Tam Coc: “Ha Long Bay” on Land

Tam Coc, an idyllic village in the Ninh Binh region about 2 hours from Hanoi, is famous for its limestone mountains, green rice fields, and rivers. Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Tam Coc offers the same breathtaking scenery—just with far fewer tourists. The name literally refers to “three caves” that you can explore by boat. In this article, I’ll give you the best tips for visiting this gem in the Vietnamese countryside. The best time to visit is from April to June, when the rice fields are beautifully green (rainy season: July to September).

Do breathtaking boat tours

From Tam Coc, there are two nearby boat tours that are definitely worth your time. Locals will take you in their boats, which they often row with their feet! You can take the Tam Coc boat tour directly from the village itself — it lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you past magnificent rice fields and limestone mountains. The route brings you to a viewpoint, and then you return along the same path, without any stops.

The second option is a boat tour on the Trang An River, which lasts about 3-4 hours and, in my opinion, is even more spectacular. You can choose between different itineraries. I took one that included many caves and temples, and they let you get out of the boat a few times to explore. A boat fits four people, so you’ll need to find others to join, or pay extra.

Pro tip: For the boat tours in Tam Coc or Trang An, I highly recommend bringing a wet bag or waterproof pouch for your valuables—especially your phone, camera, and wallet. Accidents can happen quickly on the water, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

viewpoint from above where we see boat on the lake around high rocks in Tam coc

Tam Coc Tour Boat

Discover the countryside by bike or motorcycle

Since the landscape is quite flat (except for the limestone mountains), the area around Tam Coc is perfect to explore by bike! I used a bike to get to the Trang An River from Tam Coc, since it’s a bit further away. It was a great way to see the surroundings and stop for a nice lunch or coffee. I also rented a motorcycle for a day, which was a great way to visit some of the more distant sights. Many hotels offer bicycles and motorcycles for rent.

Climb the Hang Mua viewpoint (The Lying Dragon)

After climbing 500 stairs, you’ll be rewarded with a magical view over Tam Coc and its surroundings. Make sure to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. A tip: when I arrived to park my motorcycle, some locals told me I had to pay. But when I went a bit further, I found free parking — so keep that in mind.

If you want to make the most of your time in Tam Coc and Ninh Binh, it’s super easy to book a guided tour—whether you’re coming from Hanoi or already staying in the area. There are great day trips from Hanoi that include boat rides, temples, and the famous Lying Dragon viewpoint, all in one hassle-free package. If you’re based in Ninh Binh, you can also join a local tour that covers Trang An, the temples, and the viewpoint in a single day.
Check out the best options here:

Booking in advance means you can just relax and enjoy the scenery—no planning stress required!