Known as “Nam Thien De Nhi Dong”, Tam Coc Bich Dong is an attractive destination with idyllic countryside scenery and a spectacular limestone cave system. Located in the area of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, this place attracts tourists by the wild and majestic beauty of mountains and rivers.
Geographic Location of Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong in Ninh Binh is situated in Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, approximately 100km south of Hanoi. This complex spans an area of 350.3 hectares and comprises a series of limestone cave systems amidst tranquil rural scenery. Additionally, the site features the Bich Dong Pagoda, showcasing traditional architectural styles and valuable historical relics related to the Vu Lam Imperial Palace of the Tran dynasty.
Ideal Time to Visit Tam Coc Bich Dong
According to MIA.vn’s independent travel experience in Ninh Binh, the period from the first to the third lunar month (corresponding to January to March) is the best time to visit Tam Coc Bich Dong. During this time, the climate in Ninh Binh is usually pleasant, cool, and experiences minimal rainfall, providing ideal conditions for exploration.
Furthermore, during the early days of the lunar new year, both the Trang An Landscape Complex and specifically Tam Coc Bich Dong often host spring festivals, such as the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival. This creates a lively and vibrant atmosphere while maintaining the solemnity and reverence of the place.
Late May to early June is another period not to be missed if you want to admire the vibrant beauty of the rice fields in Tam Coc Bich Dong. At this time, the landscape, with its harmonious combination of lush greenery and golden ripe rice, is sure to captivate anyone, creating a perfect picture of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty.
Transportation Options to Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc Bich Dong is located approximately 7km from the center of Ninh Binh city, so there are various transportation options available to reach this destination. The most common modes of transportation include motorbikes, buses, and trains. If you opt for a motorbike, the typical route is from Hanoi along the old National Highway 1A towards Ninh Binh. Be sure to select the direction towards Ninh Binh Thanh Hoa to avoid mistakenly heading towards Nam Dinh – Thai Binh.
Additionally, if you have extra time to spare, you can also choose to take a train from Hanoi or Saigon to Ninh Binh. From Hanoi, there are several train routes available such as SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, or SE19. From Saigon, the SE8 train route will take you to the ancient land of the former capital.
Unmissable Attractions at Tam Coc Bich Dong
Tam Coc and Its Three Cave System
Tam Coc is renowned for its natural three-cave system: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. These caves are formed by the Ngo Dong River, which has carved its way through the mountains. Exploring Tam Coc, visitors experience the sensation of gliding along the Ngo Dong River, passing through limestone cliffs, caves, and rice fields before reaching Hang Ca. What makes this experience unique is that to navigate through the three caves, visitors must use boats and sometimes even duck their heads to avoid colliding with the cave ceilings.
Thai Vi Temple – Worship Site of Tran Dynasty Kings and Generals at Tam Coc Bich Dong
The Trang An mountain region, where Tam Coc is located, was once chosen by the Tran dynasty kings to build the Vu Lam Imperial Palace, aiming to strengthen their forces during the second resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol invaders. Today, Thai Vi Temple is a place of worship for kings such as Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, and generals like Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai, and Queen Tran Thi Dung.
Thien Huong Cave
Nestled serenely at the foot of Dong Vo Mountain, Thien Huong Cave stands as a beloved tourist spot in Ninh Binh. This cave boasts dimensions of nearly 60 meters in height, 40 meters in length, and 20 meters in width, resembling a grand bell-shaped dome. Its expansive top portion, wide open to the elements, has earned it the affectionate moniker of “Heaven Cave”. Nowadays, a visit to Thien Huong Cave unveils a shrine erected within its depths, dedicated to Queen Tran Thi Dung, consort of King Ly Hue Tong from ancient times. Renowned for teaching lace embroidery to the residents of Ninh Hai commune, the shrine serves as a poignant homage, often enveloped in the fragrant smoke of burning incense, honoring her memory.
Co Vien Lau
Situated within the buffer zone of the Trang An Landscape Complex, Co Vien Lau comprises a cluster of ancient houses primarily sourced from Ninh Binh and the northern delta region of North Vietnam. Inside these houses, visitors can behold an array of artifacts such as ceremonial trays, wooden altars, tea cabinets, and more. Predominantly constructed during the Nguyen dynasty or earlier, these houses retain classical architectural features, offering a glimpse into bygone eras.
Bich Dong – Bich Dong Pagoda
Located approximately 2km from Tam Coc pier, Bich Dong is a dry cave nestled amidst the mountain range, with Xuyen Thuy Cave, a water cave, situated nearby. The name “Bich Dong” was bestowed by the eminent statesman Nguyen Khiem in 1773. Revered as the “Second Most Beautiful Cave in the South Heaven”, Bich Dong holds this prestigious title, second only to Huong Tich Cave in Huong Son.
Tien Cave – Linh Coc Pagoda
Tien Cave comprises a system of three large caves adorned with stalactites resembling various forms such as fairies, rice stalks, elderly men, young maidens, and numerous other shapes. The exact origins of Linh Coc Pagoda within the Trang An Landscape Complex remain uncertain, but it is believed to date back to the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong. Nestled tranquilly within the Moc Mountain, Linh Coc Pagoda faces westward, overlooking a vast expanse of waterlogged fields.
Tam Coc Bich Dong, with its limestone caves and revered religious structures, remains a popular destination. As you embark on your journey to explore Ninh Binh, do you wish to experience the beauty of nature here?
