
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 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.
Tam Coc – Bich Dong is beautiful all year round, with each season offering its own unique charm.
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:
Boat tours:
Van Lam Pier – Ngo Dong River – Tam Coc Caves
Xuyen Thuy Cave Tour (passing under Bich Dong)
Thach Bich – Thung Nang (Sun Valley) route
Walking, cycling, and hiking routes:
Bich Dong Mountain and Pagoda
Tien Cave
Mua Cave (Hang Mua)
Co Vien Lau Ancient House Complex
Thai Vi Temple – Thien Huong Cave
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: