Tam Cốc-Bích Động — Attraction in Ninh Bình Province

Everything you need to know: First, you must buy tickets at the ticket office which is 300m away. The ticket price is 250k per person or 500k for a private boat if you are a single. Otherwise you can have up to 4 people (I think) on a boat but it’s still 250k per person. The ticket price includes an electric shuttle from the ticket office to the starting point and back.

The ticket price also includes as many stops along the river as you like BUT if you don’t tell the boat driver, they won’t make any stops. Without stops the total time up and down the river is a little less than 1.5 hours.

There are about 4 potentially interesting stops along the river. I suggest stopping at the end for a short walk, as it’s nice to stretch the legs and walk over a few beautiful bridges. The water is also cleanest there. The other stop you ABSOLUTELY MUST make is Gioi Ravine. You’ll see a sign for it along the river, before entering the second cave. It’s a short 5-10 minute walk through narrow rocks but it’s vertical and up stairs the entire way. At the top is the most beautiful viewpoint, it’s top 3 best places we’ve seen in Vietnam. So many boats passed this stop and it’s a shame because this is a MUST do.

There is only one route up and back, you’ll pass beautiful rice paddies and go through 3 caves in a nice looking boat as you’re towed along the river by the drivers feet. I strongly suggest you bring an umbrella to protect from the sun and water because it gets hot! There was only shade in the caves and at stopping points along the river. We went around 10am in May and it wasn’t too crowded on the river, maybe a bit on the way back.

It’s also important to point out the boat drivers are paid with your ticket price, so I don’t understand why people are suggesting you tip. Most boat drivers will try to sell you artwork or similar towards the end and they will strongly suggest you tip them. This was the only negative for us, as our driver demanded we tip her for the last 5 minutes of the trip. Tipping is not customary in Vietnam so we did not tip, and I’m from the US. Of course feel free to tip if you like but you definitely shouldn’t feel required to and it definitely shouldn’t be demanded by the drivers....

Visiting Tam Cốc – Bích Động is truly like stepping into another world. The beauty here is breathtaking and carries a sense of peace that is very hard to find elsewhere. The landscape of limestone mountains rising beside the calm Ngo Dong River creates a picture that feels both dramatic and serene. Taking a boat trip through the caves, with the gentle sound of paddles moving through the water, makes you feel as if time slows down. It is one of those rare places where you can completely relax and reconnect with nature.

For Vietnamese visitors, the experience feels almost like traveling abroad. There are so many international tourists here that sometimes you might think you are in a foreign country. This unique atmosphere makes Tam Cốc Bích Động stand out compared to other destinations in Vietnam. You can see people from all over the world enjoying the scenery, taking boat rides, and cycling around the rice fields. It gives the place a very international vibe while still keeping the authentic charm of the Vietnamese countryside.

The food scene here is also quite interesting. Because of the large number of Western visitors, many restaurants and homestays serve mainly Western-style dishes such as pizza, pasta, and grilled meat. This is convenient for foreign travelers, but for Vietnamese people who want to enjoy local cuisine, the options can feel a bit limited. There are still some traditional Vietnamese dishes available like cơm niêu, goat meat, or simple rice with local vegetables, but the variety is not as rich as in other regions. If you are specifically looking for authentic Vietnamese flavors, you might have to spend some time searching.

Overall, Tam Cốc Bích Động is absolutely worth visiting. It is a perfect place if you love peaceful landscapes, slow travel, and cultural exchange. The blend of natural beauty, the feeling of being part of an international travel hub, and the calm countryside atmosphere make it unforgettable. Whether you come here for a day trip or stay longer, the memories will stay with you for a long time.

Highly recommended for anyone...

If you're seeking a place to forget all your worries and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, look no further than Tam Cốc Ninh Bình. This hidden gem in Vietnam is truly a slice of heaven on Earth!

From the moment I arrived at Tam Cốc Ninh Bình, I was mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty. The towering limestone karst mountains surrounded by lush green rice fields create a picturesque landscape that is straight out of a fairy tale. The serene river meandering through the karst formations adds to the idyllic scenery, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely boat ride.

The peace and tranquility of Tam Cốc Ninh Bình are truly therapeutic. As I floated along the river, listening to the gentle sound of the oars hitting the water and being surrounded by the stunning natural scenery, I felt all my worries and stresses melt away. It's a place where you can truly be present in the moment and let go of all your troubles.

The friendly locals and warm hospitality of the area also added to the charm of Tam Cốc Ninh Bình. The locals were welcoming and eager to share their stories and culture, making my visit even more enriching.

Aside from the natural beauty, there are also opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the nearby caves. The stunning views from the mountain peaks and the fascinating formations inside the caves are a testament to the unique geology of the region.

The only downside of my visit to Tam Cốc Ninh Bình was that I had to leave! It was truly a rejuvenating experience that left me feeling refreshed and recharged. If you're in need of a peaceful escape where you can forget all your worries, I highly recommend visiting Tam Cốc Ninh Bình. It's a slice of heaven that will leave you with lasting memories and a renewed...