Tam Coc Ninh Binh is also known as “The Second Halong Bay on Land“. This place is famous for its picturesque, serene, and incredibly beautiful landscapes that captivate the hearts of visitors. Thanks to this, Tam Coc has become not only a famous tourist destination in the ancient capital but also a national treasure. Therefore, it would be a missed opportunity if you don’t take the time to explore it.
To find out how to get to Tam Coc Bich Dong, what to do, where to eat, and more, you just need to keep a few experiences shared by VnCarRentals.com’s to fully experience a day here.
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Where is Tam Coc Ninh Binh?
Tam Coc, also known as Tam Coc Ninh Binh, is a place located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, with a natural area of 350 hectares. This name means “Three Caves,” also known as Xuyen Thuy. In the past, this area was a sea bay, under the influence of waves and erosion over time, it created peculiar and captivating formations on the rocky cliffs.
This location is right within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, about 100 km from Hanoi and 7 km from the center of Ninh Binh city, making it easy to plan a weekend trip.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh and what you need to know before exploring.
When is the best time to visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh?
It must be said that Tam Coc Ninh Binh is beautiful in almost every season, each season having its own unique charm. According to travel experience in Ninh Binh, if you want to admire lush green rice fields, it’s best to visit shortly after the Lunar New Year (around February and March). However, the most beautiful time is probably during the rice harvest season (late May to early June). During this time, there’s golden sunlight, and the green of the rice fields mingles with the yellow of the blossoming rice, creating a stunning rural landscape.
Furthermore, you might consider visiting in the months mentioned to combine your trip to Tam Coc with experiencing some fascinating festivals.
- From January to March every year is the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival.
- From March 8th to 10th of the lunar calendar is the Truong Yen Festival.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh and the most convenient ways to get there.
There are several ways to reach Tam Coc Ninh Binh, and even if you don’t have your own transportation, public transportation is a viable option.
Getting to Ninh Binh: From Hanoi, you can take a passenger bus from Bat Giap Bus Station to Ninh Binh Bus Station. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ninh Binh Station on trains like SE1, SE5, SE7, SE19, and so on. If you prefer riding a motorbike, you can take the old National Highway 1A through Ha Nam and continue towards Ninh Binh – Thanh Hoa.
Additionally, if you want a quick, safe, and comfortable option, you can book a private car with a driver from Hanoi to Ninh Binh through VnCarRentals.com. With our professional drivers who have years of experience, your trip will be swift and convenient. Our drivers can pick you up anywhere in Hanoi, and since it’s a private car, you can stop anywhere along the way for sightseeing or rest.
Getting to Tam Coc: Once you’ve reached Ninh Binh, from the city center, you can take a motorbike taxi or a regular taxi to Tam Coc. If you want more flexibility in terms of time and plan to visit various places, consider renting a motorbike. The rental cost is quite affordable, typically around 100,000 – 120,000 VND per day.
Ticket Prices for Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh.
Sightseeing Tickets:
- Adults: 120,000 VND per person per trip.
- Children under 1.4 meters: 60,000 VND per person per trip.
Boat Tickets:
- 150,000 VND per boat per trip (4 Vietnamese guests or 2 foreign guests).
- Children under 3 years old: FREE.
Where to Explore in Tam Coc Ninh Binh?
The beautiful Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh offers a range of stunning sightseeing destinations, as its name suggests. It consists of a unique system of caves, including three caves and Bich Dong (the Green Cave), providing plenty of places for you to explore.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh
This renowned Ninh Binh tourist spot features a system of three different caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave). All of them are formed by the Ngô Đồng River flowing through limestone mountains.
Hang Ca (First Cave): This is the largest and longest cave in the Tam Coc cave system, with a height of over 20 meters and a length of more than 127 meters. Inside the cave, the temperature is pleasantly cool, and the most remarkable feature is the stunning limestone formations, creating a captivating visual experience.
Hang Hai (Second Cave): Smaller than Hang Ca, it is located about 1 km from Hang Ca. Although it’s only about 60 meters long, it is still fascinating with its unique limestone formations.
Hang Ba (Third Cave): It is the shortest among the caves, measuring 50 meters in length, but it is considered the most beautiful of the three. Stepping inside, visitors will feel like they’ve entered a masterpiece created by nature. The intricate details of the rock formations, meticulously crafted by time, make it a unique and enchanting sight.
Note: Visitors typically spend about 3 hours on a boat ride along the river to fully appreciate the beauty of these caves. Therefore, make sure to allocate enough time in your schedule!
Bich Dong Ninh Binh
Located 2 km from Tam Coc Ninh Binh, Bich Dong includes a dry cave on the mountainside called Bich Dong Cave and a water cave that passes through the mountain, known as Xuyen Thuy Dong. In front of the cave is a winding branch of the Ngô Đồng River alongside the rice fields.
Xuyen Thuy Dong: This is a dark and water-filled cave, shaped like a long crescent tube about 350 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with the widest part reaching up to 15 meters. The cave ceiling and walls are smooth, with rock formations stacked to create a graceful arched structure that is worth admiring.
Bich Dong Pagoda: This pagoda dates back to the time of the Hau Le Dynasty and is characterized by its distinctly Eastern architectural style. Inside the pagoda, there is a large bell and a tower with statues of monks who contributed to its construction. Visiting here allows you to explore not only its unique architecture but also the history of the temple and the region’s history in general.
In addition to these destinations, if you’re traveling independently, you can also combine your visit to nearby attractions such as Hang Mua (3 km from Tam Coc), Thung, Trung Pagodas, Toi Cave, Lưu Phương Ancient House, or the Ancient Vietnamese Village. These places provide a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Ninh Binh region from the 18th to the 20th century.
See More: Travel Experience in Thung Nham Bird Garden: Explore the “Kingdom of Birds” in Ninh Binh
Where to Stay in Tam Coc Ninh Binh, the Cheapest Hotels?
As mentioned earlier, the distance between Hanoi and Ninh Binh is not too far, so day trips are possible for visitors. However, for out-of-town guests who want to stay overnight, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Most hotels, homestays, bungalows, guesthouses, or hostels in Tam Coc are equipped with all the necessary amenities. Here are some budget-friendly hotel options for your reference:
- Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel And Resort: 5-star accommodation, prices start from 1.6 million VND per room per night.
- Tam Coc Holiday Hotel & Resort: 3-star accommodation, prices start from 500,000 VND per room per night.
- King Kong Homestay: 3-star accommodation, room prices start from 520,000 VND per room per night.
- Tam Coc Smile Homestay: Room prices start from 130,000 VND per room per night.
- Tam Coc Tuan Minh Homestay: Room prices start from 200,000 VND per room per night.
What Are the Delicious Dishes in Tam Coc Ninh Binh?
When visiting Tam Coc Ninh Binh after exploring the natural beauty and landmarks, don’t forget to indulge in some of the famous local dishes. There are many delicious and enticing options, including mountain goat, mountain snails, burnt rice (com chay), eel noodles (mien luon), Yen Lac nem (spring rolls), sour fish soup (canh chua ca ro), Kim Son wine, and more.
You can prepare your own meals from outside and bring them into the Tam Coc Bich Dong tourist area, or you can dine at the restaurants within the tourist area. Some nearby restaurants include Sun Flower Restaurant, Spice Garden Tam Coc Restaurant, Thuy Linh Restaurant, and Chookie’s Beer Garden.
Some Tips for Traveling to Tam Coc Ninh Binh:
- To make the most of your trip, start early in the morning to enjoy the fresh air and explore the area fully.
- Pack light and bring only essential items. A light jacket is handy for cooler cave temperatures, and an umbrella or hat for sun protection during the boat ride.
- It’s best to wear comfortable sports shoes for ease of movement during sightseeing.
- Carry some light snacks to tide you over if it’s not yet lunchtime.
- Ensure your phone and camera are fully charged to capture the beautiful natural scenery here.
With the detailed information about traveling to Tam Coc Ninh Binh mentioned above, I hope you have everything you need for your upcoming journey. The picturesque landscapes of this ancient capital promise to provide you with unforgettable experiences.
[…] Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is another popular tourist destination. It is known for its tranquility, the stillness of the lakes, and the majestic beauty of the mountains. Tam Coc consists of three major caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. […]