1. The Beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong: "Ha Long Bay on land" that captivates visitors
1.1. Location and scale of the Tam Coc Bich Dong Ninh Binh tourist area
Tam Coc Bich Dong is located in Nam Hoa Lu ward, Ninh Binh province, about 100 km from the capital Hanoi. Thanks to such a convenient location, visitors can easily travel without taking much time.
The total natural area of the tourist area is up to 350.3 ha, belonging to the Trang An complex of scenic landscapes - a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. This vast space allows Tam Coc Bich Dong to offer many rich experiences, while still retaining the inherent wild beauty of the natural landscape.
The name "Ha Long Bay on land" originates from the very beauty of this place. The impressive limestone mountain system along with unique water-penetrating caves, combined with the winding river beside rice fields, creates a fascinating natural picture that makes this destination increasingly mentioned on the Vietnam tourism map in 2025.
Tam Coc Bich Dong is compared to "Halong Bay on land" in the heart of Ninh Binh. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Heritage value and unique features of Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is part of the Trang An complex - a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. This is a source of pride for Ninh Binh, becoming an internationally valued destination. Previously, in 2012, the Tam Coc Bich Dong tourist area was recognized as a Special National Monument along with Trang An and the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital complex.
Bich Dong is also known as "Nam Thien De Nhi Dong", likened to "the second most beautiful cave in the South". This comparison highlights the unique beauty of this cave within the Northern cave system, second only to Huong Tich cave.
The charm of Tam Coc Bich Dong lies in the harmonious blend of magnificent nature and historical-cultural depth. Towering limestone mountains, unique water caves, and the winding Ngo Dong River create a picturesque landscape. Additionally, historical sites such as the Vu Lam Royal Palace of the Tran Dynasty, the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, and traditional places of worship further highlight the cultural value of this heritage site.
Tam Coc Bich Dong welcomes visitors throughout the four seasons, each with its own unique beauty. The rice ripening season in May and June, with its golden hues stretching along the riverbanks, creates a soft natural painting. When the rice is young and green, the combination of fresh green colors, serene mountains, and the experience of rowing boats and cycling through the countryside villages offers a sense of peace rarely found elsewhere.
2. Guide on how to travel to Tam Coc Bich Dong
From Hanoi to Tam Coc Bich Dong:
Many tourists choose coaches or limousines for their convenience and ease of online booking. Ticket prices range from 700,000 to 250,000 VND per trip, with travel time around 2 - 2.5 hours and convenient pick-up/drop-off points in Hanoi and Ninh Binh.
Trains running from Hanoi station to Ninh Binh station are an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a leisurely pace and admire the countryside scenery along the way. Popular ticket prices range from 60,000 to 443,000 VND, with clear schedules, suitable for guests who enjoy classic experiences.
Those who want flexibility in time and control over their journey can choose to travel by private car or motorbike. The National Highway 1A and the modern Hanoi - Ninh Binh Expressway are suitable for groups of friends or families who wish to visit various locations in the region with cost savings.
Guide for intra-provincial travel, from Ninh Binh city to Tam Coc Bich Dong:
Taking a taxi is a convenient option that helps tourists save travel time, especially suitable for those carrying a lot of luggage or on a short itinerary, needing quick and comfortable travel between attractions. Taxi services in Ninh Binh are quite popular, with prices ranging from 120,000 - 150,000 VND and can be easily booked via apps, allowing tourists to be more proactive in their journey.
Additionally, electric vehicles are an environmentally friendly mode of transport, suitable for groups or large parties who want to combine sightseeing during their travel. For those who love freedom and exploration, renting a motorbike is an ideal choice with prices ranging from 100,000 - 150,000 VND/day.
Electric car travel is suitable for tour groups or large groups. (Source: Collected)
Suggestions for traveling from other provinces/cities:
Tourists from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong can book flights to Noi Bai Airport or Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa), continuing their journey by bus, limousine, or train. Some bus companies that tourists can refer to are: 36 Limousine, Binh Hoai, Van Minh, Minh Quan,... This option saves time and allows for flexibility in the itinerary.
3. Tam Coc Tourism 2025 and unmissable experiences
3.1. Sightseeing and enjoying the scenery on a boat through the three caves on the Ngo Dong River
The starting point of the exploration journey of Tam Coc Bich Dong is Hang Ca, the largest cave with a length of about 127 m and a cave entrance over 20 m wide. As the boat glides inside, visitors will feel the cool air emanating from the heart of the mountain, admiring the stalactites hanging down, forming countless vivid shapes, like natural works of art sculpted over thousands of years.
Less than 1 km away, Hang Hai continues the journey with a length of 60 m, where light filters through the rock crevices, reflecting on the water, highlighting the strange and magical stalactites. Finally, Hang Ba, the last stop, is about 50 m long. Although the cave ceiling is not high, it impresses with its softly curved stone arch and the surrounding poetic river and mountain scenery.
The ideal time to explore Tam Coc is May-June, when the golden ripe rice fields stretch along both banks of the river, creating a picturesque natural scene rarely found elsewhere. The boat and sightseeing ticket prices for Tam Coc are currently listed at VND 250,000/adult (for guests 1.3m or taller), VND 120,000/child (1m to under 1.3m tall), and free for children under 1m.
3.2. Visiting Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda, over 500 years old, is a symbol of endurance in Vietnamese spiritual culture. Built in 1428 during the Le dynasty, the pagoda is located on Bich Dong mountain with a three-tiered structure: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, and Thuong Pagoda, each tier situated at a different altitude, forming a continuous complex.
The architecture of Bich Dong Pagoda impresses with the combination of human craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the caves. Here, visitors will have the opportunity to stroll under the green forest canopy, step by step up the mountain to feel the serene atmosphere of each pagoda level.
Visit and worship at the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda. (Source: Collected)
Right at the foot of Bich Dong mountain is Xuyen Thuy Cave, an interesting destination for those who love exploring caves. Sitting on a small boat, visitors will navigate through narrow, winding cave passages, where light and shadow intertwine to create a mysterious and captivating scene. The cool water flowing gently beneath and the uniquely shaped natural rock formations make the journey more interesting than ever, contributing to a richer experience in the exploration of Bich Dong Trang An.
3.3. Thai Vi Temple, Thien Huong Cave, and nearby spiritual sites
Thai Vi Temple is located amidst lush green rice fields, serving as a place of worship for the Tran kings and closely associated with the Vu Lam royal palace, an important military base of the Tran dynasty in Ninh Binh's history. The temple bears the distinct architectural imprints of the Tran period, with intricate carvings on ironwood and bluestone, showcasing the artistic level and the people's reverence for their ancestors. The space here is both solemn and tranquil, making it an ideal resting place for those seeking to connect with historical roots.
Not far from there, Thien Huong Cave lies halfway up Dong Vo mountain, likened to a place where heaven and earth meet. From within the cave, visitors can gaze out at the panoramic view of Tam Coc Bich Dong with its winding rice fields and the emerald river flowing at the foot of the mountains, creating a rare poetic landscape.
The journey combining visits to Thai Vi Temple, Thien Huong Cave, and Bich Dong Pagoda is a perfect choice for those who wish to fully experience the historical, cultural, and spiritual values of this land. Not only does it bring peace, but the trip also helps visitors gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and filial piety of the Ninh Binh people through generations.
3.4. Outdoor activities: cycling through the countryside, mountain climbing, taking photos of ripe rice fields
Cycling through the villages is an activity chosen by many tourists when visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong. Dedicated cycling routes connect Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thai Vi Temple to Dam Khe and Hai Nham hamlets, leading through vast rice fields and along gentle rivers.
Climbing Bich Dong mountain or Mua mountain not only offers an exhilarating sense of conquest but also opens up a panoramic view of the poetic Tam Coc Bich Dong area. From the mountaintop, visitors can take in the entire Ngo Dong river winding through majestic limestone mountains, creating a natural landscape that is both grand and peaceful. This is also a famous check-in spot loved by the youth, where aerial photos always evoke a sense of awe and full of exploration energy.
Besides, taking photos during the ripe rice season is an unmissable experience when visiting Tam Coc, especially during May-June or when lotuses and water lilies bloom along the riverbanks. The golden hue of the rice mixed with the light pink and purple of the flowers creates a gentle, soft scenery rarely found elsewhere. It is this natural, rustic beauty that has made Tam Coc Bich Dong a favorite destination for photographers and those who wish to capture peaceful, romantic moments in the heart of Ninh Binh's ancient capital.
4. Enjoying rustic culinary flavors around Tam Coc Bich Dong
Ninh Binh burnt rice is a famous delicacy that any tourist should try when visiting the ancient capital region. The crispy, fragrant, and savory burnt rice layers, eaten with rich meat floss, create an unforgettable blended flavor. This is not just a rustic dish but also a refined crystallization of traditional Ninh Binh cuisine, preserved and passed down through generations as a source of local pride.
Ninh Binh mountain goat meat is also an equally famous dish, prepared in various ways such as steamed goat, goat salad, goat hot pot, and grilled goat, carrying the characteristic flavor of the limestone mountain region. Additionally, other specialties like eel glass noodles, Yen Mac spring rolls, and mountain snails boiled with ginger delight tourists with their fresh ingredients and creative, local-flavored preparations.
Ninh Binh goat specialties are delicious and attractive. (Source: Collected)
The area around Tam Coc Bich Dong has many local eateries and restaurants serving all day long, with diverse menus and reasonable prices. All dishes use fresh ingredients, prepared according to traditional flavors, suitable for the tastes of both domestic and international tourists, bringing a complete culinary experience amidst the poetic river and water scenery of Ninh Binh.
5. Pocket experience and tips to help you fully explore Tam Coc Bich Dong
The period from May to June is considered the most ideal time to visit Tam Coc Bich Dong , when the golden ripe rice fields stretch along both sides of the Ngo Dong River, creating a poetic scene and memorable photos.
The water lily and lotus season from March to June brings a fresh, cool atmosphere along with lush green scenery. Especially, the number of visitors is not too crowded, making the experiences complete and peaceful.
If you want to capture beautiful moments, you should go in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Angles from the foot of the mountain or on the boat always bring characteristic photos with the unique imprint of Tam Coc Bich Dong .
When traveling to Tam Coc Bich Dong , Ninh Binh, tourists should prioritize light-colored clothing to stand out against the backdrop of golden rice fields or lush green fields. Colors like white, beige, light yellow, or pastel not only make the photos stand out more but also harmonize with the natural scenery. Sneakers or flat-soled sandals are ideal choices, making it more convenient and safer to move, climb mountains, and get on boats.
When visiting pagodas, temples, or spiritual sites, pay attention to dressing modestly and politely, avoid short skirts, shorts, or off-the-shoulder tops to show respect and solemnity. Adhering to local customs and etiquette not only demonstrates cultural awareness but also makes the visit more meaningful and complete.
Additionally, tourists should also note the weather in Ninh Binh in 2025, as heavy rains often occur in July-September. Before departing, follow the weather forecast, prepare a light raincoat, waterproof bags for electronic devices, and arrange a reasonable itinerary for a safe, complete trip not interrupted by sudden rains.
After exploring Tam Coc Bich Dong, tourists can combine visits with many nearby famous destinations such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or Am Tien Cave (Tuyet Tinh Coc). These are all typical landmarks that help you understand more about the history, culture, and unique landscape of Ninh Binh.
Combine sightseeing and historical exploration at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. (Source: Collection)
If you want to extend your journey, visit Sun World Ha Nam, a modern entertainment complex just over 30 km from Ninh Binh. This place offers a vibrant atmosphere with many attractive games, a rich culinary area, and beautiful lakeside scenery, promising visitors a complete day of relaxation after exploring the natural beauty of Trang An.
Tam Coc Bich Dong in 2025 impresses with its "Ha Long Bay on land" beauty, unique water cave system, and the honor of being a UNESCO heritage site. Activities ranging from river sightseeing, visiting ancient pagodas, to enjoying local cuisine all create a memorable journey for all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to fully explore the beauty of Vietnam's cultural heritage here.
