Tam Coc’s boat ride is worth your visit. The journey takes you through serene waterways flanked by towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and hidden caves creating unforgettable views. This travel guide covers the most favorited travel itinerary including the Tam Coc boat tour, the best visiting times, and nearby sites like Mua Cave and Bich Dong Pagoda for a full experience in Ninh Binh.
Is Tam Coc worth a visit?
Yes, Tam Coc is absolutely worth visiting. The boat ride here is the main highlight where you’ll float through a stunning landscape of tall limestone mountains and bright green rice fields. Your local boat guide will row with their feet while taking you through three different caves. You’ll see farmers working in their fields, water birds flying around, and get plenty of great photos.
The peace and quiet here beats the crowds you often find at Halong Bay. Since the boats are small, you’ll get a close-up view of everything. Just remember to bring a hat and some water – it can get hot during midday. And here’s a tip from my experience: try to catch the early morning boat around 7:30 AM when the air is cool and the light is perfect for photos.
How do you get from Hanoi to Tam Coc?
From Hanoi to Ninh Binh
- By bus: The most economical choice is taking a bus from Giap Bat station in Hanoi. Buses depart every 15-20 minutes from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around 70,000-100,000 VND ($3-4).
- By private car: For ultimate convenience, book a private car through your hotel or platforms like Grab. Expect to pay around 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($35-50) one way, but you can split this cost if traveling with others.
- By train: For a more comfortable journey, take the train from Hanoi Railway Station. Trains depart several times daily, with the journey taking about 2.5 hours. Tickets cost between 100,000-150,000 VND ($4-6) for regular seats and 200,000-250,000 VND ($8-10) for air-conditioned soft seats.
From Ninh Binh City Centre to Tam Coc
- By taxi: A 15-minute ride costs approximately 100,000 VND ($4). Make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price beforehand.
- By motorbike: Rent a motorbike for around 150,000 VND ($6) per day – this gives you the freedom to explore the entire area at your own pace.
- By bicycle: Many hotels offer free or cheap bicycle rentals (30,000-50,000 VND). The ride to Tam Coc takes about 30 minutes and offers beautiful countryside views.
When to visit Tam Coc? Travel tips to beat the crowd
The best time to visit Tam Coc depends on what you’re looking for:
- December to March: This is the ideal period with cool, dry weather and comfortable temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F). The limestone mountains are clearly visible, and the air is crisp.
- April to June: Rice planting season begins, turning the fields vibrant green. Temperatures rise to 30-35°C (86-95°F), but morning visits are still pleasant.
- July to September: This is rainy season. While there’s a risk of storms, the landscape becomes lush and dramatic. Boat rides still operate unless there’s heavy rain.
- October to November: A second harvest season brings golden rice fields and comfortable temperatures.
To avoid crowds:
- Start your day early – the first boats depart at 7:30 AM
- Visit on weekdays rather than weekends
- Avoid Vietnamese public holidays, especially Tet (Lunar New Year)
- Consider visiting during shoulder season (March-April or October-November)
How long is the Tam Coc boat ride?
The classic boat ride at Tam Coc takes about 2 hours, covering a 7km journey past some really incredible scenery. You should hop on one of the first boats at 7:30 AM since the morning light is soft, perfect for photos, and the temperature is still cool. Your boat will take you through three caves like:
- Hang Ca (First Cave): 127 meters long
- Hang Hai (Second Cave): 60 meters long
- Hang Ba (Third Cave): 50 meters long
When you entered, the darkness was surprising, but then tiny gaps in the limestone let in rays of light that created this magical atmosphere. The boats are small, typically seating two tourists plus the rower. Each boat ride costs around 150,000 VND ($6) per person, plus an additional entrance fee to the scenic area of 120,000 VND ($5).
Pro Tips for the boat ride:
- Bring cash for tipping (50,000-100,000 VND is appropriate)
- Wear a hat and sunscreen
- Bring water and snacks
- Keep your camera in a waterproof bag
- Arrive early to avoid the midday heat
Where to go after Tam Coc?
Hike to Mua Cave to cover stunning Tam Coc into your eyes
Mua Cave (Hang Mua) offers what you consider the most spectacular viewpoint in all of northern Vietnam. The climb to the top involves 500 steps, but the panoramic views of Tam Coc’s river system, and the other faces of endless rice fields and limestone mountains make it worthwhile. At the peak, you’ll find a small dragon statue and two viewing platforms. Best times to visit Mua Cave:
- Sunrise (5:30-6:30 AM): Watch the morning mist lift from the valley
- Sunset (5:00-6:00 PM): See the limestone karsts bathed in golden light
The entrance fee is 100,000 VND ($4). Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours here, including the climb and photo opportunities.
>>> Read more: Experience Mua Cave Like a Pro: Best Time, Views, Photography Tips
Bich Dong Pagoda
Located just 2 minutes walk from Tam Coc pier, this hidden gem is a three-level pagoda built into the mountainside. The pagoda dates back to 1428, and it’s much quieter than other temples in the area. Each level offers different views of the countryside. Entry is free, and you’ll need about 1-1.5 hours to explore everything properly.
Cycling around village
The villages around Tam Coc are perfect for cycling – the roads are flat and there’s little traffic. Rent a bike from your hotel (usually 30,000-50,000 VND) and take the back roads behind Tam Coc. Within 5-10 minutes of cycling, you’ll find yourself in small villages where you can see local life, rice farming, and maybe even get invited in for tea by friendly locals. Look for the goat farms (Ninh Binh is famous for goat meat), small family temples, and rice wine makers. A good 2-3 hour loop will take you through several villages and offer plenty of photo stops.
Hoa Lu Capital
The ancient capital lies 30 minutes north of Tam Coc by motorbike or car. This was Vietnam’s capital in the 10th century, and today you can visit two main temples honoring King Dinh and King Le. The temples are beautiful examples of ancient Vietnamese architecture, with intricate wood carvings and peaceful courtyards. You’ll need about 1.5-2 hours to explore the site properly. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND. Visit early morning (before 9 AM) to avoid tour groups and to see local people coming to pray.
Suggested itinerary including Tam Coc boat trip
Option 1: Hanoi & Ninh Binh 2 days
Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda
Start your day at 8:00 AM and our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and spend a two-hour scenic drive to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted to the Tam Coc boat pier to board a traditional rowing boat. After lunch at one of the local restaurants (try the famous Ninh Binh goat dishes), spend your afternoon exploring Bich Dong Pagoda. The late afternoon light here is stunning, and most tourists have left by then.
Day 2: Biking tour – Mua Cave – Hanoi
Wake up early and rent a bike from your hotel. The morning air is fresh, and the villages are coming to life. Cycle through the local villages, watching farmers tend their fields and water buffalo grazing. Around 8:00 AM, head to Mua Cave and climb those 500 steps – yes, it’s a workout, but the view is worth every step! Have a late lunch in Tam Coc before coming back to Hanoi around 3:00 PM.
The above is just a suggested tour. We offer Vietnam customized tours with itineraries designed to match your travel preferences. To get the quote and detailed proposal, drop us your request here or email at [email protected].
Option 2: Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3 days
Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Tam Coc
Start an exciting adventure from Hanoi to Tam Coc and Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh. Your journey begins in Hanoi as you make your way to Tam Coc, well-known for its beautiful karst landscapes, calm rivers, and secret caves. You’ll take a boat ride through the lovely, green scenery before visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist monument in Vietnam. Take time to admire its stunning architecture and peaceful environment, which make for a perfect ending to your exploration of culture and spirituality.
Day 2: Ninh Binh – Overnight on Halong Bay cruise
Start your day with sunrise at Mua Cave (if you’re up for it!), then head to Halong Bay. The drive takes about 4 hours, but most cruises include comfortable transfers. You’ll board your cruise around 12:30 PM. In the afternoon, enjoy water activities usually including kayaking or visiting stunning caves. Watching the sunset over the limestone karsts while having dinner on deck is simply magical.
Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Don’t miss the early morning Tai Chi on deck – it’s the best way to start your day. Most cruises include morning activities like cave visits before returning to port around 11:00 AM. You’ll be back in Hanoi by late afternoon.
>>> Find more updated package tour prices valid through 2025 for the Amazing Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3-day trip
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Tam Coc to Trang An?
Trang An is about 15 minutes away by taxi (150,000 VND) or motorbike. If you’re cycling, allow 45 minutes through the countryside. Most hotels can arrange transport, or you can easily find a Grab bike through the app. There’s also a direct road if you’re driving yourself – just follow the signs from Tam Coc.
Which one is better, Trang An or Tam Coc?
From my experience guiding hundreds of travelers, most people prefer Tam Coc for its variety. The boat ride is shorter (2 hours vs 3 hours in Trang An), but you’re closer to everything else – Mua Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda, and local villages. However, Trang An has longer caves and feels more natural. The travel guide about choosing the Ninh Binh boat tour among Trang An, Tam Coc, or Van Long will bring you an overview of the ticket price, scenery and boat ride experience of these 3 boat trips.
Whether you’re captivated by the scenic boat ride, caves, or nearby attractions, Tam Coc is a must-visit. Use our tips for the best experience, from itinerary planning to capturing memorable photos of this breathtaking landscape. If you are planning a tour to Vietnam and further Indochina countries, you can view more of our suggested Vietnam packages tour and take as references. Since we specialize in PRIVATE TOURS, your itinerary is customizable to match your travel interests. Get the quote and designed itinerary by clicking here or email at [email protected].
