Imagine gliding on a wooden boat through a serene river, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, lush green rice paddies, and mysterious caves. This is Tam Coc, a hidden gem in Vietnam that will take your breath away.
Tam Coc, which means "three caves" in Vietnamese, is a scenic area in Ninh Binh province, about 100 km south of Hanoi. It is part of the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the natural and cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Tam Coc is often called the "Halong Bay on land", as it resembles the famous bay with its karst formations and waterways. However, Tam Coc has its own charm and beauty, with its rural and peaceful atmosphere, its rich history and culture, and its diverse attractions and activities.
In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about Tam Coc, including how to get there, when to visit, what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and how to avoid the scams. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to enjoy and remember in Tam Coc.
How to Get to Tam Coc
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Tam Coc is from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. You have several options to choose from, depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main ways to reach Tam Coc from Hanoi:
- By bus: This is the cheapest and most popular option, as there are many buses that run daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the nearest city to Tam Coc. The bus ride takes about 2 to 3 hours, and costs around 100,000 VND (4.3 USD) per person. You can book your bus ticket online or at the bus station. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, a motorbike taxi, or a local bus to Tam Coc, which is about 7 km away. This will cost you another 50,000 to 100,000 VND (2.2 to 4.3 USD) per person.
- By train: This is a more comfortable and scenic option, as you can enjoy the views of the countryside along the way. There are several trains that run daily from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, and the train ride takes about 2 hours. The train ticket costs around 150,000 to 200,000 VND (6.5 to 8.6 USD) per person, depending on the class and the time. You can book your train ticket online or at the train station. Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, you can take a taxi, a motorbike taxi, or a local bus to Tam Coc, as mentioned above.
- By motorbike: This is a more adventurous and flexible option, as you can explore the area at your own pace and stop whenever you want. However, this option is only recommended for experienced and confident riders, as the roads can be busy and chaotic. You can rent a motorbike in Hanoi for about 150,000 to 200,000 VND (6.5 to 8.6 USD) per day, and the ride to Tam Coc will take about 3 to 4 hours. You will need to follow the highway 1A, and then turn to the road 10, following the signs to Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. You will also need to pay some tolls along the way, which will cost you about 50,000 VND (2.2 USD) in total.
- By car: This is the most expensive and luxurious option, as you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle with a driver. You can hire a car in Hanoi for about 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 VND (65 to 86 USD) per day, and the ride to Tam Coc will take about 2 hours. You can also book a car online or through your hotel. The driver will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at your destination. You will not have to worry about the traffic, the directions, or the parking.
- By tour: This is the most hassle-free and informative option, as you can join a guided tour that will take care of everything for you. You can book a tour online or through your hotel, and there are many options to choose from, depending on your budget, time, and interest. A typical tour will include transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide, and will cost you around 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND (22 to 43 USD) per person. A tour will usually cover not only Tam Coc, but also other attractions in Ninh Binh, such as Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh, or Trang An.
When to Visit Tam Coc
Tam Coc has a tropical monsoon climate, which means that it has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The weather and temperature vary throughout the year, and so does the scenery and the crowd level. Here are some factors to consider when planning your visit to Tam Coc:
- Weather: The weather in Tam Coc can be unpredictable and changeable, so you should always check the forecast before you go. Generally speaking, the best weather is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when it is warm, sunny, and dry, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F). The worst weather is in summer (June to August) and winter (December to February), when it is hot, humid, and rainy, with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F) and 15°C (59°F), respectively. The summer is also the peak season for typhoons, which can cause floods and landslides.
- Rice harvest: The rice harvest is one of the main attractions of Tam Coc, as it transforms the landscape into a stunning spectacle of colors and shapes. The rice fields in Tam Coc are planted twice a year, and each harvest has its own beauty and charm. The first harvest is in May and June, when the rice fields are green and lush, creating a contrast with the blue sky and the brown cliffs. The second harvest is in September and October, when the rice fields are yellow and golden, creating a harmony with the warm sunlight and the green trees. The rice harvest is also the busiest time in Tam Coc, as many tourists flock to see and photograph this natural wonder.
- Crowd level: The crowd level in Tam Coc depends largely on the weather and the rice harvest, as well as the holidays and festivals. The busiest time in Tam Coc is in summer (June to August), especially during the first rice harvest, when it is also the school holiday and the peak season for domestic tourists. The quietest time in Tam Coc is in winter (December to February), especially during the Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year), when it is also the low season for international tourists. The moderate time in Tam Coc is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), especially during the second rice harvest, when it is also the shoulder season for both domestic and international tourists.
Based on these factors, the best time to visit Tam Coc is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when you can enjoy the pleasant weather, the beautiful scenery, and the moderate crowd level. However, you can visit Tam Coc anytime of the year, as long as you are prepared and flexible, and you will still find something to appreciate and enjoy in this amazing place.
What to See and Do in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are many attractions and activities in Tam Coc that will keep you entertained and amazed, whether you are looking for nature, culture, history, or adventure. Here are some of the main things to see and do in Tam Coc:
- Boat tours: The boat tours are the highlight and the most popular activity in Tam Coc, as they allow you to explore the river, the caves, and the rice fields in a unique and relaxing way. There are three different routes to choose from, each with its own duration and highlights. The first route is the classic one, which takes you to the three caves that give Tam Coc its name: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The second route is the alternative one, which takes you to the Thung Nham bird garden, where you can see thousands of birds nesting and flying. The third route is the new one, which takes you to the Thai Vi temple, where you can admire the architecture and the history. The boat tours cost around 150,000 to 200,000 VND (6.5 to 8.6 USD) per person, depending on the route and the season, and last for about 2 hours. The boats are rowed by local women, who use their feet instead of their hands, which is a remarkable skill and a cultural tradition.
- Caves: The caves are the main attraction and the namesake of Tam Coc, as they are the natural wonders that have been formed by the erosion of the river and the limestone over millions of years. There are three caves that you can visit by boat, each with its own size, shape, and features. The first cave is Hang Ca, which is the largest and the longest one, measuring 127 meters long and 20 meters wide. The second cave is Hang Hai, which is the smallest and the shortest one, measuring 60 meters long and 18 meters wide. The third cave is Hang Ba, which is the most beautiful and the most colorful one, measuring 50 meters long and 15 meters wide. The caves are dark and cool, and you can see the stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling and rising from the floor, creating various shapes and figures. The caves are also home to some bats, birds, and insects, so you may hear some noises and smells along the way.
- Temples: The temples are another attraction and a cultural heritage of Tam Coc, as they are the historical and religious sites that date back to the ancient times. There are several temples that you can visit by boat, bike, or foot, each with its own architecture, history, and significance. The most famous temple is the Thai Vi temple, which is located near the third boat route. It was built in the 13th century by the Tran dynasty, and it is dedicated to the four kings who ruled Vietnam during that period. The temple has a unique style, with stone pillars, dragon carvings, and bronze bells. The temple is also surrounded by a lotus pond, a bamboo forest, and a rice field, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Another temple that you can visit is the Bich Dong temple, which is located near the second boat route. It was built in the 15th century by the Le dynasty, and it is composed of three pagodas: the lower, the middle, and the upper. The pagodas are built on the side of a mountain, and you have to climb some stairs to reach them. The pagodas have a traditional design, with wooden structures, tiled roofs, and Buddha statues. The pagodas also offer a panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the river, the caves, and the rice fields.
- Viewpoints: The viewpoints are another attraction and a natural beauty of Tam Coc, as they are the places where you can enjoy the stunning scenery and the breathtaking views of the area. There are several viewpoints that you can visit by bike or foot, each with its own difficulty, distance, and angle. The most famous viewpoint is the Mua cave viewpoint, which is located near the first boat route. It is also the most challenging one, as you have to climb 500 steps to reach the top of a hill, where the viewpoint is located. The viewpoint has a large stone dragon statue, and it overlooks the river, the caves, and the rice fields, giving you a bird's eye view of Tam Coc. Another viewpoint that you can visit is the Hang Mua viewpoint, which is located near the third boat route. It is also a challenging one, as you have to climb 450 steps to reach the top of another hill, where the viewpoint is located. The viewpoint has a small pagoda, and it faces the Thai Vi temple, the lotus pond, and the bamboo forest, giving you a different perspective of Tam Coc.
- Buying souvenirs: Some boat drivers may try to sell you some souvenirs during or after the boat tour, such as drinks, snacks, fruits, hats, or handicrafts. They may also stop at some shops or stalls along the way, and pressure you to buy something. They may also use some tricks to make you feel interested or obliged, such as offering you a free sample, a discount, or a gift. To avoid this, you should know that the souvenirs are usually overpriced and low-quality, and you can find them cheaper and better elsewhere. You should also know that the boat drivers get a commission from the sellers, and they do not care about your satisfaction or needs. You should also be firm and polite, and say no if you do not want to buy anything, or buy only what you like and can afford.
These are some of the scams and tricks that you may encounter in Tam Coc, but there are many more to be aware of, such as fake tickets, fake guides, fake reviews, etc. You should always be careful and vigilant, and do your research and planning before you go. You should also trust your instincts and common sense, and avoid anything that sounds too good to be true. You should also report any scam or trick that you experience or witness, to the authorities or the online platforms, to help other travelers and to improve the situation in Tam Coc.
Conclusion:
Tam Coc is a wonderful and safe place to visit, but like any other tourist destination, it has its share of scams and tricks that can ruin your experience and your budget. The most common scams and tricks in Tam Coc are related to the boat tours, as they are the main attraction and the main source of income for the locals.
Tam Coc is a hidden gem in Vietnam that will enchant you with its natural and cultural beauty. It is a place where you can enjoy the river, the caves, the temples, the rice fields, and the countryside, in a unique and relaxing way. It is also a place where you can learn about the history, the culture, and the people of Vietnam, in a rich and authentic way.
