bigtravelbuzzDiscover the natural paradise of Tam Coc, Vietnam.
It’s a stunning flat countryside with hundreds of limestone karsts towering over quiet paddy fields. Therefore, it is not surprising that this area is called “Halong Bay on land”. Tam Coc is the perfect rural retreat and the ideal place to relax after a busy trip in Hanoi.Enjoy a return to the beautiful basics of natural living.
About Tam Coc in Vietnam
It is a little town in Ninh Binh province. The name Tam Coc literally means “three caves” and refers to Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. It is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage Trang An landscape complex. Stunning rainforest-covered mountains, vast valleys, waterways and limestone cliffs are just some of the wonders that make this a UNESCO site.
Halong Bay on land
Tam Coc is often compared to it. Additionally, there is a unique connection between nature and spirituality, seen in the birds gliding over the water against the backdrop of ancient mountaintop temples.
Must try in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a great place to stay for a few days to explore all there is to do in the Ninh Binh area. Spend your days slowly enjoying the beauty of the scenery. Explore the area by boating along the river or biking along quiet paths through the rice fields. From seeing myriad wildlife to discovering ancient temples and remote floating settlements, there is so much to do in Tam Coc.
Bic Dong Pagoda
Visiting Bik Dong Pagoda is his one of the most memorable things in Tam Coc. Built in 1428, the pagoda complex houses his three different cave temples on different levels of the mountain. These are Ha Pagoda (lower level), Chun Pagoda (middle level) and Tuong Pagoda (upper level).
The first glimpse of the pagoda is nothing short of spectacular! The bridge with floating lotus flowers looks like a scene from a watercolor painting. After crossing the bridge, enter through the old gate at the foot of the mountain and start climbing.
The summit cave temple is located near the top of the mountain, so it is steep with 160 steps. However, it’s worth it for the great views over the countryside. Built in limestone and surrounded by lush forests, the pagoda’s unique location makes you feel like you’ve discovered a secret oasis. It is surely a fairytale experience!
Useful information: The pagoda is open anytime. However, we recommend visiting between 8am and 6pm to see the view from the top. Admission is free, but you may have to pay a small fee to park at the pagoda.
Han Mua Peak
Climb 500 winding steps to reach a stunning clifftop viewpoint. Once at the top, enjoy panoramic views of deep valleys, waterways and green mountains. It is good to know that he has two peaks to reach. The trail splits along the way and both are worth a visit.
Reach the highest peak where stone dragons, an important symbol of Vietnamese culture, watch over the landscape. Stand on the rock face and feel the thrill as the wind blows through your hair. It is definitely one of the best places to watch the sunset as it is one of the highest points in the area.
Opening hours/admission fee: 7:00am-5:00pm/VND100,000
Tam Coc Cave Boat Tour
Surrounded by colorful yellow and green rice paddies, descend the Ngo Dong River, covered in limestone karst. Get your camera ready. With each turn of the river, a new breathtaking scene awaits.
Hang Ca, Hang Hai & Hang Ba
End your trip by passing through his three large caves with impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Ca Cave, the largest of the three caves, is about 20m wide and 127m long! The cave tour lasts for approx 3 hours and is one of the great way to enjoy it.
Admission fee: The tourist fee for the cave tour is VND 120,000. In addition, he can split the VND 150,000 boat ticket fee between the two of them. Boat drivers and locals may ask you to tip or buy souvenirs.
Best time to visit Tam Coc
In general, temperatures remain warm throughout the year. However, the best time to see Tam Coc is from late May he early June. Around this time, the rice fields begin to turn from lush green to bright yellow.
Lotus flowers also bloom in June, adding color to the scenery. April to October is the rainy season and can be hot and muggy. Despite this, rain usually lasts only a few hours, followed by clear skies. If you want a dry and slightly cooler climate, it’s best to visit between November and he March.
The best restaurants in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh
- Trung Tuyet Restaurant, Ninh Binh
- The Napoleon Fine Italian Cuisine (Tam Coc)
- Chookie’s Beer Garden (Tam Coc)
How to get to Tam Coc
Tam Coc is about three hours south of Hanoi and can be reached by both bus and train. Either option allows you to go to Ninh Binh city first. Now you have to change taxis for the remaining 20 minutes.
Walking around
Tam Coc is a great place for cycling. The roads are generally quiet and flat, and you can go at your own pace with great views. Renting a motorbike is also a good option if you are traveling long distances or using taxis.
Accommodation in Tam Coc
Tam Coc Garden Resort is a beautiful garden retreat. Experience charming wooden bungalows, lotus ponds and gardens with organically grown vegetables. Traditional materials and methods are used as the resort prides itself on preserving the authenticity of the region.
Maison Que is a beautiful private home that forms part of Tam Coc Garden Resort, but is separate from the main building. Surrounded by enchanting gardens and overlooking limestone pagodas and rice fields, the setting will capture your heart. The house is beautifully decorated with wood and handicrafts, giving it a calm and rustic feel.