Tam Cốc – Bích Động: A Mesmerizing Landscape That Captivates the Soul
Located within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area lies in Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lư District, Ninh Binh Province.
Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” this destination is famed for its poetic and romantic landscapes, featuring a network of water-carved caves that preserve numerous cultural and historical relics.
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The charming landscape of Tam Coc, where mountains and waters meet in harmony.
1. Tam Coc – Ha Long Bay on land
In Sino-Vietnamese, “Tam” means three and “Coc” means caves. Thus, Tam Coc refers to a trio of water caves that cut through the base of three limestone mountains: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave). All three were naturally carved by the flow of the Ngo Dong River.
- Hang Ca (First Cave) is the largest, measuring 127 meters in length and 20 meters in width. It’s known for its spectacular stalactites, which shimmer in various colors and reflect beautifully on the crystal-clear water surface.
- Hang Hai (Second Cave) lies nearly 1 kilometer from Hang Ca. It stretches 60 meters long and 18 meters wide. Its cave ceiling is adorned with countless stalactites, which locals poetically liken to nurturing mother’s breasts—dripping water day and night as if to breathe life into the earth.
- Hang Ba (Third Cave) is the shortest and lowest of the three, yet it is the most breezy. Visiting during this season, as your boat glides into the cave’s mouth, you’ll feel a refreshing chill in the air—prompting some to exclaim: “Is this a fairyland of clouds and peaks?”
In Tam Coc, the stillness of time and the tireless artistry of nature over millions of years have painted a breathtaking masterpiece – a harmonious blend of mountains and water that captivates the soul.
For the most unforgettable experience, visitors are encouraged to explore Tam Coc during the golden rice season, which typically falls between May and June. During this time, vast fields of ripened rice stretch endlessly along the Ngo Dong River, transforming the landscape into a glowing tapestry of gold beneath the limestone peaks.
The entrance fee to visit Tam Coc is 120,000 VND per adult and 60,000 VND per child.
If you choose to use the boat service, the cost is 150,000 VND per boat.
2. Bich Dong – The second best cave under Heaven
Bich Dong Pagoda is a renowned scenic and spiritual site, famously referred to as “Nam Thiên Đệ Nhị Động” – the second most beautiful cave under Heaven, ranked only after Huong Tich Cave. This place is known for its pristine, serene, and almost otherworldly beauty.
The pagoda was originally built in 1428, during the Later Lê Dynasty, as a small temple on the mountainside. Around 1705, two monks, Thích Trí Kiên and Thích Trí Thế, came upon the sacred landscape of Bich Dong in Ninh Binh. They chose to settle here, raising funds to restore and expand the old pagoda for spiritual practice.
The temple was once referred to as “Bạch Ngọc Thạch Sơn Đồng” – meaning “White Jade Stone Cave Temple” – a poetic name evoking its elegance as a white gem nestled deep within the forested mountains. It wasn’t until 1774 that Lord Trịnh Sâm officially renamed it Bích Động.
Photo: Internet
There is no entrance fee to visit Bich Dong Pagoda – visitors are currently free to explore the site, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and offer prayers at the pagoda.
Parking fee: 10,000 VND.
Bich Dong Pagoda reflects the traditional architectural style of ancient Vietnamese temples.
The complex consists of three temples and three caves—two dry caves and one water cave. The dry caves include Bich Dong Cave and Dark Cave (Động Tối), both located halfway up the mountain. The water cave is called Xuyen Thuy Cave, situated underground.
The three temples—Ha (Lower Temple), Trung (Middle Temple), and Thuong (Upper Temple)—are arranged in sequence along the mountainside, following the natural slope from low to high elevation. This layout harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, creating a spiritual journey upward through architecture and nature.
The Tam Coc boat pier exudes an extraordinary sense of peace
3. Useful Tips for Visiting Tam Coc – Bich Dong
3.1. Getting to Tam Coc – Bich Dong
The Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area is located approximately 110 km from Hanoi. Travelers can reach the site using personal vehicles such as cars or motorbikes.
If traveling by motorbike, follow this suggested route:
Take the Cau Gie Expressway toward Ninh Binh. From there, continue straight along 30 Thang 6 Street to Cau Vom Intersection. Turn right and travel about 4 km to reach Tam Coc, then continue another 2 km to get to Bich Dong.
3.2. Best Time to Visit Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is beautiful all year round, with each season offering its own unique charm.
- January to March: Visit during these months to admire the lush green rice paddies in their early growth stages.
- May to July: This is the golden season, when ripened rice fields stretch across the landscape in vibrant yellow hues—an iconic and breathtaking sight not to be missed.
4. Main Tourist Routes
The Tam Coc – Bich Dong Tourist Area offers a variety of exploration options including boat tours, cycling, and hiking, connecting nearly 20 scenic and cultural sites. The main visitor routes include:
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Boat tours:
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Van Lam Pier – Ngo Dong River – Tam Coc Caves
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Xuyen Thuy Cave Tour (passing under Bich Dong)
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Thach Bich – Thung Nang (Sun Valley) route
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Walking, cycling, and hiking routes:
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Bich Dong Mountain and Pagoda
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Tien Cave
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Mua Cave (Hang Mua)
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Co Vien Lau Ancient House Complex
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Thai Vi Temple – Thien Huong Cave
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5. Tourist Routes You Can Combine with Tam Coc – Bich Dong
Located in the core zone of the Trang An World Heritage Complex, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is conveniently connected to several other major attractions in Ninh Binh, including:
- Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone – 4 km
- Hang Mua Viewpoint (Mua Cave) – 4 km
- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – 12.6 km
- Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex – 20 km
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – 15 km
- Cuc Phuong National Park – 50 km
Bich Dong Pagoda possesses a mysterious and enchanting beauty
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