Besides Trang An, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam.
Boat trip on the river
A boat trip is the best way to explore the hidden beauty and tranquility of Tam Coc. The boat will take you through vast rice fields or into the midst of giant limestone mountains with three small caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba).
Other attractions and activities
Tam Coc is not just about boat trips on the river. There are many other equally popular attractions. You can rent a bicycle to explore and enjoy the beauty of the area.
About 2 km away is Bich Dong Pagoda . This is a small complex of several temples and a beautiful cave. Admission is free, you only need to pay for parking.
Mua Cave is a hot tourist spot for young people who love taking photos in Ninh Binh. Just point your camera and you'll get a stunning picture! Mua Cave is about 4 km from Tam Coc port.
Thung Nham Bird Garden is located about 7 km from Tam Coc harbor. Within this park are limestone mountains, numerous valleys, and caves of varying sizes. A striking sight is the heron flying back to its nests in the late afternoon.
Thai Vi Temple is an ancient pagoda dating back to the 13th century and is located within the Tam Coc complex. It is a place of worship for the kings and generals of the Tran dynasty.
Being extorted for money while on a boat trip in Tam Coc.
This is the experience of almost all tourists who come to Tam Coc. It creates an extremely unsightly image of a place blessed with natural beauty.
If you are traveling with a foreign family member, only two people are allowed on one boat. If you want to join them, you will have to pay an additional 40,000 VND.
The way to paddle a boat in Tam Coc is by using your feet. Many tourists find it strange and interesting. However, this method of paddling is completely banned in Trang An and Van Long because it is considered offensive.
Since Trang An has developed significantly, the regulations have become stricter. Boatmen are not allowed to extort tips from tourists. But Tam Coc seems to have no regulation at all. Phuotvivu has been to Tam Coc 4 times and been asked for tips 3 times. On the most recent trip, the boatman was very nice, so I tipped him myself. Hopefully, in the future, Tam Coc will be managed as strictly as Trang An to prevent boatmen from pressuring tourists for tips.
