15 other places worth visiting near Tam Coc Bich Dong
Van Long Natural Reeves
Tam Coc Bich Dong is a famous place in Ninh Binh province, where nature endows many beautiful places and historical relics. Coming to Vietnam, you should not miss to visit this famous place. Tam Coc is beautiful, everyone admits, but besides Tam Coc, are there other beautiful places worth visiting near Tam Coc? ResponTravel shares with you places worth visiting near Tam Coc Bich Dong.
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1.Bich Dong pagoda ( 2 km from Tam Coc)
The entrance to the pagoda is fragrant with lotus flowers
Bich Dong Pagoda is an old temple built on Truong Yen limestone mountain range in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. This is a historical and cultural relic - a part of Trang An complex which was ranked as a special national relic and recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage.
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Bich Dong Pagoda was originally named "Bach Ngoc Thach Son Dong" - that mean beautiful a stone pagoda in the mountain area. In 1774 the temple was renamed Bich Dong - Green Pagoda
Bich Dong pagoda has 3 separate buildings, namely the lower pagoda, the middle pagoda and the upper pagoda with the style of the Tam in Chinese characters.
Lower Pagoda is located at the foot of the mountain very harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape, the pagoda is surrounded by many layers of colorful trees all year round. In summer, the temple is beautified by flowers with different colors.
Next is middle Pagoda, to visit Middle Pagoda we need to climb more than 100 ancient limestone steps, look up the cliff we see 2 big characters carved on the cliff from the 16th century with the meaning Bich Dong - green pagoda. Middle Pagoda is located in a cave, leaning against the cliff in front of the green lotus lake. Inside are centuries-old Buddha statues. Behind Middle Pagoda is a small dark path (You need to use a flashlight) to continue climbing the stone steps and above your head is an ancient bronze bell with a beautiful sound. Going through the cave you will see the upper pagoda, continuing to conquer the stone steps you will reach the
upper pagoda, the temple is small but quite beautiful and in harmony with nature, the whole temple is built of limestone, Especially from here you enrich your eyes with panorama view of Tam Coc Bich Dong area.
2. Linh Coc Pagoda ( 3 km from Tam coc)
The beauty of Linh Coc ancient pagoda
Located in the overall Tam Coc - Bich Dong is Linh Coc Pagoda - a sacred place of high mountains and rivers.
Linh Coc pagoda is located in Coi Khe village, Ninh Hai commune, located only about 500 meters southeast of Bich Dong pagoda. The pagoda faces west, in front is a water field with very charming scenery. According to the epitaph placed in the temple, Linh Coc pagoda dates from the reign of King Tran Thanh Tong, in 1258. Over a long time, this temple has been restored many times.
Visiting Linh Coc pagoda, visitors have to climb 83 stone steps on the mountainside to come. The pagoda is halfway up the mountain, about 30 meters higher than the brick yard. Ancient people used mountain cave as a temple. The outer temple is up to 20 meters high, the floor is flat and wide, used as the front hall of the temple, two statues of Dharma protectors are placed, the cliff on the right hand side hangs a very beautiful bell.
3. Bird Valley (4 km from Tam Coc)
bird valley- the wild beauty of nature
Thung Nham or Bird Valley is famous because this is the residence of many kinds of birds such as storks, cauldrons, le le, starlings, teals... and two precious birds, flamingos and phoenixes, which are listed in the Red Book.
When is the right time to travel to Thung Nham?
Thung Nham Ninh Binh every season has a beauty that attracts visitors, but if you want to watch birds, autumn is the most ideal time because at this time the weather starts to get cold, birds will feed near as well. like returning to the nest earlier. You can spend 1-2 days to explore Thung Nham,
Entrance ticket price:
+ Adult ticket: 100,000 VND
+ Child ticket: 50,000 VND, children under 0.8m free
+ Boat ticket to visit the bird garden: 20,000 VND
+ But cave ticket: 20,000 VND
Places to visit in Thung Nham
1. Vai Gioi Cave: Because the cave is located high on the cliff, to get to the cave you need to climb more than 400 stone steps. The cave is about 5000m2 wide with 3 floors, inside are mysterious shimmering stalactites like "Earth, Hell and Heaven". It is said that in the past, it was the place to set up an altar to pray for favorable weather and good harvest.
2. But cave: is the largest place in Thung Nham with a cave length of 500m. In the cave, there is a picture of the Buddha sitting next to the river with the meaning of giving good things to visitors. There is no lighting system in the cave, so visitors will experience the feeling of shining a flashlight to admire the stalactites.
3. Bird garden: home to more than 50000 birds with 40 species of birds such as cauldrons, storks, herons, teals, fire warblers... and precious birds such as flamingos or phoenixes. Visitors coming here will be satisfied with the aerial displays of birds.
4. Old banyan tree: Banyan tree has existed in Thung Nham forest for thousands of years and has moved around the ancient temple 3 times.
5. The thousand-year-old Duoi tree: associated with a story about King Dinh Tien Hoang. Not only that, the tree also grows on a large rock and is considered the oldest and most beautiful tree in Vietnam.
6. Ba Co Cave: According to legend, when King Dinh Tien Hoang was poisoned, the medical could not be cured. There were three girls in Hoa Lu who dreamed that the divine water was antidote and went to Thung Nham to fetch water to save the king, but were caught by the tiger. People remember the merits of the three women, so they build a grave and call it Ba Co cave.
7. Mermaid Cave: More than 1500m long with a sophisticated system of stalactites and stalactites. This place also circulates the story of the petrified mermaid.
8. Valley of Love: created by a harmonious combination of plants, flowers, trees, colorful forest orchids and birdsong to create a romantic love song.
9. Orchard: a garden full of trees such as apple, guava, mango, persimmon, litchi... gives visitors a feeling of being close to nature.
4. Thung Nang valley (2 km from Tam Coc)
Thung Nang with magical beauty
Address: Dam Khe Hamlet, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District
When you come to Thung Nang, you will feel the wild and natural beauty. Perhaps it is because of this that makes Thung Nang become one of the most attractive tourist destinations for tourists, especially for those who want to experience the idyllic natural life but also very poetic.
Thung Nang is because the word "Thung" is a local word that often refers to places with a flooded lowland surrounded by rocky mountains. In the summer, when the rays of the sun shine down, the limestone slabs become sparkling and golden, from which the locals call it the simple name Thung Nang.
5. Dam Khe village (2 km from Tam Coc)
Dam Khe vullage near Thung Nang Valley
Right next to Thung Nang is an ancient village of nearly 400 years located in the core area of Trang An scenic complex, famous for Tam Coc - Bich Dong tourist area.
Dam Khe in the Chinese sense means a lot of clear blue rivers and streams winding under high mountains, interspersed with small valleys. Those valleys always deposit the fertility of soil and water to create fertile fields. This is an ideal place for sightseeing cycling journeys.
6. Tam Coc cave
Endless beauty of Tam Coc
Tam Coc Cave is a place not to be missed as it is the most beautiful place to visit by boat in Tam Coc Bich Dong area. Tam Coc means 3 caves: Hang Ca, Hang 2 and Hang 3. Each cave has its own beauty, but perhaps the largest and longest cave is Hang Ca. It can be said that Tam Coc makes the beauty of the whole area and is the most attractive point for tourists when visiting Tam Coc Bich Dong. You need to buy a visiting ticket: 120,000vnd per person and pay for rowing boat to visit: 150,000vnd /boat for 2 guests, there will be one person rowing boat for you during your trip. The journey to visit Tam Coc will last about 1.5 hours, which will bring you impressive and unique moments.
7. Thai Vi temple ( 3 km from Tam Coc)
Thai Vi- a sacred temple in Tam Coc
Thai Vi Temple is located in Van Lam village, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The temple is famous for a long time, this temple is used to worship the kings of the Tran dynasty. In the Tran Dynasty this area has the Vu Lam palace in the resistance war against the Nguyen Mong. Thai Vi Temple can be reached on foot or by road just 2 km from Tam Coc boat station.
The temple is on the right of Ngo Giang stream, on the left of Coi Linh mountain, harmoniously, creating the legend of a Tam Coc area known as the dry Ha Long Bay. In front of the temple door, there is a golden well four seasons are as clear as a mirror.
8. Mua cave (7 km from tam Coc)
Mua Cave - a atractive place of tourist
Mua Cave is not just a simple cave, this is a tourist complex, including many beautiful landscapes, a resort and amusement park. Ngoa Long Peak on Mua Cave is the highlight, marked by the long, steep stairs on the mountain slope.
Mua Cave is 10km from Ninh Binh City, 100km from Hanoi to the South, is a tourist destination located in the core area of Trang An Complex.
The name Mua Cave is derived from a small cave located in the limestone mountain at the foot of Mua mountain. This site is located in Khe Dau Ha village - Ninh Xuan commune - Hoa Lu district - Ninh Binh province. On the top of Mua mountain, there is a statue of long dragon, so it is called Ngoa Long Peak. Mua Cave has 2 peaks with very unique panorama views. To conquer the summit of Mua cave, you have to steps up 500 stone steps
9. Trang An tourist area ( 20 km from Tam Coc)
HANOI - TRANG AN - BAI DINH ONE DAY TOUR
Trang an with pure beauty
Trang An Tourist area is located in the Trang An World Heritage Complex in Ninh Binh province and was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 2014. Trang An with a system of limestone mountains with a geological age of about 250 million, Over a long period of time weathered by the change of the Earth, the climate, the sea advance, the sea recedes has brought in hundreds of valleys, caves, lakes and lagoons. This scenic spot is a place to preserve and contain many ecosystems of wetlands, forests on limestone mountains, archaeological sites and historical and cultural relics. The system of rocky mountains, rivers, streams, forests and caves in Trang An was very special so it was chosen by King Dinh Tien Hoang as the royal citadel to protect the capital Hoa Lu in the 10th century, and then the Tran Dynasty used it as Vu Lam palace. during the Mongol resistance. At present, there are many historical relics of Dinh and Tran dynasties.
Trang An has beautiful nature with mountains, mysterious caves, tranquil rivers, sacred relics and rich and rare flora and fauna. The typical Hoa Lu cultural-historical-environmental forest is a limestone karst sandbar rising in the middle of the relatively flat coastal plain of Northern Vietnam. This outcrop of limestone is interspersed with a series of regularly watered creeks and seasonally flooded valleys. The absolute elevation of the region is from 10 to 281 m. There are many beautiful caves in the area such as: Thien Ha cave, Vai Gioi cave, Tien Ca cave, Ba Co cave, Tien cave, Thuy Cung cave, But cave, Sinh Duoc cave... along with mountains and rivers. creating famous tourist routes such as Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong. There are rivers flowing through Tam Coc and Trang An areas so visitors can visit this area by boat.
10. Bai Dinh Pagoda ( 25 km from Tam Coc)
Bai Dinh the pagoda with many records
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large temple complex with many Asian and Vietnamese records, established as the temple with the largest gilded bronze Buddha in Asia, the temple with the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, the temple has the largest bronze Maitreya statue in Southeast Asia... This is the largest temple and owns the most records in Vietnam. The items of construction and expansion of the new temple area were inaugurated by the delegates to the World Vesak Celebration 2008 and phase 1, in 2010 Bai Dinh Pagoda was the place to hold the first Great Relic of Buddha. from India to Vietnam. The United Nations Day of Vesak - Vesak 2014 hosted by Vietnam took place at Bai Dinh pagoda in March 2014.
Bai Dinh pagoda is located at the western gateway of Hoa Lu ancient capital, on National Highway 38B, in Gia Sinh - Gia Vien - Ninh Binh commune, 15 km from Ninh Binh city, 95 km from Hanoi.
In 2023, the fee for parking cars in Bai Dinh pagoda area is 40,000 VND, and motorbikes are 15,000 VND. Because the parking location is about 4 km far from the Tam Quan gate of Bai Dinh Pagoda, most visitors choose a tram rather than walk to the temple, fee for tram is 30,000 VND / turn. Round trip is 60,000 VND. Guiding cost of 300,000 VND for new temples, both new and old temples is 500,000 VND. The toilet fee is 2,000 VND / time, going to Bai Dinh Pagoda stupa costs 50,000 VND.
11. Hoa Lu ancient capital ( 25km from Tam Coc)
Hoa Lu was fomer royal capital city of Vietnam
Hoa Lu was capital of Vietnam in the 10th century and the hometown of Dinh Bo Linh when he was crowned Emperor in 968.
Today, vestiges of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital located in Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province, nearly 100 km south of Hanoi capital. Hoa Lu was chosen as the capital of Dai Co Viet for a short time (42 years) but events related to the destiny of the whole nation took place here, it involves three dynasties The Dinh, Tien Le and Ly and the process of establishing the capital of Thang Long - Hanoi.
Today, the image of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is no longer intact, but King temples: King Dinh - King Le temples was built right on the foundation of the ancient Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. The two temples are about 500m apart, due to the close distance, local people call "Hoa Lu Ancient Capital" as "Temple of King Dinh - King Le".
12. Van Long Natural Reeves ( 30 km from Tam Coc)
Van Long has great tourism potential
Van Long is the largest wetland nature reserve in the Northern Vietnam.This nature reserve is located in the northeast of Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Van Long has been put into tourism operation since 1998 and is now a national tourist destination of Vietnam, it owns 2 records of the Vietnam Record Book Center in 2010 which are: "The place where has largest number of white-breasted langurs" and "The place with the largest natural picture". In 1999, this place became a nature reserve, recorded in the list of special-use forests in Vietnam and recognized as a Ramsar site of the world. Van Long is known as "the bay without waves" because when traveling on a boat on the lagoon, visitors will see the water surface as flat as a giant mirror. The watercolor painting clearly reflects each strong carving of limestone massifs bearing the shape of their names such as Meo Cao mountain, Mam Xoi mountain, Hom Sach mountain, Da Ban mountain, Nghien mountain, Moi mountain, and Moi mountain. Miss Tien... However, the water here is not the blue color of the sea, but clear, clearly showing the layers of moss on the bottom.
Van Long area has 1000 beautiful caves, many large caves with tourism development value such as Ca Cave, Ball Cave, Turtle Cave, Chanh Cave. Particularly, Ca cave is a 250 m long, 8 m high, 10 m wide cave. This is the gathering and breeding place of catfish, perch, and banana fish. Shadow Cave is a beautiful cave over 100m long, Duoi cave 4 floors, Canh Gate cave…
13. Kenh Ga Floating Village - a picture of a beautiful and peaceful river that few people know in Ninh Binh ( 35 km from Tam Coc)
Kenh Ga floating village
Kenh Ga floating village is a small riverside fishing village in Gia Thinh commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains with a vast river at the foot,
To enjoy all the beauty of Kenh Ga floating village, the most ideal means is to sit on a boat along the Hoang Long river, weave into the village, explore the simple life of local people, as well as breathe in the wind. The sky is full of rustic rice aroma, the cool smell of the river is wafting around the skin and hair.
On simple wooden boats, gliding with oars, an idyllic Ninh Binh river appears with fishing villages, boats, flickering from afar and near.
The fresh air without the sound of car horns, smoke and dust, surrounded by only water, clouds, and peaceful houses with gentle people creates an enchanting peace, making visitors just want to stop to enjoy the scenery.
The picture of Kenh Ga floating village becomes even more special on misty days, coming here in the early morning, the scenery around the hot springs flowing from Hang Ca mountain is blurry, making visitors feel like they are lost in a magical place.
In particular, if you come to Kenh Ga in the high water season, the whole area emerges as a small island separate from the mainland, floating between four extremely unique rivers.
In addition to discovering the rhythm of life in this peaceful village, coming to Kenh Ga, visitors can also admire many nearby scenic spots such as Nham Hao cave, Van Trinh cave, Luon cave, Hang But mountain, Hang mountain. Toan, Co Ngua mountain, Lac Khoai Pagoda... Kenh Ga is also famous for Gia Vien shrimp paste and Hoang Long sweet potato, if you come here, don't forget to try it!
Ninh Binh is beautiful in any season because the weather here is quite pleasant, so visitors can completely visit Kenh Ga floating village at any time of the year. However, to enjoy Kenh Ga hot spring and explore Van Trinh cave, early summer and autumn are probably the most beautiful. This is a time of little rain, beautiful sunshine, very suitable for soaking in the hot water of the natural spring here.
14. Phat Diem Cathedral ( 40 Km from Tam Coc)
Phat Diem Stone Church was regconized as the most beautiful church in Vietnam
Phat Diem Stone Church is the most beautiful Catholic church complex in Vietnam. The project is located on an area of 22 hectares in Phat Diem town, Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province.
In 1828, Mr. Nguyen Cong Tru – a talented coffin. The famous poet was sent to the North by the Hue court with the title "Dinh Dien Su" to explore new lands. He was the one who founded Tien Hai district (Thai Binh) and Kim Son district (Ninh Binh). These two districts are now two rich and bustling districts, worthy of the names "Silver Sea", "Golden Mountain".
The complex of Phat Diem church was built in Kim Son land by priest Peter Tran Luc. (Also known as Uncle Sau, 1825-1899) presided over the construction. Mr. Sau has been the parish priest of Phat Diem since 1965. During his 34 years as the parish priest of Phat Diem, Mr. Sau has taken care of humane education. As well as the moral life for the laity. Especially with a very wide view when building Phat Diem church complex.
here can be next as ponds, monuments, Phuong Dinh (bell tower), big church. Ro Co biblical chapel, artificial rock caves, etc. Kim Son Church was built during 24 years (1975-1988) with many difficulties. The materials were transported from Thanh Hoa, Nghe An,... Hundreds of kilometers away to Phat Diem to build. In the condition of rudimentary working facilities, thousands of tons of stone. Hundreds of ironwood columns with trees up to 12m long, 2.4m in diameter weighing over 7 tons were moved here to build this work.
The highlight of the architecture of Phat Diem stone church is the harmonious combination of Eastern and Western architecture. All items are arranged according to an overall Vuong-shaped plan. The space opens and closes in a clear oriental style: first is a lake, then a mountain. According to the concept of the East Asians, "The money has water, the post has paint". Wish everything goes well, peaceful for life.
Phat Diem church complex includes a large church and 5 small churches. In it there is a church built entirely of natural stone, called a stone church. Phuong Dinh (bell tower); ponds and 3 artificial caves.
The whole carpentry, church interior and the two side walls are made of large ironwood. The roof is a comedy-nose tile, a traditional tile in emples.
Phuong Dinh
The biggest highlight in this religious complex is Phuong Dinh. Phuong Dinh means square house, shaped like a large but empty village communal house. 21 m wide, 25 m high, including 3 floors. The lower floor is the largest, built entirely of square green stone. Divided into three hearts, in each heart there is a stone collapse. The biggest rock collapse in the middle is a block 4.2 m long, 3.2 m wide, and 0.3 m thick.
Phat Diem Cathedral is unique in that although it is a Catholic work. But it is modeled after the traditional architecture of Vietnamese temples and pagodas with countless curved roofs shaped like the bow of a boat.
Phat Diem Cathedral was built entirely of stone and ironwood materials. Wood is taken from many localities such as Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Son Tay…. The stone was brought back from Thien Duong mountain, 30 km from Phat Diem. More precious stones are obtained from Nhoi mountain near Thanh Hoa province, 60 km away.
There are trees weighing up to 7 tons, stones weighing up to 20 tons, which were transported by primitive means in the late 19th century.
Phat Diem stone church also has many finely carved details. The building is decorated with countless familiar images. Taken from Vietnamese villages such as pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, apricot or lotus...
Located in the center is the large church, built in only the last 3 months of 1891. But the work of preparing materials and treating pedicures had lasted for the previous 10 years.
Phat Diem was originally an alluvial sea with soft ground. Uncle Sau had to have workers drive down millions of bamboo poles. And thousands of new stone blocks laid a solid foundation for this great project.
Mother's Heart
In the system of 5 small churches in Phat Diem, there is one made entirely of stone called the Heart of Our Lady. The work was first built by Mr. Sau in this cluster of relics.
Christmas festival is a big Catholic festival, so this is a great community cultural opportunity for parishioners of Phat Diem diocese. Christmas Eve The church is shimmering with colorful lights. System of caves, pine trees, luminescent lights. Create an unusual and magnificent space. Christmas is held solemnly and sacred, creating an attraction for parishioners and tourists when coming here on Christmas Eve.
Phat Diem stone church in Ninh Binh is solid
After more than 100 years of existence with impacts from natural disasters and wars, the building is still solid and maintains its status quo to this day. The architectural complex of Kim Son stone church was ranked as a national historical and cultural relic in 1988. Ninh Binh province and related agencies are completing a dossier to request UNESCO to recognize Phat Diem church as a World Cultural Heritage.
It can be seen that the sophistication in Western church architecture is harmonized and harmoniously combined with traditional Eastern architecture, creating a special attraction for the building. The stone church is a tourist attraction that attracts domestic and international tourists when coming to Ninh Binh.
15. Cuc Phuong natural park ( 50 Km from Tam Coc)
Cuc Phuong park with many traces of prehistoric people discovered
Cuc Phuong National Park (Cuc Phuong forest) is a nature reserve and special-use forest located in the territory of 3 provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa.
Cuc Phuong forest is characterized by a tropical forest with a rich flora and fauna, in which many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna have been discovered and preserved here. Cuc Phuong National Park larges 22,000 hectares
The topography of flora and fauna in Cuc Phuong forest is diverse and rich in which the flora and fauna have 31 families, 57 genera, and 149 species. Gymosperms have 3 families, 3 genera and 3 species; Angiosperms have 154 families, 747 genera and 1588 species. Fauna of Cuc Phuong National Park: there are 97 species of mammals, 137 species of birds, 76 species of reptiles, 46 species of amphibians, 11 species of fish and countless species of insects that have been and have not been discovered.
Topography of Cuc Phuong National Forest: Mainly limestone mountains running up to 25 km long with many underground water sources, so there are very few ponds, lakes and lagoons here, but only one river, the Buoi River. into the Ma River.
What do visitors to the national forest visit?:
Visitors come here to explore the rich flora and fauna, especially butterflies, to admire the natural landscape. Participating in programs of eco-tourism, convalescence, campfire, cultural and historical research, etc.
Walking in the primeval forest
Ecotourism with the participation of the community
See wildlife at night
Bird watching
Cycling in the forest
Observe reptiles, amphibians and insects
Visit Biodiversity Spots
Ethnic arts program
Kayaking
Conservation centers in Cuc Phuong Forest
Cuc Phuong Botanical Garden
Cuc Phuong Visitor Center
Center for Rescue, Conservation and Development of Creatures
Cuc Phuong primate rescue center
Cuc Phuong Museum
Ancient People's Cave: a place to keep traces of residence and burial of prehistoric people
Con Moong Cave: is the residence of ancient people
Mang Chieng Cave
The cave is like a crescent moon, the cave is located deep in the forest.
Son Cung Cave
Pho Ma Cave
Thuy Tien Cave
Ancient trees in Cuc Phuong forest
Old Dang tree: 45m high, 5m diameter
Thousand-year-old Cho tree: very large, it takes 20 people to hug the whole tree
Ancient Crocodile Tree
The tree in Cuc Phuong National Forest
