Ninh Binh Nature Escape to Tam Coc Caves & Van Long Wetland with Boat Rides & Cycling
Overview
Trip Highlights
Overview of Tam Coc Caves & Van Long Nature Reserve Day Tour
Ninh Binh is a renowned tourist destination in Vietnam, known for its rich history as the ancient capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. It is home to the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia (Bai Dinh Pagoda), and the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscapes, which showcase a blend of cultural and natural heritage. Recently, Ninh Binh also gained fame as the backdrop for the latest film “Kong: Skull Island.”
A visit to Ninh Binh is a great choice, and our Ninh Binh day tour offers you the chance to explore the pristine natural beauty of Tam Coc and Van Long. Enjoy serene rowing boat tours along rivers surrounded by majestic limestone pillars and natural caves. The trip also includes a leisurely bike ride through picturesque mountain landscapes and local villages. Additionally, you’ll visit the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, set within a cave, where you can gain insights into local life and Buddhist practices while taking in panoramic views of the region from the pagoda
Vlog of Van Long nature by Deo Wanders on his trip with Golden Holiday Travel
Travel Map Route Hanoi – Tam Coc – Bich Dong- Van Long boat ride – Hanoi
Special Highlights of Tam Coc – Van Long Day Trip.
- Take a refreshing break from city life and immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve and Tam Coc Ninh Binh
- Enjoy relaxing rowing boat rides through Tam Coc & Van Long Wetland, where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views & spot a variety of bird species, including pheasants, herons, and, with a bit of luck, the critically endangered Delacour’s langurs
- Experience a leisurely biking adventure through stunning mountain landscapes and charming local villages.
- Enhance your day with an easy hike to the historic Bich Dong Pagoda, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding region
Video of this day tour Ninh Binh
Rowing boat trip in Tam Coc
Itinerary
8:00 AM: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Ninh Binh. After a 2-hour drive, we’ll arrive at Tam Coc Harbor, where you’ll board a private rowing boat. Enjoy the breathtaking views of limestone mountains and lush rice fields along the Ngo Dong River, and explore the stunning Three Caves, adorned with sparkling stalactites. This serene experience is best enjoyed in the morning before the crowds arrive, allowing you to appreciate the tranquility of the pristine natural beauty

Tam Coc landscapes
Following the boat tour of Tam Coc, we’ll take a short 6km bike ride through the scenic backdrop of majestic mountains and local villages. Along the way, we’ll make stops for photos and visit Bich Dong Pagoda, known as the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam. Here, you can trek up to pray to Buddha and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region.

The scenery in Van Long nature reserve
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, we’ll continue to Van Long Nature Reserve, a renowned filming location for “Kong: Skull Island.” Unlike Tam Coc, Van Long offers a more tranquil experience with its primitive landscapes of limestone outcrops and natural caves within the largest wetland area in northern Vietnam. You’ll get on a private rowing boat tour to admire the scenery and observe a variety of birds, including storks, silver pheasants, and swampy herons. Occasionally, you might spot Delacour’s langurs, one of the world’s most endangered primates.
The Trip’s Inclusions
- Tourguide & private transfer with driver following the program.
- Private boat tours in Tam Coc & Van Long nature reserve.
- Sightseeing entrance fees following the itinerary.
- Biking tour to visit the surrounding areas in Tam Coc & Bich Dong pagoda.
- A lunch of local Vietnamese foods
- A bottle of mineral water/person/day
The Trip’s Exclusions
- Personal expences
- Drinks,
- Tips & gratitude ( guide, driver, boat rower)
- Travel insurance
- Extra-travel program….
Frequently Asked Questions
Tam Coc is famous for its active rice cultivation along the Ngo Dong River and its three iconic limestone caves (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba). It is vibrant and cultural. In contrast, Van Long is a flooded wetland nature reserve known as the “Bay without Waves.” It offers a much quieter, meditative atmosphere where the water acts like a mirror, reflecting the karst mountains with perfect clarity.
Yes, Van Long is the best place in the world to spot the critically endangered Delacour’s Langur, a rare primate found only in Vietnam. With over 120 individuals living in the cliffs, you have a high chance of seeing them in the late afternoon. The reserve is also a haven for birdwatchers, home to over 100 species including herons, pheasants, and white storks.
Our biking adventure isn’t just a quick ride; it’s a journey through authentic local life. We take you on peaceful countryside roads that connect Tam Coc to the Bich Dong Pagoda. You’ll cycle past lotus ponds, ancient limestone gates, and local villages where you can see farmers at work, providing a perspective of Ninh Binh that you can’t get from a bus or boat.
Absolutely. We include a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, a unique “Cave Pagoda” consisting of three levels built into a mountainside. It is considered the second most beautiful cave in Vietnam. After a short, easy hike to the top, you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding valley and rice paddies—a favorite spot for landscape photographers.
In Tam Coc, the rowing boat trip along the Ngo Dong River typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. The boat trip in Van Long is slightly shorter and gentler, usually around 1.5 hours. By combining both in one day, you experience two distinct aquatic landscapes: the cave-and-paddy route of Tam Coc and the open, mirror-like wetlands of Van Long.
Unlike standard group tours that rush through the “Kong: Skull Island” filming locations, our Tam Coc & Van Long itinerary focuses on the “Soul of Ninh Binh.” We prioritize private transfers and local guides to ensure the pace is relaxed. It is designed for those who value serenity, nature, and photography over ticking off the busiest tourist boxes.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

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Ninh Binh Nature Escape to Tam Coc Caves & Van Long Wetland with Boat Rides & Cycling