The Complete Guide To Tam Coc In Vietnam: The Mysterious Caves Of North Vietnam
Tam Coc in Vietnam The northern part of Vietnam has an excellent cave system, part of the larger Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves are a popular attraction for tourists visiting the Southeast Asian country. Technically a karst system of flooded caves, the Tam Coc boat ride through the caves is an exciting experience for families, couples as well as travelers in groups. The nearest city to this natural wonder is Ninh Binh, a small town on the river delta where tourists visiting Tam Coc usually stay while exploring Trang An.
Sometimes known as Ha Lang inland, Tam Coc is an attractive place for those who love the outdoors and natural scenery. Read on to learn about the unique things to do in Tam Coc in Vietnam, including how to get there, where to stay and everything you need to see in this world wonder heritage.
Basic facts about Tam Coc Cave System
Place: northern vietnam
opening time: Boat rides to the cave system are available during daylight hours, which vary somewhat by season. Temples and pagodas generally open to the public by 5 am and close at 9 pm. Restaurants and shops usually open at 11 am and close at 8 pm.
entrance fees: Rs 250 per person
there coke map
How to reach Tam Coc in Vietnam
The Trang An Complex, which includes an ancient pagoda and temple complex next to cave systems, is located in Ninh Binh District. Here are the ways you can easily access Tam Coc’s campus in Vietnam:
1. Public transport
Regular buses run from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which is about 100 kilometers from the capital. In Hanoi, you will find public buses at Gio Bat Bus Station. Journeys on these buses are bumpy and uncomfortable, but tickets are cheap and there is no need to book in advance. There are also regular trains running between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, with second class sleeper tickets usually costing 450 baht. However, on most days you can easily get unreserved seats on the train, which are both cheaper and a great way to meet locals. In Ninh Binh, you can take a break before going to Tam Coc, which is 30 minutes away. To reach Tam Coc, you can hire a motorcycle or bicycle or even a taxi. Boat rides are available from Van Lam village in Tam Coc to the cave complex.
2. Private transport
image Source
If you want to avoid taking public buses from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, there are several private bus operators you can choose from. The Catba Express is the most popular, and you can book tickets online or through travel agents in Hanoi. The normal journey takes about 2 hours and will cost Rs 650. You can also hire a taxi direct from Hanoi to Tam Coc, which will usually cost around Rs 5000, although you will have to spend some time negotiating with the drivers for a good price. ,
Must read: Paragliding in Vietnam: Top 10 Places Perfect for Thrilling Holidays!
tam kok weather
image Source
The climate in Tam Coc Vietnam is warm throughout the year, with maximum temperatures hovering around 35 °C during the summer period from June to September and between 20 and 25 °C in winter. From June to October, Tam Coc receives substantial rainfall, and the high humidity coupled with the heat can be uncomfortable.
Things to do in Tam Coc
Looking for the best experiences to enjoy during your time in Tam Coc? look no further. We bring you the most exciting activities that travelers love to try when they are there:
1. Ngo Dong River: Explore the Caves
image Source
The limestone caves of Tam Coc are its most popular attraction. Literally, “Three Caves”, the system consists of three separate formations – Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. These flooded cave karst systems on the Ngo Dong River are the major attractions in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An. Tourists who want to explore the caves can take a boat ride out of Van Lam village. Local women from the village operate the boat rides and often try to sell local embroidered items on the boat itself.
Although you should politely but firmly say no, the boat ride itself is spectacular as you sail through gorgeous paddy fields, limestone cliffs and back through three cave systems. Rare mineral formations like stalactites and stalagmites dominate the inside of the caves and are quite fascinating to behold.
Read suggestions: 10 Best Places for Shopping in Hue on Your Vietnam Tour
2. Bich Dong Pagoda Complex: Seek Blessings
Located in the Ngu Nhac mountains near the village of Van Lam, the structure consists of three pagodas in ascending order – Ha, Trung and Thuong pagodas. Pagodas are one of the most important symbols of Vietnamese Buddhism, offering peace and wonderful views of the wonderful Vietnamese countryside. The Lower Pagoda is located just below the mountain, while the Middle Pagoda is located 100 steps up the mountain. The highest cave temple has less number of steps but steeper climb.
3. Van Lam: Buy embroidered items
The small village located at the entrance of the Tam Coc Caves, Van Lam is known for its local artisans who produce the most fascinating embroidered goods. You can buy napkins, pillowcases and embroidered clothes at reasonable prices from local shops. The local boat operators taking you through the caves will also offer to sell you the same things, but at much higher prices, so if you are looking for some local souvenirs, be sure to buy them from the locals’ shops in the village.
Read suggestions: Enjoy authentic Vietnamese hospitality at these 10 cheap homestays in Hanoi
4. Chuckie’s Beer Garden: Hang out with your friends!
Located on Tam Coc-Bich Dong Road, Chuki’s Beer Garden is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day in Vietnam. After spending the daylight hours boating through caves or mountain biking through the Trang An area, tourists and backpackers alike love a cold local beer (you can even get some international brands if you ask), along the river. Enjoy on the deck chairs placed along the shore. The hosts are friendly and allow guests to stay as late as 10 pm. This place also offers light snacks like burgers, wraps as well as salads.
5. Thuy Linh: Have a delicious Vietnamese dinner
Covered with traditional Vietnamese red lanterns and lush green plants, Thuy Linh is one of the best places for a good Vietnamese dinner if you’re in the Tam Coc strip. The Ninh Binh region is quite popular for its goat dishes, and Thuy Linh is one of the best places to enjoy this Vietnamese novelty, along with cheap noodles and rice.
Read suggestions: 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Hanoi, The Land Lost in Time!
Places to Stay in Tam Coc, Vietnam
Your search for the most comfortable and budget accommodation options near Tam Coc ends here. Choose the one that suits you best.
1. Limestone View Homestay
Close to Tam Loc (5 km), Hoa Lu (5 km) and Trang An (2 km), this is a homestay owned by the charming Dzung family. With four clean rooms and beautiful views of the hinterland, this is a good place to stay on a budget during your visit to Tam Coc. The property also has free Wi-Fi and laundry services, as well as airport transfer services from Hanoi International.
Place: Xuan Thanh Road
Face value: INR 6783
Rating: 5/5
Read suggestions: All about the charming Cham Islands for an exciting Vietnamese holiday
2. Tam Coc Garden Resort
image Source
Tam Coc Garden Resort in Vietnam is a luxury eco-resort set amidst rice fields, offering an authentic Vietnamese experience, while ensuring you have all the essentials you need to make it a charming holiday. Modeled after a Tonkinese village, Vietnam’s Tam Coc Garden offers rooms with tiled roofs and stone walls, surrounded by bamboo groves and traditional gardens.
Place: Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Binh
Face value: INR 13,698
Rating: 5/5
3. Mua Caves Ecolodge
This charming eco resort, located in the Hang Mua area amidst limestone and rice paddies, is one of the best places to stay in Tam Coc. The rooms are large and reflect Vietnamese royalty, you can book half-day tours through the team at the lodge and also hire mountain bikes for tours around the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Place: khe ha, ninh binh
Face value: INR 2171
Rating: 4.5/5
read ahead: 12 Indian Restaurants In Vietnam You Must Visit To Taste Desi Taste
The historical and religious sites of Vietnam’s Golden Age, as well as the beautiful landscapes of Tam Coc in Vietnam, are a gift to visitors. Since the area does not have much traffic most of the year, it is also a relaxing vacation filled with wonderful natural and man-made scenery. And most of all, the people of Northern Vietnam are very hospitable, and tourists fall in love with both the people and the place. So if you are looking for a tropical vacation, book your trip to Vietnam today for the best trip through Northern Vietnam!
Are you looking to book an international honeymoon?
Book a memorable honeymoon on TourTravelHotels with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
