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April 26, 2024
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View over the limestone mountains in Tam Coc
Tam Coc is located in northern Vietnam, in Ninh Binh province, around a two hours drive from Hanoi. It’s an area of extreme beauty, with large karst mountains, winding rivers, dozens of caves, and mystical temples.
Also called the “Halong on land”, this place isn’t a secret anymore, as some tourist guides may still imply. The photogenic Instagrammable locations in and around Tam Coc are drawing in travelers from all over the world, even a lot of families who are road-tripping through Vietnam with kids.
Nevertheless, as a conscious traveler, Tam Coc is still worth a visit. The lovely little streets of the town center are teeming with local homestays, the sights, and attractions in the region are superb, and aside from a few scams, the locals are genuinely hospitable and friendly.
Here are 15 great things to do in Tam Coc!
There are so many things to do in and around Tam Coc that you can easily stay for a week and still not see everything the area has to offer. I spent two weeks in Trang An and Tam Coc and, as a slow traveler, I still felt like I was short on time to see all the sights and immerse myself completely in this lovely region.
As you visit Tam Coc, don’t forget to also explore some sights and locations that are further afield, like the Cuc Phuong Nature Reserve and Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary!
Also, be sure to pick the right boat tour, because this can make or break your trip!I
Trang An scenic landscape complex, Vietnam
Scrolling through the web, you’ll probably marvel at the gorgeous photos of the Tam Coc river surrounded by rice fields and limestone mountains. While they are indeed very beautiful, be sure to pick the right boat tour when you travel to Tam Coc.
What to do in Tam Coc: Trang An scenic landscape complex
There are boat tours on offer in the center of Tam Coc on the Ngo Dong river but these are not the official boat tours in the area. They are actually a tourist trap in which you’ll be asked for an insane amount of tips for the boatmen and be tricked into paying completely outrageous prices for drinks and snacks during your boat ride.
The only official boat trips into the most beautiful parts of the landscape are the Trang An boat tours. These tours are operated by a private company and are the gateway to the UNESCO-world Heritage Site of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Compared to Tam Coc, which only takes you back and forth to three caves, at Trang An, you can choose from three different routes that take you to various caves, temples, and pagodas in between the scenic landscape.
Tam Coc things to do: Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex
Often referred to as the Bai Dinh Pagoda, this location is not just one pagoda but a huge complex of Buddhist pagodas covering a total area of 539 hectares.
It is considered the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam and is a pilgrimage destination for many Vietnamese. The complex consists of a temple area that dates back to the 12th century and a new temple that was built in 2003
The entrance to the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex is free of charge. Because of it’s large size you can rent golf carts to take you around.
Cuc Phuong National Park is the oldest national park in Vietnam. It’s located A 45-minute drive from Tam Coc and makes for a great day trip, away from the touristy sights of the area.
The ancient forest of Cuc Phuong National Park harbors a dazzling amount of wildlife, including 336 bird species, 122 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 135 species of mammals. Mammals that reside here are Asiatic black bears, civets cats, clouded leopards, and even the critically endangered Delacour’s langur.
To explore the park, you can choose from a variety of well-marked trails that lead to ancient trees, prehistoric caves, and incredible viewpoints.
At the park, you can also find the endangered primate rescue center and a turtle conservation center (see more below).
To explore the park, you will need to rent a car or hire a driver for the day. The park cannot be reached by public transport from Tam Coc.
It is also impossible to explore the park on foot starting from the main entrance. Due to it’s large size, sights and trails are located far from one another and you will need a car to reach the different sights and trails inside the park.
Tam Coc what to do: Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary
The Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary is one of the most incredible places around Tam Coc. It’s located a short drive from Cuc Phuong National Park and can easily be combined on a day trip.
At Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary, you can see and learn about Asiatic Black bears and Sun Bears in an ethical way. The bears that reside at the sanctuary have been saved from bear bile farming, a horrible practice that is still performed in Vietnam today.
Since they have been living in small caves all their lives most of them now need to be rehabilitated. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing demand for bear bile and uncontrolled wildlife poaching, it’s not safe to release them again into the wild but hopefully, this will be possible in the future.
Read my article about the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary to learn more about the sanctuary and why it is so important that bear bile farms get shut down.
Things to do Tam Coc: Mua Viewpoint
One of the most impressive sights in Tam Coc is undoubtedly Mua Caves and the Hang Mua Viewpoints.
While the caves are nothing special, the real attractions here are the viewpoints from which you’ll have a gorgeous view over the surrounding rice fields, rivers, and karst mountains. There are two viewpoints to explore, the Dragon viewpoint and the Pagoda viewpoint. Getting there will require you to take a steep hike of 500 steps up the mountain.
Hang Mua caves and viewpoint have because an incredibly popular Instagram photo spot and it’s also one of the more expensive attractions to visit according to Vietnamese standards. The entrance fee costs 100 000 VND/per person.
→ Also read: A complete travel guide to Cat Ba National Park
The rice fields around Tam Coc are not as beautiful as in places like Pu Luong or Mai Chau but they do add to the scenic landscape in Tam Coc is a fabulous way.
The best place to witness the beauty of the rice fields in Tam Coc is from the Hang Mua viewpoint at the end of May. At this time of year, the fields turn to a deep yellow-golden color just before harvesting.
Tam Coc things to see: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital near Tam Coc
Hoa Lu is an important place for the Vietnamese since it was the capital city of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th century.
Today, the ancient city and buildings of Hoa Lu have mostly been destroyed. Inside the complex, however, you can still visit a few temples that have been built to honor the emperors and princes of the former Dinh and Le dynasties.
A great attraction around Hoa Lu is climbing the 300-step staircase to the top of Ma Yen Hill. From the top, you have a magnificent view of Hoa Lu and the surrounding area.
The area around Tam Coc is beautiful and the small streets and back alleys lend themselves well to great walks in the region.
The best way to discover these small streets and paths is to turn off your phone and get lost. I discovered the most amazing restaurant in Tam Coc this way, hidden away between limestone mountains and fertile rice fields.
I’ll tell you more about that restaurant in the restaurant section!
Tam Coc-Bich Dong Pagoda
The Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful three-tiered pagoda complex built in the Ngu Nhac mountains near Tam Coc. From the town center, it takes only a half-an-hour walk to reach the pagoda.
The pagoda consists of three tiers. The first one was built around 600 years ago while the middle tier and the top tier have been built in the 18th century. the three tiers are named Ha pagoda (Lower pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle pagoda) and Thuong Pagoda (Upper pagoda).
From the second pagoda, you have a lovely view of the surrounding area. Another great feature is that half of the pagoda is built inside a cave.
Admission to the Bich Dong Padoga is free. There are however some scammers around who will try to trick you into buying fake tickets and charging for parking space. Don’t fall into that trap.
Thai Vi Temple, Tam Coc, Vietnam
The Thai Vi temple is a relatively unknown ancient temple hidden away between the limestone mountains and rice fields in Tam Coc. The Thai Vi temple was built by King Tran Thai Tong in 1258 and to this day it is a place of worship for many Buddhists.
The great thing about Thai Vi temple is that it is not overcrowded with tourists. In fact, when I visited in December, I was the only one there. There were a few monks there working on decorative pieces for a future celebration.
The peaceful and serene environment is lovely and it’s a lovely place to sit down for a bit, contemplating life and watching the monks go about their day.
There is no better way to explore Tam Coc and its surroundings than by bicycle! A great feature about Tam Coc is that, in between the mountains, the terrain is completely flat which makes it very easy to cycle around, even if your fitness level is not that good.
Cycling is not only positive for your health but also better for the environment. Using a bicycle instead of a motorbike will result in less air pollution.
A lot of travelers hire a motorbike in Tam Coc but this only adds to the center of Tam Coc becoming noisier and kind of destroys the peaceful atmosphere.
A lot of guesthouses in Tam Coc offer bicycles that you can use free of charge or for a small fee.
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and pristine nature reserves. It’s a great place to experience local landscapes and Vietnamese culture near Tam Coc without the crowds you’ll find in Trang An.
Tam Coc activities: Van Long Wetland Reserve near Tam Coc
Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. It covers an area of over 3000 hectares with a spectacular landscape that boasts towering limestone cliffs, meandering waterways, and vast stretches of marshland.
The landscape is similar to Tam Coc and Trang An but at Van Long, you can still spot wild animals, like storks and herons and the critically endangered Delacour’s langur.
The best way to explore Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve is by boat. Read my guide with everything you need to know about Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve for more information.
If you want to learn more about endangered monkey species in Vietnam then you absolutely cannot miss the primate rescue center that is located inside Cuc Phuong National Park.
Endangered primate rescue center, Vietnam
At first, I was a little shocked to see how these monkeys were kept in rather small confinements. But I quickly learned that the layouts of these cages are designed based on science and constructed for optimal functioning of the monkeys.
Most of the monkeys that reside here are unable to return to the wild. This is because they have injuries that would prevent them from surviving. As you look closely, you can see round spots in the fur of the monkeys. Those spots are actually bullet holes caused by poachers. They hunt the monkeys down for their skins, bones, and organs which are used in traditional medicine.
At the primate rescue center, you can see a variety of gibbons, langurs and slow lorises. Tickets can be bought at the entrance of Cuc Phuong National Park and cost 50 000 VND/per person.
Do note that the tour of the premises only lasts for 20 minutes and that you can only visit with a guide. Visits are kept that short to prevent the monkeys get too used to humans.
Tam Coc viewpoint: Ao Giai Lake
Tuyet Tinh Coc is a mountain canyon with a lake and a Buddhist temple. It is located near the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and can only be accessed by a tunnel that goes right through a karst mountain. Hundreds of years ago, this site was used as a prison and a place to punish criminals.
Once inside, you can cycle around the lake and visit the Am Thien cave and Pagoda. There’s also a nice viewpoint from which you can take great photos. The entrance fee is 20 000 VND and you can also rent bicycles to tour the lake.
One of the local delicacies of the region around Ninh Binh is vegan and is called “Com Chay”. Com Chay is a crispy but very tasty rice dish. It actually consists of leftover rice that is cooked until it gets a bit burned.
After that, it needs to dry in the sun or get dried with a special machine so it can be preserved better. the end product is a crispy rice cracker that can be topped with various sauces and other ingredients.
Tam Coc is full of incredibly cozy homestays and guesthouses and even a few eco-resorts. Here are three budget accommodations in Tam Coc I tried and tested myself.
If you have a little more money to spend you can opt to stay at one of the beautiful bungalows or villas of the Tam Coc Garden Resort which makes serious efforts regarding sustainability.
Best restaurant Tam Coc: “Thung Sen”
Tam Coc is home to some great restaurants and a lot of them cater to vegans. If you’re a vegan, you won’t have trouble finding tasty vegan food in Vietnam. Here is a list of my favorite restaurants in Tam Coc:
Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam:
Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For unique immersive homestays in the cities as well as in the Vietnamese countryside
12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Vietnam
GRAB: for taxi rides in cities and nearby attractions
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vietnam
Eatwith: Dine with locals inside their home for an immersive foodie experience
Withlocals: Experience cities in Vietnam with local people that show you around. This is a good idea if you want to stray off the beaten path!
Viator and Get Your Guide: For (vegan) food tours, street food tours, and tours in general
Get your Visa for Vietnam online through the Evisa website
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Vietnam E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.
Rice fields around Hang Mua
Getting to Tam Coc is relatively easy no matter where you’re coming from. Taking into account its close position to Hanoi it’s well-located on the tourist trail. There are also several full-day tours to Tam Coc and the surrounding areas from Hanoi.
Tam Coc can easily be reached by daily buses that ply the route from Hanoi to Tam Coc. You can book buses easily through 12GoAsia. Do check the drop-off location well because certain buses will drop you off in Ninh Binh and in that case you will need a taxi to take you from Ninh Binh to Tam Coc.
If you have little time on your hands, there are also several tours to Tam Coc that leave from Hanoi.
Since December 2022, a bus route has been initiated between Tam Coc and the wonderful region of Pu Luong. I took this bus from Pu Luong to Tam Coc and it dropped me off at the doorstep of my accommodation. A bus ticket costs € 14 and can be arranged through your accommodation.
Another option is to hire a private car on Bookaway to take you to Pu Luong. This is especially interesting if you’re traveling in a small group and can split the costs. You will also get to Pu Luong much faster this way and you can even decide to make a stop at Cuc Phuong National Park which is on the road to Pu Luong.
Sleeper buses leave Phong Nha in the evening and arrive at Tam Coc very early in the morning. If you fancy a more comfortable option, alternatively, you can take a bus to Dong Hoi and board a sleeper train to Ninh Binh. The beds will be more comfortable but do note that the train station is in Ninh Binh City so you will need to take a taxi to get to Tam Coc.
Both train and bus tickets can be bought through 12GoAsia.
Tam Coc is a destination that can be visited year-round. It has distinct seasons and is hot and humid during the summer months, while the winter months will be dry and can be a bit chilly with temperatures hovering around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Tam Coc, Vietnam
To snap the most beautiful photos, the best time to visit Tam Coc is just before the harvesting season. At the end of May and in early June, the rice fields in the area will turn from lush green to a golden yellow color.
Do note that this will also be the busiest time to visit Tam Coc.
How long you stay in Tam Coc is completely up to you but if you like to slow travel, just like I do, I recommend staying at least a week. There is so much to see in the area and this allows you to explore the region at a leisurely pace instead of rushing from one attraction to another.
It also allows you to explore by a slower mode of transport (on foot or by bicycle) instead of renting a motorbike or a private car.
If you only have a few days to spend in Tam Coc, I can highly recommend certainly not skipping the Trang An Boat Tour, Mua Caves and viewpoints, the Van Long Wetlands and the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary. These were the highlights of my trip to Tam Coc.
As said before, The Tam Coc boat rides are a tourist trap and don’t visit the actual official UNESCO -protected World Heritage Site of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Aside from that, I was also very disappointed in visiting Thung Nham Bird Park. This park is advertised as an ecotourism destination and one of the best places in Vietnam to see birds. The entrance fee is high for Vietnamese standards and costs 150 000 VND/per person.
I was willing to pay that because it is an eco-tourism area but when I entered the park I was shocked by what I found. This is not an eco-tourism destination that is focused on the wellness of the birds that live here, but an amusement park with a hotel and restaurants, and noisy tourist boats that go up and down the lakes. It has nothing to do with the protection of the birds.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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