Discover the Serene Beauty: Tam Coc Boat Tour in Ninh Binh

Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm of a wooden boat ride in Vietnam, reminiscent of dreamy and romantic river journeys. Experience the captivating Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh, where tourists are enchanted by the tranquil Ngo Dong River.

When planning a visit to Ninh Binh, you’ve likely come across numerous recommendations, but one activity stands out above the rest: the Tam Coc boat tour. Let’s delve into an overview of this must-do experience.

Tam Coc Boat Ride in Ninh Binh: An Overview

Located just 90km away from Hanoi, Ninh Binh province offers an ideal off-the-beaten-path destination in Vietnam. This ancient land is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, characterized by majestic karst mountains and a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Hoa Lu allows you to delve into the history of Ninh Binh, while Tam Coc – Trang An showcases marvelous sceneries, temples, and grottos. Adventurous souls can also explore Cuc Phuong National Park through thrilling treks. These are the most popular tourist attractions in the area.

However, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Ninh Binh is undoubtedly the Tam Coc boat ride. To experience Tam Coc fully, you must board a traditional wooden boat operated by local boatmen.

Why Choose the Tam Coc Boat Tour?

Explore the Boat Trip with Local Expertise

The Tam Coc – Bich Dong boat tour in Ninh Binh is famous not only for its stunning destinations, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land,” but also for the exhilarating experience of being rowed by local boatmen using their feet. Recently, the Insider newspaper featured a video showcasing boatmen from Ninh Hai commune skillfully maneuvering their boats with their feet on the Ngo Dong River. The video garnered millions of views and sparked the curiosity of domestic and international travelers alike.

Each household in Ninh Hai has a boatman who works in the tourism industry. Rowing a boat manually would be arduous, thus the ingenious technique of rowing with their feet was born. Guided by the rhythm of their feet, these skilled boatmen gracefully maneuver two oars, taking tourists through golden rice fields lining the Ngo Dong River.

Immerse Yourself in Breathtaking Scenery

Tam Coc is renowned for its breathtaking landscape adorned with limestone mountains. The riverbanks are adorned with lush fields cultivated by local farmers. During the boat trip, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the majestic peak of Mua Cave from a unique perspective. As you glide along, you’ll be enveloped in a sense of tranquility and serenity, truly immersing yourself in the beauty of this place.

Embark on the Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh to discover the serenity and stunning vistas that await you. Experience the skillful navigation of local boatmen as they guide you through picturesque landscapes. Allow yourself to be captivated by the charm of this unforgettable boat ride in Ninh Binh.

Exploring the Wonders of Tam Coc on a Boat Ride

To truly experience the beauty of Tam Coc, there’s only one way: by boat. Upon arrival, visitors board a boat at the wharf, where skilled boatmen navigate through the cliffs and rice fields along the Ngo Dong River. The rice fields exhibit different shades depending on the season, ranging from vibrant green to golden yellow.

Tam Coc, meaning “three caves,” is formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through the mountains. During the approximately 2-hour boat trip, you’ll pass through three caves: Hang Ca (127m long), Hang Hai (1km from Hang Ca, 60m long), and Hang Ba (near Hang Hai, 50m long). These caves boast stunning stalactites in intriguing shapes, an awe-inspiring gift from nature.

Highlights of the Tam Coc Boat Tour

Mesmerizing Scenery: As you embark on your boat journey, be prepared to be enchanted by the picturesque views of the blue sky, pristine river, and majestic karst mountains. Every moment spent in the captivating ambiance of Tam Coc-Ninh Binh will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Experience the Floating Market Atmosphere: Witness the lively atmosphere of the floating market, where locals sell a variety of food, snacks, and drinks from their boats. It’s an interesting sight that adds to the unique charm of the boat tour.
Traditional Leg-rowing Technique: An intriguing aspect of the boat tour is observing the local boatmen rowing with their legs. According to them, this unique technique helps alleviate pressure on the back and arms, making it a distinctive and efficient way of maneuvering the boats.

Best Time to Experience the Tam Coc Rice Fields

Tam Coc is beautiful in every season, each offering its own unique charm. If you want to marvel at the verdant green rice paddies along the river, January and February, after the Lunar New Year celebrations, are ideal. During this time, you’ll be mesmerized by the soothing allure of the sky, river, and nature.

For a stunning sight of the Mother of Nature adorned with yellow rice fields, lush forests, and floating boats, plan your visit between late May and early July. This period perfectly showcases the beauty of Tam Coc.

Travel Tips and Pricing for Tam Coc Boat Tours

Ticket prices: Tickets can be purchased at the Van Lam port’s main gate. The maximum capacity is 2 persons per boat.
- Adults: 200,000 VND per person for the entire tour.
- Children: 100,000 VND per child (height between 1 meter and 1.4 meters). Children under 1 meter tall can enjoy the tour for free.
Duration of the boat ride: The complete tour, visiting all three caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba), takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Essential items: If taking a boat tour around noon, remember to bring a hat, water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Stay protected from the sun.
Operating hours: The boat tours operate from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Photography stops: If you wish to pause for photos, kindly request permission from the local paddler before doing so. Standing up abruptly without permission can jeopardize your safety and that of others on the boat.
Weather considerations: During the rainy season, particularly in summer, it’s advisable to bring an umbrella, hat, and raincoat.
Ideal visiting time: For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider visiting early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Tam Coc as you embark on a boat ride, taking in the breathtaking sights and serenity that awaits you. Follow these travel tips to make the most of your Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh.

How to Reach Tam Coc for the Boat Ride

If you’re already staying in Tam Coc, reaching the lake is a short distance away. However, if you’re in another city in Vietnam, here are some recommended alternatives:

From Hanoi: Take a train from Hanoi Station or a bus from Giat Bat Station to Ninh Binh. From Cat Ba or Ha Long: Convenient shuttle buses are available, directly taking you to Ninh Binh in approximately 5 hours.

You can easily arrange transportation by contacting travel agencies to purchase tickets.

From the southern regions of Vietnam (Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City), there are plenty of buses and trains to choose from. Keep in mind that these transportation options will take you to Ninh Binh city, from where you’ll need to take a taxi to reach Tam Coc.

From Ninh Binh City, it’s a distance of about 7km to Tam Coc, which can be covered in approximately 20 minutes by taxi (fare around 12,000 VND per kilometer). Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike for a full day from your hotel or homestay, with the daily rental rate in Ninh Binh typically around 100,000 VND.

How to Spend a Day with Tam Coc Boat Tours

The most popular itinerary for a day trip in Ninh Binh includes the Tam Coc boat ride, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore the stunning scenery. If you have one day to spare and are interested in a boat day trip, consider the following tour:

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Tour – All in One: This perfect combination of tours allows you to visit three famous places. You’ll explore the history and culture of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, take a bamboo boat ride through the three caves of Tam Coc, hike to the peak of Mua Cave with its 500 stairs for a panoramic view of Ninh Binh city, and capture memorable photos.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Tam Coc in a 1-Day Trip: This tour takes you to two well-known destinations in Ninh Binh. Begin with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where you’ll discover ancient architecture, pagodas, and other historical heritages. Then, relax in the natural scenery of Tam Coc as you glide along the river in a bamboo boat, enjoying the beautiful blend of natural beauty and rural countryside. You can also explore the area on a bicycle.

Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda (Full Day): Start your day with a departure from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, arriving at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le. Take in the surroundings while strolling and enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor regional specialties like goat meat and crispy rice. Afterward, continue the journey to Mua Cave and Tam Coc Bich Dong, both offering captivating experiences for the afternoon visit. Finally, wrap up your one-day trip and return to Hanoi.

Đăng bởi: Hạ Nguyễn