Tam Coc
4
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Read more
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Tam Coc Located in Ninh Binh province 100 km southeast of Hanoi, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are two of the most picturesque spots in all of the north. For 41 years, from 968 to 1009 CE, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam. Nearby Tam Coc is often referred to as “Ha Long among the rice paddies.” Visitors are conveyed by rowboat along the peaceful Tam Coc stream past green fields and the feet of mountains into the mouths of caves, where they encounter new surprises, like stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer like gemstones just inches from the water.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Tam Coc
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
135 within 5 kms
Attractions
16 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,927 reviews
Excellent
1,382
Very good
998
Average
352
Poor
122
Terrible
73
fal3
19 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
The scenery is nice but it’s heavily polluted by infrastructure.
Don’t go for a boat tour here. Trang An is 100 times better, there’s a reason this isn’t part of the UNESCO site. It’s a decent place to walk around however.
Don’t go for a boat tour here. Trang An is 100 times better, there’s a reason this isn’t part of the UNESCO site. It’s a decent place to walk around however.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Foothill
Pasadena38 contributions
Dec 2022
Tam Coc is surrounded by exceptional beauty, best experienced by bicycle. Explore the roads leading out of town in multiple directions. Surprises abound, in the fields, mountains and waterways. No need to sign up for an organized tour or guide. This is a place for serendipity.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sofia
Thai Binh, Vietnam7 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Nice place
Nice river but I had my tour guide said time nicest on May or September:(
But this time still nice trip with me :)
Nice river but I had my tour guide said time nicest on May or September:(
But this time still nice trip with me :)
Written 4 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
helen12397
Nelson, New Zealand10 contributions
Dec 2022
Boring with pushy locals trying to sell you crap.
It's so worth going 10kms further and an extra 100,000vnd to Trang An boat tours which is fantastic.
It's so worth going 10kms further and an extra 100,000vnd to Trang An boat tours which is fantastic.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
M N
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
Upon arrival to the check in, we were schooled at the stark difference in the written price that was scribbled on a piece of paper, verses the billboard advertisement that was 10 feet to the side of it. With a price paid of $390,000 Dong, this is an expensive activity by itself in Vietnam. We got in the boat, and off we went with a quiet lady who began rowing with her feet. This was way cool! She began hollering in Vietnamese at the passing boats, which we took as small talk at first, with normal scoffing and bickering to passing boats and even locals on land.
Our boat driver stopped the boat in the middle of the tour to get some mangoes from another boat driver. Interesting we thought.
After paddling a long time with her feet, going through some amazing sights, we also saw a lot of littering and disappointment.
After going under several wonderful caves, we came to a halt with no explanation. A con boat came up and tried making us purchase food and drink for the tired boat driver. The price started at $150,000 Dong and went down to $80,000 Dong for some mangos and a soda that the lady con artist wanted us to pay for, for the boat driver. When we refused, the con boat paddled away, but the boat driver refused to paddle - we were stranded and she said “ too tired” implying she was too tired to paddle away.
After some time and puzzled waiting, she began paddling back. When coming up to the dock, she stopped again and demanded a tip. We tipped $100,000 Dong but she looked at it and requested double, $200,000 Dong. We refused to pay and finally she towed ashore.
Never again! Friendly advice. Save your money and go to Tra Ang boat tour it is 200 percent better in every way.
Our boat driver stopped the boat in the middle of the tour to get some mangoes from another boat driver. Interesting we thought.
After paddling a long time with her feet, going through some amazing sights, we also saw a lot of littering and disappointment.
After going under several wonderful caves, we came to a halt with no explanation. A con boat came up and tried making us purchase food and drink for the tired boat driver. The price started at $150,000 Dong and went down to $80,000 Dong for some mangos and a soda that the lady con artist wanted us to pay for, for the boat driver. When we refused, the con boat paddled away, but the boat driver refused to paddle - we were stranded and she said “ too tired” implying she was too tired to paddle away.
After some time and puzzled waiting, she began paddling back. When coming up to the dock, she stopped again and demanded a tip. We tipped $100,000 Dong but she looked at it and requested double, $200,000 Dong. We refused to pay and finally she towed ashore.
Never again! Friendly advice. Save your money and go to Tra Ang boat tour it is 200 percent better in every way.
Written 27 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pat
7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We did the boats tour. The whole experience was super disappointing.
1) it is insanely expensive (we paid 18$ for the two of us)
2) unfriendly people driving the boat: our guide tried to sell us some pictures and, different to the city, you can not walk away if you are on a boat on a 2 h trip
3) after harassing us, the tour guide asked us for a tip. Since we felt very bad throughout the trip, we did not pay it and were scolded put
4) 2h boats trip is just super boring. There are a lot of tourists on their phones, understandably.
5) in the middle if the tour, there are other merchants who pressure you to buy something. Our tour guide even drove us to the merchants and did not turn away, although we told her we were not interested
6) boring caves: the caves were not worth a visit
This is one more attraction where you as a tourist are just seen as walking money. Overall, we saw an inverse correlation between entry prices and services offered. The more expensive, the shittier it is. Frustrated because od the experience, my bf and I decided to do a trip through Ninh Binh on our own and not engage in any touristy activity. We found a temple which was free of entry and was the nicest temple you will see in Vietnam! They are Chua Ky Lan and Thap Chua Bac.
Please save your money and time and skip this!
1) it is insanely expensive (we paid 18$ for the two of us)
2) unfriendly people driving the boat: our guide tried to sell us some pictures and, different to the city, you can not walk away if you are on a boat on a 2 h trip
3) after harassing us, the tour guide asked us for a tip. Since we felt very bad throughout the trip, we did not pay it and were scolded put
4) 2h boats trip is just super boring. There are a lot of tourists on their phones, understandably.
5) in the middle if the tour, there are other merchants who pressure you to buy something. Our tour guide even drove us to the merchants and did not turn away, although we told her we were not interested
6) boring caves: the caves were not worth a visit
This is one more attraction where you as a tourist are just seen as walking money. Overall, we saw an inverse correlation between entry prices and services offered. The more expensive, the shittier it is. Frustrated because od the experience, my bf and I decided to do a trip through Ninh Binh on our own and not engage in any touristy activity. We found a temple which was free of entry and was the nicest temple you will see in Vietnam! They are Chua Ky Lan and Thap Chua Bac.
Please save your money and time and skip this!
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SILKE R
Soller, Spain17 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Very nice landscape and nace People. We really e enjoyed the stay.
Going by bien enjoying the nice views or going by boat was really worth it.
Going by bien enjoying the nice views or going by boat was really worth it.
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miguel M
Ciudad Real, Spain19 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Tam coc has majestic landscapes and pagodas.
However tam coc municipality support scammers.
They do nothing to prevent scam parkings. Never park anywhere where they yell at you, whistle, tell you road is closed or that you cannot entry, etc.. these are just SC*mb*GS trying to rip you off.
For the boat trip I advise you to do it in Trang An (they have it very organized, rowers are very polite and friendly). They will not ask you for a tip. But most people will give them at the end because you realize they did a great job during three hours. In Tam Coc, is a different story, they will try to scam you: asking for tips consistently, and they will tell you to give them more... Other "partners in crime" will approach your boat asking to buy something for you. If you refuse they will ask you to buy something for rower. And will not let you return until you buy something or you spend several minutes arguing.
However tam coc municipality support scammers.
They do nothing to prevent scam parkings. Never park anywhere where they yell at you, whistle, tell you road is closed or that you cannot entry, etc.. these are just SC*mb*GS trying to rip you off.
For the boat trip I advise you to do it in Trang An (they have it very organized, rowers are very polite and friendly). They will not ask you for a tip. But most people will give them at the end because you realize they did a great job during three hours. In Tam Coc, is a different story, they will try to scam you: asking for tips consistently, and they will tell you to give them more... Other "partners in crime" will approach your boat asking to buy something for you. If you refuse they will ask you to buy something for rower. And will not let you return until you buy something or you spend several minutes arguing.
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kinga
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The płace is really beautiful but the local people destroy all the charm of the area. They are rude and they force you to give them money. The locals treated us as the walking wallets. At the end of the kayak trip they insisted on buying things and at the end the rower repeated obsessively , we were shocked. We gave him 10K even though I didnt want to give him anything because of his rude behaviour. He took the money and he was very nervous that we didnt give him more.
During the kayak trip the women on the other kayaks proposed obsessively to do us some photos - of course to pay for it. They do not understand the word.
I’ve never met the ruder local people. Rude, insisting and making the trip annoying.
During the kayak trip the women on the other kayaks proposed obsessively to do us some photos - of course to pay for it. They do not understand the word
I’ve never met the ruder local people. Rude, insisting and making the trip annoying.
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DAG4
Israel230 contributions
Oct 2022
One of the best attraction we had in Vietnam. We took the boat riding between the gorge and trough the caves, it was outstanding experience. It was also nice to see how so many woman and old people from the comminute get income from this attraction and how it nicely combine with the surrounded nature
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
For North Vietnam rice fields
What is the time in the year that rice fields are getting flooded /
Vietnam Escape Tour Travel
Hanoi, Vietnam177 contributions
Hi Culture28,
it is from July to September but along river in Tam Coc they only have 1 rice crop/year so they harvest in April.
in the villages farm they have 2 crops/years and they harvest other in August, September but that is on the farm so normally not flooded or just for some days.
ashoka shotoku
Vitoria, ES125 contributions
Guys, intending fly from Hong Kong to Hanoi on November 7th or 8th arriving about 3 PM . Question : it is easy do get a transfer by car or Van for 2 people???
Carla
Nieuw-Vennep, The Netherlands44 contributions
Ik heb van te voren een taxi transfer geregeld bij het hotel.
Xael ignis
Indonesia2 contributions
So im going to Ninh Binh with train..
Where can i buy train ticket in hanoi ?
Is there any sugestion ?
millwall_fan
Chiang Mai, Thailand206 contributions
Try Baolau Travel You book your tickets online and then use the QR code they send you to print the ticket at the station. If you are travelling in the next 48 hours the best thing to do is take a Grab taxi down to the station and buy your ticket there.
Mike E
Grantham, England, United Kingdom261 contributions
Hi, I'm loooking at getting a flight to Hanoi, then I would like to travel to Halong Bay, then on to Tam Coc before returning to Hanoi.
Could anyone give me any information about traveling times in between each area, what is the best form of travel, and how long would I need to stay at each area
Many thanks
RTC411
Honolulu, HI68 contributions
You can arrange through an agent such as whoever you book your cruise to take a shuttle bus to Tam Coc from the dock. The cost is about $20 US. It takes about 4 hours?
Stay at the Tam Coc Boutique Hotel. They will pick you up and take you to the hotel.
Eat at Fathers or any one of the nearby rec. restaurants.
We stayed for 3 days free bikes from the hotel. Two river cruises,temples, hikes etc. Two nights min.
Catch a shuttle taxi to Hanoi train to Danang though a bus or plane is much faster.
WingInIt81
20 contributions
I'm looking to visit in July 2019. Where does the boat tour down the river start from? All blogs and website point to a place a little South West of Ninh Binh centre but this looks like a lake (shaped like the letter "M"). The blogs and travel guides mention the Ngo Dong River but on a map I can't find this, nor does it look like any river connects to the lake. Is the lake boat tour separate? Many thanks
Michael H
North Wales, UK63 contributions
It certainly is a river, but there are several places where you can take a boat but the main one is pretty well in the town centre. There may be a lake near by but we did not see it.
Tom K
4 contributions
Why is it the headline review we see on the Tam Coc boat tour is a five star review from 2017, when the boat tour is being panned all over the place, as an uncomfortable couple of hours of being pestered by sellers and people looking for tips. Why don't you post something more recent, and more accurate?
RTC411
Honolulu, HI68 contributions
Expect to see amazing scenery. It is a boat ride, not a yacht. Take a cushion if you need it. Ignore the peddlers, They’re just trying to earn some money from those that have more.
I went in April ‘19. Also expect to be uncomfortable due to the weather.
Valentina U
Fombio, Italy639 contributions
In che mese si vede la zoba di Tam Coc colorata di giallo dai fiori ? Grazie
giorgio m
Villasanta, Italy243 contributions
La raccolta avviene intorno al mese di settembre e a febbraio. Le due o tre settimane precedenti sono quelle buone.
Celia Rios Perez
Valencia, Spain52 contributions
Hola.. llego a ninh bin a las 6 am y en teoria no recogen a las 14h para ir a halong bay .. mi pregunta es .. me da tiempo a ver lo de laa mujeres que reman??O mejor quedarse una noche ahi y quitar un dia en hanoi???
cawap68
Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain563 contributions
Hola, sí que te da tiempo, la excursión en barca dura 2 horas, si vas a primera hora no hay problema. Yo no me quedaría a dormir en Tam Coc. Saludos.
Celia Rios Perez
Valencia, Spain52 contributions
Hola.. llego a ninh bin a las 6 am y en teoria no recogen a las 14h para ir a halong bay .. mi pregunta es .. me da tiempo a ver lo de laa mujeres que reman??O mejor quedarse una noche ahi y quitar un dia en hanoi???
krystianAGP
Torremolinos, Spain2,214 contributions
Hola, te da tiempo tranquilamente ya que el paseo de barquito ese dura 1,5 hora aprox.
Lo de quitar dias en Hanoi no se.. depende de cuantos dias tienes previstos, en mi opinion para Hanoi hay que tener como minimo 2 dias enteros.
Saludos
Debashree B
3 contributions
Hello Sir,
I will be visiting Ninh Binh soon. Hows the lunch thats provided and how much is the tip? Also is it better to visit Trang An?
Regards
Debashree
RTC411
Honolulu, HI68 contributions
The people in Vietnam get paid very little so tip if the service is good.
Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tam Coc
- Tam Coc is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Tam Coc tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 319 Tam Coc tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tam Coc:
- Ninh Binh Full-Day Tour from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Via Boat & Bike (From ₹ 4,472.27)
- Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Boat & Bike Day trip from Hanoi: best selling (From ₹ 4,472.27)
- Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave With Amazing View- All Inclusive (From ₹ 3,903.07)
- Hoa Lu -Trang An -Hang Mua Small Group Full day From Hanoi (From ₹ 4,472.27)
- Luxury Limousine Tour - Hoa Lu- Tam Coc -Rural Village Small Group Max 7 people (From ₹ 7,236.95)
- Hotels near Tam Coc:
- (0.14 km) Tam Coc Mountain Lake Homestay
- (0.17 km) Tam Coc Westlake Homestay
- (0.17 km) Tam Coc Friendly Homestay
- (0.17 km) Lys Homestay
- (0.18 km) Tam Coc Holiday Hotel
- Restaurants near Tam Coc:
- (0.17 km) Dao Phuket Bar
- (0.18 km) Family Restaurant
- (0.19 km) Chu's House Tam Coc
- (0.15 km) Hoa Luan Restaurant Hostel
- (0.17 km) Linh Chi Craft Beer Pub
- Attractions near Tam Coc:
- (0.02 km) Genesis - The Luxury Cruise
- (0.13 km) Authentic Ninh Binh
- (0.12 km) Garden Spa Tam Coc
- (0.12 km) Ninh Binh Getaway
- (0.22 km) Amazing Ninh Binh