Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

Often refered to as “Halong Bay on Land” due to the lush green rice paddies and towering limestone cliffs, Tam Coc and Ninh Binh are areas of Vietnam that are all too often overlooked by visitors. Just 2 hours south of the bustling city of Hanoi, we think that Tam Coc is one of the best places to visit in Vietnam.

Tam Coc and Ninh Binh are the perfect places to relax and unwind while soaking up the landscape and the culture of Vietnam. It’s the perfect retreat from hectic Hanoi and touristy Halong Bay. In fact, we highly recommend you add at least a couple of days in this beautiful region to your Vietnam itinerary.

Best time to visit

The temperature in Northern Vietnam is hot and humid from May to October and the chance of rainfall is high. This rainfall can spoil your ability to explore the region but it also makes for vivid green rice paddies. November to April tends to be a bit cooler and drier.

You can visit Ninh Binh or Tam Coc at any time of year but best to check the weather prior to departing since pretty much all of the attractions are outdoors.

Check the below table for the general idea of Tam Coc weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 18.6 15.8 13.2
Feb 21 18.4 16.1
Mar 22.9 20.4 18.2
Apr 27.4 24.2 21.6
May 31.8 28.1 24.8
Jun 33.9 29.9 26.7
Jul 33.3 29.7 26.9
Aug 32.3 28.9 26.1
Sep 31 27.7 25
Oct 29.3 25.7 22.7
Nov 26 22.5 19.4
Dec 21.6 18.3 15.4

Tam Coc’s current weather and 7-day forecast

TAM COC WEATHER

Here are top things to do in Tam Coc:

1. Tam Coc Route: Boat Wharf - Ngo Dong River - Tam Coc (Three Caves) - Thai Vi Temple - Thien Huong Grotto

The trip starts from Tam Coc Wharf, takes you about 2 hours two-way.

If you take the Tam Coc Route, the boat will start at the eastern boat wharf and follow the waterway of Ngo Dong River. Actually, Tam Coc was known with the beauty of this part even more widely than the caves themselves. 

On both sides of the winding river are rice fields and limestone mountains which change their own appearance as seasons go by. If you love to experience the boat ride in this particular part, come to Tam Coc in harvest season to see the rice fields in golden color.

Hang Ca 

Hang Cả means 'First Cave', also the largest cave with 127m in length and an entrance 20m high. When the boat enters the cave, you'll a cool, refreshing atmosphere here and also can see beautiful karstic formations. 

Hang Hai

Hang Hai is the Second Cave, also the second largest in size with just 60m long. The second cave is about 1 kilometer from the First Cave. The second cave is known for its gorgeous ceiling.

Hang Ba

Lying just right next to Hang Hai, Hang Ba (Third Cave) is only 50m in length, much lower than the other two. The cave's ceiling looks like a little dome made of limestone.

Thai Vy Temple

Thai Vy is the worshiping place of King Tran Thai Tong, Generals Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai and Queen Tran Thi Dung. In the past, Ninh Binh was the place the Trans chose to build a military base (Hanh Cung Vu Lam) to fight the Mongols. During the boat ride, the rower will stop to let you walk trek up to the temple. 

Thien Huong Grotto

The grotto lies along the river-way to Thai Vi temple, so you can visit the grotto before the pagoda. The grotto is on middle of a small mountain (about 15m above ground), dry and bright, with height of 60m, depth 40m and width 20m. Inside the grotto is the shrine of Quen Tran Thi Dung who taught the locals here the craft of weaving. 

2. Bich Dong Route: Bich Dong - Xuyen Thuy Dong

The boat ride to Bich Dong is separated with Tam Coc boat ride, starting from a different wharf.

Bich Dong Grotto - Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong is the place that was called 'The Second Nicest Grotto in Vietnam'. The beauty of Bich Dong was only behind Huong Tich Grotto. The grotto is a dry one, lying on the middle of the mountain. Bich Dong Pagodas are also located at this site. There are three pagodas on this mountain: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda (Bich Dong Pagoda) and Upper Pagoda. Visitors often visit the first and the second ones, but if you can trek all the way up for the view.

The entrance to Bich Dong mountain is quite a famous spot to take photos, you shouldn't miss. 

Xuyen Thuy Grotto

The grotto is a river grotto going through Bich Dong mountain. It's darker and can be visited by boat. The grotto is 350m long, going from east to west with average width of 6m. The entrance to this grotto is on the opposite side of the pagoda's entrance. 

Dong Tien 

Dong Tien is a fair spot in the complex, located just 1km away from Bich Dong Pagoda. The grotto's ceiling has a gorgeous karst formations hanging down, sparkling under light. There are also bats and birds living inside the grotto.

Other sites near Tam Coc

Hang Mua (Mua Caves)

Only 4km away from Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Mua Cave is the new rising tourist site in Ninh Binh. Most highlighted features in Mua Cave is the trek to Lying Dragon Mountain and Mua Cave Viewpoint.

Van Lam Village

Belonged to Ninh Hai commune, Van Lam village is 6km from Tam Coc Bich Dong. This is a great place to discover the local handicraft of embroidery and enjoy bicycling in the countryside. The remote rice fields with limestone mountains dotting create such a nostalgic yet refreshing feeling. If you're seeking a unique experience in Ninh Binh, don't miss this out.

There are several small towns in the Ninh Binh region of Vietnam so don’t feel like you need to stay in Ninh Binh town proper. Tam Coc is the most popular town as there are plenty of comfy homestays and many delicious restaurants. Trang An is another area that has a few homestays but less dining options. If you stay in the heart of Ninh Binh town you’ll probably find it to be a bit underwhelming.

We would recommend staying in Tam Coc where you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful countryside but still have plenty of eating and drinking venues right nearby.

Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay

Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay is truly a home away from home. The darling little bungalows are situated right at the base of a massive limestone cliff and lush, green rice paddies are outside of your front door. Rooms have air conditioning, hot water, extremely comfortable beds, and are stocked with coffee and an electric pot. The complimentary breakfast is superb. You’ll love the views from your private front stoop!

Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow

Tam Coc Horizon Bungalow is another amazing choice in a picturesque setting! The owners offer sweet touches like fresh fruit upon arrival, a relaxing foot bath at the end of the day, and they send you off with treats for your upcoming bus ride! Plus the property is partially inside of a cave so the outside showers are truly unique.

Trang An Valley Bungalow

If you’d prefer to stay in Trang An over Tam Coc, then book a room at Trang An Valley Bungalow. Not only do they have a stunning location that is extremely peaceful and relaxing, but also a beautiful pool! It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring the region.

Hoa Luan Restaurant has a large menu filled with Vietnamese classics and a few dishes that you probably haven’t seen before. The fresh spring rolls are delicious and unique – the vegetables inside are cooked and seasoned to perfection!
If you’re tired of eating so much Vietnamese food, how about a little Indian cuisine? Aroma Ninh Binh has a large menu of delectable Indian favorites at reasonable prices. Be sure to try the Aroma Special Naan!

Bamboo Bar and Restaurant and Hai Linh Restaurant are two good choices in Tam Coc proper that offer delicious and affordable Vietnamese fare. Both have outstanding papaya salads and savory meat options including the region specialty, goat.
 

Getting to Tam Coc and Ninh Binh

The town of Ninh Binh is located about 60 miles south of Hanoi. There are three options to get to Ninh Binh – take a train, a bus, or hire a private driver. Or, of course, you can rent a motorbike and drive yourself (although driving in Vietnam is not for the faint of heart).

Tourist Bus

Tourist buses depart from Hanoi around 8:00am and will pick you up from your hotel if you stay in the Old Quarter. Tickets are typically around 160,000 – 250,000 VND ($7-11) per person depending on how luxurious a bus you want. The bus usually takes around 3 hours and makes one 20 minute stop to grab a snack and use the toilet.

We recommend booking bus tickets through Bookaway – there you can see all the bus and train options along with ratings and reviews.

Local Bus

If you’re feeling adventurous, local buses also depart regularly from Hanoi’s southern bus terminal, Giap Bat, but note that you may end up with less space and more stops than you planned for. If you take a local bus and want to visit Tam Coc, you’ll have to take a taxi from the station in Ninh Binh. (The aforementioned tourist buses stop in Tam Coc so you’ll avoid the extra taxi fare.)

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Train

There are 3 trains departing daily from Hanoi Station and include the SE5, SE7, and SE19. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, but keep in mind that trains in Vietnam are often late so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit once you arrive at the station.

You can purchase the train tickets online through the Vietnam Railway site directly or through Bookaway (for some reason it is actually cheaper to buy the ticket through Bookaway).

Getting Around Tam Coc and Ninh Binh

Most of the homestays in Tam Coc have bicycles and motorbikes available to rent. While it’s nice to cruise around on a bicycle, a few of the highlights are outside of town so you’ll have a long ride ahead of you. A motorbike will run you about 120,000 – 150,000 VND/day but you’ll have to fill up the gas tank (~80,000 VND for a full tank).

For many visitors to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, a favorite activity is simply roaming around the back roads on a bicycle or motorbike soaking in the beautiful landscape and views of daily life in rural Vietnam.

If you are staying in Tam Coc and are only interested in visiting Bich Dong Pagoda and taking a Tam Coc boat ride you will be fine with just a bicycle. However, if you want to visit any of the other sites (such as Hang Mu, Trang An, or Hoa Lu) you’ll be much happier on a motorbike as these sites are several miles away from each other.

It’s also rather easy to get lost on the winding back roads of Tam Coc. We always recommend buying a Vietnamese SIM card as soon as you land in the country. Having internet on your cell phone allows you to utilize Google Maps to help with navigation. If you don’t have a local SIM card you can download an offline map of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc in Google Maps.

Contact us to get more information

TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDING "Tam Coc"

Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks

- Vietnam -

Absolute Vietnam Itinerary in about 3 weeks
Must-see / 25 days / fr. $2,950

From ancient cities, beachside towns to Vietnam’s natural landscapes, go on this absolute Vietnam trip that will cover all things essential for an in-depth understanding of the country. From... More

6-Day Red River Delta & Ha Long Bay Cruise Essential 6-Day Red River Delta & Ha Long Bay Cruise Essential

- Vietnam -

6-Day Red River Delta & Ha Long Bay Cruise Essential
Must-see / 6 days / fr. $799

Ha Noi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long are the most interesting and beautiful places which you would not miss when travel to the North of Vietnam. While Hanoi is the country’s center of historical and... More

Vietnam Trek & Cruises: From Pu Luong to Ha Long Bay Vacation in 10 Days Vietnam Trek & Cruises: From Pu Luong to Ha Long Bay Vacation in 10 Days

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Trek & Cruises: From Pu Luong to Ha Long Bay Vacation in 10 Days
Trek & Hike / 10 days / fr. $1,129

Trek and cruise the remote sites of north Vietnam. Beginning at Pu Luong National Park, trek through hidden villages with basic homestay experiences. Then take a boat trip in Tam Coc to discover sp... More

Vietnam Family Adventure: Northern Vietnam Holiday & Vacation Itinerary in 10 Days Vietnam Family Adventure: Northern Vietnam Holiday & Vacation Itinerary in 10 Days

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Family Adventure: Northern Vietnam Holiday & Vacation Itinerary in 10 Days
Family Vacation / 10 days / fr. $995

Perfect for travelling with kids & teenagers, Vietnam offers the perfect combination of adventure and excitement for all the family. Explore the backstreets of Hanoi by cyclo, experience rural... More

Vietnam Cycling Holiday: 13-Day Biking the Famous Ho Chi Minh Trail Vietnam Cycling Holiday: 13-Day Biking the Famous Ho Chi Minh Trail

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Cycling Holiday: 13-Day Biking the Famous Ho Chi Minh Trail
Cycling & Biking / 13 days / fr. $1,758

Delve into Vietnam’s past with a Ho Chi Minh Trail biking adventure. Follow the historic roads as they wind from coastal plains to lush highlands, vibrant towns to sleepy villages. Hop off th... More

17-Day World Heritage Sites in Style 17-Day World Heritage Sites in Style

- Asia -

17-Day World Heritage Sites in Style
Luxury Holiday / 17 days / fr. $3,250

Be captivated by the rich heritage of Southeast Asia. Admire glorious wonders left by the ancient kingdoms of Thailand and Cambodia. Explore vestiges influenced by French colonisation in Laos and C... More

29-day Southeast Asia Spiritual Path 29-day Southeast Asia Spiritual Path

- Asia -

29-day Southeast Asia Spiritual Path
Must-see / 29 days / fr. $3,480

Discover a land that is inherently spiritual and deeply traditional. Visit Southeast Asia’s religious centres, from Chiang Mai to Yangon, Luang Prabang to Siem Reap. Participate in time-honou... More

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi

Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay

Sapa
Sapa

Hoi An
Hoi An

Hue
Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

image
24-hour response
guaranteed!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. Check below our recommended plans regarding the theme you prefer or what you can do based on the time frame you have

Vietnam PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Vietnam PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Vietnam TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Vietnam BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Before being awarded a one-star rating by Michelin Guide for the first time, four Vietnamese restaurants - one in HCMC and three in Hanoi - were honored by international media and received applause from foreign diners.

...more

"Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers

Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience.

Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

...more

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

...more

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

...more

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top