Spellbound by the poetic scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh

Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh is one of the most beloved destinations for both domestic and international tourists. Every time you return to the Ancient Capital, you'll witness the serene, ancient beauty of the Northern sky.

1. Choosing between Tam Coc and Trang An in Ninh Binh?

The question often asked by travelers when thinking about Ninh Binh is whether to visit Tam Coc or Trang An. If you're undecided, consider your purpose and the experiences you want to have. Although the distance between them isn't far, with Trang An Eco-tourism complex located in Ninh Xuan commune and Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh in Ninh Hai commune.

Tam Coc and Trang An each have their own unique charm.

• Firstly, considering the sightseeing: At Trang An, you can visit more places and enjoy exciting activities like kayaking. But at Tam Coc, you mainly sit on a boat and explore the cave system.
• Secondly, considering the time: If you want to visit more places, choose Tam Coc. You can use the time to explore other attractions like Bich Dong Pagoda, Thung Tam Bird Garden, etc.
• Thirdly, considering the ticket price: The entrance fee at Tam Coc is cheaper than Trang An, so you can save money while visiting additional attractions.

Through these factors, you will somewhat determine for yourself where to experience and when to make your trip complete and meaningful.

2. The Romantic Landscape of 'The Second Most Beautiful Cave in the South' - Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh

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

The poetic beauty of Tam Coc touches the heart.

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

2.1. January - April

To fully enjoy exploring Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, it's best to visit around April. During this time, the weather is no longer uncomfortably dry as at the beginning of the year or scorching hot as in summer. However, you'll need to take a boat to fully experience the beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, so unfavorable weather can negatively impact your health and enjoyment.

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

2.2. Mid-May to June

During this time, you'll be amazed by the picturesque scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh covered in the golden color of ripe rice fields. You'll witness a rare and beautiful landscape that is hard to find elsewhere.

Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh looks stunning with golden rice fields during the ripe rice season.

Every morning, as you open the window, you'll be captivated by the vibrant space of newly ripened rice fields blending with gentle sunlight. This enchanting scene has left countless tourists mesmerized, forgetting their way back while exploring Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh.

2.3. End of June – July

If you've heard of the lotus fields in Dong Thap in the South, did you know that the North also boasts a beautiful lotus season? During this time, Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh will be adorned with blooming lotus flowers, spreading a delightful fragrance.

Lotuses bloom abundantly across the sky of Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh every season.

You'll find Ninh Binh even more beautiful during this time as amidst the rugged mountains lies the picturesque beauty of blooming lotus fields. Sailing around the area, you'll be transported into a fairytale world filled with fragrance. Moreover, you can savor the unique lotus porridge, adding an extra touch of excitement to your trip to Ninh Binh.

2.4. August – September

During this time, Ninh Binh enters the transitional period, with the autumn weather relieving the scorching heat. Instead, Ninh Binh exudes coolness, the taste of home, and the tranquility of the countryside. You can combine temple visits with exploring the beautiful scenery of Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, adding many fascinating experiences to your journey.

3. How to Get to Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh

3.1. By Car

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

For residents of the capital region, getting to Ninh Binh is much shorter. You simply need to arrive at the designated meeting point as agreed with the travel company. At that point, the vehicle and tour guide will pick you up, beginning your journey to explore Ninh Binh tour.

3.2. By Train

If you're looking for a change of pace in transportation, you can opt for 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, as you can easily move by train.

Experience the train journey to reach Tam Coc Bich Dong, Ninh Binh in an exciting 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 (19:30 – 21:46), train SE3 (22:00 – 0:10), train SE5 (9:00 – 11:21), train SE7 (6:00 – 8:22), train SE19 (20:05 – 23:00).
• 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 (6:00 – 13:15 the next day).

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

4.1. For Tam Coc Sightseeing Route

Tam Coc Ticket Prices:

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

Tam Coc Sightseeing Boat Rental Price: 150,000 VND/trip. When you rent a boat, there will be 4 – 5 people/boat, per trip. However, if there are international tourists in your group, there will be 2 people/boat, per trip.

4.2. For 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.

Thach Bich – Thung Nang Sightseeing Boat Rental Price: When sightseeing by boat, you can have a maximum of 4 – 5 people/boat, per trip, and for international tourists, it will be 2 people/boat, per trip. The prices are 100,000 VND/trip for adults and 50,000 VND/trip for children aged 6 – 15 and seniors aged 60 and above.

4.3. For Bich Dong Sightseeing Route

Ticket prices for Hang Chua – Hang Gheng – Hang But Sightseeing Route:

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

Hang Chua – Hang Gheng – Hang But Sightseeing Boat Rental Price: For the Bich Dong sightseeing route, it's similar to the Tam Coc route where you can have a maximum of 4 – 5 people/boat, per trip, and for international tourists, it's 2 people/boat, per trip.

5. Exciting Sightseeing Spots 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 makes up its name is the three famous caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. With their unique structure, all three caves were 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. From there, you can witness the stunning natural landscape with picturesque blue-green mountains. Moreover, you can understand the simplicity and sincerity of the locals through conversations.

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

Furthermore, you can also admire the fascinating landscape of the three caves scenic complex by cycling to enjoy the fresh air in Ninh Binh. Then, you will cool your soul, momentarily forget life's worries while embracing 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 a journey to explore caves while traveling in Quang Binh, you've felt the mysterious beauty through the giant geological formations that have endured for thousands of years. But in Tam Coc, you'll have a different sensation, as it exudes a poetic charm like a romantic painting.

When visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh, you cannot overlook the adventure of exploring the prominent caves in this region. One notable example is the Xuyen Thuy Cave, known as the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in the Southern Sky” in Ninh Binh.

The Xuyen Thuy Cave enthralls travel enthusiasts with its direct journey into the heart.

As you traverse through the cave, you'll marvel at the unique structure of the ceiling and walls, resembling large rock slabs pieced together to form an arched vault. At the end of the journey, you can experience mountain climbing to reach Bich Dong Pagoda.

Here lies the Thiên Hương Cave, which has attracted numerous visitors to explore and admire the fascinating beauty on the Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh tour. You'll behold masterpieces sculpted over millions of years, historical treasures that have captured the hearts of countless travelers, contributing to Ninh Binh's allure.

5.3. Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient temple adorned with moss, constructed on the high mountain range since 1428. Here, 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 mountainside, intricate stone columns, has created a distinct charm for Bich Dong Pagoda in particular and Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh in general.

5.4. Mua Cave

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

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

Although you have to endure a long journey climbing 500 steps to reach the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain, you'll find everything completely worthwhile when stepping onto the top.

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

6.1. Jeans + T-shirt

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

Sporty yet elegant attire for every trip to Ninh Binh

With this outfit combination, you can comfortably board and disembark boats and visit sacred sites such as temples and pagodas at Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh without the need for frequent outfit changes.

6.2. Modernized Ao Dai + Traditional Conical Hat

Ninh Binh's Tam Coc Bich Dong emanates a serene, rustic, and venerable beauty like the ancient rhythm of the indigenous people. You can wear a modernized Ao Dai to move around easily yet exude elegance and gentleness amidst the picturesque landscape.

The modernized Ao Dai makes you dynamic yet elegantly poised

When visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh during sunny periods, the 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 Ninh Binh's lush green nature. You can accentuate your outfit with accessories like hairpins (bows, clips, straps, etc.).

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, you can rent them at many clothing stores. There are plenty of clothing rental shops for these outfits in Saigon or Hanoi. If you want to save space in your suitcase, you can rent them right at Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh.

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