When is Tam Coc rice season: A Guide to Tam Coc Boat Tour & Bike Tours

Rice paddy is one of the most important factors creating scenic views in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh. As you sit on the boat trip or bike around the village, the most popular scenic you see is the image of a long and spacious rice field. Together with limestone mountains and peaceful rivers, rice fields draw to Ninh Binh's peaceful and rural atmosphere. Travelling to Ninh Binh when the rice is green or golden, you have a chance to capture amazing pics. 

When is the Rice Season in Tam Coc? 

Farming is still the main job of local people here. Most areas in Ninh Binh have two rice crops per year. However, Tam Coc only has one rice season yearly. Because of the rise in the Ngo Dong River's water level during the monsoon season, farming on its banks is impossible. The single rice season in Tam Coc is a stunning one. 

Planting Season: Late February - April

Travel to Tam Coc Ninh Binh during this time, and you can see how local people do their farm work. After a month from the process of sowing and planting rice seeds, all fields become green, and the view looks cool and fresh. 

Harvesting Season: May-early July

Rice harvesting in Tam Coc or the golden season in Tam Coc Ninh Binh commonly falls between early May and late June. At that time, rice paddies along both sides of Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc changed to yellow colour. It seems golden clothes cover all the rice fields. 

You should take a boat tour through ripened fields, it’s incredible. 

It period is the best season to visit Tam Coc. However, keep in mind that this is also the hottest and most crowded time to visit Tam Coc. Besides, the exact timing of the rice season can vary slightly depending on weather conditions. It might start in early July in some years. 

Off-Rice Season: August - January

During this time, the rice fields are left unplanted and may be used for grazing cattle or other agricultural activities. 

Although Tam Coc has only one single rice season, other parts of Ninh Binh still plant two rice crops. 

• The first crop is normally planted in December or January and gathered in May or June. 
• The second crop is then cultivated in June or July and harvested in October or November. 

The unplanted periods between these crops are shorter, typically lasting only one or two months. 

How to enjoy the rice view in Tam Coc? 

Explore Rice Field Tam Coc by boat

Tam Coc boat tour season is year-round but it's most attractive in the green and golden rice season. 

To experience Tam Coc rice fields, the only way is to embark on a two-hour boat tour along the Ngo Dong River. The boat ticket is priced at VND250,000 ($10), and requires a minimum of 2 passengers per journey. If the weather is hot, you need to bring an umbrella or wear a hat. 

The boat ride takes you through a pretty area with three nice caves made of limestone – Ca, Hai, and Ba Cave. 

Ca Cave is the biggest one in Tam Coc. It's 127 meters long and over 20 meters wide. Next is Hai Cave, which is about 60 meters long. Ba Cave, around 50 meters long, is the smallest but is thought to be the most beautiful in the region.

Bicycle tours around Tam Coc

In Tam Coc, riding a bike is one of the best things to do. It's a great choice because you can enjoy peaceful views of rice fields and old temples. Biking lets you see amazing sights, and you can stop whenever you want to check out such as stop on the side and talk to the farmers. 

You can also drive a motorbike around Ninh Binh 

The best part is, there's no loud traffic noise in Ninh Binh. Just the sound of your bike wheels turning. Pn addition, biking in Ninh Binh is not expensive—it's even cheaper than in other parts of Vietnam. No matter how fit you are or how old you are, Ninh Binh has biking routes for everyone. So, you can find a route that suits you and have a great time!

Climb up to Mua Cave for a panoramic view of Tam Coc

Tam Coc best view from Mua Cave

Close to Tam Coc is Hang Mua, also known as Dancing Cave, lying under the Dragon Moutain. Mua Cave is often compared to Vietnam's small version of the Great Wall of China.

According to legend, King Tran Thai Tong, who ruled from 1225 to 1258, had the Thai Vi Temple built and frequented the area for dancing and singing, giving rise to the name Dancing Cave.

To reach the summit of the mountain, visitors climb 500 white stone steps. From there, they can enjoy breathtaking views of Tam Coc, along with its picturesque rice fields below.

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Mua Cave Ninh Binh: A Complete Guide for a day trip from Hanoi

Best boat and bike tours Tam Coc

In a day trip, you can combine a boat trip, bike tours in Tam Coc and Mua Cave. 

The suggested itinerary for the most Tam Coc tourist attractions and activities:

Morning: 

• Transfer from Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Around 1.5 - 2 hours) 
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital (Around 30 minutes) 
• Move to Lying Dragon Mountain for a viewpoint then, visit Mua Cave and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic (1-1,5 hours)
• Have lunch next to the Ngo Dong River (1 hour)

Afternoon: 

• Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc (2 hours) 
• Cycle through the rice fields and villages to visit Bich Dong Pagoda (1,5 hours)
• Leave Tam Coc for Hanoi (Around 1.5 - 2 hours) 

Hoa Lu- Mua Cave- Tam Coc- Bike- Bich Dong Pagoda

Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - Tam Coc - Bike - Swimming with Sunset Party

Overall, the best time for rice season in Tam Coc is in the green season and the yellow season. Exploring Tam Coc by boat and bike is highly recommended. If you have more time, consider spending more time in Tam Coc. Overnight in this region promises a great travelling experience. 

Check our cycling tours in Ninh Binh at Alohavietnam.net and on Tripadvisor now. 

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