Tam Coc Bich Dong, often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay on land,” is nestled in Ninh Binh, in northern Vietnam. This enchanting location boasts a stunning network of limestone caves and a serene natural landscape, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the majestic beauty of nature while discovering Vietnam.
Moreover, Tam Coc Bich Dong is rich in historical remnants, preserving numerous traces of its storied past. This blog will serve as a detailed guide to the unique features that make Tam Coc Vietnam a magnet for both domestic and international tourists.
General Information about Tam Coc Vietnam
Part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc Bich Dong is located in Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site and classified as a special national monument, Tam Coc is situated 100 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Tam Coc Bich Dong During Vietnam’s Golden Season
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a mesmerising region featuring limestone mountain cave systems and captivating landscapes. This area is also home to historical relics from the Tran dynasty, covering a natural area of 305.3 hectares.
To explore Tam Coc Bich Dong, visitors must travel by small boat. These boats navigate the clear waters of the Ngo Dong River, offering stunning views of the renowned caves. A visit to Tam Coc Bich Dong is one of the must-do activities when visiting Vietnam.
When to Visit Tam Coc Bich Dong in Vietnam?
The prime time to explore Tam Coc in Vietnam is from January to March. During this period, Ninh Binh enjoys a pleasantly cool and dry climate, making it perfect for a boat trip to discover the beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong.
Moreover, e
arly in the new year, you can experience vibrant and solemn traditional spring festivals, such as the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, held in Tam Coc, Vietnam. These Vietnamese traditional festivals offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnamese culture and traditions.
If you have the chance to visit Tam Coc in late June or early September, you’ll be captivated by the stunning golden rice fields that stretch along your route. This picturesque natural landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression.
June and July are also excellent months to admire the blooming lotus fields. These are perfect for leisurely strolls and capturing breathtaking photographs of the lotus flowers in full bloom.
Lotus season in Tam Coc Vietnam
Ticket Prices for Exploring Tam Coc, Vietnam
Tam Coc Itinerary:
– Ticket for exploring the landscapes
- Adults: 120,000 VND per person per tour
- Children (height under 1.4 m): 60,000 VND per person per tour
– Boat ticket (for tourists): 2 persons per boat per trip
- 150,000 VND per trip (additional charge for the 3rd person: adults: 75,000 VND; children: 35,000 VND)
Thach Bich – Thung Nang Itinerary:
– Ticket for exploring the landscapes
- Adults: 20,000 VND per person
- Children aged 6 to 15: 10,000 VND per person
- Seniors (60 years and above): 10,000 VND per person
– Boat ticket (for tourists): 2 persons per boat per trip
- Adults: 100,000 VND per trip
- Children aged 6 to 15: 50,000 VND per trip
- Seniors (60 years and above): 50,000 VND per trip
How to Get to Tam Coc – Ninh Binh – Vietnam?
Situated at a reasonable distance from Hanoi, Tam Coc is an ideal spot to visit when traveling to the northern Vietnam. If you’re in the south of Vietnam, you’ll need to book a flight to Hanoi, then take a car to Ninh Binh, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For added convenience, it’s advisable to book your flight and rental a car in Vietnam with driver 2 to 3 months in advance to secure the best rates, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Top Tourist Attractions in Tam Coc Not to Miss
The Three Caves Complex
Tam Coc, nestled in Vietnam, is renowned for its picturesque landscape featuring three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These three caves have been sculpted by the Ngo Dong River, which carves its way directly through the mountains. Embarking on a boat journey along the Ngo Dong River offers a unique experience, meandering amidst majestic limestone cliffs and through lush green rice paddies.
Exploring the caves by boat promises to be an intriguing venture in Tam Coc, Vietnam.
- Hang Ca stands as the largest of the three caves, stretching 127 meters long by 20 meters wide. This cave spans through an impressive mountain, and as you glide through it on the boat, you’ll feel the coolness of the atmosphere and marvel at the enchanting beauty of the peculiarly shaped stalactites.
- Hang Hai lies nearby, approximately a kilometer from Hang Ca. Extending 60 meters in length, this cave also boasts magnificent hanging stalactites, offering a captivating spectacle.
- Adjacent to Hang Hai is Hang Ba. Stretching 50 meters long, this cave features a distinctly lower ceiling compared to the previous two, reminiscent of a rocky vault.
Thai Vi Temple
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Trang An – Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple stands as a venerable site dedicated to honouring the monarchs and generals of the Tran dynasty. Here, amidst the tranquillity, one can pay homage to figures such as King Tran Thai Tong, King Tran Thanh Tong, and esteemed generals like Tran Hung Dao and Tran Quang Khai, alongside the revered Empress Tran Thi Dung.
Steeped in history, this sanctuary once served as a bastion of resistance against the Yuan Mongols, with the Tran dynasty establishing the imperial residence of Vu Lam in the rugged terrain of Trang An – Tam Coc. Embarking from the Tam Coc pier, visitors are encouraged to pause and explore the rich heritage enshrined within the sacred precincts of Thai Vi Temple.
Thien Huong Cave
Tucked away amidst the rugged slopes of Dong Vo Mountain, along the path leading from the Ngo Dong River to Thai Vi Temple, lies the enchanting Thien Huong Cave. Rising majestically to a height of nearly 60 metres, with dimensions spanning 40 metres in length and 20 metres in width, this cavernous marvel bathes in natural light, courtesy of an aperture positioned 15 metres above ground level.
Deep within its cavernous embrace resides the sanctum of Empress Tran Thi Dung, revered for imparting the intricate art of lace-making to the denizens of Ninh Hai village. In gratitude, they erected a temple in her honour within the cavern’s depths, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Bich Dong Pagoda
An iconic landmark nestled amidst the verdant environs of Tam Coc, Vietnam, is the illustrious Bich Dong Pagoda. Perched atop a majestic mount, this sacred sanctuary houses the tombs of venerable monks who contributed to its construction during the Le dynasty, including a grand bell cast during the reign of King Le Thai To.
Known also as “Bich Son Bat Dong,” translating to one of the eight wonders of Bich Dong, this pagoda boasts ancient architecture, its weathered façade adorned with layers of moss clinging to the rocky outcrops, bearing witness to the inexorable passage of time.
Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc Vietnam
Tien Cave
The Tien Cave is an exquisitely beautiful dry cavern. It boasts an array of stalactites shaped like wheat spikes, elephants, lions, and more. Drifting through its depths by boat, one is enveloped in a refreshing, delightful atmosphere.
Co Vien Lau
Co Vien Lau stands as a gathering of ancient houses in Ninh Bình. All these houses date back to the Nguyen dynasty, showcasing vividly the ancient architecture of the Vietnamese people. Moreover, within these dwellings, traditional tools of the people are put on display.
Tips for Visiting Tam Coc, Vietnam
- A morning jaunt to Tam Coc Bich Dong is advisable, as the weather then is cool and not overly hot, enhancing the pleasure of your exploration and leisure.
- While embarking on a boat ride, it’s imperative to slather on sunscreen and don extra clothing along with a hat to shield yourself from the intense sun, as the boats lack shade.
- For ease of movement, opt for comfortable attire, leaning towards vintage tones such as brown, beige, etc. These hues complement the Tam Coc landscapes brilliantly in photographs.
Some Tips for Visiting Tam Coc in Vietnam
Tam Coc Bich Dong, with its limestone cave system and historical landmarks, has always been one of the must-visit destinations during your Vietnam tour. Hope that this post has provided you with plenty of useful insights into Tam Coc Vietnam. If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a message or comment below!
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