Tam Coc is the most visited destination in Ninh Binh which is famous for being the “ Halong bay on land”. The giant limestone karst formations jutting out of the rice paddies will surely impress you. An active tour of biking and trekking is an excellent way to explore the area, stay out of the tourist areas and immerse yourself into the beauty of nature.
8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel then enjoy 2 hour transfer from Hanoi, crossing the fertile Red River Delta to Ninh Binh. Start cycling from Tam Coc town to Dam Khe village. Have a break in your trip to take beautiful pictures of green rice fields, water buffalo, and friendly villagers. Towards the Bich Dong pagoda, spend 45 minutes visit the Green cave and pagodas, hike up to enjoy the breathtaking beautiful countryside views.
Continue to the Thung Nham zone where you feel like getting lost in middle of “theHalong Bay on land”. Make your trip crossing rice fields and small communities on a less touristic path. You might lucky to see many birds come back to the preservation center in the late afternoon.
Head back to town, start your adventure cycling on a small dyke to the Thung Nắng zone, go through fish ponds and canals on the foot of the karst range.
Have a break for lunch then continue cycling to Mua Cave, one of best trekking routes in Ninh Binh, located 3.5 km away from Tam Coc. It means “Dancing cave” due to the site being used by the Tran King to enjoy dancing and singing performances.
You will spend almost 1 hour trekking up nearly 500 steps. The higher you go the better the view you get. Reach the top of Ngoa Long Mountain you will get wonderful panoramic views of golden rice fields in Tam Coc, exotic limestone mountains and idyllic villages. Enjoy the views and fresh air while stand next to the Lady Buddha statue.
End of the day, return bike back to store then pick up by driver back to Hanoi.
Dec 13, 2024