Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” is a must-visit destination in Ninh Binh. Renowned for its picturesque scenery of water and mountains, towering limestone karsts reflecting in the winding Ngo Dong River, and especially the unique experience of a Tam Coc boat tour. Let’s explore everything about Tam Coc boat tours to ensure a complete and memorable journey in Ninh Binh.
Tam Coc – Ninh Binh’s Stunning Water and Mountain Landscape
Tam Coc, located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name “Tam Coc” means “three caves,” including Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave, formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through the mountains.
Unlike the majestic and magnificent beauty of Trang An, Tam Coc exudes a gentle, poetic, and deeply rural charm. Visitors come here not only to admire the spectacular natural scenery but also to immerse themselves in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside. Taking a Tam Coc boat tour is the best way to fully explore its beauty.
Why Choose a Tam Coc Boat Tour?
Taking a Tam Coc boat tour is not just a simple tourist activity; it’s a unique cultural experience, bringing visitors unforgettable emotions and memories:
- Discover Unique Beauty: Sitting in a small bamboo boat, visitors will weave through magical caves, admire towering limestone cliffs, and lush green rice paddies stretching along both sides of the river. The beauty of Tam Coc unfolds slowly, intimately, and captivatingly.
- Experience Traditional Rowing: The boat rowers in Tam Coc are not just boatmen but also storytellers and enthusiastic tour guides. They will share with visitors the history, culture, and interesting stories of this land. In particular, their skillful “foot-rowing” technique is also a unique and attractive feature for tourists.
- Relax and Immerse Yourself in Nature: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, a Tam Coc boat tour is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to relax and enjoy the fresh, peaceful air of the countryside. The sound of oars gliding through the water, birds chirping, and the gentle breeze… all blend together to create a soothing symphony of nature.
- Capture Memorable Moments: Tam Coc is an ideal destination for visitors to unleash their creativity and capture beautiful photos. From majestic and poetic landscapes to simple, everyday moments of rural life, all are excellent materials for unique travel photos.
Traditional boat tour in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Detailed Tam Coc Boat Tour Experiences
To have a smooth and complete Tam Coc boat tour trip, visitors need to know the following information and experiences:
Boat Tour Routes in Tam Coc
Currently, there are 3 main Tam Coc boat tour routes, each offering unique experiences and beauty:
- Route 1: Ca Cave – Hai Cave – Ba Cave: This is the most popular and chosen route by many visitors. This route will take visitors to explore all three main caves of Tam Coc, passing through rice paddies and ancient villages. The tour duration for Route 1 is about 2-3 hours.
- Route 2: Xuyen Thuy Cave: This route takes visitors to explore Xuyen Thuy Cave, a long and majestic cave located underground. To reach Xuyen Thuy Cave, visitors will take a boat on the Ngo Dong River and then walk down to the cave. The tour duration for Route 2 is about 3-4 hours.
- Route 3: Combined Route: This is a combined tour of Route 1 and Route 2, offering visitors the most complete and comprehensive experience of Tam Coc. The tour duration for Route 3 is about 4-5 hours.
Depending on their time and preferences, visitors can choose the most suitable Tam Coc boat tour route. Route 1 is often the preferred choice for most first-time visitors to Tam Coc.
Tam Coc Boat Tour Prices and Entrance Fees
Tam Coc entrance fees and boat rental prices are publicly listed at the entrance of the tourist area. Below is detailed information about the latest ticket prices:
- Tam Coc scenic spot entrance ticket:
- Adults (over 1.3m tall): 250,000 VND/person
- Children (from 1m – 1.3m tall): 120,000 VND/child
- Children under 1m: Free
- Boat rental price (including entrance ticket):
- Private boat (maximum 2 adults + children or 4-5 people depending on weight): 1,250,000 VND/boat
Note:
- Ticket prices and boat rental prices may vary depending on the time and tourist season. Visitors should update the latest information before going.
- Ticket prices include insurance and environmental sanitation fees.
- Consider sharing a boat to save costs if traveling with a small group.
Ideal Time to Take a Tam Coc Boat Tour
The best time to take a Tam Coc boat tour is during the rice ripening season (May – June) and the lotus season (June – July). In the rice ripening season, visitors will admire the golden rice paddies stretching along both sides of the river, creating a beautiful rural painting. The lotus season brings the pure, gentle beauty of pink lotuses blooming on the water surface.
In addition, spring (January – March) and autumn (September – November) are also suitable times to visit Tam Coc. The weather is cool and pleasant at this time, very favorable for sightseeing and exploration activities.
Avoid taking a Tam Coc boat tour during the rainy season (July – August) as the weather can be rainy, and the river water level rises, affecting the tourist experience.
Important Notes When Taking a Tam Coc Boat Tour
To ensure safety and have the best Tam Coc boat tour experience, visitors should note the following:
- Choose reputable boats: Choose boats that are registered, ensuring safety and service quality.
- Wear life jackets fully: Life jackets are provided on each boat, and visitors need to wear them fully throughout the tour to ensure safety.
- Negotiate prices before departure: Negotiate prices clearly with the boat rower before boarding to avoid being overcharged or incurring unwanted costs.
- Maintain environmental hygiene: Do not litter in the river, maintain general hygiene to protect the natural landscape of Tam Coc.
- Prepare hats, sunscreen: The weather in Ninh Binh is quite hot in the summer, visitors should prepare hats and sunscreen to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Bring water and snacks: The Tam Coc boat tour can last for several hours, visitors should bring water and snacks to replenish energy.
- Respect local culture: Tam Coc is a sacred land, visitors should dress politely and modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
Exploring Tam Coc by Boat: A Journey Full of Emotions
The Tam Coc boat tour journey will take visitors to a completely different world, where nature and people blend together wonderfully. Sitting on the boat, visitors will:
- Admire the majestic beauty of the mountains: The overlapping limestone mountains, with many strange shapes, towering and reflecting in the Ngo Dong River, creating a majestic and magnificent scene.
- Explore mysterious caves: Weaving through dark caves, visitors will admire shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, created by the hands of nature over millions of years.
- See the lush green rice paddies: In the rice ripening season, the golden rice paddies stretching along both sides of the river create a peaceful and poetic rural picture.
- Meet friendly locals: The boat rowers in Tam Coc are not just boatmen but also enthusiastic companions. They will share with visitors about their lives, culture, and interesting stories about this land.
Tourists enjoying a boat ride through Tam Coc's rice paddies and limestone formations
Combine Tam Coc Tour with Nearby Destinations
To make your Ninh Binh trip richer and more diverse, visitors can combine a Tam Coc boat tour with other attractive destinations in the area, such as:
- Bich Dong Pagoda: Not far from Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located in a cave, known as “the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam.”
- Hang Mua Cave: Famous for its unique architecture and panoramic views of Tam Coc from the mountaintop, Hang Mua Cave is a must-visit destination.
- Thung Nham Bird Park: Thung Nham eco-tourism area is a conservation area for many rare bird species, offering a close-to-nature experience.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: The historical relic of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is where golden imprints of national history are preserved.
- Trang An: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex with its system of caves and majestic rivers and lakes is also an equally attractive destination.
Local Cuisine Near Tam Coc
After a Tam Coc boat tour, visitors can enjoy famous Ninh Binh specialties at restaurants and eateries near the tourist area, such as:
- Com Chay (Crispy Rice Crust): A crispy, delicious dish, a signature specialty of Ninh Binh.
- Mountain Goat Meat: Ninh Binh mountain goat is famous for its firm, sweet, and flavorful meat, prepared into many attractive dishes.
- Goi Ca Nhech (Nhech Fish Salad): A refreshing salad with a rich sea flavor, a unique specialty of the coastal Ninh Binh region.
- Bun Cha Quat (Grilled Pork with Vermicelli): A delicious and flavorful dish from Hanoi, loved by many tourists.
A Tam Coc boat tour is an unmissable experience when visiting Ninh Binh. With its pristine, picturesque natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, Tam Coc will surely bring visitors unforgettable memories during their journey to explore Vietnam. Plan your Tam Coc trip today and enjoy the wonderful beauty of “Halong Bay on Land”!