A Guide to Getting Tam Coc from Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, & Ninh Binh

27/02/2024

For travellers seeking to explore this natural wonder, here's a comprehensive guide on how to get to Tam Coc from various popular destinations including Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, and Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc is considered a must-visit attraction in Northern Vietnam. As voted by many travel experts, Tam Coc ranks in the top 10 destinations in Asia. That’s why many tourists come here year-round. About the location, Tam Coc is in the North of Vietnam, near Hanoi city. Getting to Tam Coc from Hanoi, Halong, and Cat Ba is convenient, so you can easily combine Tam Coc in your trip to Vietnam. In this article, you will learn how to get to Tam Coc from various popular destinations including Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, and Ninh Binh.

The airport near Tam Coc Ninh Binh

Tam Coc is in Ninh Binh, so the most common question is whether there are any Ninh Binh airport. There isn’t any airport in Ninh Binh. The nearest airport to Tam Coc Ninh Binh is Tho Xuan (THD) Airport which is 57.8 km away. Other nearby airports include Haiphong (HPH) (109.2 km), Noi Bai International (HAN) (112.1 km) and Vinh (VII) (166.6 km). However, some are domestic airports so if you take an international flight to Vietnam, Noi Bai International Airport is the most popular choice. On in other hand, if you are already in Vietnam and find a domestic flight to Ninh Binh from Da Nang, Nha Trang, HCM, you can choose a nearer airport.

How to get to Tam Coc from Hanoi

Shuttle Bus from Hanoi to Tam Coc

This is the most popular and budget-friendly option. There are many different bus companies and departure times to choose from, with journeys taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. You can book tickets online or book via a travel agent. They usually pick up you in the Hanoi Old Quarter Area. If you stay outside this area, remember to inform them in advance and you might pay an extra fee. Besides, a shuttle bus can drop off you at Tam Coc, no need for extra transfer when you take a train.

Price: 170,000 - 230,000 VND (7 - 10 USD)

Price list for reference in 2024

Train from Hanoi to Tam Coc

Taking the train is a more scenic option than taking the bus, offering views of the Vietnamese countryside. However, there is no direct train from Hanoi to Tam Coc. You can take a train to Ninh Binh city then take a taxi or motorbike to reach Tam Coc, which is only about 5 km away from Ninh Binh town. The train journey takes about 2.5 hours, with several departures from Hanoi Railway Station each day. Tickets can be booked online or at the station.

You can book your train ticket online through official websites like Vietnam Railways or travel agents. Tickets can also be purchased at Hanoi Railway Station.

• Hanoi station is located at 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi.

• Ninh Binh station is located at 01, Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Thanh Binh ward, Ninh Binh city.

This is the fastest option, but also the most expensive. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, and you can either flag down a taxi on the street or book one in advance.

Private Car from Hanoi to Tam Coc

Hiring a private car from Hanoi to Tam Coc is a great option for a comfortable and hassle-free journey, especially if your family has small kids. You can customize your itinerary with stops at other interesting sights along the way, such as Bich Dong Pagoda or Hoa Lu ancient capital. Prices for private car transfers vary depending on the car type, number of passengers, and chosen route. Expect to pay around $55-$165 per car for a standard sedan.

How to get from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc

Since Tam Coc is located within Ninh Binh province, the distance from Ninh Binh town and other famous attractions to Tam Coc is quite short, making it convenient to travel.

Taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc, taking only about 15-20 minutes. Taxis are readily available throughout Ninh Binh, and you can easily flag one down on the street or pre-book one through your hotel. However, different from big cities such as Hanoi or HCM, a ride-hailing app such as Grab is not popular in Ninh Binh. The cost typically ranges from VND 100,000 to VND 150,000 (around $4-6). You should bargain the price before you get in the car.

If you prefer a more adventurous experience, renting a motorbike is a popular choice cause you can explore the scenic countryside at your own pace. The ride from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc takes about 30-45 minutes, offering beautiful views of rice paddies and limestone formations. Renting a motorbike typically costs around VND 100,000-200,000 ($4-8) per day, depending on the type and condition of the bike. However, remember to exercise caution while riding, especially if you're not familiar with the roads.

Motorbike or Bike? Which is the best way to explore Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

How to Get from Halong Bay to Tam Coc

Train from Halong Bay to Tam Coc

There's no direct train from Ha Long Bay to Tam Coc. If you still prefer a train, you can take a train from Hai Phong (the nearest major city to Ha Long Bay) to Ninh Binh, and then a taxi or motorbike to Tam Coc. The total travel time, including the train journey and transfer, could be around 6-7 hours. It’s not cost-effective and quite time-consuming compared to other means of transport.

Car/Bus from Halong Bay to Tam Coc Ninh Binh

How to go → HALONG BAY to TAM COC? ⭐ | 2024

On the other hand, a shuttle bus/limousine car/private car is the most popular option. There are many different bus companies and departure times to choose from, with journeys taking about 3-4.5 hours. You can book tickets online or at the bus station in Ha Long Bay.

Halong Bay – Ninh Binh cost:

Limousine Van From $20
Private car From $85
Limousine Dcar From $155

How to Get from Cat Ba to Tam Coc

The distance between Cat Ba Town and Tam Coc is about 130 km. There are no direct ways to get from Cat Ba to Tam Coc. If you're staying on Cat Ba Island, you can take a ferry to Hai Phong and then a bus to Ninh Binh. This option is a bit more time-consuming than taking a bus directly from Ha Long Bay, but it can be a scenic option if you're already on Cat Ba Island. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. You can book bus tickets online or at the bus station in Haiphong.

Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, take a taxi or motorbike to Tam Coc, which is located just 5 km away. This journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes by taxi and 30-45 minutes by motorbike.

Or you can travel to Hanoi first and then transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh as per the guide above.

Cat Ba Town to Tam Coc by bus: $8 - $14 and takes 3h 41m.
Cat Ba Town to Tam Coc by car ferry: $25 - $40 takes 3h 7m

In summary, reaching Tam Coc from Hanoi, Halong, Cat Ba, or Ninh Binh is convenient thanks to various transportation options. Whether you choose buses, trains, ferries, or private cars, getting there is easy. By following these simple guidelines on how to reach Tam Coc, hope that you can embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam's countryside, experiencing the beauty of limestone formations and winding rivers.