Tam Coc or Trang An: Which Ninh Binh’s Gem Go First?

When venturing into the heart of Ninh Binh’s natural splendor, a question often emerges: Tam Coc or Trang An? Both destinations offer a glimpse into the country’s breathtaking landscapes, characterized by majestic limestone karsts and serene waterways. However, each presents a unique experience, tailored to different tastes and preferences. This guide seeks to unravel the tapestry of beauty and adventure that defines Tam Coc and Trang An, aiming to aid you in deciding which destination resonates more deeply with your travel aspirations. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil boat rides through rice paddies or the extensive cave systems and historic sites, your journey is about to get a touch more insightful.

Discovering Tam Coc: The Inland Halong Bay 

Discover the incredibly unique and breathtaking natural landscape of Tam Coc. This place is likened to a “Halong Bay on land,” with towering limestone cliffs reminiscent of the UNESCO-recorded bay. However, what sets it apart is that beneath these limestone cliffs lies not the sea, but a vast expanse of rice paddies, dotted with meandering rivers.

Tam Coc, meaning “Three Caves” (Cave One, Cave Two, Cave Three), all formed by the Ngo Dong River cutting through the mountains. When visiting Tam Coc, tourists embark on boat rides from the central pier, gliding through the straight-stretched rice fields.

Exploring the cave complex at Tam Coc offers the opportunity to paddle along the Ngo Dong River, weaving through each mysterious cave, and admiring the changing scenery of the rice fields on either side of the riverbank. The landscape transforms with the seasons, from lush greenery to golden ripened rice, sometimes veiled by the silver hue of water across the paddies.

Exploring the mysterious cave system

Tam Coc is also known as the “Second Heavenly Cave” due to its magnificent cave system, comprising the main caves known as Cave One, Cave Two, and Cave Three, all traversing through a large mountain. Additionally, it is a spiritual tourism destination, featuring renowned sites such as the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Tran Temple, and Thai Vi Temple.

Along the route, visitors also get to explore Thai Vi Temple and Thien Huong Cave. Thai Vi Temple is dedicated to Tran Dynasty kings like Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong, eminent generals like Tran Hung Dao, Tran Quang Khai, and Queen Tran Thi Dung. Thien Huong Cave, on the other hand, is a dry cave located on the way from the Ngo Dong River to Thai Vi Temple, notable for its brightness despite being nestled on the mountainside.

Visitors to Tam Coc can also explore the Ancient Vietnamese Village, where they not only experience the tranquil atmosphere but also learn about the distinctive cultural aspects of the area. Moreover, there are plenty of exciting folk games to engage in, adding to the overall captivating experience.

Best time to visit Tam Coc

Each season brings its own unique beauty to Tam Coc, captivating visitors with its allure and charm.

For those who wish to behold the lush green rice fields, it is advisable to visit after the Lunar New Year (around February and March). During this time, visitors also have the opportunity to partake in the vibrant spring festivals, adding to the allure of Tam Coc.

However, the most stunning time to visit Tam Coc is when the rice is ripe, typically towards the end of May and the beginning of June. During this period, the weather has not yet entered the intense heat of summer, with the early summer sun casting a golden glow over the lush greenery. The ripe golden rice fields in full bloom create an exquisite rural landscape, rarely seen elsewhere. Particularly, to witness the grandeur of Tam Coc in its entirety, visitors can rely on boat rowers to guide them to accessible viewpoints, offering a firsthand experience of the magnificent scenery.

The entrance ticket prices for Tam Coc usually vary slightly and are updated according to the season:

• Adults: 120,000 VND per person per trip.
• Children: under 1.4 meters tall, 60,000 VND per person per trip.
• Boat ticket: 150,000 VND per boat per trip.

Each boat can carry a maximum of 2 passengers.

Trang An – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

This place boasts a system of limestone mountains that have undergone millions of years of erosion and transformation. Trang An today exudes an incredibly captivating and distinctly Vietnamese beauty, with a series of valleys, lakes, and caves nestled amidst the stunning limestone hills.

The Trang An scenic complex boasts 48 cave systems with a total length of up to 20 km. Here, the diverse primary forest system features 300 species of flora, over 300 species of fauna, and more than 50 species of birds, including some listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book.

Similar to Tam Coc, Trang An is a UNESCO-recognized cultural and natural heritage site in Ninh Binh. However, in terms of scale, Trang An truly stands out, attracting numerous visitors to Ninh Binh in recent years. It is not only an appealing tourist destination but also a place where the ecosystem of the limestone mountains and wetland forests is developed and preserved.

Exploring the caves in Trang An

If at Tam Coc you explore three caves, at Trang An, you’ll discover countless caves such as Hang Sang, Hang Toi, Hang Nau Ruou… Each cave will leave visitors in awe of the mysterious beauty that nature has bestowed upon this ancient land. Harmonizing with the beauty of the rivers and waterways are the limestone mountains, aged over many years. To witness this pristine beauty up close, one must venture into the caves by boat, which might feel slightly chilly due to the dripping stalactites.

The beauty of this rugged yet friendly environment is truly rare and hard to find anywhere else. Surely, you won’t be able to stop using your camera or phone to capture the beautiful moments here and preserve the perfect images of your journey through this land of Ninh Binh, favored so generously by nature.

The beauty of the meandering rivers 

The beauty of the Trang An tourist area lies in the combination of mountains, water, and the lush green sky. Therefore, if you want to enhance your travel experience in Ninh Binh, don’t forget to choose this destination to enjoy the natural scenery!

The pristine beauty of the clear waters, combined with the rugged landscape, is especially evident even when exploring the Dark Cave. The experience of boat rides is incredibly enticing, allowing visitors to admire the beauty of the Trang An tourist area up close.

Moreover, if you have the chance to visit Trang An during the autumn days, you’ll also have the opportunity to witness the blooming fields of water lilies or lotus flowers adorning the water surface, blending harmoniously with the golden evening sunlight full of vitality in the autumn of Ninh Binh.

Best time to travel to Trang An

The best time to visit Trang An is during the beginning of the year, especially during the Lunar New Year period. This is when tourists flock here to welcome the Lunar New Year, praying for peace and prosperity in the coming year. Therefore, you may sometimes encounter long queues to buy tickets and board boats for sightseeing.

If you’re planning to visit Trang An for photography purposes, it’s advisable to go in early summer, around April or May. During this time, the number of visitors decreases gradually. The climate is also cool and pleasant, allowing you to spend your weekends enjoying the serene and tranquil atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle, in a place where nature and heaven merge harmoniously.

Experience kayaking

In addition to experiencing the beautiful landscapes of Trang An on traditional wooden boats, tourists visiting the Trang An eco-tourism area in Ninh Binh can also paddle kayaks to explore the scenic beauty of Trang An’s water and mountains. Introducing kayaking into the Trang An eco-tourism area enhances the exploration experience for visitors.

Combining sightseeing with this new sport activity is one of the strategies to boost tourism in Ninh Binh province. Kayaking amidst the waters of Trang An offers visitors two route options to choose from.

There are various regulations set by the Trang An management for kayaking. After purchasing the kayak ticket, visitors must adhere to the regulations of the eco-tourism area. Wearing specialized life jackets throughout the kayaking journey, following the designated route without entering restricted areas, and refraining from playing music or using any personal audio devices are among the rules. Additionally, visitors need to sign a health commitment form before participating in kayaking to ensure their physical fitness.

The rental price for a single kayak for 2 hours is 250,000 VND, and for 3 hours, it is 300,000 VND per boat. Double kayaks are available for rent at prices ranging from 350,000 VND to 400,000 VND per boat, equivalent to a 2-3 hour journey.

The entrance ticket prices at the Trang An scenic spot are as follows:

• Adults: 250,000 VND per person per trip.
• Children: 120,000 VND per person per trip.

The duration of the boat tour to visit the Trang An sites is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours.

Tam Coc or Trang An? Which is superior?

Each tourist destination in Ninh Binh has its own unique attractions and allure that cannot be found elsewhere. Tam Coc and Trang An are both beautiful, each in its own way. Depending on individual preferences and circumstances, tourists can choose a suitable and meaningful trip for themselves.

In terms of sightseeing locations, there seems to be a significant difference at Trang An due to its combination of spiritual landmarks with beautiful natural landscapes and pristine caves, making visitors eager to stay longer. Trang An also has many other fascinating attractions such as the reconstructed Ancient Vietnamese Village and numerous Instagram-worthy check-in spots. Additionally, if you’re looking for a new and exciting experience like kayaking, Trang An could be your destination of choice. At Tam Coc, the main activities are boat rides and exploring caves.

Regarding time constraints, if you’re short on time, it’s advisable to visit Tam Coc because the boat tour there is shorter compared to Trang An. You can also utilize the extra time to explore other nearby attractions around Tam Coc, such as the famous ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, dating back thousands of years, or Thung Nham Bird Garden, home to over 500 bird species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book.

In terms of timing, early summer is ideal for tourism, but for those who love the golden hue of ripe rice fields, Tam Coc is the perfect stop. If you prefer the lush greenery and serene waters to admire and capture in photographs, then Trang An is the choice for you.

Regarding ticket prices, tickets at Tam Coc are much cheaper than at Trang An. Tourists can consider this aspect when making their decision.

Read More: How to Get From Ninh Binh to Tam Coc? 

Suggested 2D1N Tam Coc – Trang An Tour

Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Mua Cave – Tam Coc

8:00 AM: Sinhtour’s vehicle and guide will pick up guests at the designated meeting point before departing for Ninh Binh.

10:30 AM: Arrival in Ninh Binh, guests will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam, and explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le.

11:30 AM: Arrive at Mua Cave, where guests will hike through rugged terrain and conquer over 500 steps to reach the summit of Mua Mountain.

12:30 PM: Lunch break and rest at a local restaurant.

2:00 PM: The guide will accompany guests on a boat ride to explore the caves in the Tam Coc ecological area. Guests will pass through three caves and visit the Thai Vi Temple. After approximately 2 hours, guests will return to the Tam Coc pier.

5:00 PM: Transfer back to the hotel for check-in and rest.

6:30 PM: Dinner. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An – Hanoi

Morning: Breakfast and leisure time.

10:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. The vehicle will pick up guests at the hotel and take them to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the temple complex holding numerous records in Vietnam.

12:30 PM: Lunch break and rest at a local restaurant.

1:30 PM: Transfer to the Trang An pier for a boat tour of the Trang An eco-tourism area.

5:30 PM: Gather at the vehicle to return to Hanoi.

7:30 PM: Arrival in Hanoi. The guide extends farewell wishes and expresses gratitude to the entire group. Sinhtour looks forward to welcoming guests on future trips.

Conclusion

In the end, the choice between Tam Coc or Trang An boils down to what you seek from your journey through Vietnam’s natural wonders. Regardless of your choice, both destinations promise an unforgettable experience, rich with the beauty and serenity that only Vietnam can offer. Whichever you choose, rest assured, you’re in for a journey that will capture your heart and enchant your soul.

Tam Coc or Trang An FAQs

What are the best times to visit Tam Coc and Trang An?

The best time to visit Tam Coc and Trang An is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the water levels are ideal for boat rides. However, both destinations can be visited year-round, each season offering its own unique beauty.

Are there any accommodations available near Tam Coc and Trang An?

Yes, there are numerous accommodation options available near Tam Coc and Trang An, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from charming guesthouses, cozy homestays, boutique hotels, and even luxurious resorts located in the surrounding areas. Many of these accommodations offer picturesque views of the limestone karst formations or are nestled amidst serene rice paddies, providing a tranquil setting for travelers to unwind after exploring the natural wonders of Tam Coc and Trang An. 

What is the best way to travel between Tam Coc and Trang An?

The most convenient way to travel between Tam Coc and Trang An is by motorbike, car, or taxi. Both destinations are relatively close to each other, with a distance of approximately 7-8 kilometers, making it easy for visitors to explore both areas in a single trip. Many tourists opt to rent a motorbike for the day or hire a driver to take them between Tam Coc and Trang An, allowing for flexibility and the freedom to explore at their own pace.