Get-Ready Guide for Halong Bay on Land

1. WHY DO PEOPLE CALL TAM COC “HALONG BAY ON LAND"?

Halong Bay on land is the nickname of Tam Coc, a breathtaking scenery in Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Tam Coc, Ninh Binh is sometimes referred to as "Halong Bay on land" because it has a karst terrain that is quite similar to Halong Bay, with limestone cliffs and tranquil streams.

A network of limestone karsts, caverns, and flowing rivers can be found throughout Tam Coc, which encompasses an area of around 2,000 hectares. The environment is astoundingly stunning, with towering limestone structures protruding out of rice fields that are emerald green in color and peaceful streams.

The complex is well-known for its natural beauty and cultural value. The extensive history of human occupancy in the region is reflected in the fact that it is home to a large number of archeological sites, temples, and pagodas. Throughout thousands of years, people have lived in this area, and it has been a witness to the rise and fall of several historic kingdoms.

2. SHOULD I VISIT BOTH TAM COC AND HALONG BAY?

Yes, why not? Even though the Tam Coc has been referred to as Halong Bay on land, it doesn't mean that this place looks like Halong Bay. When it comes to natural beauty and cultural experiences, Halong Bay and Halong Bay on land each have their distinct qualities. 

3. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HALONG BAY AND HALONG BAY ON LAND?

Tam Coc offers a land-based exploring experience that includes twisting rivers, caverns, and cultural sites, in contrast to Halong Bay, which is notable for its coastline karst environment and options for sailing. Both places can be visited within a day but it is best to stay overnight (2 days 1 night). You'll explore the Halong Bay coastline on a cruise while for Halong Bay on land, you'll stay in a hotel. If you don't want to stay overnight floating on the sea, Tam Coc is a place to go.

In contrast to Halong Bay, which is a well-known tourist site, Tam Coc is generally a bit less crowded and provides visitors with an experience that is more tranquil and genuine. You can easily visit the surroundings like Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Cuc Phuong National Park, etc...

>> See more: Top 10 Awesome Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

To take advantage of the many different attractions that Vietnam has to offer, you have the option of going to either one of the two locations or both of them, depending on your interests and the length of your time in Vietnam.

4. WHEN SHOULD I VISIT HALONG BAY ON LAND?

There are 2 main seasons easy to see in Tam Coc:

Dry Season (November to April): This time of year is regarded to be the busiest time of year for tourists in Tam Coc. It is more pleasant to engage in activities outside because the weather is reasonably dry and the temperatures vary from moderate to cold. The sky is often clear, which allows for unobstructed views, which is ideal for taking boat cruises and appreciating the breathtaking scenery.

Wet Season (May to October): There is a larger amount of rainfall and an increase in humidity during this period. The wet season is characterized by the infrequent occurrence of heavy rains which have the potential to affect visibility and disrupt boat trips. However, the rainy season also provides beautiful foliage to the scenery, not to mention a more peaceful atmosphere.

However, in general many seasonal tourists agree that the best season to visit Tam Coc is during the golden rice season, usually taking place from May to June.

When making travel plans, it is always a good idea to check the local weather prediction. This is because weather patterns might change from one year to the next, which is something that should be taken into consideration. In addition, weekends and public holidays are typically busier than other times of the week; thus, if you would want to have a more tranquil experience, you might think about going during the weekdays.

5. HOW TO COMBINE HALONG BAY WITH HALONG BAY ON LAND AND HOW TO MOVE BETWEEN THEM?

You can definitely combine Halong Bay with Halong Bay on land in a 3-5 day itinerary: 2 days 1 night on Halong bay, return to Hanoi to explore for 1 day and then move to Ninh Binh for another 2 day. Or, you can visit Hanoi first, embark Halong cruise for 2 days 1 night and then transfer directly to Tam Coc from there. 

If you transit in Hanoi:

From Halong Bay, take a private transfer to get Hanoi (2-3 hours). From Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers more transportation choices:

By road: You may go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by road by taking a bus or renting a private automobile. This is the most common and convenient mode of transportation. It takes around two to three hours to complete the route, depending on the traffic circumstances. Bus companies that operate daily routes from Hanoi to Ninh Binh depart from a variety of sites inside Hanoi, such as the Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam bus terminals. These routes are operated by a number of different bus companies.

By train: Another alternative is to go from Hanoi to Ninh Binh through railroad. Some trains travel from the major rail station in Hanoi, which is called the Hanoi Railway Station, to Ninh Binh. The journey takes around two to three hours. It is possible to reach Tam Coc via taxi or by using the local transit system from the Ninh Binh rail station.

If you go directly from Halong Bay to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh:

The distance is about 200 km so it is recommended to take a limousine car/taxi from Halong directly to Tam Coc, Ninh Binh or vice versa, depending on your preferences. The limousine may cost you 18$ for a seat while a taxi costs ~140$ for 1 car (3-4 seats). You can also go by motorbike if you enjoy riding and are more strict with the budget.

>> See more: How to get from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh?

6. HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND FOR HALONG BAY ON LAND?

Going to Tam Coc demands at least a day to get the most out of the experience. In the lovely districts of Tam Coc, Trang An, and Van Long, which are renowned for their extraordinary natural beauty, you will have the option to go on boat trips. Following the completion of your exploration of the picturesque canals, you may further immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the region by going on bike rides through the countryside and rice fields. The ascent of Mount Mua is an activity that should not be missed since it provides stunning panoramic views of Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong River, which is regarded to be one of the most beautiful and lyrical rivers in the region.

Exploring Hoa Lu, which served as the historic imperial capital during the Dinh and Le dynasties, is typically included in a full trip, in addition to visiting Halong Bay as part of the land route. After visiting this location, you will feel as though you have been transported into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.

To get the most out of seeing Halong Bay on land, it is advised that people who have more time stay for two to three days. You can spend a night at a homestay to feel close to the local community. It is possible to incorporate a trip to Cuc Phuong National Park as well as a visit to the Phat Dien Stone Cathedral. Known for its exceptional biodiversity, Cuc Phuong National Park is a place where visitors may go on hikes into the thick forest. Phat Dien Cathedral, on the other hand, is a spectacular neo-Gothic Catholic cathedral located in Ninh Binh. It is made of stone.

Because of these locations, your trip to Halong Bay on land will have an additional dimension, and you will be able to investigate the natural environment and cultural traditions of the area in greater detail.

7. TIPS WHEN VISIT HALONG BAY ON LAND

• Take into account the weather conditions and select the most appropriate time to visit, taking into account the dry season, which runs from November to April, for weather that is more suitable.

• You could be strolling, hiking, or going on boat trips, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are appropriate for activities that take place outside. Several pagodas and temples may be found in Tam Coc. It is important to dress modestly and show respect for the local customs and traditions when you are visiting these various locations.

• Because the area may become rather warm throughout the day, it is important to protect yourself from the sun by carrying a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with you.

• Tam Coc, the Bich Dong Pagoda, and Cuc Phuong National Park are some of the other surrounding sites in Ninh Binh that you might want to consider seeing if you have more time on your hands here. These sites provide extra opportunities to experience the natural and cultural worlds.

Whether or whether you should go to Tam Coc is ultimately determined by the things that you are interested in and the preferences that you have as a tourist. In the event that you have an appreciation for natural beauty, cultural history, and activities that take place outside, Tam Coc provides a one-of-a-kind experience that you could want to consider incorporating into your schedule.

See our package tour to Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay:

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