BlogTam Coc is part of the Trang An scenic complex, attracting tourists not only by its majestic natural scenery but also by the perfect combination of mountains, rivers and immense rice fields. Every step in Tam Coc opens up a poetic and inspiring picture, making this place an unmissable destination in the journey to explore Ninh Binh. In this article, readers, let’s explore with us the Tam Coc things to see that visitors cannot miss when visiting this beautiful land.
Overview of Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc landscape
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. About 100 km south of Hanoi center.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is located in the Trang An scenic complex, a world heritage recognized by UNESCO. This is one of the few world heritages that has both cultural and natural values. Trang An not only brings a rich ecosystem with a system of rivers, primeval forests and limestone mountains, but also preserves many historical values through relics and legends related to the feudal dynasties of Vietnam.
The most prominent feature of Tam Coc – Bich Dong is the majestic limestone mountain landscape and the magnificent natural cave system. Tam Coc, known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, consists of three main caves through ancient limestone mountains. When rowing through these caves, visitors have the opportunity to admire the pristine beauty of stalactites formed over millions of years.
In addition to the caves, the vast rice fields stretching at the foot of the rocky mountains create a peaceful natural landscape. In the ripe rice season, the scenery here becomes more brilliant with the golden color of the rice fields mixed with the green of the mountains. This is a place that attracts many tourists, from those who love the peace of nature to photographers looking for the perfect moment.
In addition to the beautiful natural landscape, Tam Coc – Bich Dong also offers unique cultural experiences. Visitors can visit Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient pagoda leaning against the mountain, considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in the North. The pagoda has both the serene beauty of Buddhist architecture and blends with the natural scenery of the mountains and forests, creating a sacred and quiet space.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to learn more about the history and culture of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The perfect combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage has made this place an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Highlights of Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc gathers many majestic landscapes and historical relics, giving visitors unique experiences. Below are the outstanding attractions that visitors cannot miss when coming to Tam Coc.
Tam Coc Cave
Boat ride through the caves
Tam Coc Cave, also known as “Ba Hang,” is the most prominent tourist attraction in Tam Coc. This is a system of three large caves created by the Ngo Dong River flowing through ancient limestone mountains. The landscape around Tam Coc changes beautifully with the seasons, especially during the ripe rice season, when the surrounding golden rice fields create a poetic and peaceful scene. Visitors can sit on a boat, weaving through the caves to enjoy the majestic beauty of nature, feeling the tranquility and mystery of the limestone caves.
Read more: Tam Coc Wharf: Gateway to Ninh Binh’s majestic beauty
Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is a must-see attraction for history lovers. Located in the Tam Coc area, part of the Vu Lam palace complex, the temple worships Tran Dynasty kings such as Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong and famous generals such as Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai. Thai Vi Temple has both spiritual value and is closely associated with the Tran Dynasty’s resistance against the Yuan-Mongol army, and is a place that preserves the heroic historical imprints of the Vietnamese people.
Thien Huong Cave
Thien Huong Cave
Located on a mountain top about 15 meters above ground, Thien Huong Cave is a dry, airy cave with a large space. The cave is about 20 meters wide, 40 meters deep and 60 meters high, especially illuminated by natural light. Here is an altar to Mrs. Tran Thi Dung, wife of King Ly Hue Tong, a historical figure revered by local people. Thien Huong Cave offers a peaceful spiritual space and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda, known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (the second most beautiful cave in the South), is located between the mountains and rice fields of Tam Coc. The pagoda is built in three floors: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda and Thuong Pagoda, symbolizing three different levels of spirituality. When coming here, visitors will feel the serene beauty of the pagoda and admire the green lotus pond, the ancient entrance gate, creating a majestic and peaceful natural picture typical of Ninh Binh.
Xuyen Thuy Cave
Xuyen Thuy Cave is a flooded cave about 350 meters long and 6 meters wide. The special feature of this cave is the flat dome ceiling, creating a mysterious feeling when visitors row through. The cool air and dim light make Xuyen Thuy Cave an interesting and surprising experience during the exploration.
Fairy Cave
About 1 km from Bich Dong Pagoda, Tien Cave is a unique tourist attraction with three large caves containing many sparkling stone veins, creating colorful and magical images. The rocks inside the cave have strange shapes such as rice plants, money trees, fairies, tigers, and monitor lizards, creating a space that is both mysterious and interesting for visitors to explore.
Linh Coc Pagoda
Linh Coc Pagoda
Linh Coc Pagoda was built during the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong. It is an ancient and sacred pagoda, located in the middle of a flat land with a large pagoda yard and ancestral shrines on both sides. Coming to Linh Coc Pagoda, visitors will find peace in their hearts and have the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture associated with Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
Sunny Valley (Thung Nang)
Thung Nang is a beautiful natural area with green rice fields stretching out and towering limestone mountains. When the sunlight shines on the water, Thung Nang becomes sparkling and charming. Visitors can take a boat through the valley, admire the sunny natural scenery and immerse themselves in the tranquil space of this land.
Read more: How to get to Tam Coc: Your complete guide to a scenic journey
Thung Nham
Thung Nham is a famous ecological area with diverse and rich flora and fauna, especially rare birds. Visitors can participate in bird watching activities or explore the rich cave system in the area. With green space and fresh air, Thung Nham is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to find peace and relaxation.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong travel experience
Tam Coc is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the charming landscape of mountains and rivers, limestone mountains and winding rivers next to vast rice fields. To have a perfect trip, you can refer to the following experiences.
Ideal time to visit
The yellow color of Tam Coc
May and June are the best times to explore Tam Coc. At this time, the golden rice fields stretch along both sides of the Ngo Dong River, creating a brilliant and vibrant landscape. While sitting on a boat down the river, you will have the opportunity to admire the poetic and magnificent scenery of the golden rice fields blending with the towering rocky mountains.
Means of transport
Departing from Hanoi, visitors have many options for transportation to Tam Coc. If you want to save money and experience convenience, you can choose to go by bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh bus station. In addition, if you like the feeling of freedom and flexibility in your schedule, motorbike or private car is a great choice.
Dress and Prepare
Tam Coc has many outdoor activities such as boating on the river, climbing mountains and walking to explore temples and caves. Therefore, you should prepare comfortable, light clothes, especially sneakers or sandals with soft soles for easy movement. You should bring a hat, sunscreen and some drinking water to avoid losing energy when moving a lot. If you plan to climb Bich Dong, comfortable clothes and suitable shoes will help you feel comfortable when going through steep steps.
Note about visiting time
To fully enjoy the beauty of Tam Coc without being affected by the crowds, you should choose to visit early in the morning. When the dawn just appears, the quiet and fresh space will help you feel the wild, pure beauty of nature. In particular, in the morning, the temperature is also cooler, very suitable for outdoor activities such as rowing or climbing.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is an ideal destination for those who love nature and want to explore the majestic beauty of Northern Vietnam. With the experience shared above, hope you will have a complete trip and many beautiful memories here. Sinhcafe offers a variety of tours to explore Vietnam with a stop at Tam Coc, you can refer to the following tours: 5 days 4 Nights South Vietnam Tour, Amazing North of Vietnam 6 days 5 nights.
