Tam Coc – Bich Dong not only is the most attractive tourist destination in Ninh Binh province but also has famous names such as “Halong bay on land” or “Nam Thien II”. The area includes a system of limestone karst caves and historical relics related to the Tran Dynasty’ s Vu Lam cave, located mainly in Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh. The Trang An – Tam Coc scenic spot was classified by the Prime Minister of Vietnam as a special national monument and has been listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

Source: vietskytravel.com

Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist area is currently an area 350.3 ha nature, located 2 km from National Highway 1A, 7 km from Ninh Binh city, 9 km from Tam Diep city. Mostly located on Ninh Hai Commune (Hoa Lu), the centers are located in Tam Coc, Co Vien Lau, Sun Valley, Nham Valley, Bich Dong Pagoda, the Cave.Tam Coc (three caves) including Ca cave, Hai cave and Ba cave. All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River pier through the mountain .

I. WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT TAM COC

1. Weather in Tam Coc

Source: ninhbinhlegendhotel.com

Tam Coc is in humid subtropical climate: hot and humid summers, heavy rain from May to September; cold dry winter from November to March next year; April, October is the spring and fall, but not as distinct as the area above the tropical belt.

The average annual rainfall is from 1,700-1,800 mm. The average temperature is 23.5 ° C.  The number of sunshine hours in the year is about 1,600-1,700 hours and the relative humidity is 80-85%. The climate and weather in Ninh Binh city has no special fluctuation of tropical monsoon climate.

Hot summer is influenced by Southwest monsoon. Winter is influenced by the northeast monsoon, but the city is still a relatively mild climate compared to other provinces in the province.

2. Best time to travel to Tam Coc

a. From May to June – Times for visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong

If you want to take a first look at the golden color of the rice field, the time between late May to early June is when you should visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh or in only about 1-2 weeks before the farmers harvest. At that time, the image of rice fields mixed with green rice fields and yellow gold will create a picture with beautiful colors. After the New Year is the time you can be admired the green fields are springing up welcoming spring breeze. If you do not want to miss this breathtaking natural spectacle, then take a walk and go traveling.

b. From January to March – Best time to visit pagodas

Visitors can travel Ninh Binh in all seasons of the year;  however, the second but really good time to go is from January to March lunar year. In the spring weather, this place is not too cold or too hot, especially tourists can combine travel and spring travel temples, pagodas for sewing.

Every year on the occasion of Lunar New Year, Ninh Binh attracts thousands of tourists to come and travel, especially travelling to Tam Coc . Among the tourists coming, lots of them are foreign people.

II. HOW TO GET TO TAM COC

1. Getting from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

a. Getting to Ninh Binh by train

Source: mapio.net

Take the train to Ninh Binh province will be safe but slightly inconvenient in time. After coming to Ninh Binh,  you have to find other means of transport to travel to tourist destinations.

You go to Hanoi station at 120 Le Duan to buy tickets to Ninh Binh. The prices are usually from VND 90,000 to VND 220,000. In the lunar new year ( Tet holiday), the prices may be more expensive than usual. There are 6 flights per day, you can find more train tickets’ prices and train time here

b. Getting to Ninh Binh by shuttle bus

Brand of shuttle bus	Time to start & beginning destination	Time to come & arrival destination	Kind of shuttle bus	Price	Rate	Telephone
Non Nuoc Ninh Binh	7:30 8:30 9:30 11:00 13:00 15:30 17:30 19:30 Hanoi	9:00 10:00 11:00 12:30 14:30 17:00 19:00 21:00 Ninh Binh	VIP 8 seats	VND 150,000	3 stars	(+84) 24 303 590 234
Man Tinh	12:30 21:00 Nuoc Ngam station, Hanoi	13:50 22:20 1A highway in Ninh Binh province	Having 44 beds	VND 100,000	4 stars	(+84) 967 788 803
Hoang Long	7:00 13:00 20:00 21:30 Hanoi	8:30 14:30 21:30 23:00 Ninh Binh	Having 38 beds	VND 120,000	3 stars	(+84) 243 928 2828

c. Getting to Ninh Binh by motorbike

If you want to feel more adventurous when going in the long distance, you can also ride a motorbike or private car, both have the opportunity to view the two sides of the road without being constrained on time.

It takes about 2 hours to drive to Ninh Binh (nearly 100km). From the center of Hanoi city, go to  Giai Phong street, go about 3 km to Ha Noi South Bus Station, turn left for 1 km to Phap Van – Cau Gie and follow Cau Gie – Dong Van – Phu Ly. – Ninh Binh.

2. Getting from Ho Chi Minh city to Ninh Binh

a. Getting to Ninh Binh by train

Ho Chi Minh city is far from Ninh Binh province about 1521 km. It takes you more time and money to travel in a longer distance. You can only use train as the main transport in case you have lot of free time . The prices are usually from VND 600,000 to VND 1,500,000. To see more details about time to go and also prices of tịckets, check in here.

You can buy tickets on Ho Chi Minh station following this address: No. 1 Nguyen Thong, Ward 9, District 3, Ho Chi MInh city

b. Getting to Ninh Binh by shuttle bus

Brand of shuttle bus	Time to start & beginning destination	Time to come & arrival destination	Kind of shuttle bus	Price	Rate	Telephone
Hoang Long	8:00 13:00 14:30 17:30 18:30 21:00 Ho Chi Minh city	16:18 21:18 22:48 1:48 2:48 5:18 Ninh Binh province	Having 38 beds	VND 750,000	3 stars	(+84) 282 243 8989
Thuan Phuong	04:00 Nga Tu Ga bus station	18:00 Tam Diep bus station	Having 40 beds	VND 600,000	No rate	(+84) 912 129 235

c. Getting to Ninh Binh by renting private car

Kind of car	Innova 2015	Fortuner 2015	Kia Sedona	Mazda 3 2017	Camry 2010
Price ( from Monday to Friday)	VND 700,000/day	VND 800,000/day	VND 1,200,000/day	VND 800,000/day	VND 1,000,000/day
Price ( Saturday and Sunday)	VND 900,000/day	VND 1,000,000/day	VND 1,400,000/day	VND 1,000,000/day	VND 1,200,000/day

Address: Ty Lai agency, no. 55, 16 Street, Ward 4, District 4, HCMC

Phone: (+84) 919 39 33 30

Simple car rental procedure: Passport in Ho Chi Minh City (required), name in the ID card in the Passport, driving license (photo).

III. TAM COC RESORT & HOTEL

1. Tam Coc resort

a. Tam Coc Garden resort – Green space for you

Getting away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, soaking up the tranquil setting of the village of Tam Coc Garden is an ideal place for those who love nature, culture and cuisine. people of North Vietnam. Nestled in the middle of the romantic rice paddies, this will be an excellent opportunity to experience and blend into the lives of the locals.

Tam Coc Garden is full of values ​​related to green tourism, cultural tourism and community tourism. These values ​​are not only illustrated by cultural exploration activities at the hotel, but also through the motto of Tam Coc Garden staff.

Coming to Tam Coc Garden, visitors also feel the style is very unique, but close and familiar through the architecture of the countryside with the surrounding rice paddies, traditional houses of stone , tile roofs, bamboo fences, vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

Price: VND 3,345,990/night/room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	5 stars	8.5/10	9.5/10	3.5 stars

Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 966 032 555

b. Ninh Binh Hidden Charm hotel & resort – Cosy home for your trip

Just a few minutes walking to Tam Coc Marina, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is a perfect choice for you to rest and admire the rare beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong (known locally as Ha Long on land as well as many other beautiful attractions such as Thung Chim, Sunshine, Trang An complex, Hoa Lu ancient capital, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Van Long Dam, Phat Diem Cathedral, Kenh Ga Hot Spring …

Situated on a shady tree-lined road to Tam Coc Wharf, nestled in the midst of a scenic spot in the golden field and far away from the slopes, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm is a warm and peaceful home. The hotel is designed very delicate and luxurious with the dedicated service and thoughtful staff of professionals, promises to bring exciting experiences for you with your family, bring you the feeling as warm as it is in your home, so you can enjoy and relax.

Price: VND 1,376,284/night/room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	4.5 stars	9.0/10	9.3/10	1.5 stars

Address: No.9, Tam Coc, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 2293 888 555

c. Tam Coc Rice Field resort – Nature in your view

Source: booking.com

Rice Fields Resort has 18 rooms all with mirror, non smoking rooms, desk, mini bar, balcony / terrace. Hotel services are free 24 hour room service, 24 hour front desk, fast check in / out, luggage storage, various leisure facilities leather, table tennis, garden. From here, guests can enjoy easily to all that the lively city has to offer

Price: VND 835,601/night/room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	4 stars	8.3/10	8.3/10	3 stars

Address : Mountain 1, Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 306 569 656

2. Tam Coc hotels

a. Tam Coc Bungalow – Preferred by visitors

Source: booking.com

Located in Ninh Binh City, about 10 km far away from Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tam Coc Bungalow offers free Wi-Fi and free private parking. These lodges have a sun terrace and BBQ facilities, while guests can enjoy a drink in the bar.

Some rooms have a seating area for guests’ convenience. Other rooms come with a terrace / balcony. Rooms also have a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Free toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

This homestay offers bicycle and car rental services. Cycling is a popular activity in this area. Guests can play billiards at this homestay. Tam Coc Coconut Resort is 300 meters from Tam Coc Cave and 700 meters from Thai Vi Temple.

Price: VND 789,610/night/ room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	4 stars	8.2/10	8.6/10	2 stars

Address: Vinh Hai village, Hoa Lu commune, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 973 748 081

b. Tam Coc Nature hotel – High rated hotel

Source: booking.com

Set in Ninh Binh, 9 km from Bai Dinh Temple, Tam Coc Nature provides a restaurant, mountain views and free WiFi. Some units have a seating area and/or a balcony. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the lodge.

Price: VND 137,633/night/room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	5 stars	10/10	9.7/10	N/A

Address: Vung Gao zone, Van Lam village, Ninh Hai, Việt Nam

Phone: (+84) 974 991 298

c. Golden dragon hotel – Fit for pocket

Source: booking.com

Located in Ninh Binh City in Ninh Binh Province, 9 km from Bai Dinh Pagoda, Golden Dragon Hotel features a sun terrace and views of the garden and restaurant on site.

Some rooms have seating areas for relaxation. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen satellite TV and a kettle. The private bathrooms feature slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries. Golden Dragon Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

The reception is opened 24 hours a day. Guests can also rent cars here. Phat Diem Cathedral is 30 km from Golden Dragon Hotel while Ninh Binh Stadium is 9 km from the hotel.

Price: VND 467,784/night/room/adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	5 stars	7.3/10	8.0/10	3.5 stars

Address: Gian Khau Bridge, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 869 106 969

d. Tam Coc Family hotel – Place for family

Source: booking.com

Situated in Ninh Binh province, Tam Coc Family Hotel is just 150 meters from Tam Coc – Bich Dong. It features a restaurant, Wi-Fi and free private parking on site.

Each room is air-conditioned and has a private bathroom with shower facilities. Slippers and free toiletries are also provided to ensure guests’ comfort. Reception is open 24 hours a day.

Cycling is a popular activity in the area. The hotel also rents motorbikes. Tam Coc Family Hotel is 1.5 km from Bich Dong Pagoda and 10 km from Bai Dinh Pagoda.

Price: VND 353,931/night/room/2 adults

Review rate:

Source	Tripadvisor.com	Agoda.com	Booking.com	Hotels.com
Rate	5 stars	8.2/10	9.5/10	1.5 stars

Address: Group 3, Van Lam Hamlet, Ninh Hai , Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 943 677 874

IV. THINGS TO DO IN TAM COC

In Tam Coc – Bich Dong, you can follow the tours to discover every places you want. There are so many tours for you to choose.

1. Tam Coc – Thai Vi Temple – Thien Huong Cave

Tam Coc, meaning “three caves”, includes Ca cave, Hai cave and Ba cave. All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River pierced through the mountains. Tam Coc is the first yacht to be operated in Tam Coc – Bich Dong.

Ca Cave is 127 m long, through a large mountain, the cave is over 20 m wide. In the cool cave there are many stalactites hanging down with many kinds of images. Hai cave , which is near Ca cave about 1 km, 60 m long,and, the ceiling has many stalactites hanging down very strange

Ba Cave , which is near Hai Cave, 50 m long, cave ceiling as a rock arch, lower than the other two caves

To visit Tam Coc, visitors can go to the boat from the central station. Boats to tourists on the Ngo Dong river winds through the cliffs, caves, rice fields. Time to go is  about 2 hours. The scenery of Tam Coc, especially on the two sides of the Ngo Dong River, can be changed by the rice (green rice, yellow rice or silver in the field). 

Thien Huong cave is located on the road from Ngo Dong River to Thai Vi Temple,which is a dry and bright cave located in the middle of the mountain about 15 m above the ground. The cave is about 60 m high, 40 m deep, 20 m wide. The hollow is also known as the Heaven, which is located in the shrine of Tran Thi Dung, wife of King Ly Hue Tong, who gave the people of Ninh Hai commune embroidery.

2. Bich Dong – Xuyen Thuy cave

Source: halongbay.holiday

Bich Dong is located about 2 km from Tam Coc, meaning “green”, is the name by the Deputy Minister Nguyen Nghiem, the father of great poet Nguyen Du set for the cave in 1773. This is one of the landscapes in the group. Called the “Nam Thien Quoc”, Nam Bien Cave is known as “Nam Thien Dien cave”, which stand in  front of the cave is a branch of the Ngo Dong River, bending on the side of the mountain. On the other side of the river is the rice field.

Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient temple associated with rock mountains with Asian style. It was built from the beginning of Le Dynasty. In the pagoda, there is a large bell cast from the reign of King Le Thai To, the tomb of monks who built pagodas. Le Hien Tong (1740-1786) pagoda was expanded, including the Lower Temple, Central Pagoda, Upper Pagoda, spread over three floors.

Thuy cave is a dark and submerged cave located along Bich Dong. It is like a semi-circular tube of stone about 350 m long winding from east to west. The average width of the Trans-Ocean is 6m, the widest is 15m. Ceilings and walls are usually flat, creating as large stone blocks into the dome, semicircle with many shapes.

Entrance to the cave is in the back of the mountain, opposite to the entrance to Bich Dong. At the end of the journey, visitors can climb mountains to the cave and Bich Dong Pagoda.

3. Thach Bich – Thung Nang

Source: sachgiai.com

Starting from Dinh Canh wharf (Tam Coc), guests have to travel more than 500 m to Thach Bich boat to sunbathe. Crossing the waterway with two sides of the fence, mountain duplicate, through the Temple. Going about 3 km , tourist boat trip will come with many legends such as Ba Doi, Nui Coc mountain, Mang mountain, Vang mountain …  

Thung Nang belongs to Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. Coming to the road to Thung Nang, you have to go by boat about 3 km long. Roads have a lot of reeds. Under the aqua cool is the physical system. Environment born at the Sun still retains the wild angle.

At night, customers will feel cool because the ceiling is very low, the stalactites falling down with various shapes. Before the door to the trees. Here you can dock boats to take breaks, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. Both a upside of fields are retaining a foreign structure of perspective.

In the afternoon, the empty areas of the entire area are made up of an attractive feature of the sun loungers. Sunshine is connected by the tourist route: Thach Bich – Thung Nang – Temple Voi – Thung Nang Cave – Thung Nang Temple – Thung Nang Village – Thung Nham – Pristine Forest – Hang Buoi – Bird Park – Hang Cave – Hang Pagoda.

4. Trang An – Ninh Binh

Trang An is an ecotourism site located in the World Heritage Complex of Trang An in Ninh Binh Province. It has been ranked by the Government of Vietnam as a national monument of special importance and UNESCO is recognized as a world heritage site from 2013. Trang An with a system of limestone mountains with geological age about 250 million years, Through long time weathered by the change of the earth, climate, sea, degradation sea brought in hundreds of valleys, caves and lagoons. This lighthouse is home to many wetland ecosystems, limestone forests, archaeological sites and cultural and historical monuments.

5. Bai Dinh pagoda