Motorbike or Bike? Which is the best way to explore Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Tam Coc Ninh Binh is a wonderful land to explore. Not only famous for its amazing scenes, Tam Coc offers many outdoor activities to join with your friends and family. One of the most significant things to do in Tam Coc is go around the local villages and see how local people organise their work and life. In this article, we guide you through authentic ways to learn about Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. Especially the suggestion of travelling by bike or motorbike.
Overview of Tam Coc Ninh Binh
Why does Tam Coc always stand at the top attractions in Ninh Binh? There are 3 things you can find in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh:
Tam Coc Viewpoints
Tam Coc's beautiful places include Mua Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Tam Coc River and Caves. Mua Cave, also known as Dragon Mountain is an outstanding site. After 450 steps, you may seem daunting, but the panoramic views of the Tam Coc Valley, with its lush rice paddies, winding rivers, and towering limestone cliffs, are worth the effort. Besides, Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient pagoda is mysterious and has its own story to explore. This pagoda is perched on a cliff overlooking the Ngo Dong River. The views from the pagoda are stunning, especially at sundown. Additionally, If you take a boat tour, you'll float through rice paddies, past limestone cliffs, and under hanging caves.
Local villages around you
Different from Trang An, in Tam Coc, you see local villages along your way. Many tourists feel great when they can go deep inside the village to discover how local people build their houses, do their farm work and interact with them. You can also choose to stay in homestays and ask your host to prepare food for you. Therefore, Tam Coc is the best place for both natural and cultural value.
Amazing activities for all ages
Whether you are an introverted or extroverted person, a young man, an old-aged or a family with kids Tam Coc has some things for all. You might choose to participate in a boat tour to relax, climb up to the mountain for a more adventurous experience or take a bike trip around old temples and rice paddies.
Motorbike vs. Bike Ninh Binh
Some wonder between a motorbike and a bike, which one is better to go around Tam Coc? They are the 2 most popular options. Choosing between a motorbike and a bike to explore Tam Coc depends on your individual preferences, fitness level, and desired travel style. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option:
Ninh Binh motorbike rental options
Mortobike helps you cover more ground in less time, allowing you to visit more sights or spend longer at each. If you plan to explore more areas beyond the centre of Tam Coc, it saves time and energy. Besides, motorbikes are more suitable for smaller paths and dirt tracks that bikes might struggle on. So it is Ideal for those who are comfortable riding motorbikes.
On the other hand, the motorbike option may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who are not confident or experienced riders. Besides, it can be more expensive to rent compared to a bicycle. Let's see Ninh Binh loop for motorbike:
Best motorbike routes Ninh Binh
There are 4 popular Ninh Binh motorbike loops:
- Motorbike Route 1: Tam Coc Loop (Approx. 20 km)
- Motorbike Route 2: Trang An - Mua Cave - Hoa Lu (Approx. 50 km)
- Motorbike Route 3: Van Long Nature Reserve (Approx. 30 km)
- Motorbike Route 4: Ninh Binh to Cuc Phuong National Park (Approx. 60 km)
How Much for Ninh Binh Motorbike Rental
- Automatic Scooters: Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day.
- Manual Motorbikes: Around 150,000 to 250,000 VND per day.
Ninh Binh bike rental options
Riding a bike is a green and gentle way to get around. It gives you a chance to exercise and breathe in fresh air. You can mix in with the local people and feel the slow vibe of the countryside. Also, renting a bike is usually cheaper than getting a motorbike, and you don't need insurance.
You get to go at a relaxed speed and take in the scenery. However, going to faraway places in Ninh Binh might be a bit tough and take more time. Hills and bumpy paths can be hard for riders who aren't used to it.
Best bike routes Ninh Binh
- Bicycle route 1: (The easiest one ~ 3km) Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda
- Bicycle route 2: (10 km) Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda – Thung Nham Bird Park
- Bicycle route 3: (40 km) Tam Coc to Hang Mua, Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Bai Dinh
- Bicycle route 4: (40 km) Cycling in Cuc Phuong National Park
Cycling Tours in Ninh Binh: Guide for All Levels
How Much for Ninh Binh Bike Rental
Bicycle rental in Tam Coc Ninh Binh is at an affordable price: from 100,000 - 150,000 VND per day (approx. $4 - $6)
Read more about Tam Coc cycling: Cycling Tours in Ninh Binh: Guide for All Levels
Other amazing things to do in Ninh Binh
Hike Hang Mua Dragon Mountain
For dramatic views of Tam Coc, don’t forget to visit Hang Mua Dragon Mountain. As a Tam Coc highlight, The stone dragon staircase and the breathtaking vistas from the top make it a worthwhile challenge.
Discover Thung Nham Bird Garden
Glide through a maze of waterways in a small boat and witness a diverse array of birdlife at Thung Nham Bird Garden. Keep an eye out for herons, ducks, storks, and other feathered friends.
Kayak in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Embark on a kayaking adventure through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Navigate hidden caves, paddle past towering karst formations, and enjoy the serenity of the water.
Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital
Step back in time at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009 AD. Explore the ruins of temples and palaces, and learn about the country's fascinating history.
How to experience Ninh Binh like local people - Explore Ninh Binh in authentic ways
Overall, Tam Coc is a beautiful area with scenic landscapes, and both motorbikes and bicycles are commonly used for exploring it. If you're comfortable riding a motorbike and want to cover more ground quickly, a motorbike might be a good choice. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, want to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely speed, and don't mind a bit of exercise, a bicycle could be a better fit.
See our best offer for Ninh Binh Bike tours/Motorbike tours in Ninh Binh:
Hoa Lu- Mua Cave- Tam Coc- Bike- Bich Dong Pagoda (Highly recommend) (1 day)
Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party (1 day)
Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong National Park (2 days)
Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Thung Nham Bird Park (2 days)
In outdoor activities, you can choose to bike/motorbike and always be supported by our enthusiastic tour guide along your road.
Check out more tours in Ninh Binh at Alohavietnam.net and on Tripadvisor now.
