BlogTam Coc is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Ninh Binh, attracting visitors by the poetic beauty of majestic nature and unique historical relics. Located in the Trang An scenic complex, Tam Coc is considered “Ha Long Bay on land” attracting thousands of tourists every year. To reach this wonderful land, visitors have many options for transportation, from cars, motorbikes, to trains. Let’s find out how to get to Tam Coc, ensuring you have a complete and comfortable journey.
Where is Tam Coc?
Tam Coc
Tam Coc, also known by its full name Tam Coc – Bich Dong, is located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. This location is about 100km south of Hanoi, making it easy for tourists to travel from the city center.
Tam Coc is an important part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a scenic area recognized by UNESCO as a dual World Heritage Site, with a combination of cultural and ecological values. This place stands out for its majestic landscape with majestic limestone mountains, the river winding through three large caves creating a wild and mysterious natural landscape. In addition, the immense rice fields stretching along the riverbank also create a poetic scene, especially in the ripe rice season, when the fields glow golden reflecting the sunlight.
Tam Coc is not only a famous domestic destination but also attracts international tourists, thanks to the harmonious combination of beautiful nature and long-standing historical values. The amazing natural scenery, fresh air and peace of this place are the reasons why Tam Coc is always the top choice for those who want to experience the pristine natural beauty of Vietnam.
How to get to Tam Coc
How to get to Tam Coc
Sinh cafe suggests to readers how to travel to Tam Coc from Hanoi, the southern provinces and how to travel once arriving in Tam Coc.
Travel from Hanoi to Tam Coc
- By train: Although there is no direct train route to Tam Coc, you can still take a train from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Railway Station, which takes about 2.5 hours. From Ninh Binh Railway Station (located at 01 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thanh Binh Ward, Ninh Binh City), you can easily catch a taxi or rent a motorbike to travel about 5 km to Tam Coc. This journey offers the opportunity to admire the beautiful countryside scenery along the way. Hanoi Railway Station is located at 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
- By taxi: If you want convenience and speed, a taxi is a reasonable choice even though it costs more. The trip from Hanoi to Tam Coc will take about 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.
- By motorbike: For those who love to experience freedom, renting a motorbike and driving yourself from Hanoi to Tam Coc is an interesting option. You can freely explore the routes and enjoy the beautiful scenery on this approximately 100km long route.
Travel from the Southern provinces to Tam Coc
- By bus or train: The distance from the South to Ninh Binh is about 1,621 km, and traveling by bus or train will take about 30 hours. This is a suitable choice for travelers who are in good health and want to experience a long journey across Vietnam. You will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of many different regions on the way from the South to the North.
- By plane: To save time and stay healthy, many Southern travelers choose to fly to Hanoi, then continue to Ninh Binh by bus, limousine or taxi. Noi Bai Airport is about 120 km from Ninh Binh, from here there are many means of transportation to help you easily get to Tam Coc.
Getting there once you arrive in Tam Coc
Foreign tourists choose to travel by bicycle
- Rent a motorbike: Many hotels and guesthouses in Tam Coc offer motorbike rental services, giving you the flexibility to explore the area’s famous landmarks, from caves to ancient pagodas.
- Taxi: For short trips, taxis are still a quick and convenient option if you want to travel between attractions without driving.
- Bicycle: If you love the feeling of being in nature and saving money, a bicycle is the ideal means of transport. Many hotels in the Tam Coc area offer free or affordable bicycle rentals, allowing guests to easily explore the small roads and beautiful rice fields.
Best time to travel to Tam Coc
Tam Coc is a famous destination in Ninh Binh, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature combined with unique local culture. Choosing the right time to travel to Tam Coc can greatly affect the visitor’s experience.
From January to April
A beautiful corner of Tam Coc
The cool spring and fresh green scenery from January to April is the ideal time to travel to Tam Coc. The weather is cool, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. In particular, the scenery on both sides of the Ngo Dong River becomes brilliant with lush green rice fields. This is when you can feel the freshness and vitality of the nature of the Northern Delta.
In addition to the charming natural scenery, visitors also have the opportunity to participate in traditional festivals during the Lunar New Year, lasting from January to February. Local festivals such as the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival or the Trang An Festival bring a joyful, sacred atmosphere, an ideal time for you to learn about local culture and beliefs.
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From May to June
If you love the golden season scenery with the vast fields of ripe rice, then the period from May to June is the time not to be missed. At this time, the rice fields along the Ngo Dong River turn golden yellow, creating a poetic scene, like a perfect natural painting.
In addition, this is also the time when lotus flowers bloom outside Bich Dong Cave, creating a graceful, gentle beauty in the middle of a peaceful space. However, because this is summer, the weather can be hot and humid. You should remember to prepare sunscreen, drinking water and a flexible travel plan to avoid sudden rains.
Places to visit in Tam Coc tour
Below are the must-see attractions when tourists start their trip to Tam Coc:
Tam Coc Cave
The beauty of boating through caves
Dubbed as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Tam Coc Cave is one of the iconic destinations of Ninh Binh. The Tam Coc complex consists of three main caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through majestic limestone mountains. Hang Ca is the largest cave, about 127 meters deep, while Hang Hai and Hang Ba are smaller in size, but possess a mysterious and tranquil beauty. Sitting on a boat drifting along the river, visitors can admire the majestic mountain ranges and green rice fields on both banks, creating a peaceful and poetic scene.
Thai Vi Temple
Located not far from Tam Coc, Thai Vi Temple is a sacred place, worshiping Tran Kings such as Tran Thai Tong and Tran Nhan Tong and generals who contributed to the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol army. The temple is located in the Vu Lam palace complex, which was once an important base in Vietnamese history. With its ancient, majestic architecture and tranquil atmosphere, Thai Vi Temple attracts tourists who want to learn more about the country’s history and culture.
Thien Huong Cave
Thien Huong Cave
On the journey from Ngo Dong River to Thai Vi Temple, visitors will encounter Thien Huong Cave – a large and airy cave. Thien Huong Cave is located at a height of about 200 stone steps, opening up a majestic scene. Inside the cave, there is a simple but solemn worshiping room, where locals come to burn incense and pray for peace. This is also a place where visitors can stop and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air of the mountainous region.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is one of the outstanding spiritual tourist attractions of Ninh Binh, known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” – the second most beautiful cave in the South. The pagoda was built in the 18th century, consisting of three areas: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda and Thuong Pagoda, connected together along the mountainside. Standing on the top of Thuong Pagoda, visitors can look far away, admire the whole view of Tam Coc and the green fields, creating a feeling of peace and serenity. In addition to its spiritual value, Bich Dong Pagoda is also an architectural masterpiece in the middle of the wild mountains and forests.
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Linh Coc Pagoda and Co Vien Lau
These are other attractions located in the Tam Coc area, contributing to enriching the visitor experience. Linh Coc Pagoda is an ancient pagoda with unique architecture, attracting those who love spiritual tourism and want to find a peaceful space. Meanwhile, Co Vien Lau is an ancient architectural museum, displaying ancient houses from all over Vietnam, giving visitors a true look at the lifestyle and culture of ancient Vietnamese people.
Sunny Valley
Scenery in Thung Nang
Thung Nang is one of the ideal destinations for those who love wild nature and want to explore the majestic beauty of mountains and rivers. Thung Nang is surrounded by limestone mountains and cool, clear rivers. Visitors can rent a boat, drift on the water, admire the majestic mountains blending with the blue sky. Thung Nang is a destination for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and temporarily forget the worries of life.
A trip to Tam Coc will bring visitors unforgettable experiences, from mysterious caves, ancient temples, to the breathtaking natural scenery of mountains and rivers. These attractions not only enrich historical and cultural knowledge but also provide an opportunity to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Ninh Binh.
Sinhcafe has been affirming its position in the hearts of international visitors as a reputable, professional and dedicated travel agency. With attractive discovery tours, especially Tam Coc tour, visitors not only have the opportunity to admire the majestic natural beauty of Vietnam but also immerse themselves in the rich culture and history. Sinhcafe is committed to bringing unique, safe and complete experiences for each journey, helping visitors discover new and profound perspectives on the S-shaped country. Tam Coc is just one of many highlights in that wonderful discovery journey, promising to leave unforgettable memories in the hearts of visitors. Readers can refer to some popular tours: Amazing North of Vietnam 6 days 5 nights, 5 days 4 Nights South Vietnam Tour.
