Tam Coc: Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi

Tam Coc is a remarkable slice of Northern Vietnam. It is often called “Ha Long Bay on land” thanks to its jagged limestone cliffs that decorate the landscape.

The confluence of rice paddies and canals that cut like veins through the countryside create a unique spectacle, making a day trip to Tam Coc from Hanoi one of the most thrilling experiences in the country.

Here's all you need to know about Tam Coc, one of the most exciting day trips from Hanoi.

How to get to Tam Coc from Hanoi?

Tam Coc is south of Hanoi and a short drive out of the town of Ninh Binh. There are a couple of ways you can reach this renowned destination:

From Hanoi to Tam Coc by car

Tam Coc is around 100 kilometres south of Hanoi and you reach it along the CT01. There are clear road signs directing you through or around Ninh Binh, both roads have a similar length.

From Hanoi to Tam Coc by public transport

You can take a bus to Tam Coc from Giap Bat bus station, but the bus drops you at Ninh Bihn. Similarly, you can take one of six trains daily from Hanoi to Ninh Bihn. From the respective stations in Ninh Binh, you can take a cab or rent a motorbike to get to Tam Coc.

Guided tour to Tam Coc from Hanoi

​​This is the most convenient way to visit tam Coc, taking away all the stress of trip planning. Join a guided tour to enjoy comfortable transportation and a fun-filled itinerary that leaves no stone unturned.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical day trip to Tam Coc starts early in Hanoi. You will depart from your hotel or a central meeting point around 7:30AM and head south towards the ancient city of Hoa Lu. Your guide will take you on a tour of this remarkable complex and indulge you in Vietnamese history from more than 1,000 years ago.

The next destination is the Mua Cave, a breathtaking destination where nature is the star. Scale the 500 steps to the top of the jagged mountain and stand in awe of the views over the Tam Coc river and the endless hills that dot the landscape.

Enjoy a hearty Vietnamese lunch on the banks of the Tam Coc River before enjoying a relaxing sampan ride. Sampan boats are traditional vessels that are low to the water and rowed by hand or, more uniquely, by foot. You will weave through the stunning scenery of Tam Coc and row into the grottoes underneath the gigantic mountains that surround you.

The last part of the adventure takes you on a bike ride through the rice fields of Tam Coc and to the Bich Dong pagoda. Explore the caves of the pagoda and pose for pictures on its iconic stone bridge before heading back to Hanoi for an early evening arrival.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Tam Coc?

Day trip to Tam Coc plus Mua Caves and Hoa Lu from Hanoi

Standard day trips to Tam Coc are loaded with activities and you will see all the best attractions in the Ninh Binh area. You will visit Bich Dong pagoda, climb up the Mua Caves complex, step back in time at Hoa Lu ancient city and cruise along the Tam Coc in a sampan.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Tam Coc from Hanoi

A shuttle service is ready to take you from your hotel to any location in Tam Coc. Choose if you want to stop along the way, have a leisurely lunch, or just join a boat tour of the river and head back to Hanoi.

Your English-speaking driver lets you choose the itinerary for the day and will take you to as many or as few spots as you can handle.

Private tour to Tam Coc from Hanoi

Enjoy the luxury of a private tour to Tam Coc and see all the wonders of northern Vietnam at your own pace. Private tours include all the stops of regular tours, but you can enjoy more flexible departure times and you have the freedom to customize the itinerary.

Your driver is also an expert guide, informing you about Vietnamese history, culture and history as far as you go.

2-Day tour to Tam Coc from Hanoi

Consider an overnight trip to Tam Coc if you have a little more time to spare. This corner of Vietnam is a treasure trove of things to see and do, so adding an extra day to your Tam Coc tour is the perfect way to soak it all in.

These tours also afford you time to visit precious attractions, like the Bai Dinh Pagoda or Cuc Phuong National Park with its impressive flocks of birds.

How much does a day trip to Tam Coc from Hanoi cost?

A shuttle bus to Tam Coc is the least expensive option and costs US$11 per person. A private shuttle car without a guide costs US$110 and up to three people can share the service.

A basic tour that includes all entry fees and lunch costs around US$50 per person. Small group tours are more expensive, while bigger groups secure cheaper rates.

Private tours to Tam Coc cost US$150 per person, depending on group size, while an overnight stay in Tam Coc costs around US$200 per person, including accommodation and meals.

What will you see and do?

A Tam Coc day trip includes several stops along the way and your day will be filled with fascinating visits and activities. The day starts with a journey back in time, at Vietnam’s ancient capital, Hoa Lu. Next, you will visit Mua Caves to soak in one of the most spectacular views in the country.

You will also enjoy lunch and a serene boat ride before cycling through rice paddies. A day tour to Tam Coc is one of the most comprehensive trips in northern Vietnam and it covers a whole range of attractions including cultural, historic and natural landmarks.

When is the best time to visit Tam Coc?

The best time to visit Tam Coc is around the end of May and the beginning of June, when the rice fields turn bright yellow, creating a sublime scene. July is very hot, but ideal for a visit if you want to see thousands of lotus flowers in bloom.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes that are good for walking, climbing and cycling.
• Bring drinking water. There aren’t many places to stop and the tap water is not safe to drink.
• Wear sunscreen, especially when on a sampan ride in Tam Coc.
• Bring something to cover your shoulders at the pagoda.