Explore Excursion to Tam Coc, Bich Dong with Vietnam Private Tours. Custom handcrafted itineraries, expert local guides, and luxury private service.
Excursion to Tam Coc, Bich Dong & the Ninh Binh Countryside
Leave behind the commotion of Hanoi and enter the peaceful and beautiful world of Ninh Binh Province, where towering limestone karsts, quaint villages, and ancient pagodas create a landscape that feels out of time.
Your day begins with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta, arriving in Tam Coc, a pastoral river valley that is renowned for its startling karst scenery. Board an old-style wooden boat (sampan) with the aid of a local rower who will guide you along the Ngo Dong River, effortlessly passing through three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba – with their worldly rock formations and nearly echoing silence. Between caves, you will enter seasonal rice fields and lush riverside scenery.
After you enjoy the boat ride, take a tranquil moment with a cup of tea or short walk through a nearby village before sitting down to a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Local specialties will include grilled goat, crispy rice (Cơm Cháy), and fresh garden vegetables to highlight the local cuisine.
In the afternoon, a leisurely bicycle ride awaits you through the diverse countryside. Pedalling along quiet lanes you will visit lotus ponds, rice paddies, and friendly locals tending to their daily farm obligations before arriving at the Bich Dong Pagoda, an atmospheric temple complex (15th Century) built into limestone cliffs. You can enjoy visiting the three shrines Ha, Trung, and Thuong, which are linked by stone staircases and are situated in tropical greenery.
After a fantastic day of gentle adventure and cultural exploration, you will return to Hanoi, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Ninh Binh’s serene beauty.
Further reading: Vietnam's national tourism board is available at vietnam.travel. To build this into a trip, our specialists arrange private, tailor-made itineraries.
