Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is renowned for its picturesque water landscapes, majestic limestone mountains, and vast green rice paddies. Visitors here shouldn’t miss the experience of riding a sampan boat on the Ngo Dong River, weaving through natural caves to admire the unique beauty bestowed upon this land by nature. A journey on a sampan is more than just sightseeing; it’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a peaceful space, feel the slow pace of life, and discover the cultural and historical values hidden within each mountain and river.
Tam Coc: Discovering “Vietnam’s Second Most Beautiful Cave” by Sampan
Tam Coc – Bich Dong, located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, is about 90km south of Hanoi. This place is favorably nicknamed “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong” (Vietnam’s second most beautiful cave) or “Halong Bay on Land” due to its majestic beauty, not inferior to the world natural wonder.
The highlight of the Tam Coc exploration journey is the sampan boat ride experience. These small, charming boats will take visitors weaving along the romantic Ngo Dong River, through three mysterious caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave).
Tourists on sampan boats on Ngo Dong River, Tam Coc, with majestic limestone mountains in the background
Throughout the journey, visitors will admire the unique shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millions of years of geological formation. Sunlight shining into the caves creates a shimmering, magical space, making visitors feel like they have stepped into a fairy-tale world.
Sampan Boat Ride: A “Must-Try” Experience When Visiting Tam Coc
Taking a sampan boat in Tam Coc is not just a simple tourist activity, but also a unique cultural experience. The boat drivers here are often gentle and honest locals. They are not only the ones who steer the boat, but also enthusiastic tour guides, ready to share interesting stories about the history, culture, and people of Ninh Binh.
Visitors will have the opportunity to listen to sweet folk songs, ancient tales about the ancient capital, and learn about the simple life of the locals. These are the things that create a close, authentic, and memorable travel experience.
Magical cave with stalactites and stalagmites inside Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc
What is the best season to experience a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc?
The beauty of Tam Coc changes with the seasons. During the rice harvest season (May – June), the rice paddies on both sides of the Ngo Dong River put on a golden coat, creating a beautiful landscape painting. In the green rice season (January – February), Tam Coc brings a fresh, vibrant beauty.
No matter what time of year you come to Tam Coc, you can fully enjoy the beauty of this place. However, for the best experience, you should avoid going on stormy days, as the river water can rise, making it difficult to move around.
Discovering Tam Coc Bich Dong: Suggested Itinerary for a Complete Trip
In addition to the sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, visitors can combine visiting other famous attractions in the area, creating a complete and memorable Ninh Binh travel itinerary:
- Bich Dong Pagoda: An ancient pagoda located on the mountainside, consisting of three temples: Ha (Lower), Trung (Middle), and Thuong (Upper), built from the 15th century. From the pagoda, visitors can look out into the distance, admiring the panoramic view of poetic Tam Coc.
Ancient Bich Dong Pagoda nestled on a limestone mountain slope
- Xuyen Thuy Cave: A cave that runs through the heart of the mountain, with a flowing stream creating a unique landscape.
- Climbing Ngoa Long Mountain: Challenge yourself with a beautiful mountain climbing route and admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc from above.
Tourists hiking Ngoa Long Mountain to admire the panoramic view of Tam Coc from above
- Cycling around Tam Coc: Rent a bicycle to explore the beauty of Tam Coc in your own way.
- Enjoy Ninh Binh specialties: Don’t forget to taste burnt rice, mountain goat meat, Yen Mac spring rolls…
Yen Mac fermented pork roll, a Ninh Binh specialty
Useful Information for Your Tam Coc Trip
- Entrance fees:
- Tam Coc scenic spot ticket: 120,000 VND/adult and 60,000 VND/child.
- Boat ticket: 150,000 VND/boat (maximum 4 people).
- Bich Dong Pagoda entrance fee: Free.
- Note:
- You should go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun and crowds.
- Bring hats, sunscreen, and light jackets.
- Prepare cash to buy tickets and other services.
- Maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately.
Experiencing a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc is a journey to discover the natural beauty, culture, and people of Ninh Binh. Come and feel the wonders of “Vietnam’s second most beautiful cave” and leave unforgettable memories in your heart.
Contact Soha Group to Explore Ninh Binh
If you want to have a complete and meaningful Ninh Binh tour, contact Soha Group today!
- Hotline: 0862 739 997 (Ms. Hoa) | 0862 759 997 (Ms. Nhi) | 0366 477 366 (Mr. Phát)
- Website: sohagroup.vn
- Address: 218 Hoang Quoc Viet, An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City