BEST THINGS TO DO IN TAM COC 

1. Take the rowing boat ride along Ngo Dong River

Boating along Ngo Dong River
Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc is a must-see place for first time visitors in Ninh Binh. The 2-hour boat ride in Tam Coc will start from Van Lam Pier, run along Ngo Dong River, beautiful rice paddies, unique limestone karsts and pass underneath three caves. Just remember to keep your head low in the boat to avoid hitting on the low ceilings of these unique mountain erosions. 
Here are Tam Coc Boat Tour Routes:

• As the boat whisks you away onto mesmerizing sceneries of the blue sky, pure current of water, imposing karst mountains…you will actually see that the view of Tam Coc – Ninh Binh is enchanting to feel every relaxing moments
• During the trip, local people follow a ready-planned route for tourists to see a system of three caves including Hang Ca (Hang Cả) which is called the first grotto measures 127m, the second grotto is Hang Hai, it is far from Hang Ca 1km, with the length of 60m; Hang Ba, the third grotto is near Hang Hai, 50m in length. The system of three caves in Tam Coc has many shining stalactites hanging down, they are all strange-looking shapes this is a gift from nature
• See the atmosphere of a floating market where local people sell a variety of food, snacks and drinks on boat
• It seems to be interesting for visitors to watch the local people row their own boats with legs. According to local people, this unique way helps to reduce the pressure on the back and arm

2. Explore Bich Dong Pagoda & Cave

Irresistible fairytale beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda in the lotus blooming season
Much like its name as “Green Pearl Grotto”, Bich Dong nestles in the jungle of mountains, rivers, water, rice fields around in green. To come deeply into the chambers of Bich Dong – the “second most beautiful grotto in Vietnam”, tourists will walk on a stone bridge over a lotus pond and pass through the entrance gate. Situated at the grandiose Ngu Nhac mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda’s ornate gate itself is one of the most iconic sights in Ninh Binh. Not as a usual pagoda, Bich Dong consists of 3 separate layered pagodas which are Lower (Ha), Middle (Trung) and Upper (Thuong) Pagoda on different levels. Inside each cave pagoda, looming statues and the smoke of burning incense create an otherworldly atmosphere. It will take about 2 hours to reach the Upper Pagoda to enjoy the magnificent view of Tam Coc region from above but it is definitely worth the effort!
Visitors can take leisure biking from Tam Coc to Bich Dong to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful countryside landscape along the way.

3. Join Biking Tour through Bich Dong Pagoda
From Tam Coc, you can go biking through villages in countryside areas that is far 5 km from Bich Dong Pagoda. Imagine to have 15 or 30 minutes to immerge yourself in tranquility there, whats a great experiences for all tourists those who are favor of nature. 

4. See The Beauty Breathtaking Beauty of Golden Rice in Tam Coc

Attractions near Tam Coc – Bich Dong

1. Thai Vi Temple (Đền Thái Vi)

Thai Vi Temple dated 13th century and worships Kings and Generals of Tran dynasty
Thai Vi Temple is about 1.5 km away from the main Tam Coc tourist pier, so worth doing a quick detour. If you not in the rush, you are highly recommended to take a walk or bike ride along small village path from Tam Coc boat pier to this peaceful and atmospheric temple. The surrounding limestone karsts and rice fields are stunning. The temple distinguishes itself from others with unique features of worship and typical Vietnamese culture. Thai Vi Temple dated 13th century and worships Kings and Generals of Tran dynasty. Its architecture style followed the concept of “Internal attack with outside support” (Nội Công Ngoại Quốc in Vietnamese). In addition, main parts of the temple were built from stone, as well as the altar and worshiping items, which make tourists admire the stone carving art of Ninh Binh’s sculptors. If luck, you may have an opportunity to witness a ceremony, to meet an old shaman (custodian) or a monk and get interesting stories and legends about the temple.

2. Mua Cave (Hang Múa)
Mua Cave is situated 3 kilometers from Tam Coc. After finishing the boat ride in Tam Coc, the leisure stroll to Thai Vi Temple, tourists will continue the journey to Mua Cave in the later of the day to enjoy the cool air and the stalactites which are formed in many shapes and sizes. It is also considered as a miniature version of the Chinese Great Wall. To reach on the top with the magnificent panoramic 360-degree views of Tam Coc with rice fields on Ngo Dong River, visitors must prepare good physical conditions to finish 500 stone stair-steps.

Mua Cave Viewpoint – a miniature version of the Chinese Great Wall
If you can embark on higher climb, make your way up to the top of the mountain to see the Lying Dragon statue sits. From this peak, you’ll marvel at the patchwork quilt of green rice fields below, the snaking rivers weaving in, out, and around the ancient karsts. The panoramic view is best enjoyed in sunset, when the sun slowly hides its glowing vanilla beams under the jungle-covered tops of limestone mountains. Also, make sure you wear proper shoes, especially in the rainy season as the steps can become slippery.

3. Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel – the economic and political centre of Dai Co Viet, the kingdom which predates Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries
Hoa Lu was the economic and political centre of Dai Co Viet, the kingdom which predates Vietnam, in the 10th and 11th centuries. Most of what you’ll see today at Hoa Luu Citadel is a reconstruction that was built in the 17th century. It contains several temples and statues that stand in beautifully created parks. Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel is worth investing in a guided tour of Ninh Binh as hearing beautiful piece of Vietnamese history and stories will really bring the experience to life.