Tam Coc literally means “Three grottoes” is a combination of two distinct attractions: Tam Coc - a flooded cave karst system, and a series of mountain pagodas located in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh province. Tam Coc Vietnam is also known by another name as “Halong bay on land” due to its romantic and peaceful sceneries, which are very charming and amorous.
I - How to get from Hanoi to Tam Coc Vietnam?
Tam Coc is located about 90km to the south of Hanoi. Travelers can easily get there by bus, train, or motorbike.
Source: Internet
By bus
Travel by bus from Hanoi to Tam Coc also takes you about 3 hours. You can easily catch one with the route to Ninh Binh in Giap Bat bus station with the ticket around $4. However, those buses will not drop you off in Tam Coc directly but stop at Ninh Binh bus station where you take a cab to go to this place with the cost is not much more expensive than motorbike.
By train
To get here by train is also a convenient choice because there are some trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh station everyday namely SE1( 19:30 pm) reaching Ninh Binh at 21:46, SE3 (22:00) - Ninh Binh (00:10), SE5 (09:00) – Ninh Binh (11:21), SE7 (06:00) arriving in Ninh Binh at 08:22 and SE19 (20:05) - Ninh Binh at 23:00. The trip might take you about 2 or 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh station. From there, you can take a cab to go to Tam Coc.
Travel by bus from Hanoi to Tam Coc also takes you about 3 hours. You can easily catch one with the route to Ninh Binh in Giap Bat bus station with the ticket around $4. However, those buses will not drop you off in Tam Coc directly but stop at Ninh Binh bus station where you take a cab to go to this place with the cost is not much more expensive than motorbike.
By train
To get here by train is also a convenient choice because there are some trains from Hanoi to Ninh Binh station everyday namely SE1( 19:30 pm) reaching Ninh Binh at 21:46, SE3 (22:00) - Ninh Binh (00:10), SE5 (09:00) – Ninh Binh (11:21), SE7 (06:00) arriving in Ninh Binh at 08:22 and SE19 (20:05) - Ninh Binh at 23:00. The trip might take you about 2 or 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh station. From there, you can take a cab to go to Tam Coc.
II - Tam Coc weather
Source: Internet
Located in a tropical monsoon climate, weather in Tam Coc has four seasons including spring, summer, autumn, and winter in a year. Each season has its own unique charm. Besides, the atmosphere is normally cool and fresh due to the rock mountain, a large number of rivers and springs, profuse greenery. As a result, this miraculous landscape is available for travelers to come most of the year. Nonetheless, the best time to visit tam coc cave is in the early May or June when all fields in the Ngo Dong River delta next to there are golden with wheat ready for harvest
III - Exploring Tam Coc Ninh Binh Vietnam
1 - Historical information
Source: ldlacviet
According to an old chronicle named "Thai Vi Quoc te Ngoc ky", Tam Coc Ninh Binh is home of several historic relics related to the Tran dynasty and has witnessed a number of ups and downs in Vietnam's history. Legend has it that King Tran Thai Tong had enjoyed contemplating beautiful landscapes around the country after abdicating in favor of King Tran Thanh Tong.
When he reached Vu Lam, he was amazed by the scene of rolling majestic mountains of this landscape. He decided to build a small chamber to relax in Ca Cave - one of the three stunning caves situated there. However, the space inside the cave had shrunk gradually so he moved to the surrounding area which is Thai Vi Temple now. Tam Coc also acted as the base during the Second War against the Mongolian and the Indochina War.
When he reached Vu Lam, he was amazed by the scene of rolling majestic mountains of this landscape. He decided to build a small chamber to relax in Ca Cave - one of the three stunning caves situated there. However, the space inside the cave had shrunk gradually so he moved to the surrounding area which is Thai Vi Temple now. Tam Coc also acted as the base during the Second War against the Mongolian and the Indochina War.
2 - Entrance fee
The entrance ticket of this place is sold next to the entrance with the following price:
- Adult who are over 1.4 metter high ticket: $5 / pax
- Children who are under 1.4 metter high ticket: $2.5 / pax
- Child under 1 meter: free
If you want to discover Tam Coc by boat, you may have to pay about $7 / boat for 2 foreigners.
- Adult who are over 1.4 metter high ticket: $5 / pax
- Children who are under 1.4 metter high ticket: $2.5 / pax
- Child under 1 meter: free
If you want to discover Tam Coc by boat, you may have to pay about $7 / boat for 2 foreigners.
3 - Landscape
Due to geologists, a very long time ago this place was full up with flapping sea waves. Several centuries passed by, the waves eroded into the cliffs creating different shapes of limestone systems. Nowadays, to reach Tam Coc Cave, travelers usually start from the center wharf by boat. Along the Ngo Dong river, through rice fields, travelers will have time to enjoy the cool air, beautiful sky with clouds, the natural mountainous terrain in various shapes, and the limestone caves lying on the Ngo river crossing peacefully. The harmonic image created by the yellow color of Tam Coc rice fields and green of water and limestone mountains is a remarkable feature of this place.
Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Cave - Source: Internet
4 - Cave systems
'Tam Coc' has a meaning of three grottos in Vietnamese (“Tam'' means ba, “Coc” means cave), including Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba cave. All three caves are created by Ngo Dong river through mountains, therefore, a boat ride that runs along this river through caves, rice fields, and unique karst rocks will offer you an extraordinary feeling like cruising down a natural kingdom.
Ca Cave
This is the largest cave with a length of 127m and a cave mouth of 20m wide. Besides, it's also considered as the most beautiful cave owing to many majestic natural arts deep inside.
Hai Cave
Located nearly 1km far from Ca Cave, Hai Cave is about 60km long. It impresses travelers by a diversity of sparkling stalactites on its ceiling.
Ba Cave
Standing right next to Hai Cave is Ba Cave. This cave is about 50m long and its ceiling is the lowest one. However, its mysterious beauty like a rocky arch in which Mother Nature carefully carves with the sophisticated features can satisfy any nature lover around the world!
Ca Cave
This is the largest cave with a length of 127m and a cave mouth of 20m wide. Besides, it's also considered as the most beautiful cave owing to many majestic natural arts deep inside.
Hai Cave
Located nearly 1km far from Ca Cave, Hai Cave is about 60km long. It impresses travelers by a diversity of sparkling stalactites on its ceiling.
Ba Cave
Standing right next to Hai Cave is Ba Cave. This cave is about 50m long and its ceiling is the lowest one. However, its mysterious beauty like a rocky arch in which Mother Nature carefully carves with the sophisticated features can satisfy any nature lover around the world!
You may concern: The most beautiful caves in Vietnam
5 - Famous attractions near Tam Coc Vietnam
Source: Eila Lifflander
Mua Cave
Recently, Mua Cave became one of the must-see attractions for young travelers to Ninh Binh which offers them a chance for viewing the picturesque landscape of Tam Coc from the peak above.
- Address: Khe Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The distance between Tam Coc and Mua Cave is about 9km.
- Entrance ticket: $4 / pax
Bich Dong Pagoda
Not a usual pagoda, Bich Dong consists of a series of atmospheric caves filled with ancient shrines which are Ha (the lower), Trung (the middle), and Thuong (the upper) Pagoda on different levels and you have to climb up the hillside to explore each of them. Climbing up to the highest one may take you a lot of effort but when you reach the top, the views are well worth it.
- Address: Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
- Entrance ticket: free
Hoa Lu - the Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam is the first capital of the feudalism state of centralized power in Vietnam that still retains a glorious relic system related to the history of Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. As a result, this important National relic complex is always an ideal place for those who love to explore and learn about history and culture.
- Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Entrance ticket: $1 / pax
Trang An
Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site In Vietnam in 2014, Trang An certainly merits a visit. This scenic landscape of extraordinary beauty is a blend of towering cliff-bounded mountains draped in the natural rain forest surrounded by quietly flowing waters connected through a myriad of underground streams and caverns.
- Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The distance from Tam Coc Ninh Binh to Trang An is about 14.4km.
- Entrance ticket:
- Adult ticket: $11 / pax
- Children ticket: $5 / pax
- Tour guide: $13.5 / pax
Ngo Dong river
It's the fact that Ngo Dong river has been playing a role as the soul of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. Taking a boat trip rows along this river to visit three karst caves, limestone mountain, rice fields and watch locals working on rice fields or fishing in this place will be an unforgettable experience.
- Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Ticket price: $6.5 / boat for 2 people / one way
Recently, Mua Cave became one of the must-see attractions for young travelers to Ninh Binh which offers them a chance for viewing the picturesque landscape of Tam Coc from the peak above.
- Address: Khe Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The distance between Tam Coc and Mua Cave is about 9km.
- Entrance ticket: $4 / pax
Bich Dong Pagoda
Not a usual pagoda, Bich Dong consists of a series of atmospheric caves filled with ancient shrines which are Ha (the lower), Trung (the middle), and Thuong (the upper) Pagoda on different levels and you have to climb up the hillside to explore each of them. Climbing up to the highest one may take you a lot of effort but when you reach the top, the views are well worth it.
- Address: Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province.
- Entrance ticket: free
Hoa Lu - the Ancient Capital
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam is the first capital of the feudalism state of centralized power in Vietnam that still retains a glorious relic system related to the history of Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. As a result, this important National relic complex is always an ideal place for those who love to explore and learn about history and culture.
- Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Entrance ticket: $1 / pax
Trang An
Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site In Vietnam in 2014, Trang An certainly merits a visit. This scenic landscape of extraordinary beauty is a blend of towering cliff-bounded mountains draped in the natural rain forest surrounded by quietly flowing waters connected through a myriad of underground streams and caverns.
- Address: Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The distance from Tam Coc Ninh Binh to Trang An is about 14.4km.
- Entrance ticket:
- Adult ticket: $11 / pax
- Children ticket: $5 / pax
- Tour guide: $13.5 / pax
Ngo Dong river
It's the fact that Ngo Dong river has been playing a role as the soul of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. Taking a boat trip rows along this river to visit three karst caves, limestone mountain, rice fields and watch locals working on rice fields or fishing in this place will be an unforgettable experience.
- Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Ticket price: $6.5 / boat for 2 people / one way
Bai Dinh Pagoda - Source: Jonathan Ouimet
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh pagoda is a famous pagoda for its Asian and the region record which includes both majestic sceneries and spiritual values. Come to this largest spiritual pagoda in Vietnam, travelers might be amazed by its impressive architecture which has been holding a number of records namely Gilt bronze statues of Asia's largest, Largest bronze Buddha in Southeast Asian, The largest bell Vietnam, Largest pagoda in Vietnam, and Longest corridor Asian Horn.
- Address: Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province
- Electric car ticket: $1.5 / pax
- Entrance ticket: $2 / pax
Bai Dinh pagoda is a famous pagoda for its Asian and the region record which includes both majestic sceneries and spiritual values. Come to this largest spiritual pagoda in Vietnam, travelers might be amazed by its impressive architecture which has been holding a number of records namely Gilt bronze statues of Asia's largest, Largest bronze Buddha in Southeast Asian, The largest bell Vietnam, Largest pagoda in Vietnam, and Longest corridor Asian Horn.
- Address: Gia Sinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province
- Electric car ticket: $1.5 / pax
- Entrance ticket: $2 / pax
6 - Tam Coc boat ride trip
Source: Liliana Ventura
Exploring limestone caves and ancient relics around Tam Coc during a boat tour on the river is one of the most unforgettable experiences for you.
- Price: $7 / boat
- Duration: 1,5 - 2 hours
- Opening hours: 7 am - 6 pm
- Boat tour: Travelers are free to set a route on their own. The most basic tour normally runs through Ngo Dong river, and takes you through three caves, rice fields, and unique karst rocks. Hang Ca is the first grotto measure 127m, the second grotto is Hang Hai with the length of 60m, Hang Ba is the third grotto is near Hang Hai with the length of 50m.
- Price: $7 / boat
- Duration: 1,5 - 2 hours
- Opening hours: 7 am - 6 pm
- Boat tour: Travelers are free to set a route on their own. The most basic tour normally runs through Ngo Dong river, and takes you through three caves, rice fields, and unique karst rocks. Hang Ca is the first grotto measure 127m, the second grotto is Hang Hai with the length of 60m, Hang Ba is the third grotto is near Hang Hai with the length of 50m.
IV - Tam Coc accommodation
1 - Hotels
Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow
Located about 0.6 km from Tam Coc, Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow features an outdoor pool, garden and bar, and several other facilities that can fulfill your needs.
- Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0942 987 801
- Rate: $35
Little Tam Coc
Little Tam Coc which is used to impressing travelers with its harmony architecture mixed between ancient and modern style.
- Address: Dam Khe Ngoai, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0965 622 888
- Rate: $48
Located about 0.6 km from Tam Coc, Tam Coc Wonderland Bungalow features an outdoor pool, garden and bar, and several other facilities that can fulfill your needs.
- Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0942 987 801
- Rate: $35
Little Tam Coc
Little Tam Coc which is used to impressing travelers with its harmony architecture mixed between ancient and modern style.
- Address: Dam Khe Ngoai, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0965 622 888
- Rate: $48
2 - Homestays near Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay:
Situated just 0,3 km away from Tam Coc, Sunshine Homestay became a priority choice of travelers not only because of its location but also its affordable price. It also owns an outdoor pool, garden and bar, and several other facilities that can comfort most of the travelers.
- Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0987 845 907
- Rate: $24
Situated just 0,3 km away from Tam Coc, Sunshine Homestay became a priority choice of travelers not only because of its location but also its affordable price. It also owns an outdoor pool, garden and bar, and several other facilities that can comfort most of the travelers.
- Address: Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0987 845 907
- Rate: $24
Source: Booking
Tam Coc Melody Homestay
Located only 600m from Tam Coc, Tam Coc Melody Homestay impresses a number of travelers due to its wonderful view, beautiful garden, and modern interiors.
- Address: Dam Khe Ngoai, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0972 561 445
- Rate: $15
Located only 600m from Tam Coc, Tam Coc Melody Homestay impresses a number of travelers due to its wonderful view, beautiful garden, and modern interiors.
- Address: Dam Khe Ngoai, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0972 561 445
- Rate: $15
For more choices, you can refer to: Top hotels in Ninh Binh
3 - Resorts in Tam Coc Vietnam
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is one of the best boutique hotels and resorts that lead you to the picturesque beauty of here. The fine art of luxury together with heartfelt service might offer true serenity and relaxation experience.
- Address: 9 Tam Coc Bich Dong Tourism Centre, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0914 573 322
- Rate: $91
Tam Coc Garden Resort:
Ideal for fun and relaxation, this 4-star resort offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Ninh Binh. Surrounded by paddy fields and lush greenery, Tam Coc Garden Resort features an outdoor pool, comfortable rooms with a private terrace overlooking the garden or mountain that promises travelers a comfortable getaway from hustle city. Moreover, it offers free rental of bicycles for customers to explore the surrounding whenever they want.
- Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Ninh Bình Province
- Phone number: 0378 253 555
- Rate: $138
Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is one of the best boutique hotels and resorts that lead you to the picturesque beauty of here. The fine art of luxury together with heartfelt service might offer true serenity and relaxation experience.
- Address: 9 Tam Coc Bich Dong Tourism Centre, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0914 573 322
- Rate: $91
Tam Coc Garden Resort:
Ideal for fun and relaxation, this 4-star resort offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Ninh Binh. Surrounded by paddy fields and lush greenery, Tam Coc Garden Resort features an outdoor pool, comfortable rooms with a private terrace overlooking the garden or mountain that promises travelers a comfortable getaway from hustle city. Moreover, it offers free rental of bicycles for customers to explore the surrounding whenever they want.
- Address: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Ninh Bình Province
- Phone number: 0378 253 555
- Rate: $138
V - Where to eat in Tam Coc Vietnam - Tam Coc restaurants
Source: Fb T-Pub Restaurant
Thao Beo Restaurant Bar
- Address: Tam Coc street, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0832 622 667
- Feature: Vietnamese, Asian and Western cuisine
- Price range: $1.5 - 10
T-Pub Restaurant
- Address: 3 Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0904 919 982
- Feature: Vietnamese and Western cuisine
- Price range: $2 - 10
Hoa Luan restaurant
- Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0947 433 412
- Feature: Vietnamese and Asian cuisine
- Price range: $1.5 - 7
- Address: Tam Coc street, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0832 622 667
- Feature: Vietnamese, Asian and Western cuisine
- Price range: $1.5 - 10
T-Pub Restaurant
- Address: 3 Van Lam, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0904 919 982
- Feature: Vietnamese and Western cuisine
- Price range: $2 - 10
Hoa Luan restaurant
- Address: Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province
- Phone number: 0947 433 412
- Feature: Vietnamese and Asian cuisine
- Price range: $1.5 - 7
Tips: It is suggested that travelers should purchase a Tam Coc - Bich Dong's map in avoiding missing some distinguished attractions. Furthermore, it might be extremely essential in detecting direction and destinations for those who prefer to discover this area on their own instead of being led by tour guides.
These above are all shared experiences of visiting Tam Coc. Hopefully, through this article, we will help you have an interesting Tam Coc trip. Tourists should choose the Tam Coc Vietnam tour to ensure convenience as well as discover many interesting things in this charming country.
These above are all shared experiences of visiting Tam Coc. Hopefully, through this article, we will help you have an interesting Tam Coc trip. Tourists should choose the Tam Coc Vietnam tour to ensure convenience as well as discover many interesting things in this charming country.
— Quan Nguyen
