Tam Coc – Bich Dong & Ngo Dong River

Category: Natural Landscape & Ancient Pagoda | Location: Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh

Tam Coc – Bich Dong, celebrated for centuries as "The Second Most Beautiful Grotto Under Southern Skies", is a crowning jewel of Ninh Binh's karst terrain, affectionately hailed as "Ha Long Bay on Land". Tam Coc translates to "Three Caves" (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), carved naturally through towering limestone massifs by the meandering emerald currents of the Ngo Dong River. The boat excursion along Tam Coc is world-famous for the extraordinary foot-rowing technique of local boat pilots, who skillfully propel wooden sampans using their toes and heels with effortless rhythm. Every late May to early June, the riverbanks burst into vibrant golden splendor as ripening rice fields create a jaw-dropping tapestry contrasted against dramatic grey karst cliffs. Two kilometers downstream lies Bich Dong (Emerald Grotto Pagoda), a three-tiered sacred mountain sanctuary built in 1428 during the Le Dynasty. Entering across an arched stone bridge traversing blooming lotus ponds, pilgrims ascend through Lower Pagoda, traverse cave shrines at Middle Pagoda, and emerge at Upper Pagoda atop the cliff for a breathtaking panoramic view of the tranquil countryside.