The 7 best attractions in Tam Coc, Vietnam
- Noa
Tam Coc (Tam Cốc – Three Caves) is a small town in northern Vietnam, near the city of Ninh Binh, and one of the most recommended destinations in Vietnam. If you come from Hanoi or Mai Chau, the trip takes only 2-3 hours! Cruises in Tam Coc, temples, and caves are just some of the attractions there! I recommend spending two to three nights there.
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Table of Contents
How to get to Tam Coc?
Through local agencies or 12Go you can easily find all the ways to get to Tam Coc – Travel, sleepers and taxis.
Weather
Winter
December to February. Almost no rain at all but cold and cloudy, between 10-20 degrees.
Spring
March to May. Very pleasant, everything is blooming, lots of butterflies and green rice fields. 23-29 degrees.
Summer
June to August. Rainy, very hot and humid, 30-35 degrees.
Autumn
September to November. Also a recommended season. A little rainy, humidity drops. 23-27 degrees.
The 7 best attractions in Tam Coc
In Tam Coc, attractions include stunning sailing, ancient temples, archaeology and history.
Cruise in Tam Coc
There are many types of cruises in Tam Coc, depending on how many caves and pagodas you want to see along the way. The Vietnamese run tours in almost any weather, but it’s worth catching good weather for this trip. You can arrive in the area and book a cruise, or take a full day organized tour that includes a trip to Hoa Lo, a cruise, lunch, and lots of fun. More details and cruise booking.
Bich Dong
Cruise departure point right in the center of town. Takes about 2-3 hours. Day tours that include a cruise in Bish Dong .
Hang Múa
About a fifteen-minute drive from the city center. A climb of 500 steps will lead you to a pagoda and a stunning view!
Po Ko Hue Hoa Lu Ancient Town
About a fifteen minute drive from the city center. Lake, beautiful pagoda, street food and a cool atmosphere. It is recommended to arrive in the evening. You can take a night cruise on the lake and enjoy the lights.
Hoa Lư Ancient Capital
A thousand years ago Hue If only it were the capital of Vietnam! An entire region of antiquities, temples, pagodas and lots to see. Hue It is about a twenty-minute drive from the city center. You can take a local guide to explain the fascinating history of the place, or walk alone and admire the ancient construction. You don’t have to buy an entrance ticket in advance, but you will have to pay at the entrance and also pay for parking if you arrive by scooter.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
A huge complex, don’t try to see it all in one day! However, there are buggies to help you get from place to place. The whole place feels like a filming location for the Asian version of Game of Thrones. Located about a half-hour drive from the city center and absolutely one of its main points of interest. Here too, you can take a guide to delve into the history of the place, or be impressed by the temples and pagodas yourself.
Thai Vi Temple
For archaeology enthusiasts, an impressive temple from the 13th century. On a nice day, it is recommended to go there on foot, it takes about 25 minutes to walk from the town center.
A day trip to all the best attractions – the Old City Hoa Lư, river cruise and Moa caves.
Rated 5 
on VIATOR by over 3800 travelers! English-speaking guide Includes lunch Starting from $55
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Tam Coc Accommodation recommendations
The town has a lot of cool places to stay, some in the center and some around. Here are some places that are especially worth staying at:
Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com Right in the city center Rooms with balcony Mountain view Starting from $14 per night
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Rating of 9.6 on Booking.com Excellent location in the center and next to the lake There is a pool Breakfast included Starting from $23 per night
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Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com Very central location Luxurious 3-star hotel with a pool Breakfast included Starting from $67 per night
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Best restaurants in Tam Coc
There are a variety of restaurants, Western, Indian, Vietnamese, pizza, bars and more! The truth is that most of the restaurants are really good and delicious, but here are the most recommended:
Chookie's Beer Garden
Vietnamese food, delicious pizzas and a good atmosphere. There are also cooking courses!
SisterFields | Boutique Cafe
Full of amazing dishes, with an emphasis on health, freshness, and great taste. There are many really, really good vegan options!
Ngon Vegan Restaurant (NGON)
Some would say this is the best restaurant they’ve eaten at in Vietnam! Colorful, fresh food, full of vegetables and flavor.
Na's Cafe
Delicious food at good prices, especially the breakfasts!
Little Italy Pizza
One of the best pizzas I’ve had in Vietnam! The chicken mango salad is a must.
Ninh Loan Rose
Excellent Vietnamese restaurant, good, fresh and tasty food. The owner is super nice and friendly.
Curry King
A little expensive, but delicious Indian food.
Nearby Tam Coc
Tam Coc Vietnam is a destination from which you can easily continue to Hanoi or a cruise in Halong Bay, if you come from the south. Not far from there, a little north, you will reach Mai Chau – a stunning and rural valley. After that, it is worth continuing to Pu Luong – a particularly beautiful nature reserve.
Tam Coc FAQs
What is the best season to visit? 
The most recommended time to arrive is Between March and May or Between September and November because then the weather is pleasant, the rice fields are green and it’s not very rainy.
How to get to Tam Coc? 
The trip from Hanoi Really short and takes 2-3 hours, you can take a bus and even a taxi won’t cost too much!
What to do in Tam Coc? 
Sailing through the mountains, visiting Hua Lu temples, Bich Dong temples, cycling through rice fields.
Is Tam Coc Suitable for a day trip from Hanoi? 
Yes, because the two cities are really close to each other, so even if you don’t have a lot of time and you need to return to Hanoi – you don’t have to give up Tam Coc!
What is important to bring? 
First of all, a raincoat! It’s very rainy there (but you can also buy excellent equipment there). Also take comfortable walking shoes and mosquito repellent.