Mesmerized by the poetic scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is one of the favorite destinations for many tourists, both domestic and international. Whenever you return to the Ancient Capital, you will be able to admire the peaceful, ancient beauty of the Northern sky.

1. Should you visit Tam Coc or Trang An when visiting Ninh Binh?

The question that is most frequently asked by tourists when thinking about Ninh Binh is whether to visit Tam Coc or Trang An. If you're unsure which area to visit, consider your purpose and the values you want to experience. Although both are not far apart, Trang An tourist area in Ninh Binh is located in Ninh Xuan commune while the tourist area Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is located in Ninh Hai commune.

Tam Coc and Trang An each possess their own distinctive charm.

• Firstly, considering the sightseeing spots: At Trang An, you can explore more spots along with exciting activities like kayaking. However, at Tam Coc, you mainly sit on a boat and explore the cave system.
• Secondly, considering the time: If you want to visit more spots, then Tam Coc is the choice. You can utilize the time to explore other places like Bich Dong Pagoda, Thung Tam Bird Garden, etc.
• Thirdly, considering the ticket price: The ticket price at Tam Coc is cheaper than Trang An, so you can save costs while visiting additional destinations.

Through these factors, you can somewhat determine for yourself where to experience at what time for the most complete and meaningful journey.

2. Scenic beauty at “The Second Most Southern Cave” - Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is located in Hoa Lu district of Ninh Binh province. From Hanoi, you can travel to Ninh Binh in about 2 hours as it is only 95km away from Hanoi. Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is an integral part of the Trang An scenic complex that you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting the Ancient Capital.

The poetic beauty of Tam Coc touches the hearts of people.

The complex was recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site for both cultural and natural values in 2014. Every season at Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh carries its own unique charm. Therefore, you can visit Ninh Binh in general and Tam Coc in particular during most times of the year, as follows:

2.1. January – April

To fully enjoy your exploration tour of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh, it's best to visit around April. During this time, the weather is no longer uncomfortably dry as in the early months of the year or scorching hot like in the summer. However, you'll need to take a boat to fully explore the beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh, so unfavorable weather can adversely affect your health and your enjoyment of the Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh adventure.

This period is also when Ninh Binh becomes lively due to the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival - one of the festivals that attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. Additionally, you can also visit Hoa Lu to participate in the Truong Yen Festival held from the 8th to the 10th of the 3rd lunar month every year.

2.2. Mid-May to June

During this time, you'll be amazed by the poetic scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh as it is covered in the golden hue of ripe rice fields. You'll get to admire a picturesque landscape of mountains and water rarely seen elsewhere.

Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh during the ripe rice season is stunning with its golden hues

Every morning, when you open the window, you'll be able to fully admire the vibrant space of newly ripened rice fields bathed in gentle sunlight. This captivating sight has left countless tourists spellbound, forgetting their way back when exploring Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh.

2.3. End of June to July

If you've heard of the lotus fields in Dong Thap in the South, but did you know that in the North, there's also a beautiful lotus season? During this time, Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh will be adorned with blooming lotuses exuding a fragrant aroma.

The blooming lotus flowers adorn the sky of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh every season.

You will find Ninh Binh even more beautiful than ever before as amidst the majestic mountains lies the picturesque blend of stunning lotus fields. When you take a boat ride around the area, this beautiful scene will transport you into a fairytale world filled with fragrant aromas. Additionally, you can enjoy the unique lotus porridge, adding an extra charm to your trip to Ninh Binh.

2.4. August - September

During this time, Ninh Binh enters the transitional period of seasons, and the autumn weather brings relief from the scorching heat. Instead, Ninh Binh exudes coolness, the flavor of the homeland, and the tranquility of the countryside. You can combine visiting temples with exploring the beautiful scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh. This will enrich your journey with fascinating experiences.

3. Guide to Getting to Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh

3.1. By Car

If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you need to depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). From Hanoi, you continue by car to Ninh Binh. Once you've reached the city center of Ninh Binh, you'll need to travel an additional 10km to get to Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh.

If you're a resident of the capital region, traveling to Ninh Binh will be much shorter. You just need to go to the agreed meeting point with the travel company. Then, the vehicle and guide will pick you up, starting your journey to explore Ninh Binh tour.

3.2. By Train

If you want to experience a new mode of transportation, you can choose the train. In Ninh Binh, there are several train stations such as Ninh Binh Station, Cau Yen Station, Ghenh Station, and Dong Giao Station. Therefore, you can comfortably choose to travel by train from Hanoi or even from Ho Chi Minh City.

Experience the train journey to Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh in an interesting way.

You can check the departure schedule of trains from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City below to conveniently arrange your itinerary if you're traveling independently:

• From Hanoi: Train SE1 to Ninh Binh (19h30 – 21h46), train SE3 (22h00 – 0h10), train SE5 (9h00 – 11h21), train SE7 (6h00 – 8h22), train SE19 (20h05 – 23h).
• From Ho Chi Minh City: A common departure time for tours from Ho Chi Minh City to Ninh Binh is usually quite late. Therefore, you may consider departing with train SE7 (6h00 – 13h15 the next day).

4. Boat Rental and Sightseeing Prices at Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)

4.1. For the Tam Coc Sightseeing Route

Tam Coc Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 120,000 VND/person/way.
• Children under 1.4m: 60,000 VND/person/way.

Boat rental price for Tam Coc sightseeing: 150,000 VND/ride. When you rent a boat, there will be 4 – 5 people/boat, per ride. However, if there are international tourists on your trip, it will be 2 people/boat, per ride.

4.2. For the Thach Bich – Thung Nang Sightseeing Route

Thach Bich – Thung Nang Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 20,000 VND/person.
• Children aged 6 – 15 or seniors aged 60 and above: 10,000 VND/person.

Boat rental price for Thach Bich – Thung Nang sightseeing: When touring by boat, you can have a maximum of 4 – 5 people/boat, per ride, and for international tourists, it will be 2 people/boat, per ride. You will incur a fee of 100,000 VND/ride for adults and 50,000 VND/ride for children aged 6 – 15 and seniors aged 60 and above.

4.3. For the Bich Dong Sightseeing Route

Ticket Prices for the Hang Chua – Hang Ghen – Hang But Sightseeing Route:

• Adults: 20,000 VND/person.
• Children aged 6 – 15 and seniors aged 60 and above: 10,000 VND/person.

Boat rental price for Hang Chua – Hang Ghen – Hang But sightseeing: For the Bich Dong sightseeing route, it's not much different from the Tam Coc route, as you will also have a maximum of 4 – 5 people/boat, per ride, and for international guests, it will be 2 people/boat, per ride.

5. Exciting Sightseeing Destinations at Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh

5.1. Cave System at Tam Coc

If you're still wondering what to do in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, don't forget that the 'brand' that created this name consists of three famous caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. With their unique structure formed as the Ngô Đồng River flows through the mountains.

With its inherent uniqueness, Tam Coc is the first boat experience route exploited in Ninh Binh. Here, you can witness the breathtaking natural scenery with majestic limestone mountains. Not only that, but you can also understand the simplicity and sincerity of the local people through conversations.

Admire the beauty of nature at Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh vividly and authentically.

Moreover, you can also enjoy the fascinating landscape of the three famous caves by cycling and embracing the fresh air in Ninh Binh. Then, you will cool your soul and temporarily forget the worries of life while enjoying the peaceful scenery of mountains, rivers, and fields.

5.2. The Stunning Xuyen Thuy Cave in Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh

If you've ever embarked on cave exploration during your Quang Binh tourism, you've experienced the mysterious beauty of gigantic geological formations over thousands of years. But in Tam Coc, you'll have a different feeling, like stepping into a poetic and picturesque scenery.

Visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, you simply can't miss the journey to explore the prominent caves in this region. Take, for example, the Xuyen Thuy Cave, also known as the 'Second Heavenly Cave' in Ninh Binh.

The Xuyen Thuy Cave captures the hearts of travel enthusiasts with its mesmerizing beauty.

As you venture through the cave, you'll marvel at the unique formation of the ceiling and cave walls, resembling large stone slabs pieced together to form arching vaults. At the end of the journey, you can experience mountain climbing to reach Bich Dong Pagoda.

Here lies the Heavenly Fragrance Cave, which has attracted numerous visitors to explore and admire the fascinating beauty during the Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh tour. You'll witness masterpieces created over millions of years, historical treasures that have captured the hearts of countless travelers and enriched Ninh Binh.

5.3. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient temple tinged with moss, constructed on high mountain ranges since 1428. Visiting this place, you'll feel the allure and grandeur amidst the towering mountains.

The ancient and poetic beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda.

To enter the pagoda, you'll explore the unique system formed by the Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda. The combination of glazed terracotta tiles along the mountain slopes and meticulously crafted stone columns creates a distinct allure for Bich Dong Pagoda in particular, and Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh in general.

5.4. Mua Cave

Visiting Mua Cave in Ninh Binh, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Coc and Ninh Binh from the impressive height of Ngoa Long Mountain's summit. At Mua Cave, you can capture countless 'like-worthy' photos that leave nothing to be desired.

Enjoy the panoramic view of Ninh Binh from above when conquering the summit of Ngoa Long (Mua Cave).

Despite the long journey of climbing 500 steps to reach the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain, you'll find everything completely worthwhile once you set foot on the summit.

6. What to Wear When Traveling to Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh

6.1. Jeans + T-shirt

During cool weather, with the refreshing climate, you can comfortably wear dynamic outfits. If you appreciate simplicity and dislike complexity, then jeans and a T-shirt are suitable choices.

Sporty yet elegant attire for every trip to Ninh Binh

With this outfit combination, you can easily get on and off the boat and visit sacred sites such as temples and pagodas at Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh without needing to change clothes too many times.

6.2. Modernized Ao Dai + Traditional Conical Hat

Ninh Binh's Tam Coc Bich Dong exudes a tranquil, rustic, and venerable beauty like the ancient rhythm of the indigenous people. You can wear a modernized Ao Dai to move around easily yet remain graceful and gentle amidst the charming landscape.

A modernized Ao Dai allows you to be dynamic yet elegant

When visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh during sunny days, a conical hat not only helps you avoid the sun but also adds a unique touch to your photos.

6.3. Maxi Dress or Bohemian Dress

Long dresses not only make you elegant but also stand out amidst the lush nature of Ninh Binh. You can accessorize your outfit with items like hair clips (bows, pins, straps, etc.) to add some flair.

One of the favorite outfits for many tourists when traveling to Ninh Binh - the Bohemian dress.

If you rarely wear these outfits and don't want to buy them, you can rent them at many clothing stores. Nowadays, there are plenty of shops renting out these outfits in Saigon or Hanoi. If you want to save space in your luggage, you can rent them right at Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh.

If you want to admire the breathtaking scenery when visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, quickly call Mytour to have all your questions answered by Mytour!