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Tam Coc boat tour

Best thing to do in Ninh Binh

By Jungle BossPublished about a year ago 2 min read
Tam Coc boat tour through rice paddies in Ninh B

Marvel at the brilliant Tam Coc boat tour, one of the most sought-after excursions around Ninh Binh in Vietnam, replete with breathtaking views, rich culture, and some pretty amazing natural beauties. Herein is all the information one may wish to know about this fantastic tour.

Why Take a Tam Coc Boat Tour?

The Tam Coc boat tour gently meanders down the Ngo Dong River, catching sight of limestone karst and golden rice fields around every corner. This is sometimes referred to as "Halong Bay on Land," an adventure wherein there's sailing through a trio of amazing caves: Hang Ba, Hang Hai, and Hang Ca. Adding so much to its authenticity, and making it super culturally cool, some local rowers add flavors.

Tam Coc is stunning all year, but the best time to go is during the rice harvest season (May-June) when the fields are a bright yellow. To dodge that mid-day heat, it's better to do early morning or late afternoon tours, especially in summer.

Tam coc boat traffic!

Key Highlights of the Tour

Limestone Caves: Explore the three grottoes and check out those natural stalactites and cool interiors.

Rice Fields: See the lush green or golden rice fields, depending on the season.

Floating Markets: Midway, there are boats selling snacks and drinks; a perfect way to catch a break.

Other Activities around Tam Coc

Bich Dong Pagoda: 2 km away is this quiet temple complex, which is just what one needs for spiritual retreats.

Mua cave in Ninh Binh

Mua Cave: For breathtaking views over Tam Coc and the countryside around, climb 500 steps.

Thung Nham Bird Park: For the bird watcher, this is the place - 7 km from the wharf at Tam Coc.

Thung Nham Bird valley in ninh binh

Thai Vi Temple: The remains of a temple devoted to the Tran dynasty of Vietnam - in Tam Coc village.

Cost and Length

Boat Ticket: 150,000 VND per boat, only two persons on one boat.

Entrance Ticket Price: 120,000 VND for adults.

Length of Tour: About 2.5 hours.

How to Get There

From Hanoi: Guided day tour or by direct 2-hour bus from Hanoi going to Ninh Binh, and further on to Tam Coc by taxi or bike.

Local Activities: Hiring a scooter or bicycle and going on a scenic ride from the towns in its vicinity.

Accommodation Options

Tam Coc has places to stay within the vicinity of the attractions. These range from basic homestays to boutique hotels to five-star resorts surrounded by rice fields:

Homestay in Tam Coc

Budget: Tam Coc Craft Homestay

Mid-range: Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort

Luxury: Aravinda Resort

Tips for an Enjoyable Trip

Hat and sunscreen, comfortable clothes.

Bring enough water and some snacks.

Pay a decent tip amount to the rowers - 20,000-40,000 VND.

Early or late tours miss the crowds and mid-of-the-day sun.

How Does It Compare to Trang An Boat Tour?

Where Tam Coc offers rustic charm highly, offering rice fields and foot-rowing, Trang An boat tour offers itself as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, boasting even more caves and temples, each offering something else when it comes to the beauty of Ninh Binh.

travel tips

About the Creator

Jungle Boss

JungleBoss Tours brings you epic adventures in Phong Nha, Vietnam! From trekking through lush jungles to exploring breathtaking caves, we’ve got your next unforgettable experience covered. Come check us out at junglebosstours.com

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