Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh: Information and Activities

The Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area is a key part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Tam Coc – Bich Dong is an ideal destination for those who appreciate the serene beauty of rivers and mountains, while also wanting to explore breathtaking natural wonders like caves and ancient historical landmarks.

Overview of Tam Coc – Bich Dong

The Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area is located in Hoa Lu district, about 7 km from Ninh Binh city center and 100 km south of Hanoi. It is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site in 2014. In 2012, this area, along with the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Trang An, was also classified as a Special National Monument by Vietnam.

Covering an area of 350.3 hectares, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is surrounded by a unique system of limestone caves and is home to many valuable historical and cultural relics. The path to Bich Dong is only about 2 km from Tam Coc, following the winding Ngo Dong River as it meanders around the mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning lotus ponds in full bloom during the summer, as well as naturally formed stone arches that resemble domes.

Tam Coc, meaning “three caves,” consists of Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These caves were formed by the erosion of the limestone mountains by the river’s flow over thousands of years. Hang Ca is the largest and longest of the three, stretching 127 meters through a large mountain, with an entrance over 20 meters wide. Inside the cave, the atmosphere is cool and humid, with numerous stalactites hanging in various shapes. Hang Hai, the second cave, is smaller at about 60 meters long, located nearly 1 km from Hang Ca. Its ceiling is adorned with beautiful stalactites that rival those of Hang Ca. Despite being the smallest at just 50 meters, Hang Ba is often considered the most beautiful of the three. It resembles a naturally sculpted stone dome, with intricate details that give the cave its unique and breathtaking beauty.

How to Get to Tam Coc – Bich Dong

There are various convenient transportation options to reach Tam Coc – Bich Dong in Ninh Binh:

• Train: If you have more time and wish to enjoy Vietnam’s scenic views, traveling by train is a great option. You can take the SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, or SE19 trains from Hanoi, or the SE8 from Ho Chi Minh City, which will take you to Ninh Binh at an affordable price.
• Bus: Buses to Ninh Binh from Hanoi depart from Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam bus stations and arrive at the central bus station in Ninh Binh. From there, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Tam Coc.
• Private car or motorbike: If you are driving, you can take the Phap Van – Cau Gie – Ninh Binh expressway, which is about 90 km and takes around 1 hour. If you’re traveling by motorbike, follow National Highway 1A to Ninh Binh.

Things to Do in Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Admire the Radiant Golden Rice Fields

The rice fields in Tam Coc lie along both sides of the Ngo Dong River, surrounded by limestone mountains. During the summer, these golden fields stretch out like a vibrant ribbon, winding along the Ngo Dong River, creating a mesmerizing and dreamlike beauty, much like the stunning images you often see online. To capture the full splendor of the rice fields at their peak, it is recommended to climb to the top of Hang Ca. From the peak, you will have a panoramic view of the radiant golden hues during the rice harvest season in Ninh Binh.

Beyond the natural beauty, what makes this place even more special is the harmonious blend of humans and nature, where the tranquility of the land merges with the daily life and livelihoods of the local people. Many visitors find joy in witnessing the locals harvesting rice from their boats during the golden rice season in Tam Coc.

Explore Tam Coc by Boat

With a natural area spanning over 350 hectares, the main mode of transportation for exploring the sights in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, is by boat. You will float along the peaceful Ngo Dong River, which offers incredibly poetic scenery, as the boat journey takes you through the three main caves of Tam Coc – Bich Dong.

Tam Coc is a scenic complex featuring three natural caves located close to one another: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These caves were carved through the mountains by the flow of the Ngo Dong River.

• Hang Ca: Hang Ca is the largest and longest of the three caves. It stands 20 meters high and stretches over 127 meters, with unique stalactites and stalagmites forming various fascinating shapes. The cool, refreshing air inside the cave, combined with the enchanting formations, creates a truly captivating experience.
• Hang Hai: Located about 1 km after Hang Ca, Hang Hai is over 60 meters long. Though smaller, the experience of passing through this cave by boat and marveling at the glistening stalactites is sure to be memorable. The climate and landscape inside the cave are quite similar to Hang Ca.
• Hang Ba: Different from the previous two caves, Hang Ba has a lower ceiling, adding a distinctive charm to your visit. As you glide through Hang Ba, you’ll be treated to the stunning natural surroundings of Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

Thai Vi Temple

Thai Vi is a renowned sacred temple in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, dedicated to worshiping the Tran Dynasty kings, generals, and Empress Thuan Thien. The temple was built on the site of Vu Lam Palace, an important military base during the second resistance war against the Mongol invaders under the Tran Dynasty. Nestled in the serene natural surroundings of the Tam Coc – Bich Dong complex, the temple is flanked by the Ngo Giang River on the right and the Coi Linh Mountain on the left.

At the entrance of the temple, there is a Golden Well containing crystal-clear water and a large banyan tree offering shade to visitors. When visiting Thai Vi Temple, you may occasionally witness a “hau dong” ceremony in the main hall. This is a form of folk performance art related to the worship of Mother Goddesses, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Thien Huong Cave

Peacefully situated halfway up Dong Vo Mountain, Thien Huong Cave is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Ninh Binh. The cave stands nearly 60 meters tall, stretching 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, with a vaulted ceiling resembling a large bell.

Due to its spacious peak, the cave is also referred to as the “Heaven Cave.” Today, if you visit Thien Huong Cave, you will find inside a shrine dedicated to Lady Tran Thi Dung, the wife of King Ly Hue Tong. She is remembered for teaching the people of Ninh Hai village the art of embroidery, and in gratitude, the locals built a shrine where offerings are made to her throughout the year.

Bich Dong – Xuyen Thuy Cave – Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong is located on a mountain range about 2 km from Tam Coc and includes Bich Dong Pagoda and Xuyen Thuy Cave. In front of the cave is a small river called Ngo Dong that winds along the mountain range, with lush green rice fields stretching across the other side.

Xuyen Thuy Cave is a dark, waterlogged cave about 350 meters long. Its average width is around 6 meters, with the widest section reaching 15 meters. The flat surfaces of the cave’s ceiling and walls create a natural canvas of diverse shapes and patterns.

When visiting Bich Dong, you can’t miss Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient pagoda built against the limestone mountains with distinct East Asian architecture. This pagoda was constructed in the early Le Dynasty and still houses a large bell cast during the reign of King Le Thai To. In the reign of King Le Hien Tong, the pagoda was renovated and expanded into three sections: the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagodas, spread across the three levels of Bich Dong Mountain. Today, visitors to Tam Coc in Ninh Binh still explore all three of these pagodas.

Tien Cave – Linh Coc Pagoda

Tien Cave is located just 1 km from Bich Dong Pagoda and consists of three large caves. On the ceilings of these caves, you’ll find many stone slabs with vibrant patterns, creating a beautiful and sparkling display. These stones have naturally formed into unique shapes resembling rice plants, money trees, deities, tigers, lions, and monitor lizards.

Linh Coc Pagoda, built during the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong, faces west and is surrounded by expansive fields. At the foot of the mountain lies a large courtyard, with ancestral halls on both sides.

Co Vien Lau

Co Vien Lau is located right next to the Tam Coc boat dock and is a part of the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area in Ninh Binh. This is an ancient house complex that gathers old houses from Ninh Binh and other villages in the Red River Delta. Covering an area of around 20,000 square meters, Co Vien Lau showcases a total of 22 ancient houses. These houses display traditional tools and equipment used by the people of Vietnam.

Best Time to Visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Depending on your travel plans, you can choose the best time to visit Tam Coc. Here are a few key periods to consider:

If you want to see the lush green rice fields, the best time to visit is after the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (from January to March). During this period, the rice fields are vibrant with fresh green hues. Additionally, this is a time when many cultural festivals take place, such as the Thai Vi Temple Festival and the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. The weather is cool and relatively dry, with little sun and rain, making it ideal for boat trips and sightseeing.

If you want to experience Tam Coc covered in the golden hues of ripe rice fields, plan your visit for May or June. However, be prepared for hot weather, as temperatures can reach up to 38°C (100°F).

Tam Coc – Bich Dong Entrance Fees

Here are the entrance fees for visiting Tam Coc:

• Adults: 120,000 VND per person per trip
• Children under 1.4 meters: 60,000 VND per person per trip
• Boat ticket: 150,000 VND per boat per trip (applicable for 4 Vietnamese visitors or 2 foreign visitors)
• Free for children under 3 years old.

After purchasing your ticket, you will proceed to the boat dock, where a boat will take you on an exciting journey through the scenic rice fields along the river, mountain peaks, and water caves. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours.

You may also like this tour: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc

With its numerous attractions, mysterious limestone caves, and stunning, romantic landscapes, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a destination well worth exploring. Moreover, it only takes a day trip from Hanoi to experience the entire area. Don’t hesitate to contact the travel advisory team at SVietnam for the best support.