The Tam Coc Boat Tour is a popular tourist activity in Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. Tam Coc, which means “Three Caves,” is known for its stunning limestone karst landscape, resembling the famous Halong Bay but on land.
The boat tour takes you along the Ngo Dong River, passing through rice paddies, limestone cliffs, and three natural caves and is one of the best river tours you can do in the country.
The area has outstanding natural beauty and one of the best (and most peaceful) ways is to go by a wooden rowboat.
Tam Coc can be described as “Halong Bay on the Land” and one of the ancient lands of Vietnam.
Advice For The Tam Coc Boat Tour
Ninh Binh is a city around 2 hours south of Hanoi and easy to reach, with the best way of getting there being by train or minibus.
You can stay in Ninh Binh, although if you’re using Hanoi as a base you can do the Tam Coc boat tour as a day trip from Hanoi.
If you’re travelling on a budget it’s cheaper to arrange the Tam Coc boat tour by yourself when there rather than relying on an agency to book in advance.
Having said that, some of the day trip tours from Hanoi offer good value for money as they involve seeing a lot more of the area apart from the Tam Coc boat tour, such as the Mua Caves and other places, and save you the hassle of doing things by yourself if you’re short on time.
A highly recommended tour if you do one is this:
There are fixed prices for the boats if you do go by yourself so don’t expect to be able to bargain for lower prices, and each boat can take only 2 passengers, with the cost per boat for the tour being 200,000 VND, or around $20.
There are men who will try and take your photo when going for the Tam Coc boat tour and they will expect payment for it, so make sure to avoid them to save any hassle.
Be prepared for vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs along the river, as it’s a common practice in the area. It’s best to bring your own snacks and drinks for the boat ride as the local vendors near the boats tend to overcharge.
Also, make sure to bring some snacks and water for your boat rower and the rower will also expect a tip at the end of the tour.
The Tam Coc Boat Tour
During the tour, you’ll be seated in small rowboats, typically paddled by local women using their feet as well as their arms. It’s a unique and traditional way of navigating the area.
The best time to start the Tam Coc boat tour is early in the morning as it can get busy later in the day with tour groups. Visiting during the weekdays is also better for less crowds.
The busiest time of the year to visit is during harvest season which starts at the end of May up until July when the rice fields are in full bloom of bright yellow.
The area where the boats leave opens at 7 am. Also, being early you will avoid the midday heat. If you do go later in the day then make sure to bring a sun hat, water and sunscreen, if the sun is out.
The boat ride lasts around two hours, and the rowers will skillfully steer you through the picturesque scenery. If you want to stop to take photos ask your rower to do so. Don’t stand up in the boat as it can get wobbly and you could fall in.
As you glide along the river, you’ll enter the Tam Coc caves, which are natural formations created by erosion over thousands of years. There are 3 caves that you will visit on a Tam Coc boat tour.
The caves are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and you’ll get a chance to marvel at their beauty as you pass through them.
The landscape surrounding Tam Coc is breathtaking, with lush green fields, limestone cliffs, and peaceful waterways. It’s often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land” due to its similar geological features.
The boat tour offers a tranquil and immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the natural wonders of the area.
It’s worth noting that Tam Coc can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during weekdays or opting for an early morning tour.
Overall, the Tam Coc Boat Tour is a must-do experience for nature lovers and those seeking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam.
It’s a chance to soak in the tranquillity and natural splendour of Ninh Binh province while being guided by local rowers through a unique cave system.
Travel Ninh Binh
The Toam Coc boat tour and Ninh Binh are one of the best places in Vietnam to visit on a trip in the north of the country.
Another great place to visit when in the area, aside from doing a Tam Coc boat tour, is the Mua Caves. You can climb around 500 steps up to the caves where you will get epic views over Tam Coc and many limestone karst mountains.
If you decide to spend a few days in Ninh Binh you can find places to stay in Ninh Binh here. Also if you are able, one of the best ways to explore the surrounding area is to rent a motorbike or bicycle and explore on your own.
As mentioned earlier, if you do a day trip tour from Hanoi to Tam Coc then this is the most recommended one to do:
For more on travel in Vietnam take a look at my article on Hue and Hoi An.
I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.
I’ve left this part until the end as I know some people don’t like to see in advance what a place is like, but to be surprised when there. But, if you want to see what the Tam Coc boat tour is like then this is a great video on YouTube showing it (spoilers ahead!)
Share the Tam Coc boat tour:
