Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a beautiful place in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. It's famous for its stunning scenery with tall limestone hills and calm river cruises. People often call it 'Halong Bay on land.' You can explore caves, rice fields, and the local culture here. It's a great spot for nature lovers and adventurers.

Tam Coc in the ripe rice season

History

Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a historic site in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Its history dates back centuries and is intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The name "Tam Coc" translates to "Three Caves," referring to the three natural caves found here. Bich Dong, on the other hand, means "Jade Grotto," named after a beautiful cave temple complex. These caves and temples have been important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists for many years, with their origins dating back to the 18th century.

Things to do and see in Tam Coc-Bich Dong

Tam Coc caves

The name "Tam Coc" translates to "Three Caves," which consists of Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. All three caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River cutting through the mountains.

• Ca Cave stretches for 127 kilometers, passing through a large mountain. Inside the cave, the climate is relatively cool, and there are numerous stalactites hanging down in various fascinating formations, attracting tourists.
• Hai Cave is located about 1km away from Hang Ca, with a length of 60 meters. Inside the cave, the climate is refreshingly cool, and there are many peculiar stalactites hanging down.
• Ba Cave, located near Hang Hai, is 50 meters long, with its ceiling forming a stone arch, lower than the other two caves

Inside view out of natural cave in Tam Coc scenic spot, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Thai Vi Temple 

This is the place of worship for the Tran Dynasty kings, including Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, and the legendary generals Tran Hung Đao and Tran Quang Khai, as well as Queen Tran Thi Dung.

Main gate to inside Thai Vi Temple

Thien Huong Cave

With a height of nearly 60 meters, a length of 40 meters, and a width of 20 meters, the cave's arch resembles a large bell, embracing and sheltering the temple dedicated to the National Mother Goddess Trần Thị Dung. This is a dry and well-lit cave situated on the hillside at an elevation of approximately 15 meters above ground level.

Image Inside Thien Huong Cave

Bich Dong Pagoda

The temple was established in 1428, during the early years of the Later Le Dynasty, as a small mountaintop temple. Visitors should make a stop at this spiritually mystical temple to explore its ancient and venerable architecture, deeply rooted in the folklore of ancient Vietnam.

Entrance to Bich Dong Pagoda

Rowboat tours

One of the main attractions in Tam Coc is taking a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Local rowers use their feet to propel the boats, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning karst landscapes and limestone formations.

Tourists in Rowboats at Tam Coc

Price of Tam Coc-Bich Dong Sightseeing Tickets

Tam Coc Route:

* Admission Ticket:

   - Adults: 120,000 VND per person per trip (approximately $5.22 USD)

   - Children (height under 1.4m): 60,000 VND per person per trip (approximately $2.61 USD)

* Rowboat Ticket: 150,000 VND per boat ride (approximately $6.53 USD)

   - Domestic Visitors: 4 persons per boat per trip (additional charge for the 5th person: Adults: 40,000 VND; Children: 20,000 VND)

   - International Visitors: 2 persons per boat per trip (additional charge for the 3rd person: Adults: 75,000 VND; Children: 35,000 VND)

Thach Bich - Thung Nang Route:

* Admission Ticket:

   - Adults: 20,000 VND per person (approximately $0.87 USD)

   - Children (6-15 years old): 10,000 VND per person (approximately $0.43 USD)

   - Senior Citizens (60 years and older): 10,000 VND per person (approximately $0.43 USD)

* Rowboat Ticket:

   - Adults: 100,000 VND per boat ride (approximately $4.36 USD)

   - Children (6-15 years old): 50,000 VND per boat ride (approximately $2.18 USD)

   - Senior Citizens (60 years and older): 50,000 VND per boat ride (approximately $2.18 USD)

In conclusion, intriguing and picturesque, Tam Coc-Bich Dong stands as a testament to the natural beauty and cultural charm of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Explore this enchanting destination, where scenic rowboat journeys and cave discoveries await. Tam Coc-Bich Dong, where nature and history unite to create lasting memories.