Top Things to Do in Tam Coc Rice Field - Ninh Binh

Best time to visit Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

The ripe rice season starts from May to mid-June every year, which has earned Tam Coc the nickname 'Halong Bay on land' for its picturesque scenery. The vast rice fields stretching to the foot of the mountains, combined with the winding Nhi Khe River, take visitors through caves and to pristine areas full of sunshine and wind. It is truly a paradise for those who love to explore the beauty of Ninh Binh countryside. In addition, there are many other attractions around Tam Coc, such as Thung Nham, Bai Dinh, ancient Hoa Lu, and the imperial palace of the ancient capital, creating a diverse and rich tourist area for visitors.

To have a memorable experience in Tam Coc, you should read through some of the following notes. They will help you equip yourself with sufficient knowledge before traveling here:

How can I get to Tam Coc? 

Tam Coc is more than 100 km away from the center of Hanoi, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. Travelers can go by car from the center of Hanoi, take the Hanoi - Ninh Binh - DT491C highway to Tam Coc. For those who prefer to ride a motorbike, the quickest route is to follow National Highway 1A from Giai Phong through Phu Ly, Ha Nam to Tam Coc. As for public transportation, a limousine is the most convenient option with pick-up and drop-off points at the Tam Coc boat dock.

Tam Coc boat ride

The boat ride Tam Coc takes you through three caves – Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These caves are a part of the limestone cliffs and are a unique feature of the Tam Coc landscape. The scenery along the river is breathtaking, with towering limestone cliffs on either side and vast rice fields spread out before you. If you're lucky, you might spot some of the wildlife that calls Tam Coc home, including kingfishers, herons, and even monkeys. Along the river, you'll also see many small villages and communities where locals live and work. It's an excellent opportunity to see a slice of Vietnamese rural life. The boat ride offers plenty of photo opportunities, from the stunning scenery to the locals' daily lives. Don't forget to bring your camera or phone to capture the memories!

• Boat dock location: Van Lam, Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
• Ticket counter: purchased at Van Lam dock
• Ticket price: 150,000 VND (7 USD)/per person
• Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours
• Opening hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Boat capacity: 4 people/boat

Note: It is recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat on sunny days. An umbrella or raincoat is necessary on rainy days. Be aware of some fraudulent vendors who may try to overcharge tourists.

Tips to maximize your boat ride experience in Tam Coc

• Choose early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot sun and crowds.
• There are various types of boats for sightseeing, but it is recommended to choose a small boat to easily visit the check-in points.
• From Tam Coc, there are many directions to go, depending on your departure time, choose a suitable direction for yourself.
• Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, admire the beautiful scenery of Tam Coc and relax in the moments on the boat.
• Interact with the locals to learn more about the culture and life of the people in the area.
• Tips for rowers if you feel satisfied.
• Limit buying products on the boat because the prices will be higher than at stores in the city center.

Spiritual destinations near Tam Coc you should visit

Thai Vi Temple 

Thai Vi Temple located in the O Lam forest area, belonged to the Vu Lam commune in the past, now in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The temple has been famous for a long time as a place of worship for the Tran dynasty kings. The temple is situated on the right side of the Ngô Giang river and on the left is the Cối Lĩnh mountain, harmoniously blending together for thousands of years. In front of the temple, there is a golden well that holds a white jade, reflecting the purity of the four seasons.

Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tiem Cave)

Am Tien Cave is one of the ideal destinations that you should add to your Tam Coc - Ninh Binh travel experience. The cave is located about 1 kilometer from the Bich Dong Pagoda. The cave has three large chambers, and the ceiling is the habitat of bats and many other bird species. Standing outside, you will see the majestic and splendid beauty of the Am Tien Cave, resembling a castle.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is an interesting destination in your Tam Coc, Ninh Binh travel journey. The pagoda not only impresses visitors with its ancient architecture but also leaves a beautiful and unforgettable scene. In front of the pagoda gate is a fragrant lotus pond, surrounded by the beautiful Bich Dong mountain.

Hang But Cave

Hang But Cave is among the spiritual destinations in Ninh Binh, when traveling by boat, remember to ask the guide to visit Hang But cave. The local people believe that Mr. But always exists next to the underground river to bless the people living around the cave with good luck and prosperity. Therefore, Hang But is very sacred to many people, who often come here to pray for a good harvest and successful business.

Visitors who have the opportunity to visit Hang But will notice a 1.5m tall and 2m wide stalagmite in the center of the cave that resembles a happy old man sitting and facing the end of the cave. The locals call him Mr. But.

When visiting Hang But, locals and visitors always bow to show respect and pray for good luck. Especially, no one shines the light directly on Mr. But's face when entering the cave. During the tour, do not put your hands outside the boat to avoid collisions with other boats and ensure safety.

Before visiting, you should research the temples in the area and plan your trip accordingly. As the temples are sacred places, you should dress appropriately. Clothing should cover your knees and shoulders, avoid wearing shorts, tank tops or overly short skirts. Early morning is the best time to explore the temples. Avoid visiting during midday when it is hot and crowded. When visiting the temples, you should respect and follow the rules and instructions of the locals. This will help you avoid any unwanted situations and maintain a respectful attitude towards the culture and religion of the people of Ninh Binh.

In addition to the boat tour, you can still admire the ripe rice fields by biking around Tam Coc. Riding a bike through the golden yellow rice fields, you will suddenly see the charming beauty of Ninh Binh's countryside! The ripe rice fields in Ninh Binh are located between limestone mountains with various shapes and winding rivers, creating a picturesque landscape that many people admire. While cycling, you can listen to the sound of swaying rice, rustling in the wind, and breathe in the fresh and cool air.

Notes when cycling to visit Tam Coc

• If you visit in summer, remember to bring sunscreen, an umbrella, hat. Wear comfortable and neat clothes for cycling.
• Use sports shoes because you will need to move a lot.
• Wear the best outfit to take photos.
• Bring some snacks and water to supplement your energy.
• It is recommended to go in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather.

Especially, when choosing a bicycle, carefully check the brakes and wheels to ensure they are still in good condition. Choose a bike with a suitable height for you and take a short test ride on a slope to make your choice. If you encounter any problems on the road, call your guide or bike owner immediately for assistance.

In Vietnam, we ride on the right-hand side of the road.

Local food at Tam Coc

When visiting Ninh Binh in general and Tam Coc in particular, you cannot miss out on mountain goat dishes, burnt rice, ant egg sticky rice, Ninh Binh mountain snails,...with unique flavors that you will remember forever after just one taste. So don't forget to explore some good restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Chicken, beef, and goat hotpot - Vu Bao Restaurant

Address: 37 Nguyen Hue, Nam Binh, Ninh Binh.

At Vu Bao restaurant, the space is designed luxuriously and warmly. All ingredients are imported from reputable sources to ensure safety for your health, and the professional kitchen team is perfect for a gathering with friends or family.

Bamboo noodle with eel of Mrs. Phan

Address: Tran Hung Dao Street

With a bowl of noodles ranging from 30,000 VND to 40,000 VND, this is one of the most popular lunch spots in Ninh Binh. The restaurant serves three main dishes: eel porridge, bamboo noodle with eel, and instant noodles.

Thang Long Restaurant

Address: Chi Phong, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu

This is one of the famous restaurants with unique dishes of Ninh Binh such as goat meat, burnt rice, and a very spacious space that can accommodate up to 500 guests, with very affordable prices. To avoid overcrowding, tourists should book in advance at the restaurant.

After eating, tourists can visit some places to buy souvenirs for friends and family at the shops or markets in the Tam Coc area. It is important to research the prices and origins of the products. Some sellers at the market may quote higher prices than the actual value, so it is recommended to ask the tour guide to help purchase at a better price.

There are a variety of accommodation options for travelers to stay overnight in Ninh Binh near Tam Coc, many of which are located close to tourist attractions. In the city, there are hotels, homestays, resorts,...for you to choose from. Note that it's important to book early, especially on weekends and holidays. 

In the upcoming time, many tourists want to come to Ninh Binh to witness the beautiful scenery of ripe golden rice fields. Therefore, flight tickets and hotel rooms are easily sold out and booking fees are increasing. You should proactively book your flight tickets and hotel rooms early. You can leave your information with alohavietnam.net for us to advise you on the best Tam Coc tours.

Best Tam Coc day tours

Hoa Lu-Tuyet Tinh Coc-Tam Coc-Bich Dong

This tour will take you to the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel before discovering a peaceful panoramic blue lake at Tuyet Tinh Coc. After lunch, you should relax by boat trip on the Ngo Dong River at Tam Coc. Then, you cycle through the local village and visit Bich Dong Pagoda before coming back to Hanoi. 

Hoa Lu-Mua Cave-Tam Coc-Bich Dong

This tour will take you to visit the Dinh King temple in the Hoa Lu ancient capital. Visit Mua Cave and climb up 500 steps on Lying Dragon Mountain to enjoy the breathtaking view. Remember to take a Tam Coc boat trip.

There is a fascinating experience for visiting this place, which is exploring the hidden beauty of the landscape by taking a Tam Coc boat ride. Going down the poetic Ngo Dong River mixed with the wilderness of mossy stone mountains will make you not want to take your eyes off the scenery. If you visit Tam Coc without taking a boat ride, it would be a regrettable thing for anyone.

Depending on your schedule and budget, you can arrange for a one-day tour or multiple days. However, it is recommended to spend at least 2 days fully exploring the beautiful golden rice fields in Tam Coc in early summer.

You might read: Exploring the Beauty of Tam Coc: A Guide to a Bike Tour, Boat Ride, and Must-See Attractions 2023

See Aloha Vietnam Travel and Our Best Ninh Binh Tours