All things need to know before travelling to Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is not only known as a tourist destination but also a natural and cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, and is often included in Vietnam tour packages from Singapore for travelers exploring the natural and cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam. With a large natural area, the landscape here is extremely diverse and rich. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful space of the countryside and the beautiful scenery here.
Let’s explore the beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong with the Origin Vietnam team through the article below!
1. Where is Tam Coc – Bich Dong?
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is part of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex located in Ngu Nhac Son, Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The tourist area is about 7 km southwest of Ninh Binh city, about 100 km south of Hanoi city center and about 125 km from Noi Bai airport – Hanoi.
2. How is Tam Coc – Bich Dong Unique?
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – a World Cultural and Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO in 2014. This tourist area was also classified by the State as a Special National Monument in 2012, along with Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Trang An Eco-tourism Area.
This place has a large area of up to 350 hectares and is surrounded by a system of limestone caves and many important historical and cultural relics. In particular, Bich Dong is known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” with a dry cave and a water cave piercing through the mountain. Tam Coc means 3 caves including Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, created from a Ngo Dong river flowing through the mountain.
Along the Ngo Dong River, visitors will feel the cool, fresh air, admire the majestic limestone mountains and stalactites in the caves with unique shapes. On both sides are golden rice fields and ancient pagodas, hidden behind the green canopy of ancient trees.
3. When is the best time to travel to Tam Coc – Bich Dong?
Tam Coc – Bich Dong, Ninh Binh province in Northern Vietnam, is located in a humid subtropical climate zone with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. The best time for tourists to choose to go to Tam Coc – Bich Dong is in early Spring and mid-Summer.
3.1. Travel to Tam Coc – Bich Dong in early Spring
Early spring is from January to March of the lunar calendar. The weather is relatively cool and there is little rain, suitable for visitors to fully enjoy the Ninh binh day tour to explore Tam Coc Bich Dong. Along with that, there are many special festivals taking place at this time, visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling but still solemn festival atmosphere here.
3.2. Travel to Tam Coc – Bich Dong in mid-Summer
Traveling here in mid-summer, around the end of May – beginning of June, visitors will surely be overwhelmed by the brilliant scenery of golden rice fields on both sides of the river and large lotus ponds in full bloom, fragrantly filling the whole land.
4. How to get to Tam Coc – Bich Dong?
4.1. Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city
4.1.1. Travel by bus
Buses are the means of transportation to Ninh Binh chosen by many tourists from the North and North Central Vietnam. There are many bus companies from Hanoi to Ninh Binh every day with different schedules.
If departing from Hanoi, visitors can buy tickets at major bus stations: My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat bus station, Nuoc Ngam bus station to Ninh Binh bus station. Travel time between the two provinces is about more than 1 hour. Some reputable bus companies that visitors can refer to: Hai Thang, Anh Vu, Thuy Duong, Hoang Thin, Anh Dong…
4.1.2. Traveling by train
Ninh Binh is a province with the North-South railway running through it, so visitors can easily buy tickets and get here by train. The travel time is quite long due to having to go through many stations, but it can help visitors save money and experience a new feeling when taking the train.
For visitors departing from Hanoi, tickets can be purchased at Hanoi station with many trains at different times of the day. Trains from Hanoi passing through Ninh Binh: SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7 and SE19.
4.1.3. Travel by motorbike or personal car
Traveling by motorbike or private car is suitable for tourists who love to explore, this will definitely be the perfect choice. This form of transportation will help tourists be proactive about time, freely enjoy the beautiful scenery during the Ninh Binh travel journey.
For tourists traveling by motorbike, departing from Hanoi city center, go straight along Highway 1A to the South. It takes about 2 hours to reach the tourist destinations in Ninh Binh. Tourists traveling by motorbike should wear helmets and bring all necessary documents when participating in traffic.
For tourists traveling by private car, departing from Hanoi city center, follow Giai Phong street, pass Giap Bat bus station, turn and go straight on CT01 Hanoi – Ninh Binh highway. Travel time is about 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the tourist attractions in Ninh Binh.
4.1.4. Travel by plane
Ninh Binh is a province without an airport, so tourists from far away who want to travel here by air must buy tickets to Noi Bai International Airport – Hanoi.
Tourists buy tickets from their place of residence to Noi Bai airport by buying tickets online or at the ticket counter. Then, tourists choose means of transportation such as buses, motorbikes, cars to get to Ninh Binh.
4.2. Travel from Ninh Binh city to Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tourists from far away, traveling to Ninh Binh by bus or train can use the self-drive motorbike rental service to move freely or rent a taxi. Some reputable motorbike rental shops for tourists to refer to: Duc Anh, Duc Thang, Viet Dung… Tourists can go from Ninh Binh city to Tam Coc – Bich Dong by the following ways:
- Tourists depart from Ninh Binh city, follow National Highway 1A about 4km south, then turn right onto DT491C. Then, go straight for about 2.7km more to arrive.
- Tourists depart from Ninh Binh city, follow National Highway 1A about 800m south, then turn right onto Tue Tinh Street. Then, go straight for about 2.5km, then turn left onto DT491 Street, go another 2.6km, then turn right onto DT491C Street. Continue going straight for about 2.3km more to arrive.
5. Discover the beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Let’s explore with Origin Vietnam the famous tourist attractions that visitors should not miss in Tam Coc – Bich Dong right below!
5.1. Three-cave pagoda complex in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a system of three natural caves located adjacent to each other along the Ngo Dong River through the mountain, including Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. Of which, Hang Ca is the largest and most beautiful cave in Tam Coc. The air in the cave is always cool and there are many stalactites hanging down with many unique shapes such as: a fishing fairy, a dragon, flying clouds…
To visit Tam Coc, visitors can sit on a boat from the central wharf and sail along the Ngo Dong River. Sitting on the boat, visitors will admire the overwhelming natural scenery on both sides of the river with overlapping mountain ranges and vast rice fields. During the journey, visitors will hear interesting ancient stories from the boatman about this Tam Coc place.
5.2. Bich Dong – Xuyen Thuy Dong
Bich Dong – Xuyen Thuy Dong was affectionately given the title “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” – the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam by the ancients. Nature has created this place a beautiful natural picture with a dry cave located halfway up the mountain, an ancient temple with a strong Asian style and a water cave piercing through the mountain called Xuyen Thuy Dong.
Xuyen Thuy Dong is shaped like a semicircular tube, hiding mysteries and unique natural masterpieces. The cave is about 350m long, about 6m wide, the shape of the ceiling and walls of the cave creates a very unique arch. The entrance to Xuyen Thuy Dong is opposite Bich Dong Pagoda behind the mountain. After visiting Xuyen Thuy Dong, visitors can climb the mountain to visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
5.3. Bich Dong Pagoda
About 3km from Tam Coc wharf is the ancient Bich Dong pagoda, built under the limestone mountainside around the 15th century. The pagoda stands out with its separate Tam-shaped architecture, bearing the style of ancient Vietnamese pagodas. Bich Dong pagoda has three separate pagodas including Ha pagoda, Trung pagoda and Thuong pagoda, arranged along the mountainside, creating a unique and impressive landscape. Along with that is a system of 3 caves combined to create a unique complex.
After nearly 600 years of existence, Bich Dong Pagoda is not only a sacred temple but also a place to preserve many cultural and historical values. With a nostalgic space and typical traditional architecture, the pagoda is a spiritual destination that brings a sense of peace and serenity among the mountains to all visitors.
5.4. Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is a famous sacred temple in Tam Coc Ninh Binh, where the Tran kings and generals and Queen Thuan Thien are worshiped. The temple was built on the foundation of Vu Lam palace, to consolidate forces in the resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol army that invaded Vietnam for the second time. The temple is nestled in a peaceful natural space, on the right is Ngo Giang river, on the left is Coi Linh mountain. It’s one of the must visit destination in Ninh Binh.
In front of the temple is a jade well also built of green stone, which is emerald green all year round. Inside the temple are many valuable statues, stone steles and ancient cast bells. In early spring, the Thai Vi temple festival is held again, visitors will be able to attend the festival with many solemn ritual activities and special entertainment and games.
5.5. Thien Huong Cave
Thien Huong Cave is also known as the Fragrant Heaven Cave. This is a dry cave located halfway up Dong Vo Mountain, along the road from Ngo Dong River leading to Thai Vi Temple. The first impression for visitors is that the cave has a large, deep space like the hollow inside a giant stone bell.
Behind the cave, there is a vertical path leading to the top of the mountain, creating a ventilation hole that always keeps the cave cool and airy. Inside the cave, there is a shrine to Mrs. Tran Thi Dung – wife of King Ly Hue Tong. The shrine was built in the typical communal house and pagoda architectural style, decorated with delicate and unique reliefs and carvings of dragons and phoenixes, adding to the solemnity and majesty of Thien Huong cave.
5.6. Fairy Cave – Linh Coc Pagoda
Tien Cave, part of the Tam Coc – Bich Dong complex, is a system of three very large, wide and high caves. When entering the cave, visitors will admire the myriad beauty of sparkling stalactites and stone veins. Thanks to natural changes, the shapes of the stalactites have unique shapes such as rice plants, money trees, fairy gods, tigers, lions, monitor lizards, etc.
The pagoda has three compartments facing northwest, where the holy monk A Nam Da and the Western Patriarch, with a high nose, curly hair, and Indian beard, are worshiped. The Mother Temple facing southwest is built in the shape of the letter Tam, where the Three Holy Mothers are worshiped. Linh Coc Pagoda exudes a peaceful and quiet beauty, creating a spiritual space amidst beautiful nature.
5.7. Co Vien Lau
Co Vien Lau is located right next to Tam Coc boat station, an ancient village typical of Northern Vietnam. Visitors coming here will be able to visit ancient houses, communal houses and typical items of ancient times. Co Vien Lau has an area of about 20,000m² and displays a total of 22 ancient houses.
These ancient houses are built close together and divided into two main types: the poor area and the rich area. The houses display traditional tools and equipment such as: sofas, rosewood beds, tea cabinets, and many other objects. The ancient houses at Co Vien Lau are places to preserve traditional heritage and traditional architecture of Vietnam.
6. Interesting experiences in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
6.1. Boat tour of Tam Coc
Exploring Tam Coc Bich Dong on a small boat is an unforgettable experience, bringing a romantic and poetic feeling. During the journey along the river, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the majestic and magnificent natural scenery. The towering limestone mountains stand tall, on both sides of the path are golden ripe rice fields winding along the river, adding to the vividness and eye-catching.
In particular, the river water flows gently and is very clear, so when sitting on the boat, visitors can admire the beauty of green seaweed and algae. In addition, this experience is also an opportunity for visitors to feel the perfect combination of mountains and water, creating a charming and relaxing natural scene.
6.2. Mountain climbing challenge
Mountain climbing in Bich Dong is an ideal activity to conquer high peaks. Besides, the steep stairs will bring visitors a challenging and adventurous experience. This activity is especially suitable for visitors who love to conquer themselves, overcome their limits and enjoy the joy of victory after each step of conquest.
When climbing the stone steps, visitors not only conquer themselves but also have the opportunity to admire the majestic scenery of this land from above. The climbing process in Bich Dong will take visitors through primeval forests, across streams and admire the beauty of wild nature. This is the perfect opportunity to explore, learn and improve your health and spirit in a natural environment.
6.3. Explore the beauty of the caves
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a complex of beautiful and mysterious natural limestone caves. Visitors can choose to hike through winding trails or experience rowing boats through winding rivers to access these majestic caves.
Inside the caves, visitors will be immersed in a magical world, amazing works of art with unique limestone formations. These caves are a natural treasure bestowed upon this land and are where visitors can admire the rich geological forms formed over thousands of years. Each cave has its own unique beauty waiting for visitors to visit and explore.
7. Enjoy specialties in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is not only famous for its beautiful caves but also for its rich traditional cuisine. Let’s find out about the specialties here!
7.1. Crispy rice
When coming to Ninh Binh, tourists will see burnt rice sold at every tourist spot in the province. Ninh Binh burnt rice is elaborately prepared by mixing two types of dry rice and sticky rice together. Then, the rice is fried until it expands evenly, becomes crispy, golden and spongy, adding a little salty pork floss and special spices.
In particular, burnt rice brings a delicious, crispy, fatty flavor and the salty taste of shrimp paste. If you have the opportunity to travel to Ninh Binh, you should enjoy this burnt rice specialty or buy it as a gift for family and friends.
7.2. Mountain goat meat
Goats in Ninh Binh are raised naturally on the mountain slopes, so the meat is very firm, moderately soft, not too tough and has a characteristic aroma. What creates the special flavor of Ninh Binh mountain goat dishes are the traditional spices of the people here.
There are many dishes made from goat meat for visitors to enjoy such as: raw goat with lemon, stir-fried goat, grilled goat, grilled goat, burnt rice with goat sauce, goat cooked with plum wine, steamed goat, stewed goat, goat hot pot… Visitors can eat with raw vegetables, ginger soy sauce to enhance the flavor and sweetness of mountain goat meat.
7.3. Mountain snail
Mountain snails, also known as rock snails, are a famous specialty dish in Ninh Binh. The snail meat has a traditional medicinal taste because this type of snail often eats forest leaves and medicinal leaves, creating a unique flavor.
Mountain snails are prepared by boiling, steaming or stir-frying with fresh bamboo shoots, tamarind, lemongrass and chili and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. Snails have a delicious taste and many health benefits. Therefore, mountain snails are an extremely interesting specialty for tourists to try and buy as gifts.
8. Accommodation when traveling to Tam Coc – Bich Dong
8.1. Hotels and motels in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
For the convenience of long-term trips in Tam Coc – Bich Dong. We have compiled the most prestigious and quality hotels and motels for visitors to refer to:
- Tam Coc Family Hotel. Address: Team 3, Tam Coc, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- The Long Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Yen Nhi Hotel. Address: Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Duc Tuan Hotel. Address: Van Lam Village, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Lang Viet Co – Co Vien Lau. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Thang Loi Motel. Address: 66 QL1A, Ninh My, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc Dream Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Valatco Hotel. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- August Hotel. Address: Cau Vom, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Nam Hoa Hotel. Address: Tam Coc Tourist Area, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
8.2. Beautiful Homestays in Tam Coc – Bich Dong
For tourists who love nature and plants, choosing a homestay is the most suitable choice. Origin Vietnam has compiled a list of Homestays with beautiful views, quality and amenities for tourists to refer to:
- Tam Coc Mountain View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Limestone View Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Independence Bamboo Homestay. Address: 479 B, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc River View Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Lotus Field Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Greenland Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Hoa Lu Backpacker Homestay. Address: Trang An, Truong Yen, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Nguyen Shack. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Sierra Homestay. Address: Xuan Thanh, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc Westlake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Valley Homestay. Address: Dong Cung, Khe Ha, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Ham Rong Homestay. Address: Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Tam Coc Smile Homestay. Address: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
9. Some notes when traveling to Tam Coc – Bich Dong
To have a complete, economical and wonderful trip to Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh, visitors should note some useful travel experiences below:
- When going boating, tourists should wear life jackets to ensure safety and should go early in the morning to avoid the sun.
- Visitors should prepare hats, sunscreen and other personal belongings to protect themselves.
- Check the weather forecast before departure to avoid going on rainy and stormy days, which may affect your trip.
- For convenience when visiting the caves, visitors should bring a flashlight to admire the unique stalactites.
- You should book hotels, motels, and homestays at least 2 weeks before your trip to have more options and avoid running out of rooms.
- When visiting sacred places, visitors should dress modestly to show respect and not make noise that affects other visitors.
- Bring full identification documents for convenience when checking in for flights, checking into hotels, and renting cars.
- While traveling, you should pay attention to protecting public property and not littering at tourist attractions.
10. Places to visit near Tam Coc – Bich Dong
In addition to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, visitors can visit other famous tourist attractions located in Trang An Scenic Complex such as:
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Thung Nham Bird Garden. Address: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Hang Mua. Address: Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Trang An Eco-tourism Area. Address: Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh
- Bai Dinh Pagoda. Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh
Tam Coc – Bich Dong has a beauty that combines nature and people to create a complex imbued with Vietnamese village culture. Along with the unique limestone cave system and sacred worship buildings, it has always been one of the destinations that many tourists seek out.
If you have any concerns, questions or book a service for a daily Tam Coc tour from Hanoi, please contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator in Vietnam. With a team of enthusiastic and experienced consultants, we will help you have the most interesting and complete journey.
