in Hanoi for longer, such as Ha Long or Cat cha Island, ba Vi National Park or other interesting places in the north. There is also another very interesting place about 110 km south of Hanoi và it is the thành phố of Ninh Binh và mainly its surroundings. Very easy and fast to lớn reach by bus or train, in 2.5 hours, you are on site. You will be surprised by this place và this travel quide about Tam Coc (Tam cốc Bích Động) and detailed Google bản đồ below the article will help you.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is one of the Ninh Binh’s most popular tourist places.
Tam Coc (Tam Cốc-Bích Động) in Ninh Binh is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this area. Various tourist agencies in Hanoi offer 1-day trip to lớn Tam Coc. Tam Coc – 5 km from the city center of Ninh Binh và therefore a very easily accessible place, is often visited by many tourists. After Trang An Scenic Complex, another amazing spot in Ninh Binh, about 7 km from Tam Coc, is the most visited spot in Ninh Binh. And it definitely has a lot lớn offer to lớn tourists. The Tam Coc complex includes Tam Coc và Bich Dong in Van Lam village.
The Tam Coc complex includes Tam Coc và Bich Dong in Van Lam village.
Take a boat in Van Lam village and go. Karst scenery, boat or xe đạp rides and breathtaking scenery in the whole area. You can enjoy all of this. Tam Coc in Ninh Binh (Tam ly Bích Động) is recognized as a special national heritage & is also often referred to lớn as „Ha Long bay on Earth“ for its limestone cave system & historical monuments from the Tran dynasty in the 13th & 14th centuries.
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In Tam Coc you can visit 3 caves on the river.To reach Tam Coc, you have lớn board a small boat of local people.
Boat trip in Tam Coc – is necessary if you want lớn explore và visit this place, because you can ride three caves on the ship. „In Chinese, ‚Tam‘ means three & ‚Coc‘ means cave, so ‚Tam Coc‘ means three caves. In Vietnamese, it is called ‚Ba hang‘. Hang Ca is the first cave, ‚hang Hai‘ is the second cave, và ‚hang Ba‘ is the third cave. It takes about 2.5 hours lớn visit all three caves và ships depart from Port Van Lam. In Port Van Lam you can buy boat tickets, price range 100 000 – 190 000 viet.dongs (about 18-20 USD/boat).
What’s the best way khổng lồ explore Tam Coc? By bicycle or scooter.
Cycling in Tam Coc is very popular. The entire area of Tam Coc & Trang An complex offers beautiful karst sceneries, including rice fields & rivers. Around the karst sceneries, the whole area in the lowlands, so the best và easiest way to explore this countryside & visit nearby points of interest is to rent a bicycle or motorbike/scooter.
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Other points of interest include Bich Dong Pagoda and Hang Mua & Thai Vi Palace.
Other points of interest in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh area include Bich Dong Pagoda & Hang Mua & Thai Vi Palace. Tam Coc is not just a boat trip. It is very convenient to rent a bicycle or a scooter, but you can move easily on your own. About 2.5 km from Tam Coc’s port, the historic site of Bich Dong Pagoda and its cave is located. The Bich Dong pagoda in Tam Coc was built on a limestone hill in 1428 under King Le bầu To.
The former name of the pagoda và grottoes is Bich Son (Green Grotto or Pearl Grotto).
Bich Dong Pagoda was included three parts (three pagodas), it is located on the mountain side and called Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda và Thuong Pagoda. Bich Dong means the green cave, this name is named by Prime Minister Nguyen Nghiem, he is the father of a great poet Nguyen Du, the name of Bich Dong was named since 1773. From the đứng top of pagoda you can enjoy the best views of Bich Dong.
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Trang An scenic complex, Hoa Lu – the historic city, the Hang cài outlook.
Other very interesting places in the Tam Coc neighborhood are undoubtedly the scenic Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where you can also take advantage of boat trips or the nearby historic thành phố of Hoa Lu, formerly the capital of Vietnam. The Hang cài đặt viewpoint will probably offer you the most beautiful view of the Tam Coc area and Ninh Binh. The whole area was also celebrated in 2017 when the movie Kong-Skull Island was shot here.
What is the best way how to get from Hanoi to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)?
The best way how lớn travel from Hanoi lớn Tam Coc, is to lớn travel by train or bus khổng lồ the thành phố of Ninh Binh (about 2,5 hours). Tam Coc is only about 5 km from the city center, so in Ninh Binh you can rent a xe đạp or take a taxi, or you can walk. Train & bus tickets from Hanoi to Ninh Binh you can book and buy easily online. Bus và train tickets in range only about $4-8. icon-angle-double-right Book & buy bus, train tickets or taxi from Hanoi to lớn Ninh Binh on Baolau or 12go.asia
When khổng lồ visit Tam Coc? When is the harvest season in Tam Coc?
You can visit Tam Coc in Ninh Binh all year round. If you can – skip the winter season. The best time lớn visit Tam Coc is from mid-April khổng lồ early June – the rice harvest season. In April the rice paddies are evergreen, and from late-May till early-June, they turn yellow as they ripen.
How long lớn stay in Ninh Binh?
A lot of travel agencies offer 1-day tour/trip lớn Tam Coc or Trang An from Hanoi. Yes it can be a nice trip, but, in my opinion, this area is large & has also another various very interesting historical places, so if you travel on your own, stay in Nin Binh for at least 3 days and rent a motorbike or bicycle.
Interesting places in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh area:
– Bich Dong Pagoda (about 3 km from Tam Coc village)– Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba– caves in Tam Coc (Ngo Dong river) – Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba– thai Vi Palace– Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex– Mua Caves + viewpoint (Hang Mua)– Thung Nham ecotourism zone (bird sanctuary)– Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (about 15 km from Tam Coc)– rice fields in this area
Ninh Binh / Tam Coc – tourist map:
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