Tam Coc – Bich Dong

Tam Coc – Bich Dong is a popular tourist destination near the city of Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam.

The Tam Coc (“three caves”) portion is a three-hour excursion by small boat along the Ngô Đồng river, beginning at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through three natural caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), the largest of which is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods.

Bich Dong is a pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain dating to 1428, comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order. Guided tours generally cover historical points and end with a pleasant view from the top.