Tam Coc - Bich Dong

Beautiful boat ride with someone who peddles with their feet, very interesting. They do ask for a tip and try to sell some mass produced paintings, but its an understandable gimmick to make some more money and the boat ride itself is very beautiful. We tipped 100k for two people on top the tickets (250k per person). The ticket counter is about 300m away and there's a little electric cart to bring you back to the wharf. If you have time for only one in the ninh binh area, go for Trang An though - its more value for money!

Even though it's quite busy and touristy, it's highly worth doing and great value for money. Many of boats are paddled with their feet which is good fun to watch. Expect the locals to try to sell you bouquets of flowers and other items along the way. There are also boats with photogs in them offering to take your picture for extra $. Our boat paddler took photos for us and expected tips for doing so. Many boats have buckets of embroidered pictures to sell while you are taking in the scenery.

We were on an organised tour from Hanoi. We loved the day to Ninh Binh. The ride on the boat where the driver used his feet to operate the oars was amazing. He rowed us using this method for up to an hour to an hour and a half passing lots of boats doing the same. The landscape enroute was lovely. Passing by paddy fields and through caves. It was such a lovely day out with a very nice buffet lunch.

Tam Cốc – Bích Động is a very beautiful and relaxing place. The boat ride takes you through caves, rivers, and rice fields surrounded by limestone mountains. It’s peaceful, great for photos, and the pagoda visit adds a nice cultural element. Definitely a must visiting spot in Ninh Binh, especially on a clear day. You can see why this was a chosen spot to film Kong Skull Island Monkey

Beautiful scene and amazing experience. Highly recommended for nature lovers. A couple of thing that is annoying is their photographer on boat (not professional) took a lot of pictures and some didn't turn out well. She really tried to force us to buy every picture for 1 U.S $ each. I know it's not much but don't feel like buying something I don't like. Although I bought some pictures she was not happy. Again, the lady who row our boat tried to sell us Vietnamese post card for U.S $10 each. I bought one although I didn't need it to support her. She was really pushing me to buy two but I refused. At the end, I tip her 50k dong and she said tip should be at least 100k. I feel really annoyed. I know that they have to do the living and trying to earn extra money by tip and selling $2 worth of art for $10. But, really pushing it and making me feel awful ruined my experience a bit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tam Cốc – Bích Động National Park is an absolutely breathtaking place and one of the most beautiful natural areas I visited in Vietnam. Often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” the landscape is truly magical, with dramatic limestone karsts rising from endless rice fields, calm rivers, and hidden lakes. The canoeing (rowing) cruise was the highlight of the experience. Gliding slowly along the river, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, felt incredibly peaceful and almost surreal. The route takes you through several caves, where the light fades and the sound of water echoes off the stone, creating a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere. Emerging from the caves into open valleys and lakes feels like discovering secret worlds hidden within the mountains. One particularly fascinating historical anecdote is that this area was once chosen as a strategic natural refuge during times of conflict, thanks to its caves and waterways offering protection and secrecy. This adds an extra layer of meaning to the journey, knowing that these tranquil landscapes once played an important role in Vietnam’s history. The boat rowers are incredibly skilled, navigating narrow passages and shallow waters with ease, often using their feet to row—an impressive and uniquely local technique. The entire experience is slow, immersive, and deeply connected to nature. Tam Cốc – Bích Động is a must-see destination, and the canoeing cruise is an unforgettable way to explore its lakes, caves, and timeless beauty.

One of the most peaceful and memorable places in Ninh Binh. Bich Dong Pagoda sits quietly between limestone mountains, creating a stunning and almost surreal atmosphere. The path leading up through the pagoda, caves, and viewpoints is beautiful and easy to walk. The mix of temples, natural rock formations, and greenery makes it a perfect spot for photos and quiet moments. If you're visiting Tam Coc, this is a must-see. It’s calm, scenic, and feels far away from the busy tourist areas. Highly recommend combining it with the Tam Coc boat tour for the best experience. Highlights: Beautiful scenery with lotus ponds and limestone cliffs Unique cave-temple structure Peaceful, quiet atmosphere Great photo spots throughout the path

Visiting Tam Cốc - Bích Động was truly a magical experience. The boat ride along the river, surrounded by stunning scenery, becomes even more breathtaking as you glide through fields of vibrant pink water lilies. It feels like stepping into a painting : peaceful, colorful, and absolutely unforgettable. Tourist Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and, most importantly, to see the water lilies in full bloom. Once the sun rises higher, they begin to close… so the earlier, the better for the most magical view! The calm atmosphere, the reflections of the limestone mountains on the water, and the charm of the traditional rowing boats all contribute to a moment of pure serenity. If you’re in the Ninh Bình area, this is an absolute must-do. A beautiful, authentic, and picture-perfect experience that stays with you long after you leave.