Franz ElizI heard many good things about Tam Coc, so last November, I finally did a Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh. Fortunately, my Nepali friend Jay offered to show me around – he lives and teaches in Ninh Binh – and I couldn’t thank him enough. So, would I recommend the Tam Coat boat tour in Ninh Binh?
Overall, I was pleased with my Tam Coc boat tour in Ninh Binh, and I’d recommend it to anyone who may be interested. The weather in late November was bright and sunny, and the mountain view in Tam Coc was very therapeutic. Moreover, the fun, helpful, and bubbly boat lady made the trip even better.
I believe that everyone’s experience is different, and while I may like Tam Coc, others might not feel the same. Here’s what I have to say about my trip in 2022.
A Brief on Tam Coc
In English, Tam Coc means ‘Three Caves’. Visitors are taken on a boat along the Ngo Dong River before reaching three beautiful caves. The first cave is Hang Ca, followed by Hang Giua in the middle, and finally, Hang Cuoi. Hang Ca is the longest of the three and for many, the most interesting.
In addition, many can agree that Tam Coc boat tours should be on any traveller’s Ninh Binh checklist. It’s one of the best ways to see Ninh Binh and appreciate its beauty. The boat rides are rewarding, whether with or without a guide. However, having a guide would be helpful if you want to learn more about the area.
Tam Coc Boat Tour – A Must-Do Activity in Ninh Binh
Tam Coc boat tour is probably the most popular activity in Tam Coc and for good reasons. The boat ride is shorter than that of Trang An, taking only 2 hours.
Which of the two is better is often a debate, and I myself pondered on whether I liked Tam Coc more than Trang An or otherwise. Nonetheless, I had a good time on the Tam Coc boat tour and it was indeed a memorable experience.
Boatmen Who Paddle With Their Feet
One of the most memorable things about Tam Coc is the sight of local boatmen paddling with their feet.
I thought that was bizarre. My boat lady indeed has strong legs because she looked so comfortable while paddling. Who needs a gym bicycle when your boat is also your exercise equipment, right?
Unforgettable Beautiful Scenery
Beautiful caves and limestones are the highlights of Tam Coc. During the boat ride, visitors will visit the three caves mentioned earlier. Instead of walking in caves, Jay and I only had to sit in the boat and admire their beauty. However, we also paid attention to the ceilings and lowered our heads when necessary so as not to knock our heads on them.
Along the way, we also saw many ducks and lotus flowers, even a local working in the water.
Helpful and Friendly Boat Lady
The warmth and friendliness that our boat lady showed us made a whole lot of difference to our trip. She was so fun and bubbly.
Even though she didn’t speak much English, she tried to be as helpful as she could. As soon as she saw the best spot for taking pictures, she offered to help us take pictures using our phones.
Photographer on the Go
While on the boat, a photographer passed by and asked me and Jay if we would like her to take pictures for us. She had a big camera with her. We agreed because why not. Somehow we knew she would be waiting for us later to have us buy the pictures. Note: It’s okay to say no if you don’t want your photos taken.
The photographer waited for us at the dock. She then asked us to choose our photos. Initially, we wanted to buy only one photo but ended buying up several more. The photographer was quite pushy. While we could’ve declined, we did not. We even bought a nice cross-stitched artwork from her.
Low Cave Ceilings and Tight Spaces
It’s essential to watch your head when entering the caves to avoid knocking the caves’ low ceilings. Some parts of the caves also feel tight, and thus people who have a fear of closed spaces – or claustrophobia – might not enjoy this boat ride.
Safety First
Like most touristy boat rides, Tam Coc boat tours require all visitors to put on their life jackets for safety reasons. Some parts of the river are shallow. However, the river is mostly deep and can be dangerous, especially for people who cannot swim.
For the most part, Jay and I had to wear our life jackets. However, our boat lady didn’t mind us removing the jackets sometimes, especially when taking pictures.
Fruit and Snack Sellers on Boats
After exploring the area, our boat lady made a turn to get back to the dock. Before setting off, she made a short stop to give a chance to the local sellers in the area to sell us some fruits and snacks.
We got some pineapples, and so did our boat lady. The pineapples were delicious. Note that the sellers may insist you buy their stuff. It’s okay to say no if you’re not interested.
Honestly, I wasn’t really hungry yet, but I thought buying something from them would make their day. Jay also bought a can of soft drinks. These sellers probably don’t make much money daily. Unless overpriced, a pineapple or two won’t burn our wallets.
Best Time To Visit Tam Coc
In terms of the best time to visit Tam Coc, the answer depends on what you expect to see during your visit. In general, you can visit Tam Coc year-round.
However, I suggest visiting during springtime if you prefer to visit it when the temperatures are cooler. Summer might be too hot and humid for some people; on the bright side, Tam Coc rewards its visitors with a beautiful golden rice field view. Travelling around mid-November (during autumn) can be quite nice, too.
The weather may look gloomy during winter, so if you want to ensure your Tam Coc photoshoot gets all the lighting it needs, it’s best to avoid travelling during this period.
Tam Coc Boat Tour Ticket Pricing
An adult ticket for a foreigner is VND195,000. The ticket price for any child taller than 1 meter is VND100,000. A boat can usually accommodate one boatman and two foreigners. Some boats may have more than three people, depending on the size of the passengers.
Note: Ticket prices may change over time, so it’s best to check with a local agent beforehand to confirm the latest prices.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed my trip to Tam Coc. The Tam Coc boat tour was good, overall. Ticket prices are not cheap, though. If I were to compare Tam Coc to Trang An, I’d say both attractions are beautiful, and I loved them.
However, if I had to choose only one out of the two, I’d pick Trang An as I enjoyed it more. Keep in mind that I travelled in mid-November. Everyone’s Tam Coc experiences may vary depending on the time of the visit and personal preference.
Do I recommend the Tam Coc boat tour? Yes, absolutely.
