Tam Coc boat tour: An exciting experience to explore the peaceful beauty of Ninh Binh

The Tam Coc boat tour offers an amazing journey through picturesque landscapes, where you will glide along the Ngo Dong River and explore enchanting caves. This boating experience is a must for those seeking the serene natural beauty in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.

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A small boat on the Ngo Dong river to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. (Source: Collected)

For individuals who have a strong desire to explore new lands, the Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh never fails to pique their curiosity and excitement. Join Hanoi Explore Travel to discover new things with a boat tour in Tam Coc, where not only stunning natural beauty but also other interesting things await you!

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A glimpse at Tam Coc boat tour: Is it worth-trying?

Located in Hoa Lu district, Tam Coc – Bich Dong is just about 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center and not far from Hanoi only 90km. This is an important tourist attraction in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage.

The boating experience at Tam Coc is a great opportunity to explore the hidden beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong. It will allow you to admire the green rice fields and immerse yourself in the space of three small caves (Ca Cave, Hai Cave, Ba Cave). Only when experiencing a boat tour at Tam Coc will you fully appreciate the amazing natural beauty this land has to offer.

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Taking a boat ride to explore amazing natural beauty of Tam Coc. (Source: Collected)

The Tam Coc boat tour offers more than just a leisurely glide along the serene Ngo Dong River; it also provides an ideal opportunity to appreciate a perfect combination of the poetic beauty of the surroundings and the wildness of the mossy rocky mountains, captivating the attention of tourists.

It would be an absolute pity if you visit Ninh Binh without boating at Tam Coc at least once. You will have the chance to visit and fully discover the natural and cultural beauty here because it is adjacent to many other tourist attractions, like Bich Dong Pagoda, Thung Nham Bird Park, Hang Mua cave, etc.

With the harmonious combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and tranquility, this is the perfect destination for those who wish to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Vietnam’s serene countryside.

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Stunning scenery of limestone mountains, caves, and rice fields. (Source: Collected)

The ticket price and time of Tam Coc boat tours

Here are some tourist information helps you when you travel by yourself

Tam Coc boat tour price: You can buy tickets from Van Lam port at main gate. Maximum 2 Persons on a Boat

  • Adults: 250,000 VND per person in total for the tour
  • Children: 100,000 VND per child: from 1 metter to 1.4 metter. Child under 1 meter will be free

Tam Coc boat ride time: It takes you about 1.5 – 2 hours to visit all the caves ( 3 Caves : Hang Ca – Ca Cave, Hang Hai – Second Cave, Hang Ba – Third Cave

Opening hours: 07:00 am – 05:30 pm.

When is the best time to take Tam Coc boat tour?

  • Tam Coc is beautiful in all seasons and has a unique beauty on every season. If you would like to enjoy the charm of green rice paddy fields  on a river, the period of January and February after Lunal New Year of Vietnam will be the reasonable time. It will bring tourists a sense of comfort and admiration of the taste of the sky, the river and nature.
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The magnificent picture of the Mother of Nature dotted with yellow rice paddy fields at Tam Coc. (Source: Collected)
  • If you want to observe the magnificent picture of the Mother of Nature dotted with yellow rice paddy fields, green forests and floating boats along the rivers at the end of May and early July. This is a appropriate time to explore beauty of Tam Coc.
  • From the end of May to July (harvest season) this time, the rice fields which are ripe in bright yellow attract many visitors.
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The farmers look so radiant in the harvest season along with their boats full of fruits lightly passing on the river.

What to expect on the Tam Coc boat tour ?

Experiencing a boat tour in Tam Coc is the best way for you to discover the hidden beauty and tranquility of Tam Coc. The boat will take you through vast rice fields or enter into three small caves (Ca cave, Hai cave and Ba cave) located in the heart of enormous limestone mountains. For those who are Vietnam travel enthusiasts, this amazing Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh should not be missed.

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Explore boat trip by local people who have skill of sailing with their great feet

Boat Ride Trip of Tam Coc is not only famous for destinations like “ Ha Long Bay on Land ” but also for great experiences of riding a boat by foot, which makes tourists very excited.

  • Recently, the Insider newspaper has just posted a video about boatmen of  Ninh Hai commune who are using their foot to make the boats move smoothly on Ngo Dong river with up to a million of viewers. The result is that a large amount of domestic and foreign travellers come to Ninh Binh province for experiencing.
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A man is rowing boat ride by feet on Ngo Dong river. (Source: Collected)
  • Each household of  Ninh Hai has one boatman and work in the tourism area. So riding the boat only by hand will surely be handworn; therefore, the idea of rowing by foot appeared. According to the beat of the feet, they gentlely control two oars and take toursits through golden rice fields planted alongside Ngo Dong river.

Enjoy the most beautiful scenery in Ninh Binh

  • Tam Coc is known for wonderful views with the surrounding limestone mountains. The two banks of the river were full of fields of local people. At the halfway of this boat trips, you will have an opportunity to admire the peak of Mua cave from a different point of view. During this tour, you will relax and feel serenity of this place.
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The most beautiful scenery in Ninh Binh. (Source: Collected)

Explore three caves of Tam Coc

  • To explore Tam Coc, the only way is using boats. To visit Tam Coc, tourists get on the boat from the wharf. The boatmen will take you through the cliffs and rice fields on Ngo Dong river. The rice fields can be changed according to the rice season ( green rice, yellow and golden rice season).
  • Tam Coc means three caves , which consisting of Ca, Hai and Ba caves. Three caves are formed by Ngo Dong river that runs through the mountains. You are going to spend around 2 hours on boat trip.
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During your boat ride trip, you will have an opportunity to visit and admire these three caves. (Source: Collected)

What to see in Tam Coc whilst sitting on your rowing boat ?

  • 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.
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A rower is using his foot to control the boat ride. (Source: Collected)
  • During the boat 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.

Well-known tourist locations ought to combine with sightseeing boat tours in Tam Coc

In addition to the peaceful river and the stunning limestone caves, there are a lot of other interesting things and attractions in Tam Coc that you shouldn’t miss when taking the boat tour:

  • Bich Dong Pagoda is about 2 kilometers from Tam Coc. This is a small complex of many temples and a beautiful cave. Admission is free and you only need to pay parking fees.
  • Mua Cave, located about 4 kilometers from Tam Coc wharf, is a well-known tourist attraction for young people who love taking photos in Ninh Binh. Just hold the camera and you can take many beautiful shots there!
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Mua Cave is worth being visited in Ninh Binh! (Source: Collected)
  • Thung Nham Bird Garden, about 7 kilometers from Tam Coc wharf, is home to limestone mountains, caves and many large and small valleys. The highlight of this park is the image of storks flying back to their nests in the late afternoon.
  • Thai Vi Temple: Located in the Tam Coc complex, Thai Vi Temple is an ancient temple built in the 13th century to worship kings and generals of the Tran dynasty.
  • Thien Huong Cave: This cave is located on the slopes of Dong Vo mountain, along the way from Tam Coc wharf to Thai Vi temple. There is a narrow path behind the cave, leading to the top of the mountain where you can see the picturesque Ngo Dong river encircled by rice fields in the distance.

How to spend 1 Day with Tam Coc boat tours ?

The most popular itinerary including Tam Coc boat ride to have a tremendous chance to explore stunning scenery in Tam Coc. If you have 1 day to visit Ninh Binh and you are also interested in joining in a boat day trip, this tour is for you:

The package 1 day trip in Ninh Binh offers you interesting places in Tam Coc – Ninh Binh area.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Tour – All in One

  • A perfect combination of a tour for a day.

You will visit 3 most famous places, explore history and culture of Hoa Lu Ancient capital – the oldest and first capital of Vietnam, experience the feeling of sitting on a bamboo boat along river, go through 3 caves of Tam Coc, Hiking to the peak’s mountain of Mua cave with 500 stairs where there is a great panoramic view to Ninh Binh city and take great photos.

>>> Explore Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Small Group Tour with maximum 15 Person, transfer by Limousine Car, Reasonable Price, All Included

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Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tam Coc in 1 Day Trip

Hoa Lu – Tam Coc gives you the chance to visit two well-know places of Ninh Binh. The first one is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital where it left a range of ancient architectures, pagodas and other historical heritages…

Visiting Hoa Lu you will have a chance to explore the ancient temples worshiping the Kings of Vietnam. Then relax in natural scenery in Tam Coc by bamboo boat on river, explore a beautiful picture combined with natural beauty and rural countryside on bicycle.

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Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda ( Full Day)

At about 8 a.m, depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and arrive at Hoa Lu ancient capital to visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le. Here to take in the surroundings while strolling, followed by a lunch stop at a restaurant.

Remember to sample regional specialties like goat meat and crispy rice!

After taking a rest, move to the next attractions – Mua Cave and Tam Coc Bich Dong. These two places are sufficient for the afternoon visit before wrapping up the 1-day trip and returning to Hanoi.

>>> Interested In Other Ninh Binh Tours From 1 To 4 Days? Click To See All The Reasonable Itinerary!

Tips to have an unforgettable Tam Coc boat tour

  • Consider giving the boatman a small tip.
  • If you take a boat tour at noon, don’t forget to bring your hat as well as a bottle of water, sunglasses, wear sunscreen if you want.
  • During the boat trip, if you would like to stop for taking photos, ask the paddling local before.
  • If you stand up immediately without asking, you can make danger for yourself and people on the boat.
  • In Summer, it often rains heavily so you should bring along an umbrella, a hat, raincot.
  • Early morning and late afternoon on weekdays is a appropriate time to visit without disturbance of the crowd.

How to get to Tam Coc boat wharf ?

If you are staying in Tam Coc, then getting to the lake should only take you a few minutes. However, if you are based in any other city in Vietnam, I recommend one of the following alternatives:

  • From Ha Noi to Ninh Binh: take a train at Hanoi Station or bus to Ninh Binh at Giat Bat Station.
  • From Halong or Cat Ba island: you take a shuttle bus directly to Ninh Binh in 4 hours.

All transportation can be arranged if you contact some travel agencies to buy tickets.

  • From the Southern of Vietnam (Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City…) there are also plenty of buses or train to choose from. However, keep in mind that these buses will leave you in Ninh Binh city. You will have to take a taxi from there to Tam Coc.
  • From Ninh Binh city center to Tam Coc the distance is about 7km so you need to take to taxi in 20 minutes. (Taxi fare around 12,000 VND per kilometer). Or You can rent a motorbike for a full day at your hotel, homestay.. daily rate rental motorbike in ninh binh is roundly 100.000VND.

In addition to the Tam Coc boat tour, Ninh Binh also has many other outstanding attractions such as Hang Mua cave, Van Long Nature Reserve, Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Cuc Phuong National Park, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Tuyet Tinh Coc, Thung Nham Bird Garden, Phat Diem Cathedral, etc.

The Tam Coc boat tour offers visitors an incredibly captivating opportunity to discover the treasures of Ninh Binh, Vietnam. Meandering through limestone mountains and peaceful rivers, the Tam Coc boat trip will leave an indelible impression on everyone who embarks on this enchanting journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We are here for you! If you have any questions about this cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours! Got a question about this tour? Reach out to our travel experts.

  • When is Tam Coc open?

    Tam Coc is open: Sun – Sat 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    3.6/5 - (232 votes)

  • Do you need to book in advance to visit Tam Coc Boat Ride?

    We recommend booking Tam Coc Boat Ride ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 307 Tam Coc tours on our webiste

    3.6/5 - (232 votes)

  • What hotels are near Tam Coc?

    Hotels near Tam Coc:

    • Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay
    • Tam Coc Westlake Homestay
    • Lys Homestay
    • Tam Coc Friendly Homestay
    • Tam Coc Holiday Hotel

    3.6/5 - (232 votes)

  • What restaurants are near Tam Coc?

    Restaurants near Tam Coc:

    • Dao Phuket Bar
    • Family Restaurant
    • Chu’s House Tam Coc
    • Hoa Luan Restaurant Hostel
    • Linh Chi Craft Beer Pub

    3.6/5 - (232 votes)

3.6/5 - (232 votes)