January
17.7°C ~ 64°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Ninh Binh
Tam Coc – Bich Dong
A river trip through three caves between rice fields, with Bich Dong Pagoda nearby.
- Time needed
- From 1.5 hours
- Entry fee
- 250,000 VND
- Best months
- Mar – May
- Best time
- Late May – June for golden rice, or early morning
Overview
Tam Coc means “three caves”. Rowers take you down the Ngo Dong River under three low limestone caves, with rice paddies and karst hills on both sides. In late May and June the fields turn golden, and this is the busiest and most photographed time.
Bich Dong Pagoda is a short ride away. It is a cave-pagoda built into a hillside in three levels, with a quiet path and good views over the valley. Many visitors pair it with Hang Mua on the same day.
Highlights
- Row under three caves on the Ngo Dong River
- See golden rice fields in late May and June
- Visit Bich Dong Pagoda on the hillside
- Try goat meat and burnt-rice dishes, local specialities
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 6:30 – 16:30 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | 250,000 VND per adult for the Tam Coc – Bich Dong route, boat included With electric car transfer: 350,000 VND Children 1 – 1.3 m: 120,000 VND, or 190,000 VND with the electric car |
| Time needed | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Late May – June for golden rice, or early morning |
| Good for | Couples, families, photographers |
| Accessibility | Steps down to the boats; low caves, so duck your head |
| Facilities | Parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants along the road |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Ninh Binh by month.
February
18.6°C ~ 65°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
21.8°C ~ 71°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
24.8°C ~ 77°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
May
27.9°C ~ 82°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
30°C ~ 86°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
July
29.4°C ~ 85°F
19 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
August
28.5°C ~ 83°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
27.3°C ~ 81°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
24.8°C ~ 77°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
22.3°C ~ 72°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
18.3°C ~ 65°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
How to get there
From Ninh Binh centre
Tam Coc is about 2 hours by car from Hanoi. From Ninh Binh city it is a 20-minute ride by taxi or bicycle. Most hotels in Tam Coc are within walking distance of the dock.
Tips before you go
- Go early to avoid tour-group crowds and midday heat
- Settle the boat price and route at the dock before you start
- Some rowers sell souvenirs at the turnaround point; a polite no is fine
- Cycle the country lanes around the dock for a quieter view
Location
Tam Coc, Ninh Hai, Ninh Binh
About 90 km south of Hanoi, 9 km from Ninh Binh city
More attractions in Ninh Binh
FAQs
What is the price of a Tam Coc boat trip?
The Ninh Binh tourism ticket list updated in March 2025 gives 250,000 VND per adult for the Tam Coc – Bich Dong route, or 350,000 VND with the electric car. Older guides quote 120,000 VND plus 150,000 VND per boat, so the newer list applies.
When are the rice fields golden?
Usually late May to mid-June. In September and October there is also a second, smaller harvest.
Is it worth it if I already did Trang An?
Yes, if you like rice fields. It is a different landscape and a shorter trip, but the two can feel similar, so pick one if you have little time.