Tam Coc
The 'three caves' stretch of the Ngo Dong river, smaller and more agricultural than Trang An, with rice growing right to the water's edge. The boat passes through three low natural tunnels and turns back at the third — about two hours in total.
About Tam Coc
The 'three caves' stretch of the Ngo Dong river, smaller and more agricultural than Trang An, with rice growing right to the water's edge. The boat passes through three low natural tunnels and turns back at the third — about two hours in total.
Tam Coc is one of the places most visitors to Ninh Binh make time for. Ha Long Bay's limestone towers, but standing in rice fields instead of the sea — and only 90 minutes from Hanoi.
Before you go: The only time the rice is gold is roughly the last week of May into the first half of June, and it draws crowds. Outside that window Trang An is the better boat.
Read the full Ninh Binh travel guideOther places in Ninh Binh
Planning to visit Tam Coc?
Open the destination guide, or pull it up on a map.
Vietnam travel tips, once a week
New guides, seasonal advice and the occasional route we think is underrated — straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.