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 Just 100 kilometers south of Hanoi, Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist site is one of the most scenic areas in Ninh Binh Province.
Located in Hoa Lu District’s Ninh Hai Commune, the 350-hectare area is considered by locals to be comparable to northern Ha Long Bay because of its stunning natural beauty. Moreover, travelers enjoy Tam Coc for its quiet tranquility and peaceful setting. Tam Coc boasts three spectacular caves and it takes around two hours to travel through all three by boat. The first cave is the largest of the three and stretches 127 meters long and 20 meters wide. Two other caves are situated about one kilometer away, both of which are characterized by large limestone outcrops that give the area a surreal, mystic feel. Visitors to Tam Coc can sit on bamboo crafts and drift slowly down the emerald green Ngo Dong River while enjoying breathtaking views of the Bich Dong Pagoda, Thai Vi Temple and the Tien Stream – a place where ancient legend says fairies used to come and bathe. Bich Dong stands on Ngu Nhac Mountain and was said by King Le Canh Hung (1740-1786) to be the second nicest grotto in Vietnam, after the Huong Tich Grotto in Ha Tay Province. In 1773, Nguyen Nghiem, father of renowned Vietnamese poet Nguyen Du who wrote Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) in early 19th century, named the grotto Bich Dong (green grotto) after being inspired by the lush green mountains and surrounding fields. Bich Dong Pagoda was built during the Le Dynasty and later, during the 18th century, the pagoda was reconstructed into three different structures along the mountainside. With its unique ancient architecture, Bich Dong Pagoda combines human artwork with natural beauty. To reach the Tam Coc – Bich Dong tourist site, visitors starting from the center of Ninh Binh Province can follow the 1A National Highway to Cau Vom crossroads, turn right and travel two kilometers to the entrance. Reported by Kim
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