Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Where is Tam Coc – Bich Dong?

• Location: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Ticket fee: 120,000 VND per adult (boat trip included)

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is located about 100 km south of Hanoi and only 7 km from Ninh Binh City center. It’s easily accessible by car, motorbike, or train, making it a popular day-trip destination for travelers exploring northern Vietnam.

Experience the Tam Coc boat tour

The best way to explore Tam Coc is by taking a peaceful rowing boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. Guided by local villagers (mostly women), the boats glide through picturesque scenery — green rice paddies, towering karst formations, and mysterious caves.

• Hang Ca (First Cave): The longest of the three, stretching 127 meters with beautiful stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
• Hang Hai (Second Cave): Smaller but equally impressive, offering cool shade and echoing sounds of nature.
• Hang Ba (Third Cave): The final cave opens up to a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, a perfect spot for photography.

The entire journey lasts about 2 hours, with boats operated by local rowers using both hands and feet — a unique sight that never fails to amaze visitors.

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Just 2 km from Tam Coc pier lies Bich Dong Pagoda, built into a limestone mountain during the 15th century. The pagoda complex includes three levels:

• Ha Pagoda (Lower): At the mountain’s base, surrounded by lotus ponds and stone bridges.
• Trung Pagoda (Middle): Built halfway up the mountain with stunning views of the valley.
• Thuong Pagoda (Upper): Reached by climbing a steep staircase, offering panoramic views of the Tam Coc area.

Each pagoda blends harmoniously into the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful spiritual retreat amid the grandeur of nature.

Highlights of Tam Coc – Bich Dong

• Natural beauty: Limestone mountains, tranquil rivers, and seasonal rice fields that change colors throughout the year.
• Cultural heritage: Ancient pagodas and temples rich in history and spirituality.
• Eco-tourism experience: Local communities manage the boat tours sustainably, ensuring environmental preservation.
• Perfect photography location: The combination of mountains, caves, and rice fields makes it one of the most photogenic spots in Vietnam.

Best time to visit

The most beautiful time to visit Tam Coc is from May to early June, during the rice harvest season when the fields turn golden. Spring (February–April) is also ideal, with mild weather and blooming lotus flowers adding charm to the scenery.

How to get there

From Hanoi, Tam Coc can be reached in about 2 hours via the Ninh Binh Expressway. Visitors can also take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Station, then a short taxi or motorbike ride to Tam Coc pier. Many guided tours combine Tam Coc with nearby attractions like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital or Mua Cave.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable clothes and bring a hat or sunscreen for the boat ride.
• Bring cash for entrance fees and snacks as card payments are rarely accepted.
• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

With its breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Tam Coc – Bich Dong offers an unforgettable escape into Vietnam’s natural and cultural heart — a place where time slows down and nature tells its own story.