Finding the answer: What is beautiful about Tam Coc, Ninh Binh?
Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh province, Tam Coc is a true gem of Vietnam that has captured the hearts of countless travelers. Known for its stunning natural scenery, Tam Coc is a destination that truly lives up to its reputation as the “Ha Long Bay on land.” From the tranquil rice fields to the majestic limestone cliffs and caves, there’s no shortage of breathtaking beauty to be found here. But what is it that makes Tam Coc so special? Let’s explore the beauty of this enchanting destination and discover all the reasons why it’s worth a visit.
Introduction to Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Tam Coc during the rice harvest season
Tam Coc Ninh Binh is a popular tourist destination located in the northern region of Vietnam. Tam Coc is famous for its natural beauty, with limestone mountains, rice paddies, and rivers. The name “Tam Coc” means “three caves,” referring to the three caves that can be visited by boat on the Ngo Dong River.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, ranked as a special national monument by the Prime Minister of Vietnam and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The impressive beauty of Tam Coc Bich Dong promises to bring many wonderful experiences to tourists when they visit this ancient land.
Address and directions to get to Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Tam Coc is located in Ngu Nhac Son, Dam Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The tourist site is part of the Trang An scenic complex, about 7km from the city center and only 100km south of the capital Hanoi, so transportation for visitors is not too difficult.
It is about 100 km from Hanoi and can be reached by various means of transportation.
- By car or motorbike:
From Hanoi, take National Road 1A towards Ninh Binh City, then follow the signposts to Tam Coc.
- By train:
Take the train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Station, then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Tam Coc.
- By bus:
Many bus companies offer daily trips from Hanoi to Ninh Binh City, and from there you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Tam Coc.
Once you arrive in Tam Coc, there are many parking lots available. From there, you can take a boat tour to explore the beautiful scenery of Tam Coc.
>>> Unforgettable Journey: Exploring Ha Noi to Tam Coc tour
Discovering Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh
Discovering Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh
The scenic complex of three caves
Hang Ca – the Largest and Most Serene Cave
The name Tam Coc originates from the system of three caves here, among which Hang Ca is the largest and longest. The cave is 20m high and over 127m long. According to legend, it was once a place where a fairy-like old man with white hair sat fishing.
Even today, when viewed from a distance, visitors can still see Hang Ca resembling a fairy’s tranquility. The cave’s climate is very cool, making it a perfect escape from the scorching heat of northern summers.
In particular, the numerous stalactites and stalagmites in the cave take on various shapes and sizes, leaving visitors in awe
Hang Hai – a Short but Sparkling Cave
About 1km from Hang Ca lies Hang Hai. Although it is only about 60 meters long, the experience of taking a boat ride through the cave and admire the sparkling stalactites are truly fas
Hang Ba – a Cave with a Unique Style
This cave is quite different from the two previous ones, with a lower ceiling compared to Hang Ca and Hang Hai. After a boat rides through Hang Ba, visitors can enjoy the picturesque natural scenery of Tam Coc Ninh Binh.
Bich Dong – Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful pagoda located in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. It was built in the early 18th century and is one of the oldest pagodas in the region. The pagoda is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with mountains, rivers, and rice fields all around.
In front of Bich Dong Pagoda is a water cave that goes through the heart of the mountain, called Xuyen Thuy Dong. Standing from the cave, visitors can see a branch of the soft and winding Ngo Dong River.
With its breathtaking scenery that is hard to match, this place is affectionately known as “The second-most beautiful cave in the Southern sky,” just after Huong Tich Cave and Huong Son.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh – Xuyen Thuy Dong
This is a cave that is submerged in water, with a crescent-shaped tube-like form, about 350m long and 6m wide. The ceiling and walls of the cave are quite even, with a unique arched shape.
The entrance to Xuyen Thuy Dong is opposite the Bich Dong Pagoda at the back of the mountain. Visitors can combine their visit here with mountain climbing to reach the pagoda.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh without exploring this pagoda would be a real shame. The pagoda is built in Eastern style, dating back to the Late Le Dynasty.
What stands out in the pagoda is a large bell and a tower of venerable monks who contributed to the construction of the pagoda. The entrance to the pagoda is adorned with rows of gunpowder flowers on both sides, creating a surreal scenery.
Explore three temples and learn about their history and the history of the land when you visit here.
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Lower Temple:
The Lower Temple is built on a high foundation at the foot of the mountain, consisting of 5 rooms in the shape of the letter “Dinh”. The stone columns are all made of solid stone, over 4m high. The rafters, crossbeams, and uprights are all made of ironwood. The temple roof has two curved floors. If you can come to Tam Coc Ninh Binh, do not forget to take the time to explore this place.
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Middle Temple:
About 120 steps from the Lower Temple is the Middle Temple, located at the back of the Ngu Nhac mountain range. You will surely be surprised by the unique architecture of the temple: half is in the open air and half is attached to the cave. In front of the temple is an ancient bronze bell with very delicate carvings. Outside is the Bridge of Atonement. Visitors often “request” three bell strikes to bring peace and tranquility to the soul at the door of the Buddha.
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Upper Temple:
The Upper Temple worships Quan Am Bodhisattva, also known as the East Temple. This temple is located atop Bich Dong Mountain, offering a view of 5 peaks named Tam Sang, Gia Dinh, Con Lon, Dau Cau, and Hang Dua. These peaks are known as Ngu Nhac Son, resembling 5 lotus petals facing toward Bich Dong Mountain.
Thai Vi Temple
Thai Vi Temple is a place of worship for the kings and generals of the Tran dynasty. It was originally built as Vũ Lâm Palace to strengthen the military forces during the second war against the Mongol Yuan dynasty.
This temple in Tam Coc Ninh Binh has a unique architectural style that combines domestic and foreign influences, offering an impressive sight to visitors.
Thien Huong Cave
Thien Huong Cave is also a popular destination for many tourists when visiting Tam Coc Ninh Binh. Besides its familiar name, the cave is also called the “Heavenly Cave” due to its wide top part with a height of nearly 60m.
Inside the cave, there is a shrine dedicated to Queen Ly Hue Tong’s wife – Mrs. Tran Thi Dung. She was credited with teaching the craft of embroidery to the people of Ninh Hai village, so they built a shrine to express their gratitude towards her.
In addition to the aforementioned attractions, there are many other beautiful and interesting places in Tam Coc that are waiting for you to visit.
The appropriate time to visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh for tourism
The appropriate time to visit Tam Coc
Depending on your needs, preferences, and conditions, you can visit Tam Coc Ninh Binh at any time of the year. Each season, this place has its own unique scenery and climate.
- To see green rice fields, visit after Lunar New Year (Feb-March). To see ripe golden rice fields surrounding Tam Coc, come from late May to early June.
- To experience festivals, visit Tam Coc from Jan to Mar in the lunar calendar. Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival and Truong Yen Festival offer unique activities during this time.
So Vietnam Morning has provided you with detailed information about Tam Coc Ninh Binh tourist destination. With so much to see and do, Tam Coc Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike. We hope you will have exciting experiences here. Wish you a memorable trip and many happy memories!
