My Favorite Place in Vietnam: Tam Coc // Ninh Binh, Vietnam
After four straight days of non-stop travel, I arrived at my final destination before Hanoi: Tam Coc. This area near Ninh Binh, Vietnam is just stunning!
Imagine the famous Ha Long Bay with its tall, narrow limestone peaks jutting out of the water, but instead of water, there were lush green rice fields. Also, less tourists... That's Tam Coc!
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I arrived in Ninh Binh after spending the night in a sleeper car on a train from Dong Hoi. I wasn't sure if I'd find a place to store my bag, but immediately I saw signs to a place that would take them and rent me a bike. From there, I rode to Tam Coc and found myself surrounded by an emerald dream. The landscape was absolutely stunning!
I made my way to Bich Dong Pagoda, the home of three historic temples built into a mountain. Then, I biked along the river to watch the tourists who rented boats float through the countryside. I took a break from bike riding to at Thai Vi Temple, a isolated, quiet retreat in the middle of a valley. And then I climbed up the most stunning view of Tam Coc at Hang Mua, where I got to take in all the the gorgeousness of this beautiful place.
Vietnam: Paradise Cave, Dark Cave or Phong Nha Cave - How to visit the great caves in Phong Nha?
How to visit the Caves of Phong Nha (Son Trach)?
Visiting the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park is one of the main sights in Vietnam. There are several caves you can visit, which was also a little bit confusing when we were planning our trip. So here you find all the important information you need to visit the amazing caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang.
How to get to Phong Nha?
So first of all you need to know where to stay for visiting the caves. Our advice is not to stay in Dong Hoi which is 55 km (34 miles) away from the caves. So the best and closest place to stay is Phong Nha village, also called Son Trach. If you travel north you probably come from Hue. The bus ride takes around 4-5 hours and costs 160.000 VND ($7, 6.20€ and £4.60). When you travel south you maybe come from Ninh Bình. In this case it is possible that you need to take a sleeper bus: the 7.5 hour bus ride costs around 200.000 VND ($8.80, 7.70 € and £5.75).
Where to stay?
Phong Nha village is basically just one long street where you find all the hotels, backpackers and restaurants. There is not a lot to do here, so we would recommend to stay here for around one or two nights depending how many caves you want to visit. We stayed in a hotel called Khach San Hoa Phuong Hotel, which was alright and costs around $10 for a double room. The hostel Easy Tiger is also a popular place to stay at, but here you need a reservation in high season. It is also possible to stay at a homestay or farmstay, but these places are a little bit out of town. So better check the address and location when you book a room in advance. There are not many places for food, but the Tuan Ngoc restaurant is certainly a good choice – here you can also hire scooters (see below).
How to visit the caves?
One of the hardest decisions you have to make is probably which caves you should visit. This really depends on your time and money. Here you find a short description of the main caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park:
Phong Nha Cave: was used as a hospital during the Vietnam War. You enter the cave by boat. It is better to share the boat with as many people as possible as you pay for the boat and not for the seat.
Dark Cave: is an adventure cave. It is all about ziplining, walking through dark tunnels, fighting in the mud and swimming in small creeks. A visit costs around 350.000 VND ($15, 13.60 € and £10). We asked people how the Dark Cave was and they said “very dark”.
Paradise Cave: people recommended us to visit the Paradise Cave before we even went to Vietnam. This cave is enormous, illuminated and spectacular. The entry fee is 250.000 VND ($11, 9.70 € and £7.15). We only visited the Paradise Cave but this is truly one of the most impressive sights we have ever seen. It is definitely a must-see in Vietnam!
The best way to visit the caves is by hiring a scooter. Hiring one scooter costs around 90.000 VND for a day and you need petrol for roughly 50.000 VND. We hired the scooter in the Tuan Ngoc Restaurant. You reach the caves quite easy as you can make a big loop, first you pass by Dark Cave, then Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave at the end. From Phong Nha Cave you can ride back to Phong Nha village, but be careful – the last part is a gravel path.
On the way back, between Paradise Cave and Dark Cave you can visit the Suoi Nuoc Mooc, a blue spring where you can cool off. The water is crystal clear, but the whole area is quite touristy. You pay 80.000 VND for the entry + 10.000 VND for hiring a life jacket (you have to wear it). For a price of 180.000 VND you can do some kayaking through the spring (very little space for kayaking) and you can climb through a high-wire garden (not that spectacular by the way).
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TOP 12 BEST PLACES MUST TO VISIT IN VIETNAM
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UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE // Tam Coc/Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Vlog 7 of my backpacking trip though Vietnam! After the overnight bus from Phong Nha dropped me off in Tam Coc village instead of Ninh Binh city, I went on an unexpected adventure, all before noon! Bicycling to Bich Dong Pagoda and a bird sanctuary nature park with caves. Tam Coc-Bich Dong is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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THE BEST PLACE in VIETNAM - Ninh Binh, Tam Coc
Of all the places in Vietnam, Ninh Binh is by far the most beautiful. Floating on the water next to these giant steep mountains rising from the ground is just surreal. Ninh Binh is also known as the Ha Long Bay on land, but having been to both places, Ninh Binh is way more impressive, since you can be in the middle of it, up-close. It's still not too touristy yet and has a serene atmosphere. I'd prefer the Tam Coc boat ride to the Trang An one, because the mountains look nicer and you don't have rice paddies in between. In Trang An you will go through 9 caves and in Tam Coc through 3, which is well enough.
It is well worth staying here for a few days, but it's also possible to do day trip tour from Hanoi.
If you go, do not stay in Ninh Binh City (nothing to see here), but in Tam Coc!
We tried the mountain goat, it was pretty good.
BEST PLACES TO GO IN NINH BINH, VIETNAM / TOP 5 THINGS TO DO
These are the top 5 places to go and things to see when you are in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
Ninh Binh is a beautiful area not far from Hanoi. You can go to Ninh Binh on a day trip but I highly suggest spending a few days there to enjoy the lush green landscapes and tour the countryside. My favorite things to see in Ninh Binh are:
1. Trang An River and Grottoes by boat
2. Bai Dinh Pagoda
3. Lying Dragon Mountain at the Hang Mua Caves
4. Touring the countryside by scooter and stopping at
-Bich Dong Pagoda
-Hoa Lu Ancient City
5. Tam Coc River by boat
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Trang An Grottoes tour, Ninh Bình, Vietnam trip
Trang An Grottoes tour, Ninh Bình, Vietnam trip - Trang An Grottoes Day trip - Mua Caves - Grad Walk - Cruising through Trang An Grottoes in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
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Trang An Grottoes, (7 km from Ninh Binh), An easy bicycle ride away, Trang An Grottoes is similar to Tam Coc but with many more caves to pass through. Most caves have been widened in order for the boats to pass through and as result their natural beauty has been compromised. The first two caves are the most natural and beautiful but are also tight in places, so watch your head. Lots of concrete structures are being built all over the place and rice paddies are disappearing fast but hopefully this area will not lose its splendor. The site was mainly built for Vietnamese and Chinese tourists. However, you are much less likely to be bothered by vendors selling beverages and hand embroidered gifts. As with Tam Coc it is best to go early in the morning or in late afternoon (last boat is 4pm) to avoid the buses of tour groups coming from Hanoi. Ride takes about 3 hours with short couple stops to visit some temples. Each boat leaves with 4 people, but will leave with more or fewer depending on the demand. 15,000 parking fee for bikes, but you could park them near some restaurants just next to the parking if you are willing to take a little risk 150,000 per person.
Trang An Grottoes Reviewers
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The boat driver will suggest you 2 different ways to travel. First is longer take 3,5 hrs pass about 9 small caves and temple. Second take about 2.5 hrs also pass about 9 caves some same and some different caves of 1st trip but you have chance to see the place to film King skull island. Trang an grottoes is amazing and I like this. I visited there few time. The price to take a boat is 200.000 vnd (about 9$)
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We book the whole boat to ourselves for 1 hour 40 min ride. The boat can easily sit up to 10pax. It's cost vnd550,000(usd$27) or vnd 45,000 (usd$2.00)per person. Nice scenic ride of the caves and mountains and the history of one of their famous king that resided there many years ago. There is a cd given to you for explanation (English is available). There is also a tour guide explaining but in local language.
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At awe with the beautiful un-touch sceneries. The boat tour was great. You can ask to skip scenic stops or go to every of them.
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Most beautiful place we've visited in Vietnam so far. Started around 9 in the morning, wich is the perfect time if weather conditions are good. The scenery of this area is breathtaking. It's definitely a tourist spot, but they are quite efficient in accommodating the crowds. Must visit if you're in Ninh Binh
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Awesome experience, majestic mountains! Going through the caves under huge mountains manoeuvred skillfully by the local lady rowing our boat was a unique experience making it our favourite of all the things we did in Vietnam.
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Breathtaking views. We were on January so weather was not the best one. But anyway it was worth it. Się to the fact that we have a little time we booked a trip from Hanoi. Cost 30$.
On the way to trang an we stopped on Pagoda Temple - amazing.
Then we went to Trang an on bamboo boat trip. Was cool. We went through 8-9 caves. Great experience. :))
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We were a group of four and was lucky to have the boat to ourselves without having to share. We reached around 10am and it was fairly quiet, with another another boat who was having their wedding photoshoots taken!
The place is real tranquil and quiet with great view, it is indeed Halong Bay on land.
After 30 minutes or so, the scenery is qutite repetitive and it is really butt-aching to be seated on this cramped thing for almost 2 hours.
Towards the end of the trip, they lady rowing the boat asked for tips. We have already expected it, so we happily passed her the tip we prepared in advance. However, the lady pestered for more money for the last 20 mins of the ride, which can get quite frustrating.
I would suggest to bring some snacks and drinks along, so at least you can have something to do towards the end of the ride when you get bored and tired.
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Lovely boat cruise with friendly guide. The grottoes are gorgeous. A little dark amd mysterious in places, and also well lit and almost hand carved in their intricacy in others. Lovely way to spend a few hours in Ninh Binh
Tràng An Tp. Ninh Bình Ninh Bình Vietnam Google Map
Tam Coc Travel Guide (Tribute to Anthony Bourdain)
Tam Coc, Vietnam dedicated to the man who inspired me to travel better. In Memoriam Anthony Bourdain.
+ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
+ Tam Coc Backpacker Hostel - 1:39
+ Lotus Field Homestay - 2:27
+ Hang Mua - 3:10
+ Hang Mua viewpoint - 4:23
+ Tam Coc River Boat - 5:20
+ Epilogue for Anthony Bourdain - 7:51
These are the essentials to Tam Coc shot completely on my iPhone X with Filmic Pro.
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VIETNAM: Tam Coc vs Trang An and more!
Top10 Recommended Hotels in Ninh Binh, Vietnam
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Top10 Recommended Hotels in Ninh Binh, Vietnam 1. Nguyen Shack - Ninh Binh
2. Tam Coc Garden Resort ****
3. Ninh Binh Valley Homestay *
4. Nam Hoa Hotel **
5. Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort *****
6. Tam Coc Westlake Homestay
7. Ninh Binh Mountain Views Homestay *
8. La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay
9. Ninh Binh Panorama Homestay
10. Tamcoc River View Homestay
Addres:
1. Hang Mua, Khe Dau Ha, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Nestled away amidst peaceful surroundings, Nguyen Shack Homestay offers free WiFi throughout the property.
2. Hai Nham Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Surrounded by paddy fields and lush greenery, Tam Coc Garden Resort features an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms with private terrace overlooking the garden or mountain.
3. Dong Cung, Khe Ha Village, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Located in Ninh Binh, 7 km from Bai Dinh Temple, Ninh Binh Valley Homestay offers accommodation with free WiFi. A terrace with mountain views is offered in every unit.
4. Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Featuring free Wi-Fi throughout and free bike rental, Nam Hoa Hotel is located 20 metres from the ancient caves of Tam Coc-Bich Dong.
5. No 9, Tam Coc - Bich Dong Tourist Center, Ninh Thang, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Boasting an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort is located in Ninh Binh, 10 km from Bai Dinh Temple.
6. Văn Lâm, Ninh Hải, Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Located in Ninh Binh, 10 km from Bai Dinh Temple and 21 km from Phat Diem Cathedral, Tam Coc Westlake Homestay provides accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a garden and a restaurant.
7. Area 10, Gia Sinh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Set within 600 metres of Bai Dinh Temple and 30 km of Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh Mountain Views Homestay features accommodation with free WiFi and seating area.
8. Group 3, Van Lam, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Located in Ninh Binh, La Belle Vie Tam Coc Homestay offers a restaurant and free WiFi, 10 km from Bai Dinh Temple.
9. Khe Thuong Village, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Located along the mountain side, Ninh Binh Panorama is set between an eco-tourism complex and the Bich Dong Pagoda 9.1 km away.
10. Van Lam Hamlet, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Offering a sun terrace and views of the mountain, Tamcoc River View Homestay is set in Ninh Binh, 10 km from Bai Dinh Temple. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.